Daisy-Chain Thermal Sensor Network for Power System Hotspot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature detection systems in electronics, such as thermistors, require accurate placement and multiple sensors to identify the hottest component in power driving and consuming systems, increasing cost and complexity, and may not accurately measure junction temperatures due to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple thermal sensors connected in a daisy chain configuration, where each sensor provides a voltage representative of its temperature, and the output terminals are tied together to output the highest temperature information, simplifying the detection process and reducing the need for multiple Analog-to-Digital converters and input terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple thermistor sensors are used to detect the hottest component, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple A/D converters and input terminals
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensor output terminals are tied together into a single common output line. The sensors are connected in parallel to shared A/D converter and controller input terminals, merging multiple signal paths into one while maintaining individual temperature measurement capabilities through the daisy chain configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor modules, each with its own thermal sensor and output terminal. These segmented modules are then connected through a daisy chain topology that allows individual addressing while sharing common output resources, reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple thermistor sensors are used to detect the hottest component, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases due to additional components and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensor output terminals are tied together into a single common output line. The sensors are connected in parallel to shared A/D converter and controller input terminals, merging multiple signal paths into one while maintaining individual temperature measurement capabilities through the daisy chain configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The common output line and shared A/D converter serve multiple temperature sensors simultaneously. A single controller input terminal handles readings from multiple sensors through the daisy chain connection, making the circuitry multi-functional and reducing the number of dedicated components needed
3Device complexity
If a single thermal sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the sensor cannot accurately identify the hottest component without prior knowledge of its location
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changing thermal conditions by allowing any sensor in the daisy chain to become the active output source. The output terminal dynamically switches between sensors based on which one detects the highest temperature, rather than being fixed to a predetermined location
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature detection system automatically identifies and reports the hottest component without external intervention or prior knowledge. The daisy chain configuration enables sensors to self-organize and self-select which temperature reading to output, with the hottest component's sensor automatically dominating the common output line
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate detection of the highest temperature component within a power system without prior knowledge of its location, simplifying circuit design and reducing costs by using a single output and data line, while maintaining reliability and safety by automatically detecting extreme temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
Each thermal sensor of the plurality of thermal sensors includes a respective output terminal configured to provide a voltage representative of the temperature of the respective driver
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, in one embodiment, can include a configuration including a plurality of heat generation devices. The apparatus also includes a plurality of thermal sensors respectively, operably connected to each of the plurality of heat generation devices, wherein each thermal sensor of the plurality of thermal sensors includes a respective output terminal configured to provide a voltage representative of the temperature of the respective heat generation device. The apparatus further includes an output circuit configured to output the highest temperature information among the heat generation devices. The output terminals of the plurality of thermal sensors are tied together. A corresponding method is also discussed.