Reference Voltage Generation Circuit Low Power Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reference voltage generation circuits for wearable devices require a high-speed comparator, leading to increased circuit scale and current consumption, which is not suitable for small-sized electronic devices with low power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reference voltage generation circuit utilizing a stabilizing capacitor, a reference voltage circuit with cascode-connected transistors, a voltage detection circuit with a lower detection voltage, and a current source circuit that adjusts charging current based on voltage detection, allowing for high-speed intermittent operation and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high-speed comparator is used to achieve quick activation of the reference voltage generation circuit, then the operation speed is improved, but the circuit scale and current consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the comparator component from the reference voltage generation circuit. Instead of using a comparator to detect voltage and control charging, the circuit directly charges the stabilizing capacitor through a current source, thereby eliminating the need for a high-speed comparator and reducing circuit scale while maintaining operational speed
Solution Approach 2:
The current source circuit in the patent performs multiple functions: it charges the stabilizing capacitor and simultaneously provides the reference voltage output. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate comparator and voltage generation components, reducing overall circuit complexity while achieving quick activation
2Speed
If a high-speed comparator is used to achieve quick activation of the reference voltage generation circuit, then the operation speed is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the comparator from the circuit, the patent eliminates the current consumption associated with high-speed comparison operations. The simplified circuit architecture achieves quick activation through direct capacitor charging without the energy overhead of a comparator
Solution Approach 2:
The current source circuit provides sufficient charging current to rapidly charge the stabilizing capacitor to the required voltage level, using more current than strictly necessary for slow charging but less than what a high-speed comparator would consume, achieving a balance between speed and power efficiency
3Use of energy by moving object
If the stabilizing capacitor is charged with a small amount of current, then the power consumption is reduced, but the output voltage takes time to reach stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic current source that can adjust its output current based on circuit conditions. During activation, the current source provides high current to rapidly charge the stabilizing capacitor and achieve quick voltage stability. During normal operation, the current is reduced to maintain low power consumption, thus dynamically balancing speed and power efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit operates in periodic phases: an initial high-current charging phase to rapidly stabilize the output voltage, followed by a low-current maintenance phase to sustain the stable voltage with minimal power consumption. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between fast stabilization and low power usage
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
Enables a small-sized electronic device to operate with low current consumption by rapidly charging the stabilizing capacitor and stabilizing the output voltage, thereby reducing overall power consumption and circuit size.
Implementation Method 1
a stabilizing capacitor 3, a rapid reference voltage stabilizer 4
Implementation Method 2
a reference voltage circuit including transistors connected by cascode connection, being configured to set a voltage at both ends of the charged stabilizing capacitor to the reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A reference voltage generation circuit small in circuit scale and in power consumption is provided. The reference voltage generation circuit, including a stabilizing capacitor, outputting a voltage at both ends of the stabilizing capacitor as an output voltage, includes a voltage detection circuit, a reference voltage circuit, a stabilizing capacitor, a current source circuit, and a control circuit. The current source circuit generates a first current if the output voltage is lower than a detection voltage and a second current if the output voltage is higher than or equal to the detection voltage, the first current being larger than the second current. The voltage detection circuit includes one of a single transistor and transistors connected by cascode connection that is smaller in the number of stages than the cascode connection in the reference voltage circuit.