A bandgap reference circuit and method of using the same are provided. The
bandgap reference circuit may provide start-up requirements at
substantially any voltage and at substantially any temperature. The
circuit comprises an op amp (two stages of transistors) and a network of
resistors and bipolar diodes. When an artificial offset of about -5 mV is
introduced to the op amp, the op amp output will be high as soon as the
power supply exceeds the transistors' threshold voltages. The op amp
output supplies the resistor and diode network and brings the op amp
inputs within desired regulation voltages.
