Voltage Adjusting Circuit for Low Current Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage reference circuits face challenges in minimizing current consumption, leading to high costs due to the need for expensive resistors with high resistance values to maintain low current consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a clamping transistor and an amplifier transistor in the voltage adjusting circuit, where the clamping transistor forces a voltage at a clamping node that is a sum or difference of the detection node voltage and its threshold voltage, reducing current consumption by allowing the use of lower resistance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high resistance value resistors are used in the voltage adjusting circuit, then current consumption is reduced, but cost increases due to expensive resistors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resistance parameter from high values (3 MΩ) to lower values (300 kΩ) by introducing a voltage adjusting circuit that dynamically controls the effective resistance. This allows using cheaper, standard-value resistors while maintaining low current consumption through active voltage control rather than passive high resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage adjusting circuit between the voltage source and the feedback node. This intermediary actively regulates voltage to achieve low current consumption without requiring expensive high-value resistors, replacing the direct resistor-based current limiting approach.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high resistance value resistors are used to maintain low standby current, then current consumption is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static high-resistance approach to a dynamic voltage control approach. The voltage adjusting circuit actively adapts its output to maintain low standby current while using lower resistance values, making the system dynamically responsive rather than statically fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical/resistive current limiting approach with an active electronic voltage control mechanism. Instead of relying on physical resistor properties, the system uses voltage regulation to achieve current control, reducing both component cost and overall system complexity.
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 reduces current consumption while maintaining low standby currents, allowing for cost-efficient and effective operation of voltage reference circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping transistor forces a voltage at a clamping node that is a sum or difference of the detection node voltage and its threshold voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a detection node and a feedback node adapted to communicate with a reference circuit. A clamping transistor includes current conducting terminals and a gate coupled to the detection node. An amplifier transistor includes current conducting terminals in series with the current conducting terminals of the clamping transistor and a gate coupled to the detection node. The amplifier transistor is configured to cause a second voltage to be provided to the feedback node in response to the clamping transistor receiving a first voltage from the detection node.