Voltage regulator for generating a constant reference voltage which does not change over time or with change in temperature

Abstract

An improved voltage reference circuit is shown for use in analog integrated circuits including A/D and D/A converters. The voltage reference circuit comprises an operational amplifier having an non-inverting terminal connected to a capacitor. The inverting terminal of the op amp is connected to the op amp output terminal. The output terminal provides a constant reference voltage which is a function of the voltage charged in the capacitor. The capacitor includes a floating gate, an isolating layer, and a controlling gate which is used to charge (program) the capacitor to a fixed voltage. The capacitor structure is such that its charge is maintained constant over time independent of any temperature change. As a result, the voltage reference circuit prevents fluctuations in the output reference voltage throughout its operating period.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.