DRAM Temperature Sensor Evaluation Using Voltage Divider Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensor evaluation methods for DRAM are inefficient due to long heat balance times and low resolution, leading to ineffective detection of self-refresh frequency switching points, which can result in data loss if the temperature discrepancy is significant.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor evaluation method using a comparator, voltage divider, diode, and band gap reference voltage source, where the band gap voltage source is calibrated and adjusted to determine target and testing voltages, allowing for accurate temperature error calculation and improved sensitivity, enabling faster and more precise temperature sensing without requiring extensive heat balance adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature of the test environment is adjusted to find the self-refresh frequency switching point, then the temperature sensing accuracy can be evaluated, but it takes about 2 hours for heat balance each time, causing low testing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal-based testing method with an electrical measurement method. Instead of physically adjusting the test environment temperature and waiting for heat balance, the invention uses a voltage divider to generate reference voltages corresponding to different temperature points, and a comparator to detect when the temperature sensor's output voltage matches these reference voltages. This electrical substitution eliminates the need for thermal equilibrium, reducing testing time from hours to minutes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct temperature measurement to voltage measurement. By converting temperature points into corresponding voltage values through a voltage divider network, the system can rapidly compare and detect temperature sensor output without requiring actual temperature changes or heat balance. The comparator detects voltage equality instead of waiting for thermal equilibrium, fundamentally changing how temperature sensing accuracy is evaluated.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature point is within ±2 degrees Celsius of the specific temperature, then the temperature sensor cannot be effectively detected, but the actual sensing temperature has a resolution of only ±3 degrees Celsius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous temperature range into discrete voltage levels using a voltage divider with multiple taps. Instead of relying on a single temperature point measurement with ±3°C resolution, the system creates multiple reference voltage levels corresponding to different temperature points. The comparator sequentially compares the temperature sensor output against these segmented voltage levels, enabling detection of temperature changes smaller than the original ±3°C resolution limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage divider and comparator as intermediary components between the temperature sensor and the measurement system. The voltage divider converts temperature information into a series of discrete voltage levels, and the comparator acts as an intermediary that detects when the temperature sensor output matches any of these reference levels. This intermediary measurement approach enables more precise temperature detection than direct temperature measurement would allow.
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 method significantly reduces testing time by eliminating the need for lengthy heat balance adjustments, improving temperature sensing accuracy, and allowing for precise calibration of self-refresh periods based on actual sensing temperatures, thus enhancing testing efficiency and data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a band gap reference voltage source... the band gap reference voltage source powers the voltage divider and the diode
Implementation Method 2
a voltage divider... using the voltage divider to output the divided voltages in accordance with the target voltage
Implementation Method 3
a comparator... using the comparator to compare the divided voltages with the temperature reference voltage
Implementation Method 4
a band gap reference voltage source... calibrating the band gap voltage source with a target voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor evaluation method is mentioned. The temperature sensor is arranged in a memory device and includes a comparator, a voltage divider and a band gap reference voltage source. The comparator compares a temperature reference voltage that varies with temperature with a plurality of divided voltages generated by the voltage divider. The evaluation method for a plurality of predetermined testing temperatures includes changing the plurality of divided voltages of the voltage divider, using the comparator to compare the divided voltages with the temperature reference voltage to determine the first detection voltage, and based on the voltage difference between a target divided voltage and the first detection voltage, retrieving the value of a temperature error between the sensing temperature of the temperature sensor and the testing temperature.