Voltage Reference Module with Zero Temperature Coefficient Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in generating a stable reference voltage over a range of operating temperatures, particularly for low-power devices, as existing solutions like bandgap voltage references require excessive current.
Innovation Solution
A voltage reference module with zero temperature coefficient (ZTC) cells and bypass switches that apply current to generate a stable voltage drop, allowing for trimming to set the reference voltage within a specified tolerance, using a current source and control signals to adjust the voltage across ZTC cells, thereby maintaining stability over a temperature range while minimizing current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a bandgap voltage reference module is used to generate a stable voltage, then voltage stability over temperature range is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage reference module is divided into multiple independent voltage cells (first voltage cell, second voltage cell, etc.), each contributing a portion of the total reference voltage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required stable voltage output while consuming less current compared to a single high-voltage bandgap reference, as each cell operates at lower current levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple voltage cells are combined in series to generate the total reference voltage. By merging several low-current voltage cells, the system achieves both voltage stability (inherent to each cell) and reduced overall current consumption, resolving the contradiction between stability and power usage.
2Measurement precision
If the number of voltage cells is increased to maintain voltage stability, then voltage reference accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bypass switches are introduced to dynamically control the inclusion or exclusion of individual voltage cells based on operating conditions and temperature. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain accurate voltage reference with varying numbers of active cells, optimizing performance while managing complexity through controlled adaptability rather than fixed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which voltage cells are active) based on temperature and operating conditions. By adjusting which cells participate in generating the reference voltage, the system maintains accuracy across different conditions without requiring all cells to be permanently configured, thus managing complexity through parameter variation.
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 provides a stable reference voltage over a specified temperature range with reduced current consumption, allowing for efficient operation in low-power integrated circuits by adjusting the voltage drops across ZTC cells through trimming processes.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage cells are configured such that the individual voltage drop associated with each cell in response to the application of the current is relatively stable over a specified temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage reference module of an integrated circuit device includes a current source to apply a current to a set of voltage cells, thereby generating a voltage drop across each cell. The voltage cells are configured such that the individual voltage drop associated with each cell in response to the application of the current is relatively stable over a temperature range. The voltage reference module generates a voltage based on the voltage drops across the voltage cells, and therefore the generated voltage is also stable over the temperature range. Bypass switches can be connected across each voltage cell whereby the switches can be individually opened and closed to include or exclude cells in generation of the reference voltage. In an embodiment, the switches are set during a trimming process for the integrated circuit device so that the voltage reference module provides a specified voltage.