Voltage Control Circuit With Decoupled Gain and Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices controlling voltage with another voltage face challenges in independently adjusting gain and compensating manufacturing variations, leading to complex and costly calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of programmable current sources, with calibration factors having positive or negative signs, allows for independent gain adjustment and compensation of manufacturing variations, decoupling these processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable-gain stage is used to control voltage, then the controlled voltage can be adjusted according to application needs, but the compensation of manufacturing variations becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compensation function into separate dedicated circuits for each manufacturing variation parameter (e.g., separate compensation circuits for operational amplifier offset voltage, resistor values, capacitor values). This segmentation allows each parameter to be compensated independently through its own control signal, simplifying the overall compensation process while maintaining the ability to adjust the controlled voltage through the programmable-gain stage.
2Measurement precision
If manufacturing variations are compensated using the programmable-gain stage, then measurement precision improves, but the gain adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate compensation circuits for different manufacturing parameters (operational amplifier offset, resistor values, capacitor values), each with its own control signal. This allows precise compensation of manufacturing variations without interfering with the gain adjustment function of the programmable-gain stage, as the compensation operates through dedicated pathways rather than through the main gain control mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple compensation parameters are implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but the number of control signals and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compensation functions into an integrated system where several compensation circuits share common elements such as the operational amplifier and controlled voltage node. While separate control signals are provided for different manufacturing parameters, the circuits are merged at key points to reduce overall complexity and enable coordinated compensation of multiple parameters simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling a first voltage with a second voltage includes a first terminal of application of the second voltage and a second terminal for supplying the first voltage. A comparator has a first input terminal connected to the first terminal and has a second input terminal receiving information representative of the first voltage. At least one first current source of programmable intensity is connected to the second input terminal of the comparator.