Temperature Compensation Circuit for Stable Amplifier Gain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature fluctuations cause gain variations in amplifiers, requiring a compensation circuit that can effectively manage these variations across a wide temperature range with varying compensation levels.

Innovation Solution

A temperature compensation circuit that includes a bias reference circuit and a driver transistor device, connected to a temperature biased current source, which generates a temperature-dependent current to maintain constant amplification gain across a wide temperature range, from -40 °C to +105 °C, using a controller to adjust resistance values for optimal compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a temperature compensation circuit is designed to work across a wide temperature range, then the temperature range coverage is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature range coverageVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bias reference circuit uses a temperature-dependent current source that dynamically adjusts the bias current based on temperature variations. The circuit transitions from static biasing to dynamic temperature-adaptive biasing, allowing the amplifier to maintain stable gain across a wide temperature range without requiring multiple discrete compensation circuits for different temperature zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the bias current parameter dynamically in response to temperature changes. By using a temperature-dependent current source, the bias current automatically adjusts its magnitude based on temperature, thereby compensating for gain variations without adding complex control logic or multiple circuit configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the compensation level is increased to reduce gain variation, then the gain stability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegain stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bias reference circuit is designed to automatically compensate for gain variations without requiring external control signals or complex feedback mechanisms. The temperature-dependent current source self-adjusts the bias current based on temperature, and the bias reference circuit inherently provides the necessary compensation level, eliminating the need for additional control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the temperature sensing function and the bias adjustment function into a single integrated bias reference circuit. The temperature-dependent current source and bias generation are combined in one circuit block, reducing overall complexity compared to separate temperature sensing and bias control circuits that would be required to achieve the same compensation level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed resistance values are used in the bias reference circuit, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different temperature ranges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance value precisionVSAvoidtemperature range adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bias reference circuit employs a temperature-dependent current source that dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on temperature. This dynamic operation allows the circuit to adapt to different temperature ranges while maintaining precise gain control, overcoming the limitation of fixed resistance values that would require multiple discrete designs for different temperature applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution ensures consistent amplifier gain across a wide temperature range, improving performance by reducing gain variation and enabling the circuit's use in various applications, including communications and industrial devices.

Implementation Method 1

a driver transistor device, connected to a temperature biased current source, which generates a temperature-dependent current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent current generation: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3772177B1Temperature compensation circuit and temperature compensated amplifier circuit
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 NXP USA INC
  • EP3772177B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3772177B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3772177B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of a temperature compensation circuit and a temperature compensated amplifier circuit are disclosed. In an embodiment, a temperature compensation circuit includes a bias reference circuit having serially connected transistor devices and a driver transistor device connected to the bias reference circuit. At least one of the serially connected transistor devices includes a resistor connected between two terminals of the at least one of the serially connected transistor devices. The driver transistor device is configured to generate a drive current based on a resistance value of the resistor.