A Research Perspective on CMOS Current Mirror Circuits: Configurations and Techniques

Background: Immense growth in the field of VLSI technology is fuelled by its feasibility to realize analog circuits in μm and nm technology. The current mirror (CM) is a basic building block used to enhance performance characteristics by constructing complex analog/mixed-signal circuits like amplifier, data converters and voltage level converters. In addition, the current mirror finds diverse applications from biasing to current-mode signal processing. Methods: In this paper, the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technologybased current mirror (CM) circuits are discussed with their advantages and disadvantages accompanied by the performance analysis of different parameters. It also briefs various techniques which are employed for improvising the current mirror performance like gain boosting and bandwidth extension. Besides, this paper lists the CMs that use different types of MOS devices like Floating Gate MOS, Bulk-driven MOS, and Quasi-Floating Gate MOS. As a result, the paper performs a detailed review of CMOS Current mirrors and their techniques. Results: Basic CM circuits that can act as building blocks in the VLSI circuits are simulated using 0.25 μm, BSIM and Level 1 technology. In addition, various devices based CMs are investigated and compared. Conclusion: The comprehensive discussion shows that the current mirror plays a significant role in analog/mixed-signal circuits design to realize complex systems for low-power biomedical and wireless applications.