Multifunction Output Generator Circuit for Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuit devices for temperature measurement consume excessive area and power due to the use of bipolar junction transistor (BJT) cores, which require large area for matching and result in inaccuracies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction output generator circuit that includes an amplifier with a controllable current source and switching mechanism, allowing for reconfigurable operation between temperature sensing and reference voltage generation modes, using a single BJT to minimize area and power consumption while providing adaptable gain and high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional BJT core with fixed gain amplifier is used for temperature sensing, then temperature measurement can be achieved, but the circuit occupies large area and consumes excessive power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multifunction output generator that can operate in both temperature sensing mode and reference voltage generation mode using the same circuit components. The amplifier circuit and voltage generator share common elements, allowing the circuit to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby reducing overall area consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a variable gain amplifier with programmable gain control instead of a fixed gain amplifier. The gain can be dynamically adjusted based on the input signal amplitude and operating conditions, allowing the circuit to optimize its performance for different measurement ranges and conditions, improving temperature measurement accuracy while maintaining area efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional BJT core with fixed gain amplifier is used for temperature sensing, then temperature measurement can be achieved, but power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a time-multiplexed operation where the circuit alternates between temperature sensing mode and reference voltage generation mode. By periodically switching between these modes using control signals, the circuit can share the use of power-consuming components like the amplifier and voltage generator, reducing overall power consumption compared to having both functions operating simultaneously with dedicated circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The same circuit components are used for both temperature sensing and reference voltage generation functions. The amplifier circuit processes both the temperature-dependent voltage signal and the reference voltage signal at different times, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits and reducing total power consumption.
3Device complexity
If a fixed gain amplifier is used, then the circuit is simple, but the gain cannot be adapted to different input signal amplitudes resulting in measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable gain amplifier where the gain can be dynamically programmed based on the input signal characteristics. The gain control circuit receives feedback about the input signal amplitude and adjusts the amplifier gain accordingly, allowing the circuit to maintain optimal measurement accuracy across different temperature ranges and signal conditions while adding only minimal complexity to the overall circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the output signal or a sample of the input signal is fed back to the gain control circuit. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust the amplifier gain to optimize the use of the ADC dynamic range, ensuring accurate temperature measurements across varying conditions without requiring complex manual configuration.
4Measurement precision
If separate circuits are used for temperature sensing and reference voltage generation, then each function can be optimized, but the total area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified circuit architecture where the same amplifier, voltage generator, and supporting components serve both temperature sensing and reference voltage generation functions. By implementing time-multiplexed operation with mode selection control, the circuit achieves the functional optimization of dedicated circuits while avoiding their area and power consumption penalties, as the components are shared rather than duplicated.
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 solution reduces area and power usage while achieving high accuracy in temperature sensing and reference voltage generation, enabling efficient distributed temperature monitoring across integrated circuits with minimal overhead.
Implementation Method 1
The BJT core difference output voltage (i.e. delta Vbe which is proportional to absolute temperature) is amplified using fixed gain 'N' based amplifier circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for implementing a multifunction output generator is described. The circuit comprises an amplifier circuit having a first input and a second input; a voltage generator coupled at a first node to a first input of the amplifier circuit; a controllable current source configured to provide a variable current to the first node; and a switching circuit enabling the operation of the amplifier circuit in a first mode for sensing a temperature and a second mode for providing a reference voltage. A method of implementing a multifunction output generator is described.