Reference Voltage Circuit With External Resistor Code Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor integrated circuits are limited in their ability to adjust the level of reference voltage, restricting their applicability in various systems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a resistance control unit, voltage level control unit, and reference voltage generating unit to adjust resistor sets based on external codes, allowing for the generation of a reference voltage at a desired level by matching resistances with external resistors and controlling power supply voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional reference voltage generation apparatus with fixed resistors is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the reference voltage level cannot be changed externally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistor configuration changeable through control signals. Multiple resistor sets (first, second, third resistor sets) are provided with different resistance values, and control signals selectively activate specific resistor sets to change the reference voltage level dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling voltage level adaptability while maintaining a structured circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter by providing multiple resistor sets with different resistance values (R1a-R1d, R2a-R2d, R3a-R3d). By selectively connecting different resistor sets based on control signals, the overall resistance and consequently the reference voltage level can be adjusted. This allows external control of reference voltage levels without fundamentally redesigning the circuit structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resistor sets with different resistance values are provided to enable reference voltage adjustment, then the reference voltage can be changed externally, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistor function into multiple independent resistor sets (first, second, third resistor sets), each with different resistance values. Each resistor set can be selectively activated by control signals, allowing the system to achieve multiple reference voltage levels without having all resistors active simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the effective complexity by enabling selective operation of circuit components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple resistor sets serve multiple functions: they provide different reference voltage levels for different system requirements, and they can be selectively activated based on external control signals. The control unit universally manages all resistor sets through standardized control signals, making the system adaptable to various applications without requiring separate circuit designs for each voltage level.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating a reference voltage of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a resistance control unit that adjusts at least one an adjustment code such that at least one set of resistors, which have resistances determined according to the at least one adjustment code have predetermined resistances, a voltage level control unit that generates a selection code for selecting the level of a final reference voltage under external control and outputs the generated selection code, and a reference voltage generating unit that converts a power supply voltage according to the adjustment code and the selection code and outputs the final reference voltage.