Dual RC Oscillator On-Chip Temperature Sensing Without External Clock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resistance-based on-chip temperature sensors require an external clock for operation, limiting their ability to autonomously function and necessitating additional wiring, which occupies valuable substrate area and complicates temperature monitoring in densely designed System on Chips (SoCs).
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control unit with two RC oscillators, each using a different in-chip resistor with varying temperature coefficients, allowing the sensor to determine temperature without an external clock by counting the difference in clock outputs from these oscillators, thus eliminating the need for external clock signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resistance-based temperature sensors are used for accurate temperature sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of external clock and additional wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the oscillating element function into a single integrated structure. The sensing element that exhibits resistance change with temperature is simultaneously used as the oscillating element in an RC oscillator circuit, eliminating the need for separate external clock wiring and enabling autonomous operation while maintaining accurate temperature sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing element is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the temperature-sensitive resistor and the oscillating element in the RC oscillator. This multi-functional design allows the sensor to operate autonomously without external clock signals, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision
2Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors are placed at random positions for comprehensive temperature monitoring, then reliability is improved, but area occupied increases due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the temperature sensing function with the oscillating element function, the patent eliminates the need for external clock wiring to each sensor. This integration dramatically reduces the wiring area required for multiple sensors, allowing comprehensive temperature monitoring across the substrate without proportionally increasing the occupied area
3Measurement precision
If resistance-based temperature sensors are driven at high voltage for accurate sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic operation by using the sensing element as an oscillating element in an RC oscillator circuit. The sensor operates in a time-varying oscillating mode rather than static high-voltage driving, which reduces average power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect temperature changes through frequency or period measurements of the oscillation
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
Enables autonomous operation of resistance-based temperature sensors within the chip, minimizing substrate area while maintaining high accuracy and resolution, and simplifying temperature monitoring in SoCs by eliminating the need for external clock wiring.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second resistors are selected as resistors having maximum and minimum temperature coefficients of resistance, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a resistance-based on-chip temperature sensor which may autonomously operate in a chip. A resistance-based on-chip temperature sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first RC oscillator having an in-chip first resistor as a component; a second RC oscillator having an in-chip second resistor as the component; and a control unit determining the temperature of the chip according to what difference between the numbers of clocks output from the first and second RC oscillators, respectively is for the same time.