NMOS current mirror error ?

Thread Starter

demir-ali

Joined Jul 13, 2024
321
Hi , I was making experiment of the schematics below in the picture with Vdd = 12v , R=8.2k and couple of IRFZ44N. The problem there is ,
since the Vth is not as predictable as Vbe in BJTs , current mirror did not worked well. I have tried different IRFZ44Ns and the output current was varying.
I do wonder , what should I expect , what should I care more when desing with mosfets. Can you give me some tips ?
I also was wondering , since Vth is not constant and datasheets dont give the value of (unCoxW/L) = k but gives the minimum gm value , how can I calculate the current in a simple mosfet circuit for example biasing IRFZ44N with 3K load and 1mA current biased from 12v VDD ?
 

crutschow

Joined Mar 14, 2008
38,315
As you note, the mismatch between two discrete MOSFETs' Vgs(th) can make a current-mirror with widely varying currents, making doing that problematic.
They can use MOSFETs for a current-mirror on an IC since they are much better matched when on the same chip.

If you want to make a discrete device current-mirror than use BJTs,
You can buy matched BJTs in a single package for an even better current match.
 

Thread Starter

demir-ali

Joined Jul 13, 2024
321
As you note, the mismatch between two discrete MOSFETs' Vgs(th) can make a current-mirror with widely varying currents, making doing that problematic.
They can use MOSFETs for a current-mirror on an IC since they are much better matched when on the same chip.

If you want to make a discrete device current-mirror than use BJTs,
You can buy matched BJTs in a single package for an even better current match.
Thank you so much , I like learning practical paths
 

dl324

Joined Mar 30, 2015
18,216
I was making experiment of the schematics below
Don't see a schematic.
Can you give me some tips ?
This method isn't suitable if you'll be making more than a few of whatever you're planning to make.

Sort through enough devices to find 2 that have the same threshold voltage. When you measure threshold voltage, make sure you short the gate to drain as the manufacturers suggest. I did it both ways and the threshold voltages actually varied in the opposite direction I was lead to expect. I had previously binned a couple hundred devices by threshold voltage spreads of a few hundredths of a volt. Some went down to the next bin when I re-measured "properly".
 

Thread Starter

demir-ali

Joined Jul 13, 2024
321
Don't see a schematic.
This method isn't suitable if you'll be making more than a few of whatever you're planning to make.

Sort through enough devices to find 2 that have the same threshold voltage. When you measure threshold voltage, make sure you short the gate to drain as the manufacturers suggest. I did it both ways and the threshold voltages actually varied in the opposite direction I was lead to expect. I had previously binned a couple hundred devices by threshold voltage spreads of a few hundredths of a volt. Some went down to the next bin when I re-measured "properly".
1724975476378.png
 

Ian0

Joined Aug 7, 2020
13,097
You can make a current mirror with power MOSFETs, but why would you want to? Just use a BCV61 like normal people do!

You might be better off with a dual MOSFET as the chips are likely to be from the same batch, but in a BCV61 they are part of the same chip.
You might improve things by putting some resistors between the source terminals and ground.
 
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