Patent ID: 7463012
Filing Date: 2008-12-09
Classification: G05F

Abstract:
1. A bandgap reference circuit for generating a temperature-independent bandgap voltage, the bandgap reference circuit comprising: first and second differential transistors, the first differential transistor having a first, relatively small size and operating at a relatively small emitter current density, and the second differential transistor having a second, relatively large size and operating at a relatively large emitter current density, wherein each terminal of said first and second differential transistors defines a critical node; and at least one current control circuit connected to at least one critical node of at least one of said first and second differential transistors, wherein said at least one current control circuit includes: an isolation transistor having a first terminal connected to said at least one critical node, a gate terminal connected to a predetermined control voltage, and a second terminal; a trim element having a first terminal connected to the second terminal of the isolation transistor, and a second terminal connected to the ground node; and first and second trim pads respectively connected to the first and second terminals of the trim element, wherein the trim element is formed such that a current above a predetermined level that is generated between the first trim pad and the second trim pad changes a resistance value of said trim element.