03/08/2026, 11:44 Current Mirror Circuits - GeeksforGeeks
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Current Mirror Circuits
Last Updated : 9 Mar, 2026
Current mirror circuits are widely used in analog electronics to generate a constant current by
copying (mirroring) a reference current. They are fundamental building blocks in biasing
networks, differential amplifiers, and integrated circuit design.
A current mirror takes a known reference current at its input and forces an approximately
equal current at its output, independent of load variations (within limits).
The concept relies on matched transistors operating in the active region.
Basic Current Mirror Circuit
A basic BJT current mirror consists of two identical transistors:
Basic Current Mirror Circuit
Q1 is diode-connected (collector tied to base).
Q2 acts as the output transistor.
A resistor R1 sets the reference current Iref
Working Principle
1. The reference current Iref flows through Q1.
2. This establishes a base-emitter voltage VBE1
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03/08/2026, 11:44 Current Mirror Circuits - GeeksforGeeks
3. Since Q1 and Q2 are matched and their bases are connected together:
VBE1 = VBE2
4. Therefore, the emitter current of Q2 becomes approximately equal to that of Q1.
5. As long as Q2 remains in the active region:
Iout = IC2 ≈ Iref
Thus, the output current is a mirror of the reference current.
Effect of Finite β on Current Mirror
The ideal mirror assumes very large β . In practice, base currents affect accuracy.
Applying KCL at the collector node of Q1:
Iref = IC1 + IB1 + IB2
Since:
IC
IB =
β
For identical transistors:
IC1 = IC2 = IC
So,
IC IC
Iref = IC +
β
+ β
Iref = IC (1 + β2 )
Hence,
Iref
IC = 1+ 2
β
For large β , the denominator approaches 1, and:
IC ≈ Iref
Output Resistance of Current Mirror
Due to the Early effect, the collector current slightly depends on VCE . Hence, the current mirror
does not behave as an ideal current source and has finite output resistance.
The small-signal output resistance is:
VA +VCE
ro =
IC
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03/08/2026, 11:44 Current Mirror Circuits - GeeksforGeeks
Where:
VA = Early voltage
VCE = Collector-to-emitter voltage
IC = Collector current
A larger ro means better current source behavior.
Compliance Voltage
For proper operation, the output transistor must remain in the active region.
For a BJT current mirror, the minimum collector-emitter voltage required is:
VCE(min) ≈ VCE(sat)
This minimum required output voltage is called the compliance voltage.
If the output voltage falls below this limit, the transistor enters saturation and the current mirror
no longer maintains a constant output current.
Current Scaling
If the transistors are not identical and their emitter (or channel) areas are different, the output
current scales proportionally:
Iout = ( A
A1 ) Iref
2
where:
A1 = area of reference transistor
A2 = area of output transistor
This allows current multiplication or division and is widely used in analog integrated circuit
design.
Types
Based on performance improvement and application requirements, current mirrors are classified
into the following types:
1. Modified Current Mirror
2. Widlar Current Mirror
3. Current Repeater
4. Wilson Current Mirror
5. MOSFET Current Mirror
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03/08/2026, 11:44 Current Mirror Circuits - GeeksforGeeks
Advantages
Simple Circuit Structure : The basic current mirror uses only two matched transistors, so it is
easy to design and implement.
Low Input Impedance : The input transistor is diode-connected, which provides low input
resistance and helps maintain stable reference current.
High Output Impedance : The output transistor behaves like a current source, giving high
output resistance and nearly constant current.
Easy Integration in IC Fabrication : Both transistors can be fabricated on the same chip,
ensuring good matching and compact layout.
Disadvantages
Depends on Transistor Matching : Any mismatch in transistor parameters causes error in
mirrored current.
Finite β Reduces Output Current : Because base current is required, the output current is
slightly less than the reference current.
Early Effect Causes Variation : Changes in collector-emitter voltage VCE affect collector
current, reducing accuracy.
Higher Noise Without Emitter Resistors : Without emitter degeneration resistors, the circuit
becomes more sensitive to noise and temperature variations.
Applications
Current mirrors are extensively used in analog and mixed-signal circuits.
1. Biasing Networks : Provide stable DC bias currents in transistor amplifiers.
2. Differential Amplifiers : Used as active loads to increase voltage gain.
3. Operational Amplifiers : Form internal bias circuits and active loads in IC op-amps.
4. Current Sources and Current Sinks : Used wherever constant current is required independent
of load resistance.
5. Analog Integrated Circuits : Essential building blocks in
Analog ICs
Voltage regulators
Current steering circuits
DAC and ADC architectures
Suggested Quiz 5 Questions
What is the main function of a current mirror circuit?
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03/08/2026, 11:44 Current Mirror Circuits - GeeksforGeeks
A To increase voltage in a circuit
B To convert AC to DC
C To store electrical energy
D To copy a reference current into another branch
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