Voltage Reference Circuit with Programmable Temperature Slope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bandgap voltage reference circuits in VLSI circuits lack programmable temperature slope and offset control, leading to inefficiencies and complex iterations in achieving precise temperature slope and offset settings, which increases development and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A voltage reference circuit architecture that includes a bandgap reference circuit generating PTAT and CTAT currents, combined with programmable PTAT and CTAT voltage generators and an offset voltage generator, allowing independent control of temperature slope and offset through software programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bandgap voltage reference circuits are used, then temperature independent voltage reference is achieved, but programmable temperature slope and offset control are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage reference circuit is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a bandgap reference circuit for generating temperature-independent voltage, a PTAT voltage generator for temperature-proportional voltage, and an offset voltage generator. Each block performs a specific function, allowing independent control of temperature slope and offset through separate circuit paths and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates programmable control mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of temperature slope and offset characteristics. Digital control signals can program the PTAT and CTAT current ratios, enabling the voltage reference to adapt its temperature compensation behavior dynamically rather than being fixed to a single temperature coefficient.
2Measurement precision
If conventional bandgap voltage reference circuits are used, then stable voltage reference is provided, but precise temperature slope and offset settings require complex iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs feedback mechanisms where the bandgap reference voltage serves as a stable reference for controlling the PTAT and CTAT current generators. The controlled current sources feed back to adjust the voltage outputs, creating closed-loop control that automatically achieves precise temperature slope and offset settings without requiring external iterative adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit allows independent programming of temperature slope and offset parameters through digital control. By changing control parameters (such as current ratios and voltage division ratios), the circuit can be precisely configured for different temperature compensation requirements without physical reconfiguration or iterative testing.
3Reliability
If conventional bandgap voltage reference circuits are used, then voltage reference function is achieved, but power inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bandgap reference circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: generating the temperature-independent reference voltage, providing control signals for the PTAT and CTAT current generators, and establishing the reference potential for the offset voltage generator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate circuits, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining voltage reference stability.
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
Enables stable and predictable voltage references over PVT variations, reducing power inefficiencies and complexity by allowing precise control of temperature slope and offset, thus optimizing voltage reference outputs for various operational modes.
Implementation Method 1
a bandgap reference circuit configured to generate a Proportional To Absolute Temperature (PTAT) current, Complementary To Absolute Temperature (CTAT) current
Implementation Method 2
a bandgap reference circuit configured to generate a Proportional To Absolute Temperature (PTAT) current, Complementary To Absolute Temperature (CTAT) current
Implementation Method 3
Enables stable and predictable voltage references over PVT (Process, supply Voltage, and Temperature) variations
Data Source
AI summary
Voltage reference circuits configured to generate a voltage reference with a programmable temperature slope are disclosed. By combining and programming a PTAT (Proportional To Absolute Temperature) voltage generation circuit and a CTAT (Complementary To Absolute Temperature) voltage generation circuit, desired temperature slope for the voltage reference is obtained. To adjust both temperature slope and offset of the voltage reference, the voltage reference circuits include a bandgap reference circuit. The bandgap reference circuit is used to create a temperature independent current, which is coupled to a programmable string of resistors and programmable string of MOSFETs to produce a desired temperature slope for the voltage reference. The desired offset of the voltage reference is obtained by the temperature-independent current into another string of programmable resistors. A circuit architecture and method to control the temperature slope and offset of the voltage reference independently is disclosed.