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Circuit Idea/How the Wilson current

mirror equalizes the currents
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How the Wilson current mirror equalizes the input and output
currents

Circuit idea: "Moving" one base current from the input to the output leg of the circuit.

In the Wilson current mirror, one base current is

"moved" from the left to the right leg of the circuit.

How do we reveal the secrets of Wilson current mirror?

The great challenge

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It was a challenge to reveal the idea behind the popular BJT current mirror;[1][2][3][4]
but it is a great challenge to disclosure the mystery of the legendary Wilson current
mirror (Fig. 1)! Maybe, there is nothing so simple (containing only three transistors)
and, at the same time, so incomprehensible and misunderstood circuit as Wilson
current mirror. There are many resources that have tried to explain this sophisticated,
ingenious and elegant circuit solution by using formal methods. But they do not give
us what we need, first and foremost, as human beings - the basic idea(s) behind this
odd, strange and exotic circuit. It is a great paradox to calculate circuit without
knowing the basic idea behind it!?! So, before showing in detail how to calculate the
electronic circuit we have first to show what the very basic idea is behind the circuit.

Questions to be answered
Looking at the circuit diagram (Fig. 1), we need to answer dozens of questions that are
never answered.

What does the transistor Q3 do in this circuit? What is its function there? Why this
current mirror contains another simpler current mirror Q1 and Q2 (why an
Fig. 1. Wilson current mirror
additional simple current mirror is nested in the main current mirror)?!?! What is
its function? But why this simple current mirror is reversed (why the transistors Q1
and Q2 are swapped)? Why the Q1's collector current serves as an input quantity and the Q2's collector current as an
output one (we thought the Q2's collector current was the input quantity and the Q1's collector current was the output
quantity)? Are there negative feedbacks in Wilson current mirror? If there are, what are they? How many negative
feedbacks there are? What are their functions (why they are included)? What and how do they control - voltage or
current? What are the advantages of Wilson current mirror versus current mirror with emitter degeneration? How does
Wilson current mirror keep up an almost constant current (why it has an almost infinite output resistance)? Why the input
and output currents are almost equal (what is the trick)? Has a MOSFET Wilson current mirror some advantage versus
the simple MOSFET current mirror?

Heuristic approach
Since there are no satisfactory answers to the questions above, let's try to disclose the mystery of the famous circuit by
ourselves; let's answer these questions relying mainly on our human intuition, imagination and common sense. Please, just
forget all kinds "cut-and-dried" citations and begin thinking by yourself to make an exciting discussion here!
The best way of understanding and presenting electronic circuits is by reinventing them, by showing the circuit
evolution.[5][6] So, let's imagine how Wilson has invented his current mirror by reinventing and building it, in order to grasp
the basic ideas behind the circuit and then to present them in an attractive manner to readers. Of course, it would be
wonderful if the very Wilson, if he is still alive, would expose how he has invented the famous circuit. Only, it is a well-known
truth that, as a rule, due to variety of reasons, inventors do not show willingness for disclosing the process of invention.[7]

The imperfections of the simple current mirror

BJT. The simple BJT current mirror (Fig. 2) has two main imperfections: first, the output current differs from the input one
because of the two base currents that the transistors Q1 and Q2 "suck" from the input current; second, the output current
varies when the output (load) voltage changes because of the Early effect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_effect). These
are completely different problems; there is no any connection between them. Wilson was clever; in the early 60's, he "killed
two birds with one stone" - adding only one transistor to the humble current mirror, he managed to remove both
imperfections of the simple BJT current mirror!

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MOSFET. The simple MOSFET current mirror has the second imperfection only
because there are no gate currents. And even in this case the Wilson idea is
beneficial; it enables the MOSFET Wilson current source to keep up a constant
output current (see another story about the famous circuit).

Fig. 2. The simple current mirror

How the Wilson current mirror equalizes the input and

output currents
In order to justify the name current mirror, in this circuit the output current has to follow exactly the input current. So,
regarding to the current magnitudes, a current mirror is actually a current follower. The Wilson current mirror meets closely
this requirement. Here we will show how the Wilson current mirror eliminates the difference between the input and output
currents.

Posing the first problem of the BJT simple current mirror

In our routine, we frequently need to equalize two quantities having

different magnitudes. Let's, for example, scrutinize a popular
mechanical analogy: imagine two heaps of weights are placed on
the two sides of ordinary mechanical scales - for concreteness, 4
grams on the left pan and 6 grams on the right pan Fig. 3). Since
there is a difference of two grams between them (4 < 6), the scales
are unbalanced (inclined to the left). This mechanical analogy
corresponds to the circuit of the BJT simple current mirror (Fig. 4a)
consisting of transistors with ß = 4 (Fig. 4b) if we assume that one
base current corresponds to one gram. The problem is how to Fig. 3. Unbalanced scales
equalize the two weights, respectively the two currents.

More generally and more precisely speaking, we want to create a copy of an original quantity but two entities are lost from
the original before we make the copy. The problem is how to compensate the loss.

For this purpose, let's try to present the ideas behind this legendary circuit and its operation in a more attractive way. We
know, in order to grasp the ideas behind circuits, we may visualize electrical quantities voltage and current by voltage bars
and current loops. In the case of current mirrors, it is extremely interesting to show where currents flow and to visualize
their magnitudes. So, we may draw two kinds of figures in this section. The first, placed on the left side of the page, will
represent the respective circuit diagram with superimposed voltage and current "maps". The second, placed on the right side
of the page, will visualize the magnitudes of the currents by fat lines whose thickness is proportional to the magnitude of the
corresponding current.

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Let's begin
with
presenting
the simple
BJT
current
mirror in
such an
attractive
way (Fig.
4). You
can see on
the left
picture
(Fig. 4a)
where
currents
flow and
Fig. 4a. The problem of the simple BJT current Fig. 4b. A simple BJT current mirror (a current
mirror. map)

particularly how the transistors "suck" two base currents. The

currents are represented by closed loops (every current finishes where it has started). The lines on the right picture (Fig. 4b)
are actually sections of the closed current loops from Fig. 4a. The transistors are shown with extremely low ß (on this figure ß
= 4) for convenience, in order to present the base currents by thick enough lines.

Equalizing the currents by "pushing" 2IB to IIN...

How do we solve the problem of the two "sucking" IB in the simple

BJT current mirror? Let's begin thinking relying on our human
common sense...

We know from our daily routine the great idea of compensation: if

there are some losses of "something", we might compensate them
by adding the same quantity of this "thing". In our mechanical
analogy, we may just take two grams from the weight box and add
them to the left pan, in order to balance the scales (4 + 2 = 6) - Fig.
5. Fig. 5. Balancing the scales by adding 2 grams

Generally speaking, here we compensate the loss by adding two

items to the original (we correct completely the original).

Well, let's put in practice this simple idea! "Electrically" speaking, since the transistors "suck" two IB, the first idea that might
dawn on us is, of course, to add the same two IB (Fig. 6b). Then IOUT = IIN - 2IB + 2IB = IIN. For this purpose, we have to
connect an injecting current source 2IB to the T1's collector - Fig. 6a (more precisely speaking, this is rather a current-stable
resistor than a source).
Only, this has to be not an ordinary constant current source but a "following" current source that copies the current 2IB.

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What an
idiocy! It
turns out
that we
need
another
current
mirror?!?

Fig. 6a. Compensating by injecting 2Ib. Fig. 6b. Pushing 2Ib to Iin (a current map)

...by "sucking" 2IB from IOUT...

With the same success, in our mechanical analogy, we may subtract

two grams from the right pan and place them to the weight box, in
order to balance the scales again (4 = 6 - 2) - Fig. 7. So, we may
reason in similar way about the circuit...

Generally speaking, now we compensate the loss by adding two

items to the copy (we correct completely the copy).

Fig. 7. Balancing the scales by subtracting 2

grams

Let's now apply this "mechanical" idea to our electrical circuit... Above, we have added the two compensating base currents
by injecting them into the input current (the "original" quantity). But with the same success we might add them to the output
current (the "copy") by "sucking" 2IB from it (Fig. 8b). Now IIN = IOUT - 2IB + 2IB = IOUT. In this case, we have to connect a
sinking current source 2IB to the T2's collector (Fig. 8a).
As before, this has to be not an ordinary constant current source but a "following" current source that copies the current 2IB.

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Fig. 8a. Compensating by sinking 2Ib. Fig. 8b. Sucking 2Ib from Iout (a current map)

...by both "sucking" IB from IOUT and "pushing" IB to IIN...

We have almost reached the great Wilson's current equalizing

idea... Well, let's continue thinking. It is inconvenient to create 2IB;
it is easier to produce (source or sink) only IB. What do we do then?

Let's go back again to our favorite mechanical analogy; it may help

us... And really, instead to add as many as two grams to the left pan
or to subtract two grams from the right pan, we may balance the
scales by adding only one gram from the weight box to the left pan
and subtracting one gram from the right pan placing it to the weight
box (4 + 1 = 6 - 1) - Fig. 9. Fig. 9. Balancing the scales by subtracting 2
grams
Generally speaking, now we compensate the loss by adding one
item to the original and subtracting one item from the copy
(we compensate partially both the original and the copy).

Let's now put in practice this interesting idea... For this purpose, we might connect an injecting current source IB between
the positive rail and the T1's collector and a sinking current source IB between the T2's collector and the ground - Fig. 10a. In
this way, we add one base current to the input current and another base current to the output current (Fig. 10b). As a result,
the two currents become equal:

IIN + IB = IOUT + IB,

so, IIN = IOUT

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Fig. 10a. Equalizing the currents by both Fig. 10b. Sucking Ib from Iout and "pushing" Ib to
"sucking" and "pushing" IB. Iin (a current map)

...by "moving" IB from IOUT to IIN...

We have really reached the great Wilson's current equalizing idea...

We may develop further the powerful idea from the mechanical
analogy above just moving one gram from the right pan to the left
pan! Well, let's say it again: instead to add one gram to the left pan
and to subtract one gram from the right pan, we may balance the
scales just by moving one gram from the left to the right pan (4 + 1
= 6 - 1) - Fig. 11. But this is not only Wilson's idea! Every vendor
from the past knew and used this clever trick!

Generally speaking, now we compensate the loss by moving Fig. 11. Balancing the scales by moving 1 gram
one item from the original (before the loss) to the copy.
Thus we compensate partially both the original and the copy; we
redistribute the compensating items.

Let's now put in practice this clever trick... As above, we add one base current to the input current and another base current
to the output current (Fig. 12b). As a result, the two currents become again equal:

IIN + IB = IOUT + IB,

so, IIN = IOUT
Here is the great Wilson's idea! In order to equalize the two currents, he has just "moved" one base current from the
one to the other leg!

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Don't you
think this
connection
resembles
a bridge
circuit (the
current
source
serves as a
"bridge"
between
the two
circuit
legs)?

Fig. 12a. Equalizing the currents by "moving" IB.

Fig. 12b. Moving Ib from Iout to Iin (a current
map)

Realizing the Wilson's current equalizing idea

Once we revealed the brilliant Wilson's idea we have only to implement it. Let's continue thinking...

Fig. 13a. Finally, we have got a nearly Wilson

current mirror circuit Fig. 13b. A copy of Fig. 12b.

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What is this mysterious element that can consume IB from one part of the circuit and can add it to the other part? Of course,
there is nothing more natural for a bipolar transistor to do that "donkey work"! It "sucks" IB from the point where its base is
connected and adds it to the emitter current. Then let's connect a transistor T3 in the left leg of our circuit (Fig. 13a)!

Wonderful, now it sinks the current IB from IOUT and injects the same current IB into IIN (Fig. 13b)! So, we have managed to
reveal the role of the mysterious transistor T3!

In the circuit of Wilson current mirror, the transistor T3 "moves" one base current from the right to the
left leg of the circuit.

Reversing the circuit to obtain the true Wilson current mirror

Only, there is something wrong in this connection because we can't change the input current in the left leg (by varying the
resistor or the voltage). If we try to do that, the transistor T3 will resist to our intervention thus keeping up a constant current
(see another story about the legendary circuit). Let's continue thinking.

Fig. 14a. Finally, we have got a true Wilson Fig. 14b. Where currents flow in the Wilson
current mirror. current mirror.

Well, the transistor T3 has to adjust its base current so that its collector current to remain unchanged as we want. The only
"thing" that can do this magic is the ubiquitous negative feedback that keeps up an almost constant voltage (this should be
the same kind of negative feedback as this applied to the transistor T1).

But there isn't a feedback in this input part of the circuit; there is no connection between the T3's collector and base. Instead,
there is a negative feedback implemented by T3 and T1 that are connected between the collector and the emitter of T2 in the
output part of the circuit (see again Fig. 13a)! What do we do then?

Eureka! We may swap the two circuit legs: the output part can serve as an input one and the input part - as an output one.
Thus we obtain finally a true Wilson current mirror (Fig. 14a)! Let's draw the final conclusion:

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In the circuit of Wilson current mirror, the transistor T3 "moves" one base current from the left to the
right leg of the circuit.

References
1. Talk:Current mirror reveals the secrets behind the simple current mirror circuits.
2. How to reverse current direction reveals the secret of the simple current mirror.
3. Can a "diode" current mirror exist? begins revealing the secret of the current mirror by reinventing it.
4. Building a BJT current mirror continues reinventing the simple BJT current mirror.
5. The philosophy behind the Circuit idea Wikibook
6. A heuristic approach to teaching analog electronics (http://www.circuit-fantasia.com/my_work/conferences/ewme_2006/
paper.htm) relies on human imagination, intuition and emotions.
7. Why circuit ideas are hidden considers the fate of new circuit ideas.

Resources

Trying to explain the circuit by intuition

Paul Horowitz, Winfield Hill. The art of electronics (http://www.cambridge.org/uk/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=0521370
957), second edition, p 89. ISBN 0521370957. Well, let's look at page 89: "...with Q2 now sourcing the output current..." But
why? Unfortunately, the famous authors have not also noticed the remarkable property of the Wilson current mirror to
equalize the input and output currents.

Designing analog chips (http://www.designinganalogchips.com/_count/designinganalogchips.pdf). The author has said

about Wilson "...analog designers don't get Nobel prizes, they get a circuit named after them..." and about his creation
"...by a happy coincidence the three base currents cancel..." But how? We would like to know!

Mechkov C., Equalizing the currents in Wilson current mirror, Computer science'2008 (http://csconf.org/csconf/)
conference, 18–19 September 2008, Kavala, Greece. This is the same story as the presented above but it is written a bit more
formal.

"Explaining" the circuit by formal methods

Wilson current mirror from Wikipedia is a typical example of formal approach in circuitry.
Wilson current mirror from Analogue Electronics wikibook uses the same formal approach.

Showing some historical facts

Analogue and mixed signal integrated circuit design (http://www.ami.ac.uk/courses/ami4409_amsicd/u01/index.asp#1.2.
3) gives interesting facts about the George Wilson invention. "The story goes that Barrie Gilbert had an informal contest
with one George Wilson to see who could come up with the most useful three-transistor current source. George Wilson won
and gave his name to this elegant and very effective design. 'As if by magic' the base current errors associated with the
two-transistor source are almost completely cancelled out..." But we ask again, "Why?"

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Are Op Amps Really Linear? (http://www.archive.chipcenter.com/analog/c014.htm) in this article, Barrie Gilbert admits:
"...the first reported monolithic JFET op amp was designed by my good friend George Wilson that threw in a new type of
BJT current mirror, now widely known as the Wilson mirror...."

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