Temperature compensated current mirror
US6556082B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F1/302
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A temperature compensating circuit for use with a current mirror circuit for maintaining a reference current value during temperature variations includes a compensating transistor connected in parallel with a reference current transistor and bias circuitry for biasing the compensating transistor whereby current flows from the reference node to ground through the compensating transistor to remove excess current from the reference transistor when temperature increases. A diode can be included in the bias circuitry for limiting bias current flow when the reference voltage drops below the voltage drop of the diode. An on/off switch circuit can be provided in parallel with the reference current transistor to further reduce reference current in specific applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.