The present invention includes a circuit for deriving a reference signal having a reference voltage from a system voltage source having a system voltage level and for regulating the reference voltage level. The circuit includes an output sub-circuit, a reference generator sub-circuit, a regulator sub-circuit, a translator sub-circuit, and a low pass filter sub-circuit. The output sub-circuit, which is coupled to the system voltage source, is responsive to a voltage control signal, and is operative to generate the reference signal wherein the reference voltage level is less than or equal to the system voltage level. The reference generator sub-circuit is responsive to the reference signal and is operative to generate a prime voltage level which remains substantially unaffected by fabrication process variations, temperature variations and variations in the reference signal. The regulator sub-circuit is responsive to the reference signal and the prime voltage level and is operative to generate the voltage control signal. The translator sub-circuit is coupled to the system voltage source and functions to amplify the voltage control signal. The low pass filter sub-circuit is used for filtering the voltage control signal. The output sub-circuit includes an output transistor having its gate coupled to receive the voltage control signal, its source connected to the system voltage source, and its drain connected to an output terminal at which the reference signal is provided.