Programmable Voltage Reference Using CES Impedance Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in generating accurate and adjustable voltage reference signals, particularly in mixed-signal chips and high-speed transceivers, due to variations in temperature, process, and voltage, which current technologies struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

The use of a correlated electron switch (CES) device, which transitions between conductive and insulative states through a quantum mechanical Mott transition, allowing for variable resistance and capacitance, enabling the generation of adjustable voltage reference signals by controlling impedance states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional voltage reference circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the voltage reference accuracy deteriorates due to temperature and voltage variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage reference accuracyVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a bandgap reference circuit that generates a temperature-compensated reference voltage by combining the negative temperature coefficient of a PTAT (proportional to absolute temperature) voltage with the positive temperature coefficient of a CTAT (complementary to absolute temperature) voltage. This parameter change approach transforms the temperature-dependent behavior into a stable reference voltage that maintains accuracy across temperature variations, directly resolving the contradiction between voltage reference accuracy and temperature sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an operational amplifier as an intermediary component to buffer and stabilize the reference voltage generated by the bandgap circuit. The op-amp acts as a mediator between the temperature-compensated voltage generation stage and the output, ensuring that the reference voltage remains stable and accurate despite load variations and temperature changes, thereby improving voltage reference accuracy without proportionally increasing circuit complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional voltage reference circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to temperature and voltage variationsVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bandgap reference circuit dynamically adjusts its operating parameters to maintain voltage reference accuracy across different temperature and voltage conditions. By changing the effective resistance values and current levels through temperature-dependent behavior, the circuit adapts to varying operating conditions, achieving high versatility without requiring multiple discrete reference circuits for different conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal voltage reference circuit that functions effectively across a wide range of temperatures, voltages, and load conditions. The bandgap reference structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: temperature compensation, voltage stabilization, and load regulation, making the circuit highly adaptable to different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If higher accuracy voltage reference is achieved through conventional methods, then voltage stability improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage reference accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a low-power bandgap reference circuit that uses partial action principles by operating the reference generation components at optimized current levels. The circuit uses minimal current through the PTAT and CTAT generating elements while still achieving accurate temperature compensation, thereby maintaining voltage reference accuracy with reduced power consumption compared to conventional high-precision reference circuits that operate at higher current levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach provides a precise and adaptable voltage reference signal, improving the performance of mixed-signal chips and high-speed transceivers by accounting for temperature and voltage variations, enhancing their reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

transitions between conductive and insulative states through a quantum mechanical Mott transition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMott transition:

Data Source

PatentUS11347254B2Programmable voltage reference

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 ARM LTD

AI summary

Subject matter disclosed herein may relate to generation of programmable voltage references.