Semiconductor Device Current Equalization Asymmetric Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices with resistance voltage dividing circuits, unequal bias currents can lead to improper operation, as current flows differently at various connection points, affecting the device's ability to accurately process input voltages.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device design that includes a serial resistance section with equal distances between current adjustment sections and terminals, ensuring balanced current flow by using constant-current sources and strategically placing resistance elements and operational amplifiers to equalize bias currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If constant-current sources are used in a resistance voltage dividing circuit, then current can be supplied to the serial resistance section, but the bias currents at both ends may become unequal leading to improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally introducing different resistance values (Ra and Rb) at opposite ends of the serial resistance section. These asymmetric resistance elements compensate for inherent imbalances in the constant-current sources, allowing the bias currents to be equalized despite the asymmetric nature of the current supply mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameters (Ra and Rb) at the ends of the serial resistance section to achieve current equalization. By adjusting these resistance values, the bias currents from both constant-current sources are balanced, ensuring proper operation of the voltage dividing circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resistance elements are connected in series to create voltage division, then multiple voltage levels can be obtained, but unequal bias currents cause different potential changes at connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the resistance parameters at the terminal regions (Ra and Rb) to compensate for voltage accuracy errors. By changing these resistance values, the potential changes at different connection points are equalized, ensuring accurate voltage division despite variations in bias currents.
3Device complexity
If no specific layout is provided for current adjustment sections, then device complexity is reduced, but bias current equalization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing specific resistance elements (Ra and Rb) only at the terminal regions of the serial resistance section, while the intermediate resistance elements maintain their original characteristics. This localized modification achieves current equalization without requiring complete redesign of the entire circuit layout.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device including a resistance section that includes a first terminal and a second terminal disposed in contact with an outer periphery, and a serial resistance section in which plural resistance elements are connected in series, wherein one end of the serial resistance section is connected to the first terminal, and another end of the serial resistance section is connected to the second terminal; and a current adjustment section that includes a current source that supplies current to the serial resistance section, and disposed adjacent to the resistance section such that a distance between the first terminal and the current adjustment section along the outer periphery of the resistance section and a distance between the second terminal and the current adjustment section along the outer periphery of the resistance section are equal.