Voltage Source
An electronic circuit provides a stable direct current potential by combining two voltages with opposite thermal coefficients. This bandgap reference relies on the predictable thermal characteristics of silicon junctions to maintain output stability. The circuit balances a negative temperature coefficient voltage against a positive one to achieve nearly zero thermal variation.
Thermal Compensation
Silicon junctions exhibit a negative thermal coefficient of approximately two millivolts per degree Celsius. Designers combine this behavior with a thermal voltage derived from a proportional to absolute temperature circuit. This addition counteracts the negative drift to produce a voltage of approximately one point two volts.
The output remains steady over wide thermal fluctuations.
Precision Verification
Evaluation of these circuits takes place under controlled laboratory temperatures to determine the output tolerance. Initial offset adjustments are made at the wafer level by laser trimming thin film resistors. This trim aligns the output with the target voltage before packaging occurs.
External drift is further evaluated over the specified temperature range to guarantee performance. Measurement systems monitor the output over thousands of hours to assess long term drift and aging behavior, ensuring the device meets its drift limits over its operational lifetime.
Operating Limit
Output stability degrades when the supply voltage drops below a minimum threshold required to keep the internal transistors in active operation. High temperature exposure can also increase leakage currents and cause the voltage to drift. Maintaining the circuit within its specified supply and thermal boundaries ensures reliable operation.