What is the voltage reference VREF in a voltage regulator Why is it needed?
Accurate measurements require a reference voltage that does not fluctuate with system conditions such as input voltage or ambient temperature. A voltage-reference IC provides a steady voltage that other ICs use to make measurements with the required accuracy. There are two types of voltage references: shunt and series.
What is meant by voltage reference?
A voltage reference is an electronic device that ideally produces a fixed (constant) voltage irrespective of the loading on the device, power supply variations, temperature changes, and the passage of time.
What’s the difference between voltage regulator and voltage reference?
Voltage regulator vs. voltage reference. Now, voltage regulators are typically used to power a circuit, which means they will have a current output of a few hundred mA or more, generally speaking. In order to keep cost, size, etc down, the output tolerance on voltage regulators are (again, generally) a few 10s or 100s of mV.
Is the circuit the same with both voltage references?
The general concept and circuit is the same between voltage references. The difference is how the details are implemented. There are two topologies, series or shunt, and an LDO or voltage reference are made in both topologies. Does it matter which one you use, no.
Do you need series reference or voltage reference?
You will need a voltage reference here; if you find the external resistors a hassle, use a series reference instead of a shunt diode. The general concept and circuit is the same between voltage references. The difference is how the details are implemented.
What’s the difference between voltage references and LDO?
The differences are voltage references are designed with these characteristics in mind, to minimize voltage error. This usually always increases the cost of voltage references vs an LDO. Voltage references have lower current sourcing capabilities in a tradoff for other characteristics.