Variable Gain Amplifier With Temperature-Correlated Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable gain amplifiers with a digital current steering structure are significantly affected by temperature and process corner variations, leading to gain errors and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A variable gain amplifier design that includes a high level generation module and a switch signal conversion module to generate temperature-correlated control signals, which are used to control gain control units and an amplification unit, ensuring consistent gain performance across varying temperatures and process corners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a digital current steering structure variable gain amplifier is used, then the amplifier can be widely applied and operated, but the gain step and maximum gain are greatly affected by temperature and process corner, resulting in large error variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed digital codes to temperature-dependent analog control voltages. The control voltage is generated by a voltage divider network that includes temperature-dependent components (PTAT - proportional to absolute temperature), causing the control parameter to automatically adjust with temperature changes and compensate for process corner variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage divider network between the digital control signal and the amplifier core. This intermediary converts digital control codes into analog control voltages that are temperature-compensated, acting as a mediator that translates control signals while compensating for environmental variations.
2Reliability
If temperature compensation is implemented using temperature-correlated control signals, then gain consistency across temperature variations is improved, but the amplifier structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes inherent temperature-dependent electrical parameters of standard semiconductor components (transistors, resistors) to generate temperature-correlated control voltages. By changing the control voltage parameter dynamically with temperature, the system achieves compensation without adding complex external temperature sensing or adjustment circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage divider network automatically generates temperature-compensated control voltages using the natural temperature dependence of semiconductor device parameters. The system serves itself by utilizing its own internal temperature variations to generate the compensation signal, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors or complex control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in the present disclosure is a variable gain amplifier, including: a voltage signal input end; a high level generation module including two high level signal output ends, and configured to convert a voltage signal input from the voltage signal input end into a first high level signal and a second high level signal; a switch signal conversion module including a high level signal input end, N digital signal input ends and N switch signal output ends, and configured to output, through corresponding switch signal output ends and under the control of signals input from the digital signal input ends, gain control signals associated with a signal output from the first high level signal output end; and an amplification module including an amplification unit and N stages of gain control units, where N is a positive integer not less than 1. Further provided is a transmitting apparatus.