Reference Voltage Generation Circuit with Dynamic Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in generating a stable reference voltage due to variations in resistors and transistors during manufacturing, especially with lower voltage levels, which can result in improper resistance values and inadequate bypassing of resistors by gate transistors.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating an amplifying circuit, a variable resistance circuit, and a resistance selecting circuit with a series of resistors and gate circuits, where the gate circuits are controlled by adjustment codes to fine-tune the resistance values and ensure proper voltage supply, enabling the generation of a stable reference voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gate transistors are used to bypass resistors in the reference voltage generating circuit, then the reference voltage can be adjusted, but sufficient voltage must be supplied to the gate transistors for proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic voltage boosting through a charge pump circuit to provide the necessary high voltage to gate transistors during the bypass operation. The charge pump dynamically generates a boosted voltage level that exceeds the normal operating voltage, ensuring gate transistors can fully conduct when needed without requiring the entire circuit to operate at high voltage levels continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by using a charge pump circuit that generates a boosted voltage level specifically for the gate transistors. This allows the gate transistors to operate at higher voltage levels when bypassing is required, while the rest of the circuit maintains lower voltage operation, thus resolving the contradiction between needing high voltage for gate operation and maintaining low overall voltage operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple gate transistors are used for bypassing resistors, then finer adjustment of reference voltage is possible, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance adjustment function into multiple discrete resistive elements that can be independently bypassed by gate transistors. Each resistive element represents a discrete adjustment step, allowing fine control of the reference voltage through selective bypassing. This segmentation approach provides precise adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure compared to using continuously variable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an amplifying circuit having first and second input terminals and an output terminal, a ground terminal, a variable resistance circuit, and a resistance selecting circuit coupled in series to the variable resistance circuit between the output terminal and the ground terminal. The resistance selecting circuit includes a first node coupled to the second input terminal, a plurality of resistors coupled in series to each other and a plurality of gate circuits each coupled between the first node and one end of a corresponding one of the resistors.