Is there a circuit for precise microwatt power regulation with variable load?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the design of a circuit capable of precise power regulation in the microwatt range, specifically for variable loads with resistance less than 100 Ohms. Participants explore various circuit configurations and components that could achieve this goal, including analog multipliers and op-amps.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a circuit using a shunt resistor to measure output current and an analog multiplier IC to regulate output voltage, but notes challenges in achieving precision at microwatt levels.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the desired range of output voltages and currents, emphasizing the need to understand the load's dynamic behavior.
  • A different participant suggests that the limitations of analog multipliers may stem from their output circuit design, proposing the use of logarithmic amplifiers and low-power op-amps for better dynamic range.
  • A later reply indicates a potential solution, specifying a desired output range of 5-500 microwatts across a 100 Ohm load and suggesting modifications to an existing circuit design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying ideas about circuit design and components, with no consensus reached on a specific solution or approach. The discussion remains open with multiple competing views on how to achieve the desired power regulation.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the assumptions regarding load dynamics or the specific characteristics of the components discussed, leaving some aspects of the circuit design unresolved.

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I am looking for a circuit that takes a voltage to preselect a power and than outputs that power through a variable load.

I have already seen a circuit that does this. The setup is easy:
You take a small shunt resistor to get a voltage proportional to the output current, and you also take the the output voltage, and multiply the two voltages together with an analog multiplier IC. The multiplied voltages you compare with the input voltage and regulate the output voltage with an op amp accordingly. This might sound confusing but it's very easy.

My problem is this: I need to do this in the microwatts range with a load that's [tex]R<100 \Omega[/tex] the multiplier chips I saw seem to be constructed for input of maybe U = 3V and the absolute errors look unacceptable.
Can anyone recommend a circuit or a chip?
 
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Can you post the range of output voltages and currents you are wanting to control and monitor? A microwatt would be 10mV across 100 Ohms (100uA). How much above and below those voltages and currents do you want to go?

How dynamic is the load? Can it vary with some frequency, or is it set and stays that value for a while?
 
I think the main dynamic range limitation of analog multipliers is the output circuit which is an anti-log curcuit. The two input channels are logarithmic amplifiers (matched diodes in the feedback loop-I have used transdiode connection) which are added in a regular summing junction configuration. This output has a high dynamic range. All three opamps can be low power. need to run this into a comparator for preset regulation. This is good enough to use as a control function.
 
I think I already have a kind of solution now. But just to give you an Idea. Maybe I'd like to give something like 5-500 [tex]\mu \mathrm{W}[/tex] on a 100[tex]\Omega[/tex]. The input voltages for the circuit should be maybe 0.1-1 V the working voltage can be whatever.
This should work with some modification: http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/ArticleID/14194/14194.html
 
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