Devices, reference voltage generators, systems and methods are disclosed,
including an embodiment of a voltage regulator output transistor using a
thin gate insulator to provide a low output impedance despite having a
semiconductor channel width that is relatively small. The output
transistor is protected from damage by a clamping circuit provided to
limit the gate-to-source voltage of the transistor such that damage to
the output transistor should be reduced or prevented. One such clamping
circuit includes a clamp transistor that receives a reference voltage at
its gate. The magnitude of the reference voltage limits to voltage to
which the gate of the transistor can be driven. A voltage reference
circuit provides the reference voltage so that it compensates for process
and temperature variations of the output transistor.