Startup circuit for bandgap voltage reference generator
AssigneeNational Semiconductor Corporation
InventorArlo Aude
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A startup circuit for a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit. Monitoring an internal reference voltage of the bandgap voltage reference generator circuit, current flow for the bandgap circuit diodes is initiated following circuit startup, e.g., initial application or DC power. In one embodiment, the monitored bandgap circuit reference voltage is replicated and used to assert and then de-assert a control signal used for initiating the diode current flow.
Claims15
An apparatus including a startup circuit for a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit, comprising:
- a reference terminal to convey a reference voltage including first and second voltage magnitudes related to a current flow in a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit;
- a control terminal to convey a current control signal for initiating said current flow;
- and
- voltage monitoring circuitry, coupled to said reference and control terminals, that provides said current control signal in response to reception of said reference voltage, wherein said current control signal includes an asserted state corresponding to said first reference voltage magnitude and a de-asserted state corresponding to said second reference voltage magnitude, and said current flow initiation occurs in response to said asserted state.
An apparatus including a startup circuit for a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit, comprising:
- voltage replication circuitry that provides a replica voltage responsive and corresponding to reception of a reference voltage including first and second reference voltage magnitudes related to a current flow in a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit;
- and
- signal driving circuitry, coupled to said voltage replication circuitry, that provides a current control signal in response to reception of said replica voltage, wherein said current control signal includes an asserted state corresponding to said first reference voltage magnitude and a de-asserted state corresponding to said second reference voltage magnitude, and said current flow initiation occurs in response to said asserted state.
An apparatus including a startup circuit for a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit, comprising:
- reference means for conveying a reference voltage including first and second voltage magnitudes related to a current flow in a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit;
- control means for conveying a current control signal for initiating said current flow;
- and
- voltage monitor means for receiving said reference voltage and in response thereto generating said current control signal, wherein said current control signal includes an asserted state corresponding to said first reference voltage magnitude and a de-asserted state corresponding to said second reference voltage magnitude, and said current flow initiation occurs in response to said asserted state.
An apparatus including a startup circuit for a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit, comprising:
- voltage replicator means for receiving a reference voltage including first and second reference voltage magnitudes related to a current flow in a bandgap voltage reference generator circuit and in response thereto generating a corresponding replica voltage;
- and
- signal driver means for receiving said replica voltage and in response thereto generating a current control signal, wherein said current control signal includes an asserted state corresponding to said first reference voltage magnitude and a de-asserted state corresponding to said second reference voltage magnitude, and said current flow initiation occurs in response to said asserted state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.