Voltage Difference Detection Circuit Using Current Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuits fail to provide a desired voltage difference independently of a reference voltage, leading to inefficiencies in measurement, control, and protection applications.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a first resistor, a second resistor, a regulation circuit, and a current mirror, where the regulation circuit regulates the current through the first resistor based on a reference signal, and the current mirror mirrors this current to achieve a desired voltage difference across the second resistor, making the voltage difference independent of external voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional voltage difference circuit is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the voltage difference depends on external reference voltages and production variations, leading to poor precision and temperature dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional voltage-based reference systems with a current-based regulation system. By using a regulation circuit to control current through a first resistor (creating a voltage determined by reference signal) and then mirroring this current through a current mirror to a second resistor, the circuit generates a desired voltage difference that is independent of external reference voltages. This substitution of the fundamental operating principle achieves temperature independence and immunity to production variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from voltage-based reference to current-based reference. The regulation circuit regulates current based on a reference signal, and the current mirror replicates this current to another branch. This parameter transformation allows the voltage difference to be determined by the regulated current and resistor values rather than external voltage references, achieving independence from external voltages and temperature variations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the voltage difference depends on external reference voltages, then the circuit is easy to manufacture, but the measurement and control precision deteriorates due to temperature variations and production tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces voltage-based referencing with current-based regulation and mirroring. The regulation circuit ensures the current through the first resistor is precisely controlled by a reference signal, and the current mirror accurately replicates this current to the second resistor. This substitution creates a system where the voltage difference is determined by controlled current and resistor values rather than external voltage references, achieving temperature independence and immunity to production variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The current mirror acts as a copying mechanism that replicates the regulated current from the first resistor branch to the second resistor branch. This copying ensures that the same controlled current flows through both resistors, creating a voltage difference that is independent of external reference voltages and immune to temperature variations and production tolerances affecting external voltage sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voltage reference circuits are used, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature independence and production variation immunity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional voltage reference circuits with a current regulation and mirroring system. The regulation circuit controls current through a first resistor based on a reference signal, and the current mirror replicates this current to a second resistor. This substitution creates a voltage difference that is independent of temperature and production variations, as the system depends on controlled current and resistor ratios rather than external voltage references that are sensitive to temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the reference parameter from external voltage to regulated current. By regulating current through the first resistor based on a reference signal and mirroring this current to the second resistor, the system achieves temperature independence. The voltage difference becomes a function of controlled current and resistor values rather than external voltage references, providing immunity to temperature variations and production tolerances.
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 solution allows for precise and temperature-independent generation of desired voltage differences, reducing dependency on external voltages and production variations, thus enhancing measurement, control, and protection functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
a current mirror, wherein the current mirror is configured to mirror the current flowing through the first resistor to obtain a mirrored current flowing through the second resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for detecting, whether a voltage difference is below a desired voltage difference comprises a voltage shift resistor, a current provider and a detection circuit. The current provider provides a current flowing through the voltage shift resistor such that the desired voltage difference across the voltage shift resistor is determined by a reference signal. The detection circuit is configured to compare a first voltage at a first input with a voltage at a second input to obtain a signal. The voltage shift resistor is coupled between a conductor for a second voltage and the second input, such that the voltage at the second input differs from the second voltage by the desired voltage difference, and wherein the detection circuit is configured to provide the signal, such that the signal indicates, whether the voltage difference between the first and the second voltage is below the desired voltage difference.