Single-Stage Op-Amp Class-AB Slew Enhancement With Dynamic Bias

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single-stage operational amplifiers face limitations in slew rate, leading to non-linear effects and distortion when input frequencies exceed their slew rate limitations, which restricts their high bandwidth and low noise performance.

Innovation Solution

A single-stage operational amplifier with a current controller and a voltage controlled current source circuit that dynamically adjusts bias voltages based on input signals to enhance slew rate, implemented using a telescopic amplifier structure with Class-AB slew-rate enhancement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a single-stage amplifier is used to achieve high bandwidth and low noise, then bandwidth and noise performance are improved, but slew rate is limited causing non-linear effects and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidlinearity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bias voltage control where the bias voltage is adjusted in real-time based on the input signal amplitude. When the input signal amplitude increases, the bias voltage increases accordingly, which dynamically increases the tail current and thereby enhances the slew rate. This dynamic adjustment allows the amplifier to maintain high linearity during large signal swings while preserving the high bandwidth and low noise characteristics of the single-stage architecture during small signal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If a single-stage amplifier is used to achieve high bandwidth and low noise, then bandwidth and noise performance are improved, but quiescent current consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidquiescent current consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic bias voltage control that adjusts the tail current based on the input signal amplitude. During small signal operation, the bias voltage remains at a low level, resulting in reduced quiescent current consumption. When large signal swings occur, the bias voltage increases to provide sufficient slew rate. This dynamic adjustment strategy allows the amplifier to achieve high bandwidth and low noise performance while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to traditional single-stage amplifiers that require high fixed bias currents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If bias voltage is increased to enhance slew rate, then slew rate is improved, but quiescent current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslew rateVSAvoidquiescent current consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic bias voltage control mechanism where the bias voltage is modulated according to the instantaneous amplitude of the input signal. The control circuit monitors the input signal and adjusts the bias voltage proportionally - higher input amplitudes result in higher bias voltages and consequently higher tail currents that provide the necessary slew rate. During low-amplitude or idle conditions, the bias voltage is reduced to minimize quiescent current consumption. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for high fixed bias currents while maintaining adequate slew rate performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11349443B2Operational amplifier using single-stage amplifier with slew-rate enhancement and associated method
Publication Date: 2022.05.31 MEDIATEK INC
  • US11349443B2 patent drawing
  • US11349443B2 patent drawing
  • US11349443B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An operational amplifier includes a single-stage amplifier and a current controller. The single-stage amplifier receives an input signal, and amplifies the input signal to generate an output signal, wherein the single-stage amplifier includes a voltage controlled current source circuit that operates in response to a bias voltage input. The current controller receives the input signal, and generates the bias voltage input according to the input signal.