Shared-Reference Differential Circuit for Multi-Input Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential circuits require multiple comparators to compare plural input voltages with the same reference voltage, leading to increased circuit size due to the need for multiple reference voltage input parts.
Innovation Solution
A differential circuit design that includes a common reference voltage input part forming differential pairs with each input part, a current source, and a current mirror generating output currents based on voltage differences, allowing for signal output based on these differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple comparators are used to compare plural input voltages with the same reference voltage, then the comparison function is achieved, but the circuit size increases due to multiple reference voltage input parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reference voltage input parts into a single shared reference voltage input part. The differential circuit structure allows multiple input voltages to be compared against the same reference voltage through a common reference terminal, eliminating the need for separate reference voltage inputs for each comparator and thereby reducing circuit size.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference voltage input part is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. A single reference voltage input terminal provides the reference voltage for comparing multiple different input voltages, making the reference voltage input part universal and applicable to all comparison operations within the differential circuit.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple reference voltage input parts are integrated into a single circuit, then circuit area is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential circuit is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a first differential circuit for comparing a first input voltage with the reference voltage, and a second differential circuit for comparing a second input voltage with the same reference voltage. This segmentation allows the circuit to share the reference voltage input while maintaining independent comparison paths, reducing area without excessively increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial integration by sharing only the reference voltage input part while keeping the comparison paths separate. This partial integration approach reduces circuit area by eliminating redundant reference voltage inputs, while maintaining sufficient independence in the comparison paths to avoid excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A differential circuit includes a first input part; a second input part; a reference voltage input part, the reference voltage input part being common to form differential pairs; a current source that drives the differential pairs; a current mirror that generates a first output current and a second output current, according to a current that flows through the reference voltage input part according to at least one voltage difference of first and second voltage differences; a first output part that outputs a signal according to the first voltage difference, according to a current that flows through the first input part according to the first voltage difference and the first output current; and a second output part that outputs a signal according to the second voltage difference, according to a current that flows through the second input part according to the second voltage difference and the second output current.