US 9,852,830 B2Granted

Apparatus and methods for generating a precise resistor

AssigneeRealtek Semiconductor Corp.

InventorHong-Yean Hsieh

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Abstract

In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a first resistor, the first resistor comprising a first type of resistor having a plurality of metal wires in respective layers, the plurality of metal wires arranged in series via a plurality of vias.

Drawings

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus, comprising:

an operational amplifier;
and
a first resistor coupled to the operational amplifier, the first resistor comprising a first type of resistor having a plurality of metal wires in respective layers;
wherein the plurality of metal wires in a first layer include at least a first segment, a second segment and a third segment;
the first segment and the third segment are placed in parallel;
the second segment is coupled between the first segment and the third segment;
and the direction of the second segment is perpendicular to the direction of the first segment and the third segment;
and
wherein the plurality of metal wires in a second layer include at least a fourth segment;
the fourth segment is placed underneath the first segment and coupled with the first segment by a via;
the via and the second segment are respectively coupled at two terminals of the first segment;
and the direction of the fourth segment and the direction of the first segment are the same.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

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Abstract

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Drawings

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus, comprising:

an operational amplifier;
and
a first resistor coupled to the operational amplifier, the first resistor comprising a first type of resistor having a plurality of metal wires in respective layers;
wherein the plurality of metal wires in a first layer include at least a first segment, a second segment and a third segment;
the first segment and the third segment are placed in parallel;
the second segment is coupled between the first segment and the third segment;
and the direction of the second segment is perpendicular to the direction of the first segment and the third segment;
and
wherein the plurality of metal wires in a second layer include at least a fourth segment;
the fourth segment is placed underneath the first segment and coupled with the first segment by a via;
the via and the second segment are respectively coupled at two terminals of the first segment;
and the direction of the fourth segment and the direction of the first segment are the same.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description2,968 words

Summary467 words

#Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates generally to the synthesis of a precise resistor, and more particularly to a monolithic resistor whose resistance is insensitive to the voltages across its two terminals.

#Description of the Background Art

Brief description of the drawings14 figures

#Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. The use of the same reference label in different drawings indicates the same or like components.

#FIG. 1 shows an inverting amplifier comprising a pair of resistors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 shows a current-mode amplifier comprising a resistor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description2,143 words

#In the present disclosure, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of electrical circuits, components, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details. In other instances, well-known details are not shown or described to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

#Embodiments of the present invention advantageously allow for fabrication of a monolithic resistor whose resistance is not sensitive to the voltage across its two terminals. FIG. 1 shows an inverting amplifier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The inverting amplifier is configured to receive an input voltage Vi and a reference voltage VREF and to generate an output voltage Vo whose value is equal to (VREF−Vi)*Rf/Ri. The inverting amplifier comprises an operational amplifier 101, an input resistor Ri, and a feedback resistor Rf.

#The output voltage Vo is proportional to the product of the input voltage and the ratio of Rf over Ri. If the resistance of the resistor varies with its applied voltage across its two terminals, the ratio of Rf over Ri is not constant as the applied voltage changes. Because of these variations, Vo is not linearly proportional to Vi.

Abstract

Drawings

Claims20

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims20

Description2,968 words

Classification14 codes

Life of this patent

Description2,968 words

Drawings