Resistor Ladder Voltage Generator for Stable Internal References

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional voltage generators require an external reference voltage and are power supply voltage dependent, which poses challenges in applications such as control circuits, vector sum phase shifters, and optical transceivers.

Innovation Solution

A voltage generator with a resistor ladder that internally generates reference voltages using first and second voltage supply resistors, eliminating the need for external reference voltages and reducing power supply voltage dependence, integrated with a differential amplifier to produce control signals similar to sine and cosine waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external reference voltages are supplied to the voltage generator, then the reference voltages can be generated for the analog/digital converter, but the device requires external voltage application and becomes dependent on power supply voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference voltage generationVSAvoidexternal voltage application
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage generator is modified to generate its own reference voltages using an internal voltage generation circuit. The circuit includes a reference voltage generation unit that creates stable reference voltages from the power supply voltage itself, eliminating the need for external reference voltage inputs. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by making the device independent while maintaining reliable reference voltage generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage generation function is extracted from the external environment and integrated into the voltage generator itself. By incorporating an internal reference voltage generation circuit, the patent removes the dependency on external reference voltage sources while maintaining the essential function of providing stable reference voltages to the analog/digital converter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the voltage generator uses external reference voltages, then it can provide stable reference voltages, but it becomes dependent on power supply voltage variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference voltage stabilityVSAvoidpower supply voltage dependence
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage generation circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor power supply voltage variations and automatically adjust the reference voltage generation to compensate for these changes. This feedback control ensures that reference voltages remain stable even when power supply voltage fluctuates, resolving the contradiction between stability and power supply dependence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit dynamically adjusts its operating parameters based on power supply voltage conditions. By changing the generation parameters of the reference voltages in response to power supply variations, the circuit maintains stable output reference voltages while adapting to different power supply conditions, thus eliminating the harmful dependence on power supply stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for the internal generation of reference voltages, eliminating the need for external voltage application and reducing the dependence on power supply voltage, thereby enhancing the stability and efficiency of control circuits and vector sum phase shifters in optical transceivers.

Implementation Method 1

a resistor ladder which divides a supplied voltage to generate a plurality of reference voltages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage division: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS8687973B2Voltage generator, control circuit, vector sum phase shifter, and optical transceiver
Publication Date: 2014.04.01 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP
  • US8687973B2 patent drawing
  • US8687973B2 patent drawing
  • US8687973B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A voltage generator (400) includes a resistor ladder including resistors (4000-4008) which divide a supplied voltage to generate a plurality of reference voltages, a resistor (4009) provided between a power supply voltage (VCC) and one terminal of the resistor ladder, and a resistor (4010) provided between a power supply voltage (VEE) and the other terminal of the resistor ladder.