Importance

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Abstract

A method and device to emulate impedances includes a pair of impedances connected in series between a supply voltage and ground, the impedances forming a voltage divider having at its midpoint a reference voltage V.sub.x. An OP AMP includes a positive input connected to the V.sub.x node and the negative input connected to the output thereof in a direct feedback loop. The OP AMP output is also connected to a load impedance that is connected either to the supply voltage or ground. The unity gain OP AMP forces the output voltage thereof to follow the input voltage V.sub.x, whereby the output voltage behaves as if it were created by a virtual impedance. By proper choice of components and values, the virtual impedance may comprise a large capacitor, and the remaining impedances may comprise resistance and small capacitance, both of which, together with the OP AMP, are easily integrated in a small die area. A transistor may be interposed between the load impedance and supply or ground to eliminate unacceptably large current flow through the OP AMP. The OP AMP may be provided with a negative gain, and the impedances may be scaled to create a virtual inductor having a predetermined value. Impedance emulator circuits may be combined so that the emulated impedance of one circuit may act as a virtual component in a further emulation circuit, whereby a wide range of component impedances values of may be replicated.

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First Claim