Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The invention provides a method and apparatus for precise modulation of a reference current. A current generating apparatus in accordance with the invention is provided on an integrated circuit chip and includes a series connected chain comprising in the recited order: (a) an externally-set reference current source; (b) a current-to-voltage (I/V) converter for converting the reference current into an on-chip reference voltage, V.sub.ref ; (c) a voltage-to-current (V/I) converter for converting the reference voltage V.sub.ref into an on-chip, internal reference current I.sub.iref ; (d) a single-ended, voltage-operated current switch for modulating the internal reference current I.sub.iref to produce therefrom a modulated current signal, I.sub.M ; (e) a current-driven filter which receives the modulated current signal I.sub.M and produces therefrom a filtered voltage signal, V.sub.F ; (f) a voltage-to-current (V/I) converter for converting the filtered output voltage signal V.sub.F of the filter back into a current, I.sub.F, and (g) a current multiplier for multiplying the magnitude of the current output by the V/I converter to thereby produce an output current, I.sub.OUT.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim