Dual-Sensor On-Chip Temperature Sensing for Error Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on-chip temperature measurement techniques in integrated circuits suffer from low accuracy, leading to inadequate temperature measurement and potential chip malfunction due to inconsistent references and device parameter dependencies, with existing methods either transferring errors or increasing circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sensor system with distinct temperature sensing characteristics is employed, using a signal processing unit to determine a relative slope and offset parameters, which are calibrated in a calibration mode and applied in real-time operation to accurately measure chip temperature, canceling first and second-order errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature measurement techniques are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement accuracy is low (±10 degree Celsius)
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing function is divided into two separate temperature sensors with different characteristics rather than using a single sensor. Each sensor provides independent measurements that are combined through signal processing to achieve higher accuracy while managing complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
A signal processing unit acts as an intermediary between the two temperature sensors and the final temperature determination. This intermediary processes the signals from both sensors, applies calibration parameters, and eliminates errors, thereby achieving high measurement accuracy without requiring direct complex integration of sensor components
2Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensor techniques are used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient due to inconsistent reference and device parameter dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the characteristics parameters of the temperature sensors by selecting two sensors with deliberately different characteristics. This parameter differentiation allows the signal processing unit to distinguish and eliminate error components, achieving high accuracy without requiring complex circuitry in each individual sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the signal processing unit continuously processes signals from both sensors, applies calibration parameters stored in memory, and adjusts the temperature determination to eliminate errors. This feedback loop ensures high measurement accuracy while keeping the overall device structure manageable
3Measurement precision
If error cancellation techniques are applied, then measurement accuracy improves, but the calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration during the manufacturing process by measuring the actual characteristics of each temperature sensor and storing calibration parameters in memory before the product is deployed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex calibration procedures during use, making the system easy to manufacture and deploy while achieving high measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a temperature sensor in a chip for determining a chip temperature comprises a first temperature sensor with a first characteristic, a second temperature sensor with a second characteristic, first characteristic being different from the second characteristic, a processor operative to determine the chip temperature is configured to determine a first parameter and a second parameter in the calibration mode and determining the chip temperature using the first parameter and the second parameter in a real time operating mode, wherein, the first parameter is derived from a first relation between the first characteristic and the second characteristic and the second parameter is at least based on first parameter.