Switch-Capacitor Resistor On-Chip Current Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits face challenges in accurately calibrating and measuring small current signals, such as bias currents, due to semiconductor fabrication variations and component mismatches, which affect accuracy and require methods that do not introduce new sources of inaccuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a switch-capacitor resistor circuit within an integrated circuit (IC) that uses a controller to derive a control signal from a voltage across the switch-capacitor resistor, allowing for scalable resistance by adjusting the operating frequency, enabling precise calibration and measurement of small currents without external routing or significant inaccuracy introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external routing is used for current calibration, then calibration flexibility is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration functionality directly into the integrated circuit by incorporating the switch-capacitor resistor and control logic within the chip. This integration eliminates the need for external routing and separate calibration equipment, reducing device complexity and power consumption while maintaining calibration flexibility through programmable control signals that can adjust calibration parameters software-controlled.
2Ease of operation
If traditional current measurement methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to fabrication variations and component mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing switching operations at different time intervals and capacitance values to dynamically adjust the measurement scale and range. The switch-capacitor resistor changes its effective resistance by altering the switching frequency and duty cycle, allowing the system to adapt to different current magnitudes and maintain high accuracy across varying measurement conditions without requiring precise manual calibration.
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 approach allows for high-accuracy calibration and measurement of small currents, reducing errors and maintaining reliability in mobile and wireless devices by integrating the calibration process on-chip, thus minimizing power consumption and increasing device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a switch-capacitor resistor coupled to the current source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a current source, to sink or source an output current, in response to a control signal, and a switch-capacitor resistor coupled to the current source. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to derive the control signal from a voltage across the switch-capacitor resistor, the controller further to provide a switch control signal to the switch-capacitor resistor.