Abstract: A bandgap voltage reference circuit comprising: a first P-N junction circuit generating a first voltage which changes according to a first characteristic; a second P-N junction circuit generating a second voltage which changes according to a second characteristic different from the first characteristic; an amplifier receiving the first and second voltages at a pair of input terminals and changing the amount of an output current provided from a high-voltage power supply to an output terminal according to a difference voltage between the first and second voltages, wherein an output voltage at the output terminal is provided to the first and second P-N junction circuits; and an output current controller causing the amplifier to provide the output current to the output terminal regardless of the difference voltage when the output voltage equals to or is smaller than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A drive circuit including a second switching element that is connected in series to a source of a first switching element, that is switched ON when the first switching element is switched ON, and that is switched OFF when the first switching element is switched OFF. The drive circuit includes a conduction element that is provided between a drain of the second switching element and a power line, and that connects the drain of the second switching element to the power line in accordance with a signal that switches the second switching element OFF.

Abstract: A bandgap voltage reference circuit comprising: a first P-N junction circuit generating a first voltage which changes according to a first characteristic; a second P-N junction circuit generating a second voltage which changes according to a second characteristic different from the first characteristic; an amplifier receiving the first and second voltages at a pair of input terminals and changing the amount of an output current provided from a high-voltage power supply to an output terminal according to a difference voltage between the first and second voltages, wherein an output voltage at the output terminal is provided to the first and second P-N junction circuits; and an output current controller causing the amplifier to provide the output current to the output terminal regardless of the difference voltage when the output voltage equals to or is smaller than a threshold voltage.