Integrated Thermal Transistors for Peltier Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biochemical measurement arrays face challenges in precise temperature regulation due to difficulties in transducing temperature at measurement sites and temperature fluctuations caused by bang-bang control mechanisms, leading to performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulating system utilizing a Peltier device with a linear feedback control circuit and thermal measurement transistors integrated into the die, ensuring asymptotically Lyapunov stable thermal control and minimizing temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bang-bang control mechanism is used for temperature regulation, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature stability deteriorates with fluctuations exceeding half a degree centigrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism using thermal measurement transistors integrated into the die to continuously monitor temperature at measurement sites. The controller adjusts Peltier device operation based on real-time temperature feedback, achieving stable temperature control within half a degree centigrade while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated sensing and control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical temperature sensing methods with integrated thermal measurement transistors fabricated directly on the die. This substitution enables precise, contactless temperature monitoring at measurement sites, resolving the contradiction between simple control mechanisms and temperature stability by providing accurate feedback without adding mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If temperature regulation system is added to biochemical measurement arrays, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature regulation system directly with the biochemical measurement array by integrating thermal measurement transistors and Peltier devices onto the same die. This consolidation achieves precise temperature control for improved measurement accuracy while minimizing device complexity through shared substrate and integrated components rather than separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal measurement transistors as intermediary elements between the biochemical measurement sites and the temperature control system. These transistors serve as localized temperature sensors that provide direct feedback to the controller, enabling precise temperature regulation without requiring complex external sensing equipment, thus improving measurement accuracy while keeping the system integrated and manageable.
3Measurement precision
If integrated thermal measurement transistors are used, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex external temperature sensing systems with thermal measurement transistors that can be fabricated using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. This substitution integrates temperature sensing directly into the die fabrication flow, improving temperature measurement precision while actually simplifying manufacturing by eliminating separate sensing component assembly and reducing the number of manufacturing steps required.
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
The system achieves precise and stable temperature control, reducing temperature variability to less than half a degree centigrade over all time scales, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of biochemical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature regulating system utilizing a Peltier device with a linear feedback control circuit
Implementation Method 2
thermal measurement transistors integrated into the die, ensuring asymptotically Lyapunov stable thermal control
Data Source
AI summary
A system for regulating a temperature of a measurement array is disclosed. The system includes a measurement array including a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors are integrated onto an integrated circuit die. The system includes a thermal sensor integrated onto the integrated circuit die, wherein the thermal sensor senses a temperature associated with the plurality of sensors. The system further includes a heat pump coupled to the integrated circuit die, wherein the heat pump is controlled by a feedback control circuit including the thermal sensor.