Some History of Bandgap References

I am giving a talk at Stanford University on Thursday. It's not about Jim Williams, but it does mention Bob Widlar (and it includes my favorite Bob Widlar story [spoiler!]). If you're in the neighborhood, please come!

Some History of Bandgap References
Rethinking Analog Design Seminar
Stanford University Electrical Engineering
4pm, Thursday, 6 June 2013
Allen 101

Abstract:

Prankster Bob Widlar designed the first commercial bandgap voltage reference and introduced it with an elaborate ruse in 1969. The National Semiconductor LM109 was more than a simple reference, it was a feature-packed integrated circuit that jump-started the category of three-terminal voltage regulators. Over the next few years, the LM109 was followed up by the National LM113 current shunt, the LM199 temperature-controlled buried zener, and ground-breaking products from Analog Devices, Precision Monolithics, Linear Technology, and others. This talk discusses the history and design of voltage regulators, references, and current sources from the 1960s to present day.