The CMOS Highly Linear Current Amplifier with Current Controlled Gain for Sensor Measurement Applications

The CMOS Highly Linear Current Amplifier with Current Controlled Gain for Sensor Measurement Applications

WoS Article

This paper introduces a new current-controlled current-amplifier suitable for precise measurement applications. This amplifier was developed with strong emphasis on linearity leading to low total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output signal, and on linearity of the gain control. The presented circuit is characterized by low input and high output impedances. Current consumption is significantly smaller than with conventional quadratic current multipliers and is comparable in order to the maximum processed input current, which is +/- 200 mu A. This circuit is supposed to be used in many sensor applications, as well as a precise current multiplier for general analog current signal processing. The presented amplifier (current multiplier) was designed by an uncommon topology based on linear sub-blocks using MOS transistors working in their linear region. The described circuit was designed and fabricated in a C035 I3T25 0.35-mu m ON Semiconductor process because of the demand of the intended application for higher supply voltage. Nevertheless, the topology is suitable also for modern smaller CMOS technologies and lower supply voltages. The performance of the circuit was verified by laboratory measurement with parameters comparable to the Cadence simulation results and presented here.

This paper introduces a new current-controlled current-amplifier suitable for precise measurement applications. This amplifier was developed with strong emphasis on linearity leading to low total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output signal, and on linearity of the gain control. The presented circuit is characterized by low input and high output impedances. Current consumption is significantly smaller than with conventional quadratic current multipliers and is comparable in order to the maximum processed input current, which is +/- 200 mu A. This circuit is supposed to be used in many sensor applications, as well as a precise current multiplier for general analog current signal processing. The presented amplifier (current multiplier) was designed by an uncommon topology based on linear sub-blocks using MOS transistors working in their linear region. The described circuit was designed and fabricated in a C035 I3T25 0.35-mu m ON Semiconductor process because of the demand of the intended application for higher supply voltage. Nevertheless, the topology is suitable also for modern smaller CMOS technologies and lower supply voltages. The performance of the circuit was verified by laboratory measurement with parameters comparable to the Cadence simulation results and presented here.

current amplifier; current controlled gain; accuracy; linearity; CMOS; electronic control; sensor signal processing

current amplifier; current controlled gain; accuracy; linearity; CMOS; electronic control; sensor signal processing

PROKOP, R.; ŠOTNER, R.; KLEDROWETZ, V.

2021

18.08.2020

MDPI

Basel, Switzerland

1424-8220

SENSORS

20

16

Swiss Confederation

1

23

23

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/20/16/4653/htm

http://hdl.handle.net/11012/195244

sensors-20-04653-v2