MOSFET Analog Switch With Dynamic Gate Bias for Low Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional analog switches using transfer gates introduce distortion in analog signals due to fluctuations in MOSFET gate-source voltages, particularly when handling signals like audio and video signals, leading to poor quality transmission.

Innovation Solution

An analog switch design incorporating a first N-channel MOSFET between input and output terminals, with a resistor connecting the MOSFET gate to a fixed voltage terminal, and additional capacitors and diodes to stabilize the gate voltage, reducing ON-resistance fluctuations and signal distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a transfer gate with fixed gate voltage is used, then the analog switch can be constructed with simple circuit configuration, but the gate-source voltage fluctuates with the input signal causing distortion in the analog signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidsignal transmission accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the gate voltage dynamic instead of fixed. The gate voltage is adjusted according to the input signal voltage to maintain a constant gate-source voltage difference. This is achieved by applying a control voltage to the gate that varies with the input signal, thereby keeping the MOSFET's ON resistance constant and eliminating signal distortion while maintaining relatively simple circuit configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the gate voltage is adjusted to reduce distortion, then signal transmission accuracy improves, but the circuit configuration becomes more complex requiring additional voltage control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission accuracyVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the input signal itself to control the gate voltage. The control voltage applied to the gate is derived from or responds to the input signal voltage, creating a feedback mechanism that automatically adjusts the gate-source voltage difference to remain constant. This feedback approach reduces signal distortion while avoiding the need for complex external voltage control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the input signal to directly control the gate voltage without requiring external control circuits. The MOSFET's gate voltage is self-adjusted based on the input signal level, allowing the device to regulate its own operating conditions and maintain constant ON resistance without additional complexity from external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional transfer gate is used for audio signal transmission, then the circuit remains simple, but the fluctuation in ON resistance causes poor sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the gate voltage dynamic and signal-dependent. The gate voltage changes in response to the audio input signal to maintain a constant gate-source voltage difference, thereby keeping the ON resistance constant throughout the signal cycle. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the distortion that would otherwise degrade sound quality while maintaining a relatively simple circuit configuration suitable for audio applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed design effectively suppresses gate-source voltage fluctuations, thereby reducing signal distortion and maintaining signal quality, especially when connected to loads with low impedance like speakers or headphones, and eliminates the need for negative bias voltage, simplifying the circuit configuration.

Implementation Method 1

the input terminal and the gate are coupled by the gate-source capacitance (or the gate-drain capacitance), and accordingly, the gate voltage changes in phase with the input signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the first fixed voltage terminal and the gate of the first MOSFET are connected in a high-impedance state by means of the first resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8149042B2Analog switch for signal swinging between positive and negative voltages
Publication Date: 2012.04.03 ROHM CO LTD
  • US8149042B2 patent drawing
  • US8149042B2 patent drawing
  • US8149042B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An analog signal is input to an input terminal. An analog signal is output via an output terminal. A first transistor is an N-channel MOSFET, and is provided between the input terminal and the output terminal. A first resistor is provided between the gate of the first transistor and a first fixed voltage terminal (power supply terminal), which sets the gate of the first transistor to a high-impedance state.