Translinear principle

The translinear principle is a statement that in a closed loop containing only junctions, the product of current densities flowing in the clockwise direction is equal to the product of current densities flowing in the counterclockwise direction. It is used in current mode circuits called translinear circuits, which can perform various mathematical functions using just a few transistors.From: RF and Microwave Semiconductor Device Handbook [2017], Synthesis and study of evolutionary optimised sensor linearisation with translinear & FPGA circuits [2022], Mixed-Signal Circuits [2019]

Bipolar Junction Transistors

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Published in Mike Golio, RF and Microwave Semiconductor Device Handbook, 2017

John C. Cowles

A large family of translinear circuits has been synthesized by applying the translinear principle stated as: In a closed loop containing only junctions, the product of current densities flowing in the clockwise direction is equal to the product of current densities flowing in the counterclockwise direction.

Synthesis and study of evolutionary optimised sensor linearisation with translinear & FPGA circuits

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Journal Information

Published in International Journal of Electronics, 2022

S. Sundararajan, Madhusoodanan Kottarthil Naduvil, A Abudhahir, K T Gandhi Karuna, G Noble

A translinear circuit is a current mode circuit that performs its function using the translinear principle which states that the product of current flowing in the clockwise direction is equal to the current flowing in the anticlockwise direction in a closed loop of diodes (Gilbert, 1975). Translinear circuits can operate at a high speed and low slew rate limit with reduced power because of limited voltage swings. These circuits are used to realise mathematical functions whereby a small number of transistors can implement considerably complex functions. The current mode circuits compensate for the errors during finite transistor gain automatically (Yin et al., 2005).

Translinear principle

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Bipolar Junction Transistors

Synthesis and study of evolutionary optimised sensor linearisation with translinear & FPGA circuits