Reference Voltage Generator Noise Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reference voltage generator systems face instability due to thermal noise, flicker noise, and burst noise, which degrade the stability of the generated reference voltage, particularly in amplifier circuits.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an amplifier with statically-biased input transistors, each coupled with an input resistor in series, where the resistance value is selected based on the error term associated with the input current to mitigate noise sources, ensuring a stable amplitude of the reference voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistors are implemented to set the input voltage for the amplifier, then the reference voltage can be generated, but thermal noise is contributed to the generation of the reference voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the noisy resistors from the critical signal path. By using a current source to set the input voltage instead of resistors, the thermal noise contribution is eliminated while maintaining the voltage-setting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a current source as an intermediary element to set the input voltage. This current source acts as a mediator between the power supply and the amplifier input, providing a stable voltage setting function without the thermal noise inherent in resistive elements.
2Reliability
If transistors are used in the reference voltage generator system, then the reference voltage can be generated, but noise sources such as thermal noise, shot noise, flicker noise, and burst noise are contributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes transistors from the input stage of the amplifier. By using a simple resistive voltage divider or direct voltage reference at the input, the transistor-generated noise sources (thermal noise, shot noise, flicker noise, and burst noise) are eliminated while maintaining the voltage amplification function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the resistance value of the input resistor is increased to reduce noise, then thermal noise is reduced, but the error term associated with the input current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a current source with optimized current value instead of relying on high resistance values. This allows achieving low noise performance without the trade-off of increased current error terms, as the current source provides precise current control independent of resistance value.
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes an reference voltage generator system. The system includes an amplifier configured to generate a reference voltage based on a respective input voltage provided at each of at least one input of the amplifier. The system also includes at least one input transistor that is coupled to the at least one input of the amplifier and is statically-biased to conduct a current to set an amplitude of the respective input voltage provided at each of the at least one input of the amplifier. Each of the at least one input transistor includes an input terminal that is coupled in series with an input resistor.