a reference voltage circuit has a reference voltage source , a charge storage device and also switching devices , which enable occasional operation of the reference voltage source during an on - time period . a reference voltage generated by the reference voltage source during the on - time period is stored in analog form with the charge storage device for the duration of an off - time period . the reference voltage source draws an operating current only during the on - time period . the result is a reduction of the power consumption . during the generation of the reference voltage , the operating current of the reference voltage source is not reduced compared with conventional reference voltage circuits .