Practical Approximations
For small-signal analysis the current mirror can be approximated by its equivalent Norton impedance .
In large-signal hand analysis, a current mirror is usually and simply approximated by an ideal current source. However, an ideal current source is unrealistic in several respects:
- it has infinite AC impedance, while a practical mirror has finite impedance
- it provides the same current regardless of voltage, that is, there are no compliance range requirements
- it has no frequency limitations, while a real mirror has limitations due to the parasitic capacitances of the transistors
- the ideal source has no sensitivity to real-world effects like noise, power-supply voltage variations and component tolerances.
Read more about this topic: Current Mirror
Famous quotes containing the word practical:
“The English masses are lovable: they are kind, decent, tolerant, practical and not stupid. The tragedy is that there are too many of them, and that they are aimless, having outgrown the servile functions for which they were encouraged to multiply. One day these huge crowds will have to seize power because there will be nothing else for them to do, and yet they neither demand power nor are ready to make use of it; they will learn only to be bored in a new way.”
—Cyril Connolly (1903–1974)