Optimization of the peaking current source

An integrated-current reference is presented which is extremely simple but can be designed for enhanced supply voltage independence or temperature independence. The conditions for optimum circuit biasing are developed and presented in a way to enable the circuit designer to optimize the circuit for supply voltage independence, temperature independence, or both under a certain condition. The circuit is simulated using SPICE and experimental data is taken from an operating prototype. This circuit provides a reasonably stable current reference with very little penalty in the circuit layout area over a simple mirror-type current source which has no regulation capability.