Mirror Clamp Circuit With Dynamic Comparator Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The known mirror clamp configuration experiences increased power consumption due to the continuous feeding of a relatively large current to the comparator for high operation speed.
Innovation Solution
A mirror clamp circuit is designed with a comparator, a transistor switch, an OR circuit, and a current feeder that adjusts the current to the comparator based on the output of the OR circuit, incorporating PMOS and NMOS transistors, and optional latch and delay circuits to manage the control terminal voltage and output voltage, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a relatively large current is continuously fed to the comparator to achieve high operation speed, then the operation speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the comparator's current supply variable rather than constant. The current feeder dynamically adjusts the current amount based on the output signals from the OR circuit, providing large current only when needed for high-speed operation and reducing current during normal operation to minimize power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the OR circuit and current feeder mechanism that periodically activates high-current mode only when specific conditions are met (when both output signals are at logic high level). This allows the system to alternate between low-power mode and high-speed mode, achieving high operation speed periodically without continuous high power consumption.
2Reliability
If the switch is kept on to prevent erroneous turning-on of the transistor, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror clamp circuit performs self-service by using its own output signals to control its current consumption. The OR circuit monitors the transistor's state and automatically adjusts the comparator's current supply accordingly, enabling the circuit to maintain reliability while autonomously managing its power consumption without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the current parameter supplied to the comparator based on the transistor's operational state. When the transistor is definitely off, the current is reduced to minimize power consumption; when the transistor state needs monitoring, the current is increased to ensure reliable detection and prevention of erroneous turning-on.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the current to the comparator is reduced to lower power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the operation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamics by implementing a dynamic current supply system. The current feeder continuously monitors the OR circuit outputs and adjusts the comparator's current in real-time, allowing the system to achieve high speed when needed and low power consumption when the transistor state is stable and well-defined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between high-current high-speed mode and low-current low-power mode. The OR circuit triggers high-current operation periodically only when both output signals indicate uncertain transistor state, otherwise maintaining low-current operation to minimize power consumption while preserving the capability for high-speed response when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror clamp circuit includes a comparator having a first input terminal connectable to a first control terminal of a transistor having the first control terminal connected to the other terminal of a resistor of which one terminal is fed with an output voltage and a first terminal fed with a reference potential and a second input terminal fed with a reference voltage, a transistor switch having a second control terminal fed with a control terminal voltage based on a comparison signal output from the comparator and inserted between the first control terminal and the reference potential, an OR circuit fed with a signal based on the control terminal voltage and the output voltage, and a current feeder configured to change the amount of current fed to the comparator based on the output of the OR circuit.