Run-Time Programming of Analog Circuits Using Floating-Gate Transistors

The ability to recalibrate a system is an important feature in allowing that system to maintain optimal performance even in the face of new demands placed on that system by environmental changes or even consumers´ desires. The use of floating-gate (FG) transistors provides programmability to analog circuitry and, hence, the ability to recalibrate an analog system. If the FG transistors are programmed indirectly by using a second transistor to perform hot-electron injection, then an analog system can be recalibrated and reprogrammed without ever having to take the circuit out of operation. In this paper, we present a technique for adjusting circuit properties while still in operation as well as example circuits in which this run-time programming is conducted.