With Additional Stage Patents (Class 323/314)
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Patent number: 7023194Abstract: A band gap voltage reference circuit includes a high accuracy band gap (BG) circuit that generates a BG voltage potential VbgH. A low accuracy BG circuit includes a variable resistance and outputs a BG voltage potential VbgL that is related to a value of the variable resistance. A calibration circuit communicates with the high and low accuracy BG circuits, adjusts the variable resistance based on a difference between the BG voltage potential VbgH and the BG voltage potential VbgL, and shuts down the high accuracy BG circuit when the BG voltage potential VbgL is approximately equal to the BG voltage potential VbgH.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Sehat Sutardja, Jiancheng Zhang
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Patent number: 7019508Abstract: A method and apparatus for a temperature compensated bias network, such as may be embodied as an integrated circuit is disclosed. Embodiments provide for a wide range of desired temperature characteristics with good stability. Current mirror components with active leakage circuits may act to provide consistent operating parameters over a wide range of temperatures. Improved compensation and linearity may be provided using features disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Anadigics Inc.Inventors: Hamid Reza Rategh, Behzad Tavassoli Hozouri
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Patent number: 7015683Abstract: A JFET switch select circuit including a first current mirror system including a first high current mirror circuit referenced to high rail voltage and a first low current mirror circuit referenced to a low rail voltage, a second current mirror system including a second high current mirror circuit referenced to the high rail voltage and a second low current mirror circuit referenced to the low rail voltage, and a comparator circuit responsive to an input voltage and a reference voltage for directing current from a current supply circuit to one of the first and second high current mirror circuits and one of the first and second low current mirror circuits for saturating a switching device of one of the first and second high current mirror circuits to set a first output voltage proximate to a high rail voltage and for saturating a switching device of one of the first and second low current mirror circuits to set a second output voltage proximate a low rail voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Ojas M. Choksi, Bindu Gupta, Faramarz Sabouri
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Patent number: 7005838Abstract: A differential amplifier is used to determine the level of an output voltage of a charge pump circuit, and is operated in the voltage follower mode with a reference voltage being an input thereto for charging a capacitance element with a resultant output voltage of the amplifier circuit. Subsequently, a voltage to be compared that corresponds to the output voltage of the charge pump circuit is compared with the voltage stored in the capacitance element to generate an output signal by the differential amplifier. According to this output signal of the differential amplifier, the charge pump operation of the charge pump circuit is selectively activated. A power supply circuit is provided which stably generates an internal voltage at a desired voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Youichi Tobita
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Patent number: 6979990Abstract: A reference voltage generator, and a method thereof, supplies a reference voltage to a device that decides between first and second output levels based on the reference voltage. The reference voltage generator includes a reference current unit through which a reference current flows and a replica unit. An input terminal of the replica unit is connected to the reference current unit. An output terminal of the replica unit is connected to the device. The replica unit includes a replica circuit replicating a circuit in the device that decides the first output level. The replica unit multiplies the first output level from the replicated circuit in response to the reference current by a predetermined ratio and outputs the result as the reference voltage to the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Heung-bae Lee
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Patent number: 6972550Abstract: A bandgap voltage reference generator includes a bandgap voltage reference circuit and a fast startup circuit. The fast start-up circuit, which is cost-efficient and saves power consumption, can rapidly start up the bandgap reference voltage circuit coupled thereto. The fast start-up circuit comprises a P-channel MOSFET or an N-channel MOSFET. Upon the bandgap voltage reference generator being powered by an external DC voltage, the bandgap reference generator will possibly operate in the power-down operating state. At this time there exists a large voltage drop between the gate and the source of the P-channel MOSFET (or N-channel MOSFET), and thus a large current flows rapidly through the P-channel MOSFET (or N-channel MOSFET). Voltages of drains of two specific MOSFETs in the bandgap voltage reference circuit will thus be pulled to be substantially the same, and the bandgap voltage reference circuit is brought into a normal operating state.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hao-Chiao Hong
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Patent number: 6954057Abstract: A power supply controller having final test and trim circuitry. In one embodiment, a power supply controller for switched mode power supply includes a selector circuit, a trim circuit, a shutdown circuit and a disable circuit. The trim circuit includes a programmable circuit connection that can be selected by the selector circuit by toggling a voltage on an external terminal such as for example a power supply terminal, a control terminal or a function terminal of the power supply controller. The programmable circuit connection in the trim circuit can be programmed by applying a programming voltage to the external terminal. The shutdown circuit shuts down the power supply controller if the temperature rises above an over temperature threshold voltage. The shutdown circuit includes adjustment circuitry that can be used to test the shutdown circuit. The adjustment circuitry can adjust and reduce the over temperature threshold of the power supply controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, Alex B. Djenguerian, Erdem Bircan
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Patent number: 6930948Abstract: An external high/low voltage compatible semiconductor memory device includes an internal voltage pad, an internal voltage generation circuit, and an internal voltage control signal generation circuit. The internal voltage pad connects a low external voltage with an internal voltage, and the internal voltage generation circuit generates an internal voltage in response to an internal voltage control signal and a high external voltage. The internal voltage control signal generation circuit generates an internal voltage control signal according to an high or low external voltage. Thus, a database of the semiconductor memory device can be managed without classifying the database into databases for the high voltage and databases for the low voltage because of the internal voltage control signal. In addition, the internal voltage level is stable because charges provided to the internal voltage are regulated according to a voltage level of the external voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyu-Chan Lee, Sang-Jae Rhee, Jung-Yong Choi, Jong-Hyun Choi, Jong-Sik Na, Jae-Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 6922045Abstract: Disclosed is current driver circuit comprising a bandgap reference circuit for generating a fixed current and a current proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT), a temperature compensator for combining the fixed and PTAT currents and forming first and second temperature compensated currents, a current control circuit for modifying said first and second temperature compensated currents in response to signals representing the characteristics of a load device and a driver circuit for amplifying and supplying a selected one of said first and second temperature compensated currents to said load device. Also disclosed is a method of supplying a precisely controlled current by generating a constant current and a current proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT), combining these two currents and providing temperature compensated currents, modifying the temperature compensated currents with a programmed reference signal and supplying a precisely controlled current to a load device.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Primarion, Inc.Inventors: David W. Self, C. Phillip McClay
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Patent number: 6894473Abstract: A bandgap reference circuit includes a current generation circuit connected to a voltage generation circuit connected to a smart clamping circuit, and a discharge circuit connected to the current generation circuit and the voltage generation circuit. The discharge circuit initially discharges a potential in the current and voltage generation circuits to improve repeatability. A start circuit within the current generation circuit then initializes the reference output at about the supply voltage to improve the speed and settling time of the output signal. The current generation circuit sources a current to the voltage generation circuit that translates the current having a positive function of temperature +TC into a reference voltage. The smart clamping circuit further generates a clamping voltage having a negative function of temperature ?TC and a load resistance.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Binh Quang Le, Cathy Thuvan Ly, Lee Cleveland, Pau-Ling Chen
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Patent number: 6876182Abstract: A metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) current mirror circuit with a cascode output in which maximum operating ranges are achieved for the power supply voltage and cascode output biasing voltage. Replica biasing ensures adequate biasing for the cascode driver transistors and accurate current mirroring.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Arlo Aude
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Patent number: 6873143Abstract: Provided is an on-chip reference current generating circuit for generating a reference voltage that can be digitally calibrated and is substantially not affected by changes in temperature and/or supply voltage. The on-chip reference current generating circuit includes a summing circuit for receiving a first current having a negative temperature coefficient and a second current having a positive temperature coefficient, and outputting a third current based upon, is a sum of, the first and second currents; and a digital calibration circuit for calibrating the third current to be the reference current in response to a digital control signal. Using the on-chip reference current generating circuit, it is possible to precisely and digitally calibrate an offset between currents due to a change in temperature and/or supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoung-ho Moon, Seung-hoon Lee, Jong-bum Park, Hee-seuk Yang
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Patent number: 6861831Abstract: A voltage regulator (10) is disclosed for producing a regulated voltage at a regulator output (30). The voltage regulator includes a reference voltage generator (12) arranged to provide a reference voltage at a reference output (28). The reference voltage generator includes a plurality of first field effect transistors (18, 20, 22, 24) connected in series, each first field effect transistor (18, 20, 22, 24) being biased so as to operate as a diode, and the reference output (28) being connected to the regulator output (30).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Bluechips Technology PTE LimitedInventor: James Choon Ngiap Ho
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Patent number: 6859156Abstract: A variable bandgap reference includes a fixed bandgap reference source and a supply voltage dependent voltage divider module. The fixed bandgap produces a fixed reference voltage. The supply voltage dependent voltage adjust module adjusts the fixed reference voltage to produce the reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Sigmatel, Inc.Inventors: Marcus W. May, John Willis
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Patent number: 6844711Abstract: A band gap voltage reference circuit includes a high power band gap (BG) circuit that generates a BG voltage potential VbgH. A low power BG circuit includes a variable resistance and outputs a BG voltage potential VbgL that is related to a value of the variable resistance. The low power BG circuit has a lower accuracy than the high power BG circuit. A calibration circuit communicates with the high and low power BG circuits, adjusts the variable resistance based on a difference between the BG voltage potential VbgH and the BG voltage potential VbgL, and shuts down the high power BG circuit when the BG voltage potential VbgL is approximately equal to the BG voltage potential VbgH.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Sehat Sutardja, Jiancheng Zhang
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Patent number: 6836104Abstract: In an internal power supply voltage control apparatus, reference voltage generating circuit generates a reference voltage. A first internal power supply reference voltage generating circuit generates a first internal power supply reference voltage in accordance with the reference voltage, and a second internal power supply reference voltage generating circuit generates a second internal power supply reference voltage in accordance with a voltage applied to a predetermined pad. A test mode selecting circuit activates one of the first and second internal power supply reference voltage generating circuits in accordance with a control signal. An internal power supply voltage generating circuit generates an internal power supply voltage in accordance with one of the first and second internal power supply reference voltages generated from an activated one of the first and second internal power supply reference voltage generating circuits.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Kazuo Yoshihara
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Publication number: 20040207381Abstract: A power supply controller having final test and trim circuitry. In one embodiment, a power supply controller for switched mode power supply includes a selector circuit, a trim circuit, a shutdown circuit and a disable circuit. The trim circuit includes a programmable circuit connection that can be selected by the selector circuit by toggling a voltage on an external terminal such as for example a power supply terminal, a control terminal or a function terminal of the power supply controller. The programmable circuit connection in the trim circuit can be programmed by applying a programming voltage to the external terminal. The shutdown circuit shuts down the power supply controller if the temperature rises above an over temperature threshold voltage. The shutdown circuit includes adjustment circuitry that can be used to test the shutdown circuit. The adjustment circuitry can adjust and reduce the over temperature threshold of the power supply controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, Alex B. Djenguerian, Erdem Bircan
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Patent number: 6791308Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature-compensating reference voltage generator, including a temperature-compensating voltage divider, or variable voltage generator, for dividing an input reference voltage in order to generate a temperature-compensated output voltage. Preferably included, are a first differential amplifier for amplifying a voltage difference between a first reference voltage and a first feedback voltage in order to output an internal reference voltage, a first voltage divider for generating and outputting a first feedback voltage in response to the temperature-compensated voltage, the first voltage divider further including, two resistive elements for controlling a magnitude of reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jae-yoon Shim
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Patent number: 6788037Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensating for a decreasing internal voltage that is generated from a higher external voltage. In response to the internal voltage decreasing in excess of a voltage margin, the amount by which the higher external voltage is reduced in generating the internal voltage is adjusted to raise the internal voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Christophe J. Chevallier, Dumitru Cioaca
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Patent number: 6784651Abstract: A controllable assembly of current sources includes several first output terminals, with a first transistor associated with each first output terminal, the current on each first output terminal depending on the current flowing through the first transistor, and a circuit configured, in response to a predetermined variation of a control voltage, to successively progressively turn on, then progressively turn off, each first transistor. The first transistors are MOS transistors, and each first output terminal is associated with a current mirror formed of MOS transistors, the current mirror providing to the first output terminal a current depending on the current flowing through the first transistor.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventors: Michel Mouret, Marc Sabut, François Van Zanten
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Patent number: 6774711Abstract: A bandgap voltage reference circuit that utilize a two-stage transconductance amplifier as a feedback control loop to improve the accuracy and stability of the output reference voltage without the need for an additional biasing circuit. The high gain provides a good power-supply rejection ratio, and improves the circuit performance. The amplifier does not require a biasing circuit, thus saving valuable chip space. Furthermore, eliminating the need for a biasing circuit reduces the power consumption of the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Atmel CorporationInventor: Frederic J. Bernard
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Patent number: 6765376Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensating for a decreasing internal voltage that is generated from a higher external voltage. In response to the internal voltage decreasing in excess of a voltage margin, the amount by which the higher external voltage is reduced in generating the internal voltage is adjusted to raise the internal voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Christophe J. Chevallier, Dumitru Cioaca
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Patent number: 6750640Abstract: A power supply controller having final test and trim circuitry. In one embodiment, a power supply controller for switched mode power supply includes a selector circuit, a trim circuit, a shutdown circuit and a disable circuit. The trim circuit includes a programmable circuit connection that can be selected by the selector circuit by toggling a voltage on an external terminal such as for example a power supply terminal, a control terminal or a function terminal of the power supply controller. The programmable circuit connection in the trim circuit can be programmed by applying a programming voltage to the external terminal. The shutdown circuit shuts down the power supply controller if the temperature rises above an over temperature threshold voltage. The shutdown circuit includes adjustment circuitry that can be used to test the shutdown circuit. The adjustment circuitry can adjust and reduce the over temperature threshold of the power supply controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, Alex B. Djenguerian, Erdem Bircan
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Patent number: 6744304Abstract: An electronic circuit for generating an output voltage has a defined temperature dependence, a bandgap circuit for generating a defined temperature-constant voltage and a temperature-dependent current with a defined temperature dependence, and a conversion circuit for generating the output voltage from the temperature-dependent current and the temperature-constant voltage. The conversion circuit has a first resistor at whose first terminal the temperature-constant voltage is applied, and whose second terminal is connected to a first terminal of a second resistor. The second terminal of the second resistor is connected to a supply voltage potential, and a first terminal of a third resistor is connected to the second terminal of the first resistor. The temperature-dependent current is supplied to a second terminal of the third resistor, and it being possible to tap the output voltage at the second terminal of the third resistor.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Jens Egerer, Heiko Fibranz, Eckehard Plaettner
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Publication number: 20040100242Abstract: A voltage generation circuit in which an alternating voltage is inputted through an input node and a constant voltage is outputted through an output node, wherein charge transfer means, which is provided between the input node and the output node, is so controlled by the alternating voltage of the input node that an amount of electric charge flowing from the input node to the output node is different from an amount of electric charge flowing from the output node to the input node. That is, movement of electric charge from the input node to the output node is allowed, while backflow of electric charge from the output node to the input node is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Youichi Tobita
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Patent number: 6734710Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for pulse generation, having a capacitor, to which a charging current and a discharging current may be supplied in succession. To generate the charging current and the discharging current, there are provided a current source, a first current mirror circuit and a second current mirror circuit complementary to the first current mirror circuit. The current mirror circuits each comprise a plurality of output transistors, which each constitute an output stage for the charging and discharging current, which is connected to a regulator, and for a circuit for controlling the tail current of a differential amplifier forming the regulator. A current output of the differential amplifier is connected to the output of the second current mirror circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Ralf Beier
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Patent number: 6724176Abstract: A band-gap reference circuit comprising a first current source for generating a first reference current and a first circuit branch for receiving part of the first reference current. The first circuit branch comprises a first resistor having a positive temperature coefficient in series with a base-emitter junction of a first PNP diode having a negative temperature coefficient. An emitter current of the first PNP diode develops a first combined voltage across the first resistor and the base-emitter junction. A comparison circuit compares the first combined voltage to a base-emitter voltage of a second PNP diode and adjusts a band-gap reference voltage. A correction current generating circuit injects a correction current into an emitter of the second PNP diode that at least partially offsets a non-linear drop-off in the band-gap reference voltage caused by the second PNP diode as temperature increases.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Kern W. Wong, Jane Xin-Leblanc
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Patent number: 6720755Abstract: A band gap reference includes circuitry providing a reference voltage (VDIODE) at 1.0 volt or below to provide a stable reference for 1.3 volt or lower circuits, which would otherwise not function accurately with a typical band gap reference of 1.2 volts. The band gap reference includes an op-amp equally driving the gate of various current source transistors. A first current source drives a BJT transistor connected in a diode fashion, while a second current source drives a further diode connected BJT transistor through a resistor. An output VDIODE is provided from a further resistor connected to two additional current sources. The first of these current sources is driven by the op-amp output to increase output with temperature, while the second of these current sources is driven by a replicating op-amp connected to a resistor providing current decreasing with temperature, both current sources functioning to provide a stable low voltage VDIODE on the resistor with variations in temperature and supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Bradley A. Sharpe-Geisler
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Publication number: 20040041550Abstract: Disclosed is band-gap circuit that overcomes the deficiencies of conventional band-gap circuits by compensating for high order temperature effects. The invention employs a resistor of high temperature sensitivity in parallel with a resistor having a low temperature sensitivity in the collector circuit of the transistors to counter inherent higher order temperature effects found in prior art circuits. Furthermore, the invention has a reduced sensitivity to the variables within manufacturing of integrated semiconductor devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2001Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Edmond Patrick Coady
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Patent number: 6693415Abstract: A current source using a bandgap voltage circuit includes a current gain circuit between the output of the bandgap circuit and the current output transistor. On-off control is provided by a switchable bias circuit providing an ON potential to start the bandgap and a clamping circuit opening the feedback loop.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics Ltd.Inventor: Peter Johnson
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Patent number: 6683444Abstract: The invention relates to a reference voltage generator which comprises, arranged between two supply terminals (20, 21), an input stage (1) having a portion (R0) proportional to the absolute temperature and delivering a potential which is substantially independent of temperature, connected to an operational amplifier (2) which delivers the reference voltage (Vref) and is fed back to the input stage. The components of the operational amplifier (2) are chosen so that even in an open loop arrangement (3) the reference voltage is substantially independent of the supply voltage, and the manufacturing method and has a given dependence on temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Herve Jean Francois Marie
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Patent number: 6657480Abstract: A CMOS low noise band gap reference circuit outputs a substantially constant reference voltage VREF. The band gap reference circuit has an amplifier that includes a differential pair of bipolar junction transistors and a feedback circuit that adjusts its current to compensate for variations in the bias current through the circuit. The band gap reference circuit provides an output reference voltage VREF that is substantially constant over a range of temperature and a range of supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Ixys CorporationInventor: Sam S. Ochi
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Publication number: 20030214278Abstract: In an internal power supply voltage control apparatus, reference voltage generating circuit generates a reference voltage. A first internal power supply reference voltage generating circuit generates a first internal power supply reference voltage in accordance with the reference voltage, and a second internal power supply reference voltage generating circuit generates a second internal power supply reference voltage in accordance with a voltage applied to a predetermined pad. A test mode selecting circuit activates one of the first and second internal power supply reference voltage generating circuits in accordance with a control signal. An internal power supply voltage generating circuit generates an internal power supply voltage in accordance with one of the first and second internal power supply reference voltages generated from an activated one of the first and second internal power supply reference voltage generating circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Kazuo Yoshihara
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Patent number: 6646496Abstract: A current control circuit for maintaining constant current characteristics with respect to power source potential fluctuations has a first resistor with one end connected to a source potential first and second P-channel field effect transistors each having a source connected to the other end of the first resistor and a gate coupled to a gate of the other P-channel FET. The first P-channel FET has a drain directly connected to the mutually coupled gates. A second resistor connects a drain of the second P-channel FET to the mutually coupled gates, and a resistor element connects the mutually coupled gates to a zero potential. A voltage arising at the drain of the second P-channel FET is used as a gate-driving voltage for driving a gate of a current-setting transistor.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Nippon Precision Circuits Inc.Inventor: Shinichi Watanabe
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Patent number: 6642699Abstract: A bandgap reference that generates a temperature stable DC voltage by using a corrective current. The corrective current is generated by a series of differential pairs that are controlled by both positive temperature shift gate voltage on one transistor, as well as a negative temperature shift gate voltage on the other transistor. As temperature changes and crosses the crossing point at which the current is split evenly through both transistors, the current change is more abrupt. The crossing points of each of the differential pairs may be appropriately selected so as to generate a high resolution corrective current. The various current contributions are summed to form the total corrective current, which tends to be quite accurate due to the abrupt crossing points. The corrective current is then fed back into the circuit so as to compensate for much of the temperature error.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: AMI Semiconductor, Inc.Inventor: Bernard Robert Gregoire, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030184273Abstract: A limiter circuit according to this invention includes a first differential amplifier, a first transistor to a base of which the output of the first differential amplifier is applied, a first feedback path, a first current source connected to the emitter of the first transistor, a second differential amplifier, a second transistor to a base of which the output of the second differential amplifier is applied, a second feedback path, a second current source connected to the emitter of the second transistor and a resistance connected between the emitter of the first transistor and the emitter of the second transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Kenichi Nakajima
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Patent number: 6628108Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide a low voltage reference generation. The apparatus includes a reference voltage generator to receive a first input voltage signal and output a reference voltage signal. A voltage level detector electrically coupled to the reference voltage generator to receive the reference voltage signal and also receive a second input voltage signal. The voltage level detector compares the second input voltage signal to the reference voltage signal for generating an output based on the compared signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Mase Taub, Rajesh Sundaram, Kerry Tedrow
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Patent number: 6621349Abstract: A power supply noise compensation amplifier has an input for connection to a power supply. The amplifier includes a differential amplifier circuit for providing an instantaneous amplified signal in response to power supply noise, and produces an output signal with an instantaneous opposite polarity from the power supply noise so a noise sensitive circuit connected to the noise compensation amplifier has a compensated power supply signal which enables it to produce a reduction in the amplitude of the noise signal at the output thereof. The differential amplifier circuit includes a differential pair of coupled transistor circuits including a leading transistor circuit and a lagging transistor circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Allan L. Mullgrav, Jr.
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Patent number: 6617930Abstract: A DC voltage input to an IF, DC input is applied to a switching regulator of a power supply circuit, a DC voltage necessary for driving a power amplifier is directly applied from the switching regulator to the power amplifier, the voltage from the switching regulator circuit is applied to a voltage converter circuit from which a negative voltage of 5V is generated and applied to the power amplifier and other circuit, a positive voltage of 5V is generated from a dropper regulator circuit and applied to the power amplifier and other circuits.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hitoshi Nitta
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Patent number: 6611248Abstract: Each of stages RS(1), RS(2), . . . of a shift register is constituted by six TFTs. A ratio of a channel width and a channel length (W/L) of each of these TFTs 1 to 6 is set in accordance with a transistor characteristic of each TFT in such a manner that the shift register normally operates for a long time even at a high temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Kanbara, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Katsuhiko Morosawa
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Patent number: 6600302Abstract: A voltage stabilization circuit includes a band gap reference circuit to generate a stable output voltage that is temperature-independent, and a folded cascode feedback circuit to generate a feedback potential that is applied to stabilize the band gap reference circuit. The folded cascode feedback circuit is implemented with current mirror circuits.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Adam L Ghozeil, Jeffery S Beck
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Publication number: 20030137287Abstract: The invention relates to a reference voltage generator which comprises, arranged between two supply terminals (20, 21), an input stage (1) having a portion (R0) proportional to the absolute temperature and delivering a potential which is substantially independent of temperature, connected to an operational amplifier (2) which delivers the reference voltage (Vref) and is fed back to the input stage. The components of the operational amplifier (2) are chosen so that even in an open loop arrangement (3) the reference voltage is substantially independent of the supply voltage, and the manufacturing method and has a given dependence on temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Herve Jean Francois Marie
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Patent number: 6580261Abstract: A low current open loop voltage regulator monitor. A circuit is formed with a PTAT current source across a resistor. This current is mirrored by a circuit with two outputs. A first output is formed by a high output impedance current source that has a cascode output. A second output is formed by a higher voltage output current source that has a lower output impedance. The second output feeds an emitter of a PNP device that has its base coupled to the output of the first current source. The output of the first current source and the base of the PNP device are biased above ground by a series of diode and resistor drops that are of the same type comprising the PTAT circuit. This series of devices forms a stack of bandgap voltages that is nominally equal to, but independent of, the regulator output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Ronald Neal Dow
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Patent number: 6563375Abstract: According to a particular example application, the present invention is embodied in the form of first and second current-steering sections arranged to steer a differential current input signal. Each of the first and second current-steering sections is current driven via differential current paths. The first current-steering section configured and arranged to source current and thereby drive the second current-steering section. Another aspect of the invention employs stacked Gilbert cells, as described above, to form a variable gain amplifier (“VGA”) circuit that achieves a large dynamic range, a wide frequency response and improved linearity, while consuming relatively low amounts of power.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Abolfazl Khosrowbeygi, Sudhir Aggarwal
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Publication number: 20030076077Abstract: A power supply controller for electronic circuits, supplying a power supply voltage (VDC) and preventing operation of the said circuit by using a RESET signal when the said power supply voltage is less than a first predetermined threshold. The controller includes a first comparator (C2) comparing a voltage proportional to the power supply voltage with a reference voltage and activating the reset signal when the voltage proportional to the power supply voltage is less than the reference voltage. A bandgap module supplies a principal reference voltage (VBGAP). Preliminary reference devices immediately supply a preliminary reference voltage (V09), less than the principal reference voltage. Control circuits receive the preliminary reference voltage (V09) and the principal reference voltage (VBGAP) and automatically activate the RESET signal for as long as the principal reference voltage (VBGAP) has not reached a second predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventor: Philippe Messager
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Publication number: 20030071603Abstract: A voltage-to-current conversion circuit composed of MOSFETs of the same polarity and an OTA with Rail-to-Rail with a simple configuration that uses the same have been disclosed. The voltage-to-current conversion circuit comprises a first MOSFET, to which a fixed drain-source voltage is applied all the time, and which generates a first current signal for an input voltage, a second MOSFET, which has the same polarity as that of the first MOSFET, to which the fixed drain-source voltage is applied all the time, and which generates a second current signal complementary to the first current signal for the input voltage, and a difference current operation circuit that performs the operation of subtraction between the first current signal and the second current signal, thereby an output current is generated in accordance with the input voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY ACADEMIC RESEARCH CENTERInventors: Takahide Sato, Nobuo Fujii, Sigetaka Takagi, Kazuyuki Wada
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Patent number: 6548995Abstract: A high speed bias voltage generating circuit 10 for use with semiconductor devices. The bias voltage generating circuit 10 includes three circuits or circuit portions 12 , 14 and 16 which cooperatively control the output voltage and current of the circuit 10. The standby circuit 12 is active during a standby mode. The standby circuit 12 provides.a stable standby voltage Voutstandby for the circuit 10, and generates substantially no current in standby mode. The bias circuit 14 is active during a bias mode and provides a stable bias voltage Voutbias for the circuit 10. The boost circuit 16 is active during the transition from standby mode to bias mode, and is effective to quickly lower or “pull down” the output voltage from Voutstandby to Voutbias.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.Inventor: Jun Li
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Patent number: 6542027Abstract: A bandgap reference circuit has a pre-regulator that achieves a low temperature coefficient through the use of a first component that generates a first voltage having a negative temperature coefficient and a second component coupled in series to the first component and which generates a second voltage having a positive temperature coefficient. This low temperature coefficient in the pre-regulator allows the bandgap reference circuit to output the bandgap voltage VBG with a low temperature coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Shenzhen STS Microelectronics Co. LtdInventors: Gang Zha, Solomon K. Ng
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Patent number: 6528979Abstract: There is disclosed a reference current circuit capable of preventing an appearance of the effect of the Early voltage, operated from a low power supply voltage, and adapted to output a current having a positive or optional temperature characteristic. In this reference current circuit, by a self-biased method, a current of a current mirror circuit is set to be proportional or substantially inversely proportional to a temperature by first and second transistors constituting a non-linear current mirror circuit. A third transistor is provided. A current of the third transistor proportional to a third voltage between a control terminal and a current input terminal is set to be substantially inversely proportional to the temperature, and the currents of the current mirror circuit and the third transistor are weighted and added. Thus, an output current having a fixed temperature current is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Katsuji Kimura
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Publication number: 20030020443Abstract: A bandgap reference circuit includes at least one transistor, an amplifier and a start-up circuit. The amplifier is coupled to the transistor(s) to establish a bandgap reference voltage. The start-up circuit, in response to the bandgap reference circuit powering up, isolates an output terminal of the amplifier from at least one input terminal of the amplifier and supplies power to the transistor(s) via the output terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Jeongjin Roh