Patent · US Expired

Low voltage low power bandgap circuit

US6989708B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
2References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 13, 2003
Grant dateJan 24, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 13, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG05F3/30
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and circuits for providing a bandgap reference in an electronic circuit having a supply voltage and ground. The methods include steps for generating a bandgap reference current, mirroring the bandgap reference current, summing the mirrored currents, and modulating and outputting a bandgap reference voltage from the sum. Representative preferred embodiments are disclosed in which the methods of the invention are used in providing under-voltage protection and in providing a regulated output voltage. Circuits are disclosed for a bandgap reference voltage generator useful for providing a bandgap reference voltage in a circuit. A first current mirror for provides current from a supply voltage. A bandgap reference current circuit between the first current mirror and ground is configured for deriving a bandgap current proportional to absolute temperature. A second current mirror and control circuit are provided for summing the mirrored currents and modulating a bandgap reference voltage output. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a bandgap under-voltage detection circuit using a comparator and a voltage regulator circuit having a regulated voltage output c…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.