Differential amplifier with large input common mode signal range

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a method of extending an input signal range of a component that receives the input signal. Specifically, the present invention relates to a design for an amplifier that extends its input signal range. More specifically, the present invention relates to a design for a differential amplifier with a large input common mode signal range.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] Operational amplifiers are key elements used in many analog and mixed analog/digital applications. Increasingly, these applications are being realized in smaller, portable packages, which require low power supply voltages. This necessity taxes the ability of operational amplifiers to provide the large voltage swings needed to ensure a wide dynamic range.

[0006] Conventionally, operational amplifiers are implemented using differential amplifiers to increase the voltage swing. The purpose of a differential amplifier is to sense changes in its differential input signal while rejecting changes in its common mode, or average, input signal. By removing the common mode component of an input signal, differential amplifiers can support relatively large voltage swings.

[0007] Differential amplifiers are essential building blocks of most modern IC amplifiers and are predicated on the ability to fabricate matched transistors on a chip. Differential amplifiers are particularly useful for mixed signal applications where noise generated by digital circuits can distort analog signals. Noise appearing on both input signals of a differential circuit is rejected at the output signals.

[0008]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional differential amplifier 100.

[0009] Differential amplifier 100 comprises two transistors “M1” 102 and “M2” 104 with source terminals connected together. A current source “ITAIL” 106 is connected in parallel with a resistor “RTAIL” 108 between the source terminals and a first power supply voltage “Vss” 110. (In an embodiment, Vss110 could be analog ground.) A resistor is connected to the drain terminal of each transistor. “RD1” 112 is connected to the drain terminal of M1102; “RD2” 114 is connected to the drain terminal of M2 104. RD1 112 and RD2 114 are together connected to a second power supply voltage “VDD” 116. (In an embodiment, VDD 116 could be analog ground.) Differential amplifier 100 receives a differential input signal and produces a differential output signal. The differential input signal comprises a first input signal “vi1” 118, which is applied to the gate terminal of M1 102, and a second input signal “vi2” 120, which is applied to the gate terminal of M2 104. The differential output signal comprises a first output signal “v01” 122, which is produced at the drain terminal of M2 104, and a second output signal “vo2” 124, which is produced at the drain terminal of M1 102. Preferably, differential amplifier 100 is balanced such that each component on the side of one output (e.g., Ml 102, RD1 112) corresponds to an identical component on the side of the other output (e.g., M2 104, RD2 114).

[0010] M1 102 and M2 104 comprise a differential pair and act to control the distribution of current flowing from ITAIL 106 between VDD 116 and Vss 110. The sum of the current flowing through both M1 102 and M2 104 equals ITAIL 106. So, for example, as vi1, 118 rises with respect to vi2 120, the portion of the total current of ITAIL 106 that flows through M1 102 and RD1 112 increases, while the portion that flows through M2 104 and RD2 114 decreases. More current flowing through RD1 112 increases the drop in voltage across RD1 112, while less current flowing through RD2 114 decreases the drop in voltage across RD2 114. Thus, vo1 122 rises with respect to Vo2 124.

[0011] The differential input signal can be expressed as shown in Eq. (1):

Eq. (1)Vid=Vi1−Vi2,

[0012] while the common mode input signal can be expressed as shown in Eq. (2):

Eq. (2)vic=[vil+vi2]/2.

[0013] Likewise, the differential output signal can be expressed as shown in Eq. (3):

Eq. (3)Vod =Vo1−Vo2,

[0014] while the common mode output signal can be expressed as shown in Eq. (4):

Eq. (4)voc=[vo1+vo2]/2.

[0015] As noted above, the purpose of differential amplifier 100 is to sense changes in its differential input signal vid while rejecting changes in its common mode input signal vic. The ability of differential amplifier 100 to realize this goal can be expressed by several figures of merit. Particularly, the common mode rejection ratio, CMRR, is defined as shown in Eq. (5):

Eq. (5) CMRR≡|Adm/Acm|,

[0016] where Adm is the differential mode gain and Acm is the common mode gain. Adm can be expressed as shown in Eq. (6):

Eq. (6)Adm=Vod/Vid|vic=0={fraction (1/2 )}{[(vo1−Vo2)/Vi1]+[(Vo2−vo1)/Vi2]}.

[0017] Acm can be expressed as shown in Eq. (7):

Eq. (7)Acm=Voc/Vic|vid=o=½{[(Vo1+vo2)/Vi1]+[(Vo2 +V01)/Vi2]}.

[0018] In designing differential amplifiers, it is desired to maximize the value of CMRR. This is indicative of maximizing the desired differential mode gain and/or minimizing the undesired common mode gain. Small signal analysis of a differential amplifier can be used to express CMRR as a function of the physical parameters internal to the transistors from which differential amplifier 100 is comprised. The small signal analysis needs to account for both differential mode and common mode operations.

[0019]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a small signal model circuit 200 of differential amplifier 100. In circuit 200, M1102 is modeled as a current source “ii” 202 connected in parallel with an output resistance “ro1” 204 between a node “N0” 206 and a node “N1” 208. An input resistance “rπ1” 210 is connected in series between No206 and a first input signal “Vi3” 212. RD1, 112 is connected in series between N1 208 and ground. A first output signal “v o3” 214 is produced at N1 208. Likewise, M2 104 is modeled as a current source “i2” 216 connected in parallel with an output resistance “ro2” 218 between No206 and a node “N2” 220. An input resistance “rπ2” 222 is connected in series between No 206 and a second input signal “V14” 224. A second output signal “vo4” 226 is produced at N2 220. RD2 114 is connected in series between N2 220 and ground. RTAIL 108 is connected in series between N0 206 and ground.

[0020] The value of i1 202 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (8):

Eq. (8)i1=gmv1,

[0021] where gm is the transconductance of M1 102 (or M2 104, because differential amplifier 100 is balanced), and v, is the voltage drop across rπ1 210.

[0022] Likewise, the value of i2 216 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (9):

Eq. (9)i2=gmV2,

[0023] where v2 is the voltage drop across rπ2 222.

[0024] In differential mode, the value of vi3 212 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (10):

Eq. (10)vi3=vid/2,

[0025] while the value of vi4 224 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (11):

Eq. (11)Vi4=−Vid/2.

[0026] Likewise, the value of vo3214 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (12):

Eq. (12)Vo3=vod/2 ,

[0027] while the value of Vo4 226 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (13):

Eq. (13)vo4=−vod/2.

[0028] Where M1 102 and M2 104 are MOSFETs, input resistances rπ1210 and rπ2222 are sufficiently large as to be considered infinite. Thus, the value of ii 202 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (14):

Eq. (14)i1=gmvid/2,

[0029] and the value of i2 216 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (15):

Eq. (15)i2=−gmvid/2.

[0030] Because differential amplifier 100 is balanced and the input signals are driven by equal but opposite voltages, there is no variation in the voltage across RTAIL 108. In small signal analysis, this condition is effectively the same as connecting No 206 to ground. Therefore, further analysis of small signal model circuit 200 operating in differential mode can be simplified by analyzing a small signal differential mode model half circuit.

[0031]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a small signal differential mode model half circuit 300. In half circuit 300, ii 202, ro1 204, and RD1 112 are connected in parallel between N0 206 and N1 208. N0 206 is connected to ground. vo3 214 is produced at N1 208. Recalling Eqs. (6), (12), and (14), Adm can be expressed as shown in Eq. (16):

Eq. (16)Adm=−gmR,

[0032] where R is the effective resistance of the parallel combination of ro1 204 and RD1 112.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 2, in common mode, the values of Vi3 212 and Vi4 224 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (17):

Eq. (17) Vi3=Vi4 =Vic.

[0034] Likewise, the values of vo3 214 and vo4 226 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (18):

Eq. (18)vo3=vo4 =Voc.

[0035] Where M1 102 and M2 104 are MOSFETs, input resistances rπ1 210 and rπ2 222 are sufficiently large as to be considered infinite. Thus, the values of i1 202 and i2 216 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (19):

Eq. (19)i1=i2=gmVic.

[0036] Because differential amplifier 100 is balanced and the input signals are driven by equal voltages, further analysis of small signal model circuit 200 operating in common mode can be simplified by analyzing a small signal common mode model half circuit.

[0037]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a small signal common mode model half circuit 400. In half circuit 400, a resistor “RTAIL2” 402 is connected between No 206 and ground. The value of RTAIL2 402 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (20):

Eq. (20)RTAIL2=2×RTAIL.

[0038] Conceptually, RTAIL 108 in small signal model circuit 200 is first modeled as a parallel combination of two resistors connected between No 206 and ground. Each resistor in the parallel combination has a resistance value equal to RTAIL2 402, such that the resistance value of the parallel combination remains equal to RTAIL 108. This enables small signal model circuit 200 to be reconfigured as small signal common mode model half circuit 400 so that it accounts for the voltage drop across RTAIL 108.

[0039] Also in half circuit 400, i1 202 is connected between No 206 and N208 so that i1 202 and RTAIL2 402 are connected in series between N1 208 and ground. Additionally, ro1 204 and RD1 112 are connected in parallel between N1 208 and ground. vo3 214 is produced at N1 208. Recalling Eqs. (7), (18), (19), and (20), ACm can be expressed as shown in Eq. (21):

Eq. (21)Acm=−gmR/[1+gmRTAIL2],

[0040] where R is the effective resistance of the parallel combination of roI 204 and RD1 112.

[0041] Thus, recalling Eqs. (5), (16), and (21), CMRR, as a function of the physical parameters internal to the transistors from which differential amplifier 100 is comprised, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (22):

Eq. (22)CMRR =1+gmRTAIL2.

[0042] In practical implementations, differential amplifiers are realized using active devices for current sources, and in most cases also for loads. Active devices provide large values of resistance, while dropping less voltage and consuming less die area than passive resistors.

[0043]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conventional differential amplifier 500 with active loads. Differential amplifier 500 comprises a differential pair 502 of air amplifying transistors M1 102 and M2 104 with source terminals connected together. A load transistor is connected to the drain terminal of each amplifying transistor. “M3” 504 is connected to the drain terminal of M1 102; “M4” 506 is connected to the drain terminal of M2 104. M3 504 and M4 506 are together connected to power supply voltage VDD 116. A first bias voltage “Vbiasp” 508 holds load transistors M3 504 and M4 506 in saturation. A fifth transistor “M5” 510 provides a current source for differential amplifier 500. M5 510 is connected between the source terminals of M1 102 and M2 104, and power supply voltage Vss 110. A second bias voltage “Vbiasn” 512 holds transistor M5 510 in saturation. First input signal vi1 118 is applied to the gate terminal of Ml 102 and first output signal vo1 122 is produced at the drain terminal of M2 104. Second input signal vi2 120 is applied to the gate terminal of M2 104 and second output signal vo2 124 is produced at the drain terminal of M1 102.

[0044] In differential amplifier 500, M1 102, M2 104, and M5 510 are NMOSFETs, while M3 504 and M4 506 are PMOSFETs. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that other transistor configurations could also be used. Preferably, differential amplifier 500 is balanced such that each component on the side of one output (e.g., M1 102, M3 504) corresponds to an identical component on the side of the other output (e.g., M2 104, M4 506).

[0045] Unfortunately, while the use of active devices for current sources and loads has several advantages, it also presents the problem of limiting the input common mode signal range. (It is desirable to have the input common mode signal range from Vss to VDD.) This is due to the need to hold current source transistors in saturation. This common mode confinement is particularly difficult in applications seeking to meet, for example, IEEE Std 1596.3-1996 for LowVoltage Differential Signals for Scalable Coherent Interface, which requires a large input common mode signal range. An analysis of the input common mode signal range for differential amplifier 500 highlights this limitation.

[0046] For differential amplifier 500, the lower limit of vi, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (23):

Eq. (23)vic>Vss+vTn+VOVM5,

[0047] where vTn is the threshold voltage of Ml 102 (or M2 104), and vovm5 is the A overdrive voltage of M5 510.

[0048] Likewise, the upper limit of vic can be expressed as shown in Eq. (24):

Eq. (24)Vic<VDD+VTn−Vovload,

[0049] where vovload is the overdrive voltage of M3 504 (or M4 506). Normally, vTn >vovload. Thus, the analysis shows that, while the upper limit of the input common mode signal range desirably can be maintained greater than or equal to VDD, the lower limit of the input common mode signal range undesirably often must be greater than Vss.

[0050] Conventionally, this problem has been addressed by configuring a differential amplifier to have two differential pairs to increase the input common mode signal range. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a conventional differential amplifier 600 with two differential pairs. Differential amplifier 600 comprises differential pair 502 of amplifying transistors M1 102 and M2 104 with source terminals connected together. M5 510 is connected between Vss 110 and the source terminals of M1 102 and M2 104. Vbiasn 512 holds transistor M5 510 in saturation.

[0051] Differential amplifier 600 further comprises a second differential pair 602 of amplifying transistors “M6” 604 and “M7” 606 with source terminals connected together. A sixth transistor “M8” 608 provides a current source for amplifying transistors M6 604 and M7 606. M8 608 is connected between VDD 116 and the source terminals M6 604 and M7 606. A third bias voltage “Vbiasp2” 610 holds transistor M8 608 in saturation.

[0052] First input signal vi1 118 is applied to the gate terminals of both M1 102 and M6 604. Second input signal Vi2 120 is applied to the gate terminals of both M2 104 and M7 606. First output signal voI 122 is produced at the drain terminal of M2 104. Second output signal Vo2 124 is produced at the drain terminal of M1 102. A third output signal “vo5 ” 612 is produced at the drain terminal of M7 606. A fourth output signal “vo6 ” 614 is produced at the drain terminal of M6 604.

[0053] Differential amplifier 600 requires a subsequent stage, usually a cascode structure, to provide loads for amplifying transistors M1 102, M2 104, M6 604, and M7 606, and to process the four output signals vo1 122, vo2 124, vo5 612, and vo6 614.

[0054] In differential amplifier 600, M1 102, M2 104, and M5 510 are NMOSFETs, while M6 604, M7 606, and M8 608 are PMOSFETs. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that other transistor configurations could also be used. Preferably, differential amplifier 600 is balanced such that each component on the side of one output (e.g., M1 102, M6 604) corresponds to an identical component on the side of the other output (e.g., M2 104, M7 606).

[0055] An analysis of the input common mode signal range for differential amplifier 600 shows that it is wider than that of differential amplifier 500. For differential amplifier 600, the lower limit of vic can be expressed as shown in Eq. (25):

Eq. (25)Vic>VSS+VTP+Vovloadn,

[0056] where VTP is the threshold voltage of M6 604 (or M7 606), and Vovloadn is the overdrive voltage of a NMOSFET load in the subsequent stage (not shown). Normally, VTp<0, but |VTP|>|Vovloadn|.

[0057] Likewise, the upper limit of vic can be expressed as shown in Eq. (26):

Eq. (26)Vic<VDD+VTn−Vovloadp,

[0058] where vovloadp is the overdrive voltage of a PMOSFET load in the subsequent stage (not shown). Thus, when Vovloadn=VovM5 and Vovloadp=vovload, comparisons of Eq. (23) with Eq. (25), and Eq. (24) with Eq. (26) show that the upper limit of the input common mode signal range desirably can be maintained greater than or equal to VDD, and the lower limit of the input common mode signal range desirably can also be maintained less than or equal to Vss.

[0059] However, while differential amplifier 600 maximizes the input common mode signal range, the design presents several problems that detract from its usefulness. Significant power is dissipated and valuable substrate area is consumed to support the second current source transistor and to support the subsequent stage needed to provide loads for the amplifying transistors and to process the two additional output signals. Also, successful implementation of differential amplifier 600 depends on an ability to fabricate differential pairs 502 and 602 with matching gains and similar transient behaviors. This is very difficult to realize when differential pair 502 comprises NMOSFETs and differential pair 602 comprises PMOSFETs.

[0060] What is needed is a differential amplifier design that optimizes the input common mode signal range, power dissipated, and substrate area consumed, and avoids the difficulty of matching gains between a differential pair of NMOSFETs and a differential pair of PMOSFETs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0061] The present invention relates to a method of extending an input signal range of a component that receives the input signal. Specifically, the present invention relates to a design for an amplifier that extends its input signal range. More specifically, the present invention relates to a design for a differential amplifier with a large input common mode signal range.

[0062] The differential amplifier of the present invention comprises two differential pairs Each differential pair comprises two amplifying MOSFETs with their source terminals connected together. The drain terminals of corresponding amplifying MOSFETs in each differential pair are also connected together and to the drain terminal of a corresponding load MOSFET. The amplifying MOSFETs are of the same type: either NMOSFETs or PMOSFETs. The load MOSFETs are of the type opposite that of the amplifying MOSFETs.

[0063] A bias voltage holds the load MOSFETs in saturation. The bias voltage has the effect of limiting the voltages of an input common mode signal to a range less than the desirable voltage range. The desirable voltage range spans between the voltages that supply power to the amplifier.

[0064] A source follower is connected to the gate terminal of each amplifying MOSFET in one of the differential pairs. Each source follower comprises a driven MOSFET and a non-driven MOSFET. They are of the type opposite that of the amplifying MOSFETs. The source terminal of each driven MOSFET and the drain terminal of the corresponding non-driven MOSFET are connected to the gate terminal of the corresponding amplifying MOSFET. An input signal is applied at two terminals in each half of the differential amplifier: the gate terminal of the driven MOSFET of the source follower and the gate terminal of the amplifying MOSFET not connected to the source follower. The source follower acts to offset the voltage of the input signal to compensate for the range loss due to the bias voltage.

[0065] The differential amplifier further comprises a pair of switch MOSFETs with their source terminals connected together and to a current source MOSFET. Another bias voltage holds the current source MOSFET in saturation. The drain terminal of one of the switch MOSFETs is connected to the source terminals of the amplifying MOSFETs in the differential pair driven by the source followers. A reference voltage is applied to the gate terminal of this switch MOSFET. The drain terminal of the other switch MOSFET is connected to the source terminals of the amplifying MOSFETs in the other differential pair. An input common mode signal is applied to the gate terminal of this switch MOSFET. The other bias voltage and the threshold voltages of the switch MOSFETs also have the effect of limiting the voltages of the input common mode signal to a range less than the desirable voltage range.

[0066] The switch MOSFETs act to control the distribution of the total current flowing from the current source MOSFET. So, for example, when the input common mode signal voltage equals the reference voltage, equal portions of the total current flow through both switch MOSFETs; when the input common mode signal voltage is greater than the reference voltage, a greater portion of the total current flows through the MOSFET switch tied to the differential pair directly driven by the input signals; and when the input common mode signal voltage is less than the reference voltage, a greater portion of the total current flows through the MOSFET switch tied to the differential pair driven by the source followers.

[0067] A differential input signal applied to the differential amplifier comprises two separate signals. Each separate signal is applied to the gate terminals of both the amplifying MOSFET in the differential pair not driven by the source follower and the driven MOSFET of the source follower. Each source follower acts to offset the voltage of its input signal to compensate for the range loss due to the bias voltages and the threshold voltages of the switch MOSFETs.

[0068] When equal portions of the total current flow through both switch MOSFETs, both differential pairs work equally to amplify the input signals; when a greater portion of the total current flows through the MOSFET switch tied to the differential pair directly driven by the input signals, that differential pair works dominantly; when a greater portion of the total current flows through the MOSFET switch tied to the differential pair driven by the source followers, that differential pair works dominantly.

[0069] Advantageously, the differential amplifier optimizes its input common mode signal range using differential pairs of the same type. This mitigates difficulties faced in fabricating differential pairs with matching gains and similar transient behaviors.

[0070] Furthermore, the differential amplifier does not require a subsequent stage to provide loads for its amplifying MOSFETs or to process additional output signals. Thus, it consumes both less power and less substrate area. Additional savings in power and substrate area are realized because the differential pairs both draw current from the same current source MOSFET.

[0071] Yet another advantage provided by the design of the differential amplifier is a larger common mode rejection ratio because the switch MOSFETs are connected in a cascode configuration and act to maintain the total current more constant over the input common mode voltage range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0072] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0073]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional differential amplifier 100.

[0074]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a small signal model circuit 200 of differential amplifier 100.

[0075]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a small signal differential mode model half circuit 300.

[0076]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a small signal common mode model half circuit 400.

[0077]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conventional differential amplifier 500 with active loads.

[0078]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a conventional differential amplifier 600 with two differential pairs.

[0079]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a differential amplifier 700 configured to be a NMOSFET embodiment of the present invention.

[0080]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a small signal model circuit 800 of differential pair 502 of differential amplifier 700.

[0081]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a circuit 900 for obtaining vic 736 from vil 118 and vi2 120.

[0082]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a differential amplifier 1000 configured to be a PMOSFET embodiment of the present invention.

[0083]
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a single-input amplifier 1100 of the present invention.

[0084]
FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of a method 1200 for extending an input signal range of a component that receives a signal.

[0085] The preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures, the left most digit of each reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number is first used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] The present invention relates to a method of extending an input signal range of a component that receives the input signal. Specifically, the present invention relates to a design for an amplifier that extends its input signal range.

[0087] More specifically, the present invention relates to a design for a differential amplifier with a large input common mode signal range.

[0088]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a differential amplifier 700 configured to be a NMOSFET embodiment of the present invention. Differential amplifier 700 comprises first differential pair 502 of amplifying NMOSFETs M1 102 and M2 104 with source terminals connected at a first node “N3” 702, and a second differential pair 704 of amplifying NMOSFETs “M9” 706 and “M10” 708 with source terminals connected at a second node “N4” 710. First and second differential pairs 502, 704 are connected in parallel. The drain terminals of M1 102 and M9 706 are connected at a third node “N5”712; the drain terminals of M2 104 and M10 708 are connected at a fourth node “N6”714. M3 504 is connected as a load PMOSFET between VDD 116 and N5 712; M4 506 is connected as a load PMOSFET between VDD 116 and N6 714. First bias voltage Vbiasp 508 holds M3 504 and M4 506 in saturation.

[0089] A first switch NMOSFET “M11” 716 and a second switch NMOSFET “M12” 718 have their source terminals connected at a fifth node “N7” 720. The drain terminal of M11 716 is connected to N3 702; the drain terminal of M12 718 is connected to N4 710. M11 716 and M12 718 together comprise a differential switch circuit. Current source NMOSFET M5 510 is connected between Vss 110 and N7 720. Second bias voltage Vbiasn 512 holds M5 510 in saturation.

[0090] The source terminal of a first voltage offset PMOSFET “M13” 722 is connected with the gate terminal of M9 706 at a sixth node “N8” 724. The drain terminal of M13 722 is connected to Vss 110. A second current source PMOSFET “M 14” 726 is connected between VDD 116 and N8 724. The source terminal of a second voltage offset PMOSFET “M15” 728 is connected with the gate terminal of M10 708 at a seventh node “N9” 730. The drain terminal of M15 728 is connected to Vss 110. A third current source PMOSFET “M16” 732 is connected between VDD 116 and N9 730. A third bias voltage “Vbiasp3” 734 holds both M14 726 and M16 732 in saturation.

[0091] First input signal vi1 118 is applied to the gate terminals of both M1 102 and M13 722 at a first input terminal “N10” 736; second input signal v12 120 is applied to the gate terminals of both M2 104 and M15 730 at a second input terminal “N11” 738. N10 736 and N11 738 together comprise a differential input. First output signal vo1 122 is produced at N6 714, which is a first output terminal; second output signal Vo2 124 is produced at N5 712, which is a second output terminal. N6 714 and N5 712 together comprise a differential output. An input common mode signal (see Eq. (2)) “vic” 747 is applied to the gate terminal of M11 716; a reference voltage “vref ” 742 is applied to the gate terminal of M12 718.

[0092] Preferably, differential amplifier 700 is balanced such that each component on the side of one output (e.g., M1 102, M3 504, M9 706, M11 716, M13 722, M14 726) corresponds to an identical component on the side of the other output (e.g., M2 104, M4 506, M10 708, M12 718, M15 728, M16 732).

[0093] Configured as they are, M13 722 and M14 726 form a first source follower 744, where M13 722 is the driven PMOSFET and M14 726 is the non-driven PMOSFET. Thus, the voltage at N8 724, VN8, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (27):

Eq. (27)VN8 =Vil−VTpM13+vovM13,

[0094] where VTpM13 is the threshold voltage of M13, and vovM13 is the overdrive voltage of M13. Likewise, M15 728 and M16 732 form a second source follower 746, where M15 728 is the driven PMOSFET and M16 732 is the non-driven PMOSFET. Thus, the voltage at N9 730, vN9, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (28):

Eq. (28)VN9 =Vi2 −VTpM15+VovM15,

[0095] where vTpMl5 is the threshold voltage of M15, and VovM15 is the overdrive voltage of M15. Normally, VTpM13<0, and VTpM15 <0. Thus, M13 722 and M15 728 act to level shift, respectively, vil 118 and Vi2 120, by the sum of the absolute values of the threshold and overdrive voltages of M13 722 (or equivalently, M15, 728). First and second source followers 744, 746 together comprise a differential offset circuit.

[0096] First differential pair 502 directly amplifies vil and vi2, while second differential pair 704 amplifies VN8 and VN9. Hence, second differential pair 704 indirectly amplifies vi1 and Vi2 because of the voltage drop across M13 722 and M15 728. Based on the instantaneous value of vic 736, M11 716 and M12 718 act to control which of first and second differential pairs 502, 704 dominates the other during amplification. The effect of this arrangement is that each differential pair 502, 704 has its own corresponding input common mode signal range such that the overall input common mode signal range of differential amplifier 700 is improved. For example, first differential pair 502 dominates over a first input common mode signal range, and second differential pair 704 dominates over a second input common mode signal range.

[0097] M11 716 controls a first current flow to first differential pair 502 based on As vic 740. Likewise, M12 718 controls a second current flow to second differential pair 704. Therefore, M11 716 and M12 718 determine the respective gain of differential pairs 502, 704. The sum of current flowing through both M11 716 and M12 718 equals the total current flowing through M5 510. So, for example, when vic 740 equals vref 742, equal portions of the total current flow through M11 716 and M12 718; when vic 740 is greater than vref 742, a greater portion of the total current flows through M11 716; and when Vic 740 is less than vref 742, a greater portion of the total current flows through M12 718.

[0098] When equal portions of the total current flow through both M11 716 and M12 718, both differential pairs 502, 704 provide equal amplification for vil and vi2. When a greater portion of the total current flows through M11 716, first differential pair 502 provides more amplification than second differential pair 704. When a greater portion of the total current flows through M12 718, second differential pair 704 provides more amplification than first differential pair 502.

[0099] In an embodiment, vref 740 is set at a voltage level greater than the lower limit of the input common mode signal range of differential pair 502. However, the skilled artisan would recognize other voltage levels to which vref 740 could be set.

[0100] An analysis of the input common mode signal range for differential amplifier 700 shows that it is wider than that of differential amplifier 500. For differential amplifier 700, the lower limit of vic can be expressed as shown in Eq. (29):

Eq. (29)Vic>VSS+VTn2+VovM5+VdSMI2−Vpoffset,

[0101] where VTn2 is the threshold voltage of M9 706 (or M10 708), VovM5 is the overdrive voltage of M5 510, vdsM12 is the drain-to-source voltage of M12 718, and vpoffset is the sum of the absolute values of the threshold and overdrive voltages of M13 722 (or M15 728). M12 718 works in the linear region as a switch. It is possible that Vpoffset>VTn2+VovM5+VdSMI2.

[0102] Likewise, the upper limit of vic can be expressed as shown in Eq. (30):

Eq. (30)Vic<VDD+VTn−Vovload,

[0103] where vTn is the threshold voltage of M1 102 (or M2 104), and vovload is the overdrive voltage of M3 504 (or M4 506). By comparing Eq. (23) with Eq. (29), it can be seen that the upper limit of the input common mode signal range desirably can be maintained greater than or equal to VDD. Similarly, by comparing Eq. (24) with Eq. (30), it can be seen that the lower limit of the input common mode signal range desirably can be maintained less than or equal to Vss.

[0104] Advantageously, differential amplifier 700 optimizes its input common mode signal range using differential pairs of NMOSFETs. This mitigates difficulties faced in fabricating differential pairs with matching gains and similar transient behaviors.

[0105] Also, unlike differential amplifier 600, differential amplifier 700 does not require a subsequent stage to provide loads for its amplifying transistors or to process additional output signals. Thus, in comparison with differential amplifier 600, differential amplifier 700 consumes both less power and less substrate area.

[0106] Further savings in power and substrate area are realized because differential pairs 502, 704 both draw current from current source transistor M5 510. While differential amplifier 700 does include current source transistors M14 726 and M16 732, these devices are sized at an order of magnitude (about ten times) smaller than that of current source transistor M8 608 in differential amplifier 600. Therefore, when corresponding devices of differential amplifiers 600 and 700 are similarly sized, differential amplifier 700 consumes less power and occupies less substrate area.

[0107] Yet another advantage provided by the design of differential amplifier 700, in comparison with differential amplifier 600, is a larger CMRR. Recalling that the CMRR of differential amplifier 100 was derived through analysis of small signal model circuit 200 in FIG. 2, a similar analysis can be performed on a small signal model circuit for differential amplifier 700 to derive its CMRR.

[0108]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a small signal model circuit 800 of differential pair 502 of differential amplifier 700. Because differential pair 502 includes amplifying transistors M1 102 and M2 104, which are common to differential amplifiers 100, 600, and 700, small signal model circuit 800 is similar to the topology of small signal model circuit 200 with some differences as explained below.

[0109] While differential amplifier 100 uses resistors RD1 112 and RD2 114 for passive loads, differential amplifier 700 uses transistors M3 504 and M4 506 for active loads. Thus, RD1 112 in circuit 200 is replaced in circuit 800 by a resistor “rOM3” 802, which corresponds to the output resistance of M3 504. Likewise, RD2 114 in circuit 200 is replaced in circuit 800 by a resistor “rOM4” 804, which corresponds to the output resistance of M4 506. A small signal model circuit for differential amplifier 600 (not shown) would include a similar replacement.

[0110] Similarly, while differential amplifier 100 uses (ideal) current source ITAIL 106 connected in parallel with resistor RTAIL 108, differential pair 502 (in both differential amplifiers 600 and 700) uses current source transistor M5 510. Thus, RTAIL 108 in circuit 200 is replaced in circuit 800 by a resistor “r0M5” 806, which corresponds to the output resistance of M5 510.

[0111] However, unlike differential amplifiers 100 or 600, differential amplifier 700 also includes switch transistors M11 716 and M12 718. Therefore, circuit 800 also includes a resistor “r0M11” 808, which corresponds to the output resistance of M11 716, connected in series with r0M5 806 between N0 206 and ground.

[0112] So, while analysis of small signal model circuit 200 yielded Eq. (22) as an expression for the CMRR of differential amplifiers 100 and 600, a parallel analysis of small signal model circuit 800 shows that the CMRR of differential pair 502 of differential amplifier 700 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (31):

Eq. (31)CMRR=[1+2gm×(r0M5+r0M11)],

[0113] A similar analysis of differential pair 704 shows that its CMRR can be expressed as shown in Eq. (32):

Eq. (32)CMRR=[1 +2gm×(r0MS+r0M12)],

[0114] where r0M12 is the output resistance of M12 718. (Normally, r0M11 =r0M12.) Thus, the CMRR of differential amplifier 700 is larger than that of differential amplifiers 100 or 600, when (R0MS+r0M12) >RTAIL.

[0115]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a circuit 900 for obtaining vic 740 from vil 118 and Vi2 120. In circuit 900, a first division resistor “Rdiv1” 902 is connected in series between a first node “N12” 904 and a second node “N13” 906. A second division resistor “RdiV2” 908 is connected in series between N13 906 and a third node “N14” 910. The resistance of Rdiv1 equals the resistance of RdiV2. First input signal vil 118 is applied to N12 904; second input signal Vi2 120 is applied to N14 910. Input common mode signal vic 740 is produced at N13 906. One skilled in the art would recognize other means by which vic 740 could be obtained from vil 118 and Vi2 120. The present invention is not limited to use of circuit 900.

[0116]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a differential amplifier 1000 configured to be a PMOSFET embodiment of the present invention. Differential amplifier 1000 comprises first differential pair 602 of amplifying PMOSFETs M6 604 and M7 606 with source terminals connected at a first node “N13” 1002, and a second differential pair 1004 of amplifying PMOSFETs “Ml7” 1006 and “M18” 1008 with source terminals connected at a second node “N14” 1010. First and second differential pairs 602, 1004 are connected in parallel. The drain terminals of M6 604 and M17 1006 are connected at a third node “N15 ” 1012; the drain terminals of M7 606 and M18 1008 are connected at a fourth node “N16” 1014. A first load transistor “M19” 1016 is connected as a load NMOSFET between VSS 110 and N15 1012; a second load transistor “M20” 1018 is connected as a load NMOSFET between Vss 110 and N16 1014. A first bias voltage “Vbiasn2” 1020 holds M19 1016 and M20 1018 in saturation.

[0117] A first switch PMOSFET “M21” 1022 and a second switch PMOSFET “M22” 1024 have their source terminals connected at a fifth node “N17” 1026. The drain terminal of M21 1022 is connected to N13 1002; the drain terminal of M22 1024 is connected to N14 1010. M21 1022 and M22 1024 together comprise a differential switch circuit. Current source PMOSFET M8 608 is connected between VDD 116 and N17 1026. Second bias voltage Vbiasp2 610 holds M8 608 in saturation.

[0118] The source terminal of a first voltage offset NMOSFET “M23” 1028 is connected with the gate terminal of M17 1006 at a sixth node “N18” 1030. The drain terminal of M23 1028 is connected to VDD 116. A second current source NMOSFET “M24” 1032 is connected between Vss 110 and N18 1030. The source terminal of a second voltage offset NMOSFET “M25” 1034 is connected with the gate terminal of M18 1008 at a seventh node “N19” 1036. The drain terminal of M25 1034 is connected to VDD 116. A third current source NMOSFET “M26” 1038 is connected between Vss 110 and N19 1036. A third bias voltage “Vbiasn3” 1040 holds both M24 1032 and M26 1038 in saturation.

[0119] First input signal vi1 118 is applied to the gate terminals of both M6 604 and M17 1006 at a first input terminal “N20” 1042; second input signal vi2 120 is applied to the gate terminals of both M7 606 and M18 1008 at a second input terminal “N21” 1044. N20 1042 and N21, 1044 together comprise a differential input. First output signal vo1 122 is produced at N16 1014, which is a first output terminal; second output signal Vo2 124 is produced at N15 1012, which is a second output terminal. N16 1014 and N15 1012 together comprise a differential output.

[0120] Input common mode signal (see Eq. (2)) vic 740 is applied to the gate terminal of M21 1022; reference voltage vref 742 is applied to the gate terminal of M22 1024.

[0121] Preferably, differential amplifier 1000 is balanced such that each component on the side of one output (e.g., M6 604, M17 1006, M19 1016, M21 1022, M23 1028, M24 1032) corresponds to an identical component on the side of the other output (e.g., M7 606, M18 1008, M20 1018, M22 1024, M25 1034, M26 1038).

[0122] Configured as they are, M23 1028 and M24 1032 form a first source follower 1046, where M23 1028 is the driven NMOSFET and M24 1032 is the non-driven NMOSFET. Thus, the voltage at N18 1030, VN18, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (33):

Eq. (33)vNI8 =vil−vTnM23−v0vM23,

[0123] where vTnM23 is the threshold voltage of M23, and VovM23 is the overdrive voltage of M23. Likewise, M25 1034 and M26 1038 form a second source follower 1048, where M25 1034 is the driven NMOSFET and M26 1038 is the non-driven NMOSFET. Thus, the voltage at N19 1036, vN19, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (34):

Eq. (34)vN19=vi2−vTnM25−vovM25,

[0124] where vTnM25 is the threshold voltage of M25, and VovM25 is the overdrive voltage of M25. Thus, M23 1028 and M25 1034 act to level shift, respectively, vi1 118 and vi2 120, the sum of the absolute values of the threshold and overdrive voltages of M23 1028 (or equivalently, M25 1034). First and second source followers 1046, 1048 together comprise a differential offset circuit.

[0125] First differential pair 602 directly amplifies vil and vi2, while second differential pair 1004 amplifies VN18 and vN19. Hence, second differential pair 1004 indirectly amplifies vil and vi2 because of the voltage drop across M23 1028 and M25 1034. Based on the instantaneous value of vic 736, M21 1022 and M22 1024 act to control which of first and second differential pairs 602, 1004 dominates the other during amplification. The effect of this arrangement is that each differential pair 602, 1004 has its own corresponding input common mode signal range such that the overall input common mode signal range of differential amplifier 1000 is improved. For example, first differential pair 602 dominates over a first input common mode signal range, and second differential pair 1004 dominates over a second input common mode signal range.

[0126] M21 1022 controls a first current flow to first differential pair 602 based on vic 740. Likewise, M22 1024 controls a second current flow to second differential pair 1004. Therefore, M21 1022 and M22 1024 determine the respective gain of differential pairs 602, 1004. The sum of current flowing through both M21 1022 and M22 1024 equals the total current flowing through M8 608. So, for example, when vic 740 equals vref 742, equal portions of the total current flow through M21 1022 and M22 1024; when vic 740 is less than vref 742, a greater portion of the total current flows through M21 1022; and when vic 740 is greater than vref 742, a greater portion of the total current flows through M22 1024.

[0127] When equal portions of the total current flow through both M21 1022 and M22 1024, both differential pairs 602, 1004 provide equal amplification for vil and vi2. When a greater portion of the total current flows through M21 1022, first differential pair 602 provides more amplification than second differential pair 1004. When a greater portion of the total current flows through M22 1024, second differential pair 1004 provides more amplification than first differential pair 502.

[0128] In an embodiment, vref 740 is set at a voltage level lesser than the upper limit of the input common mode signal range of differential pair 602. However, the skilled artisan would recognize other voltage levels to which vref 740 could be set.

[0129] An analysis of the input common mode signal range for differential amplifier 1000 shows that it is wider than that of differential amplifier 500. For differential amplifier 1000, the lower limit of vi, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (35):

Eq. (35)vic>Vss+vTp2+Vovload2,

[0130] where vTp2 is the threshold voltage of M6 604 (or M7 606), and vovload2 is the overdrive voltage of M19 1016 (or M20 1016). Normally, VTp2<0, but |VTp2|>|Vovload2|.

[0131] Likewise, the upper limit of vi, can be expressed as shown in Eq. (36):

Eq. (36)Vic<VDD+VTp3−vovMS+VdsM22+Vnoffset,

[0132] where VTp3 is the threshold voltage of M17 1006 (or M18 1008), vovM8 is the overdrive voltage of M8 608, vdSM22 is the drain-to-source voltage of M22 1024, and vnoffset is the sum of the absolute values of the threshold and overdrive voltages of M23 1028 (or M25 1034). Normally, vTp3<0 and vdsM22<0. M22 1024 works in the linear region as a switch. It is possible that vnoffset >−vTp3+vovM8 +vdsM22. By comparing Eq. (23) with Eq. (35), it can be seen that the upper limit of the input common mode signal range desirably can be maintained greater than or equal to VDD. Similarly, by comparing Eq. (24) with Eq. (36), it can be seen that the lower limit of the input common mode signal range desirably can also be maintained less than or equal to Vss.

[0133] The above explanation of the present invention has been in the context of employing it in a differential amplifier. However, in a more general sense, the present invention relates to a method of extending an input signal range of any component that receives a signal. The skilled artisan would appreciate that, in this general sense, the present invention can be realized in any number of embodiments in which a circuit first level shifts the voltage of the input signal and then processes the input signal.

[0134]
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a single-input amplifier 1100 of the present invention. Single-input amplifier 1100 comprises first amplifying transistor M1 102 and second amplifying transistor M9 706 with drain terminals connected at first node N5 712. The source terminals of MI 102 and M9 706 are connected to Vss 110. Load transistor M3 504 is connected between VDD 116 and N5 712. In addition to providing active load, M3 504 also acts as a current source for single-input amplifier 1100. The source terminal of M3 504 is connected to VDD 116. First bias voltage Vbiasp 508 holds M3 504 in saturation. The source terminal of voltage offset transistor M13 722 is connected with the gate terminal of M9 706 at second node N8 724. The drain terminal of M13 722 is connected to Vss 110. Second current source transistor M14 726 is connected between VDD 116 and N8 724. Second bias voltage Vbiasp3 734 holds M14 726 in saturation.

[0135] Input signal vil 118 is applied to the gate terminals of both M1 102 and M13 722 at input terminal N10 736. Output signal Vo2 124 is produced at N5 712, which is the output terminal. Configured as they are, M13 722 and M14 726 forrn source follower 744, where M13 722 is the driven MOSFET and M14 726 is the non-driven MOSFET. Thus, the voltage at N8 724, vN8, can be expressed as shown above in Eq. (27):

Eq. (27)vN8=vi1−vTpM13,

[0136] where vTpM13 is the threshold voltage of M13. Normally, VTpM13<0. Thus, M13 722 acts to level shift vi1 118 by the threshold voltage. Source follower 744 comprises an offset circuit. Thus, while M1 102 directly amplifies vi1 , M9 706 amplifies vN8. Hence, M9 706 indirectly amplifies vi1 because of the voltage drop across M13 722.

[0137] For single-input amplifier 1100, the lower limit of vi1 118 can be expressed as shown in Eq. (37):

Eq. (37)vil>VSS+VTn2−Vpoffset,

[0138] where vT2 is the threshold voltage of M9 706, and vpoffset is the sum of the absolute values of the threshold and overdrive voltages of M13 722. It is possible that Vpoffset>VTn2.

[0139] Likewise, the upper limit of vil can be expressed as shown in Eq. (38):

Eq. (38)vil<VDD+vTn −vovload,

[0140] where vTn is the threshold voltage of M1 102, and vovload is the overdrive voltage of M3 504. Normally, vTn>vovload. Thus, the upper limit of the input signal range desirably can be maintained greater than or equal to VDD, and the lower limit of the input signal range desirably can also be maintained less than or equal to Vss.

[0141] In single-input amplifier 1100, M1 102 and M9 706 are NMOSFETs, while M3 504, M13 722, and M14 726 are PMOSFETs. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that other transistor configurations could also be used.

[0142]
FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of a method 1200 for extending an input signal range of a component that receives the input signal. In method 1200, at a step 1202, a voltage of the input signal is level shifted. This is done to compensate the input signal for bias voltages within the component that limit the voltages of the input signal to a range less than the desirable voltage range. The desirable voltage range spans between the voltages that supply power to the component. For example, offset transistors M13 722 and M15 728 level shift, respectively, input signals vil 118 and vil 120, by the threshold voltages.

[0143] Optionally, at a step 1204, a subcomponent from a plurality of subcomponents is selected to process the level shifted voltage. In an embodiment, the subcomponent is selected in response to a comparison between a common mode voltage of the input signal and a reference signal. For example, M11 716 controls the current flow to differential pair 502 based on vic 736. Likewise, M12 718 controls the current flow to differential pair 704. Based on the instantaneous value of vic 736, M11 716 and M12 718 act to control which of differential pairs 502, 704 dominates the other during amplification. When a greater portion of the total current flows through M12 718, differential pair 704 provides more amplification than differential pair 502. Thus, differential pair 704 is selected to process the level shifted voltage.

[0144] At a step 1206, the level shifted voltage is processed within the component. In an embodiment, the offset voltage is amplified within the component. For example, differential pair 704 amplifies VN8 and VN9, thus processing the level shifted voltages. Because of the voltage drop across M13 722 and M15 728, differential pair 704 indirectly amplifies vil and vi2.

[0145] Conclusion

[0146] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Differential amplifier with large input common mode signal range

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