BiCMOS current source reference network for ULSI BiCMOS with ECL circuitry

A BiCMOS current source reference network which eliminates the impact of DC power supply voltage drops on the operation of ECL (emitter coupled logic) circuits is described. This is essential for implementing ECL design techniques in ULSI BiCMOS circuits. Using the current source network, reference voltages are generated locally, so that the ECL voltage references are correctly referenced to the local power supply potentials. A power-supply-insensitive bandgap reference generator is used to generate precision on-chip voltage references and current sources. The bandgap reference circuit uses both MOS and bipolar transistors and is much simpler than a similar design using bipolar-only circuitry. The micrograph of the test chip containing the bandgap circuit nd BiCMOS op amp analog drivers is shown. The drivers are designed for multiple-reference-level regeneration. The test chip has been fabricated using a 0.8- mu m BiCMOS process. The typical characteristics of the bandgap circuit and the analog driver are shown.<>