Diode Temperature Sensor With Constant Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature measurement methods in photonic integrated circuits and other electronic systems are inefficient due to self-heating effects and lack of precise temperature sensing, especially when using diodes, which can affect accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a diode and resistor in series, where specific voltage sequences are applied and measured to calculate temperature using the charge of an electron, ideality factor, and Boltzmann's constant, with a small heater nearby to maintain constant heat dissipation and minimize self-heating effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a diode is used for temperature measurement in integrated circuits, then the measurement can be integrated into the circuit, but self-heating effects occur that reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic voltage pulses to the diode instead of continuous voltage, allowing temperature measurement while minimizing self-heating. The pulsed operation enables the diode to cool between measurements, reducing cumulative heat buildup that would otherwise corrupt temperature readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using multiple different voltage levels (V1, V2, V3) applied in sequence to the diode. By measuring at different voltage points and using the ideal diode equation, the system can calculate temperature while accounting for and minimizing self-heating effects through proper voltage selection and timing.
2Loss of information
If voltage is applied across the diode to measure temperature, then temperature data can be obtained, but heat dissipation increases causing self-heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by applying voltage pulses of sufficient duration and magnitude to obtain accurate temperature measurements, but not excessive enough to cause significant self-heating. The voltage levels are carefully selected to provide the necessary measurement signal while keeping power dissipation minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements at multiple voltage levels (V1, V2, V3) in a predetermined sequence before final temperature calculation. This preliminary data collection at controlled voltage points allows accurate temperature determination while managing heat dissipation through pre-planned measurement timing and voltage selection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple voltages are applied to the diode to improve measurement accuracy, then temperature precision increases, but the complexity of the measurement process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement process into distinct voltage application steps (V1, V2, V3) with specific measurement actions at each level. This segmentation allows systematic data collection that can be processed through the ideal diode equation to achieve high precision while maintaining a structured, manageable measurement sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by measuring the diode voltage at multiple known current levels and using these measurements to calculate temperature through the ideal diode equation. The measured values feed into the temperature calculation algorithm, providing a self-correcting measurement process that achieves high precision through iterative verification.
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 and reliable temperature measurement with high precision, typically within ±0.02 degrees Celsius, by effectively mitigating self-heating and maintaining constant heat dissipation, thereby enhancing the operational stability of temperature sensors in integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a diode and resistor in series, where specific voltage sequences are applied and measured to calculate temperature using the charge of an electron, ideality factor, and Boltzmann's constant
Implementation Method 2
with a small heater nearby to maintain constant heat dissipation and minimize self-heating effects
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of measuring a temperature including applying a first set of voltages across a circuit in sequence; detecting a second set of voltages corresponding to the first set of voltages, wherein the second set of voltages includes a first detected voltage, a second detected voltage, and a third detected voltage, wherein the first applied voltage corresponds to the first detected voltage, the second applied voltage corresponds to the second detected voltage, and a third applied voltage corresponds to the third detected voltage; modifying an output of a heater proximate to the diode within the circuit, wherein a combined heat dissipation of the heater and the diode remains constant during operation of the circuit; and determining a temperature proximate to the diode based on the first set of voltages and the second set of voltages.