Precision non-volatile CMOS reference circuit
US7245536B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/30
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A voltage reference circuit provides a reference voltage that can be precisely programmed. The threshold voltage of a first non-volatile memory (NVM) transistor is programmed while coupled in parallel with a reference NVM transistor. During programming, the reference NVM transistor has a floating gate coupled to ground through a first set of capacitors, and coupled to a reference voltage through a second set of capacitors. The program threshold voltage of the first NVM transistor is dependent on the first and second sets of capacitors. The first and reference NVM transistors are then coupled in parallel, and a differential amplifier is used to generate a single-ended reference voltage in response to the programmed threshold voltage of the first NVM transistor. Capacitors can be transferred between the first set and the second set, thereby providing precise adjustment of the single ended reference voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.