PMIC or Power Management Integrated Circuit is a type of integrated circuit that is designed to manage and control the power supply of electronic devices. PMICs are widely used in various applications such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable devices. One of the essential components of a PMIC is the voltage reference, which is responsible for providing a stable and accurate voltage output to the system. In this article, we will discuss the popular PMIC voltage reference product types.
1. Bandgap Voltage Reference
The bandgap voltage reference is one of the most popular types of voltage references used in PMICs. It is a type of voltage reference that uses the temperature-dependent voltage difference between two semiconductor junctions to generate a stable and accurate voltage output. The bandgap voltage reference is widely used in various applications due to its high accuracy, low noise, and low power consumption.
The bandgap voltage reference is typically implemented using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BJT-based bandgap voltage reference is known for its high accuracy and low temperature coefficient, while the CMOS-based bandgap voltage reference is known for its low power consumption and small size.
2. Zener Diode Voltage Reference
The Zener diode voltage reference is another popular type of voltage reference used in PMICs. It is a type of voltage reference that uses the reverse breakdown voltage of a Zener diode to generate a stable and accurate voltage output. The Zener diode voltage reference is widely used in various applications due to its simplicity, low cost, and high stability.
The Zener diode voltage reference is typically implemented using a Zener diode and a series resistor. The Zener diode is biased in the reverse direction, and the voltage across the Zener diode is used as the reference voltage. The series resistor is used to limit the current through the Zener diode and to provide a stable output voltage.
3. Precision Voltage Reference
The precision voltage reference is a type of voltage reference that is designed to provide a highly accurate and stable voltage output. It is widely used in various applications such as data converters, instrumentation, and control systems. The precision voltage reference is typically implemented using a combination of bandgap voltage reference and trimming techniques.
The trimming techniques are used to adjust the output voltage of the precision voltage reference to a specific value. The trimming techniques include laser trimming, fuse trimming, and digital trimming. Laser trimming is the most accurate trimming technique, but it is also the most expensive. Fuse trimming is a less expensive trimming technique, but it is less accurate than laser trimming. Digital trimming is the least expensive trimming technique, but it is also the least accurate.
4. Low Dropout Voltage Regulator
The low dropout voltage regulator is a type of voltage reference that is designed to provide a stable and accurate voltage output even when the input voltage is close to the output voltage. The low dropout voltage regulator is widely used in various applications such as battery-powered devices, where the input voltage can vary significantly.
The low dropout voltage regulator is typically implemented using a combination of bandgap voltage reference and pass transistor. The pass transistor is used to regulate the output voltage, and the bandgap voltage reference is used to provide a stable reference voltage. The low dropout voltage regulator is known for its high efficiency, low noise, and low dropout voltage.
5. Shunt Voltage Reference
The shunt voltage reference is a type of voltage reference that is designed to provide a stable and accurate voltage output by shunting the excess current to ground. The shunt voltage reference is widely used in various applications such as voltage regulators, power supplies, and battery chargers.
The shunt voltage reference is typically implemented using a Zener diode and a series resistor. The Zener diode is biased in the reverse direction, and the voltage across the Zener diode is used as the reference voltage. The series resistor is used to limit the current through the Zener diode, and the excess current is shunted to ground.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PMIC voltage reference is an essential component of a PMIC that is responsible for providing a stable and accurate voltage output to the system. The popular PMIC voltage reference product types include bandgap voltage reference, Zener diode voltage reference, precision voltage reference, low dropout voltage regulator, and shunt voltage reference. Each type of voltage reference has its advantages and disadvantages, and the selection of the appropriate voltage reference depends on the specific application requirements.
PMIC or Power Management Integrated Circuit is a type of integrated circuit that is designed to manage and control the power supply of electronic devices. PMICs are widely used in various applications such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable devices. One of the essential components of a PMIC is the voltage reference, which is responsible for providing a stable and accurate voltage output to the system. In this article, we will discuss the popular PMIC voltage reference product types.
1. Bandgap Voltage Reference
The bandgap voltage reference is one of the most popular types of voltage references used in PMICs. It is a type of voltage reference that uses the temperature-dependent voltage difference between two semiconductor junctions to generate a stable and accurate voltage output. The bandgap voltage reference is widely used in various applications due to its high accuracy, low noise, and low power consumption.
The bandgap voltage reference is typically implemented using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BJT-based bandgap voltage reference is known for its high accuracy and low temperature coefficient, while the CMOS-based bandgap voltage reference is known for its low power consumption and small size.
2. Zener Diode Voltage Reference
The Zener diode voltage reference is another popular type of voltage reference used in PMICs. It is a type of voltage reference that uses the reverse breakdown voltage of a Zener diode to generate a stable and accurate voltage output. The Zener diode voltage reference is widely used in various applications due to its simplicity, low cost, and high stability.
The Zener diode voltage reference is typically implemented using a Zener diode and a series resistor. The Zener diode is biased in the reverse direction, and the voltage across the Zener diode is used as the reference voltage. The series resistor is used to limit the current through the Zener diode and to provide a stable output voltage.
3. Precision Voltage Reference
The precision voltage reference is a type of voltage reference that is designed to provide a highly accurate and stable voltage output. It is widely used in various applications such as data converters, instrumentation, and control systems. The precision voltage reference is typically implemented using a combination of bandgap voltage reference and trimming techniques.
The trimming techniques are used to adjust the output voltage of the precision voltage reference to a specific value. The trimming techniques include laser trimming, fuse trimming, and digital trimming. Laser trimming is the most accurate trimming technique, but it is also the most expensive. Fuse trimming is a less expensive trimming technique, but it is less accurate than laser trimming. Digital trimming is the least expensive trimming technique, but it is also the least accurate.
4. Low Dropout Voltage Regulator
The low dropout voltage regulator is a type of voltage reference that is designed to provide a stable and accurate voltage output even when the input voltage is close to the output voltage. The low dropout voltage regulator is widely used in various applications such as battery-powered devices, where the input voltage can vary significantly.
The low dropout voltage regulator is typically implemented using a combination of bandgap voltage reference and pass transistor. The pass transistor is used to regulate the output voltage, and the bandgap voltage reference is used to provide a stable reference voltage. The low dropout voltage regulator is known for its high efficiency, low noise, and low dropout voltage.
5. Shunt Voltage Reference
The shunt voltage reference is a type of voltage reference that is designed to provide a stable and accurate voltage output by shunting the excess current to ground. The shunt voltage reference is widely used in various applications such as voltage regulators, power supplies, and battery chargers.
The shunt voltage reference is typically implemented using a Zener diode and a series resistor. The Zener diode is biased in the reverse direction, and the voltage across the Zener diode is used as the reference voltage. The series resistor is used to limit the current through the Zener diode, and the excess current is shunted to ground.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PMIC voltage reference is an essential component of a PMIC that is responsible for providing a stable and accurate voltage output to the system. The popular PMIC voltage reference product types include bandgap voltage reference, Zener diode voltage reference, precision voltage reference, low dropout voltage regulator, and shunt voltage reference. Each type of voltage reference has its advantages and disadvantages, and the selection of the appropriate voltage reference depends on the specific application requirements.
