Embedded Processor Temperature Sensor Using Shared Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors in mobile equipment are typically positioned outside processors, making it difficult to accurately sense the inner temperature of the processor, which is crucial for stable operation and preventing thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor is embedded within the processor, using the processor's power supply to generate temperature information signals and reference signals, allowing for accurate temperature sensing and compensation for errors in low-power environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensor is positioned outside processor, then separate analog power supply is required, but temperature sensing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is merged with the processor, sharing the same power supply voltage. This eliminates the need for separate analog power supply lines while improving temperature sensing accuracy by placing the sensor at the actual heat source location.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor's power supply voltage serves dual purposes: powering the processor logic blocks and powering the temperature sensor. This universal power supply approach reduces the number of power lines needed while maintaining sensor functionality.
2Device complexity
If temperature sensor uses separate analog power supply, then power supply structure is simple, but temperature sensing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is merged with the processor, sharing the same power supply voltage. This eliminates the need for separate analog power supply lines while improving temperature sensing accuracy by placing the sensor at the actual heat source location.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensor is embedded in processor, then temperature sensing accuracy improves, but power supply flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor dynamically adapts to different power supply conditions by using the processor's operating voltage directly. The sensor can operate across a range of voltages (e.g., 0.8V to 1.2V) depending on the processor's operating mode, maintaining functionality across different power states.
4Use of energy by moving object
If temperature sensor operates with varying power levels, then power efficiency improves, but operational stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is designed to accommodate changes in power supply voltage parameters. By using the processor's operating voltage directly and designing the sensor circuit to function across a range of voltages, the sensor maintains operational stability while adapting to different power efficiency modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor, a processor including the same, and a method of operating the same are provided. The temperature sensor includes: a reference circuit configured to receive a supply voltage provided from outside the processor and utilized by a logic block of the processor for operation of the logic block, and generate, using the supply voltage, at least one temperature information signal that varies according to a temperature of the logic block and at least one reference signal that is substantially constant relative to the temperature of the logic block; and a digital temperature generator configured to receive the at least one temperature information signal and the at least one reference signal generated by the reference circuit, and generate a digital temperature information signal indicative of the temperature of the logic block based on the at least one temperature information signal and the at least one reference signal.