Circuits with dynamic biasing

This technology is an electronic circuit that uses dynamic biasing for reducing power consumption while enhancing signal extraction from a high-noise environment.

Unmet Need: Bias-control circuits without signal interference

To conserve energy in electronic circuits, it is preferable to use bias currents that are no larger than necessary. Amplitude-dependent bias currents are often desirable as the minimum required bias current typically depends on signal amplitude, and amplitude-dependent biasing produces the least amount of noise when the bias current is only as large as needed. However, the bias can undesirably interact with the signal. Thus, to gain the benefits of reduced power consumption and minimal noise, there is a need for circuits in which the bias control and the signal properties do not interact with each other.

The Technology: Dynamic biasing to minimize noise and reduce power consumption

This technology uses dynamic biasing in circuits to improve signal conditioning and processing while reducing power consumption. This circuit can accommodate a range of signal amplitudes while maintaining high energy efficiency, high signal-to-noise ratio, and preventing interaction between the signal and bias control. Bias currents are adjusted in accordance with signals that are received or generated by the circuit. This approach can be implemented in various configurations to meet application-specific requirements without adding complexity to the circuit design.

This technology has been validated through extensive simulations and measurements.

Applications:

• Signal conditioning and processing for mobile phones and other signal-processing devices
• Bias control in amplifiers
• Bias control in log-domain circuits
• Bias control in filters

Advantages:

• Reduces power consumption
• Reduces noise
• Increases dynamic range
• Simplifies design of circuits with bias control

Lab Director:

Yannis Tsividis, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued (US 6,816,003)

Related Publications:

• Krishnapura N, Tsividis Y. “Noise and power reduction in filters through the use of adjustable biasing,” IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits. 2001 Dec; 36(12): 1912-1920.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR M00-034

• Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel