Reference startup circuit for audio amplifiers

Abstract

A startup circuit for a bandgap reference source can include a first transistor coupled to a supply source and configured to provide a current to a reference resistance when the bandgap reference source is turned on, to thereby provide a reference voltage at a first node between the first transistor and the reference resistance, a second transistor coupled to the supply source to provide a second node therebetween, the second transistor having a gate coupled to the first node, such that the second transistor is off and a startup voltage at the second node is up when the reference voltage is at or below a threshold voltage, and the second transistor is on and the startup voltage at the second node is down when the reference voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, and a third transistor implemented between the supply source and a startup node of a bandgap core, the third transistor having a gate coupled to the second node such that the third transistor turns on to inject a startup current to the startup node when the startup voltage is up, and turns off when the startup voltage is down.