Peaking Current Source

20 August 2019 0 Comments



The circuit

The peaking current source is shown in the schematic below:


Application

The characteristics of this type of source is that even if IIN changes a lot IOUT changes very little. So it is useful to generate a constant current from a changing supply where IIN can be replaced by just a resistor.

Design

If IIN changes then the change the change in the Vbe and the drop on the R should be equal and opposite. When that happens the current in the output transistor will remain constant since its Vbe won't change. If ΔIINR=ΔIINgm then this condition will be fulfilled. Thus we have:
R=VTIIN

Since IIN changes there will be just 1 point in the whole IIN range where the above relation holds and that is the point where the IOUT curve is flat, it tapers lower on either sides.
A simulation with R=259 ohms causing the peak to be at 100uA is shown below:


Extensions

The output transistor can be degenerated with a resistor like a Widlar Source to make the output current curve more flat as well.