Abstract: This paper introduces the development of reference source circuit and its research progress. According to the circuit function, the reference source can be divided into the reference voltage source and the reference current source. For reference voltage sources, the development history and latest research results of bandgap reference source, hybrid reference source and CMOS reference source are summarized and discussed, and the innovations, advantages and problems of these circuits in reducing power consumption and improving accuracy are analyzed. For reference current source, two design methods, direct current compensation and current source derived from voltage source, are discussed. Based on the above discussion, the future prospects of reference sources are prospected.