On Die Thermal Sensor Varied Resolution Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional On Die Thermal Sensors (ODTS) face challenges in covering broad temperature ranges without increasing die dimensions and incurring higher power consumption due to the need for additional circuits to output precise temperature information.
Innovation Solution
The ODTS employs a band gap unit and an analog-to-digital converting unit that outputs a digital code with varied resolution according to temperature ranges, using a signal converter and self-refresh oscillator to control the self-refresh period, allowing for accurate temperature detection with different resolutions in various temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ODTS uses a tracking analog-to-digital converter to output precise temperature information across broad temperature ranges, then temperature detection precision is improved, but die dimensions increase due to additional circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection range is divided into multiple temperature ranges, each with its own resolution level. The analog-to-digital converter outputs digital codes with different resolutions depending on which temperature range is detected, allowing precise measurement across broad ranges without requiring circuits for every possible precision level simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The resolution parameter of the digital code output is dynamically changed based on the detected temperature range. When the temperature falls within a specific range, the converter adjusts the number of significant bits in the output code, optimizing the balance between precision and circuit complexity for that particular operating condition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ODTS increases resolution for broad temperature coverage, then temperature detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases due to additional circuits
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using high-resolution circuits across the entire temperature range, the system segments the temperature detection into multiple ranges, each handled with appropriate resolution. This allows the ODTS to cover broad temperature ranges adaptively while activating only the necessary circuit complexity for each specific range, reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The resolution of the analog-to-digital converter is made dynamic rather than static. The converter automatically adjusts its output resolution based on the current temperature range, enabling the system to maintain adaptability across broad temperature ranges while consuming less power by using lower resolution (and thus lower power) circuits when full precision is not required.
3Device complexity
If the ODTS uses fixed resolution digital code output, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but temperature detection accuracy decreases in certain temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The digital code resolution parameter is changed dynamically based on the detected temperature range. The analog-to-digital converter adjusts the number of significant bits in its output according to which temperature range is currently active, maintaining circuit simplicity while achieving high accuracy when needed by selectively increasing resolution only for specific temperature conditions.
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
This approach enables the ODTS to widen its operable temperature range without increasing its dimensions, optimizing power management by adjusting resolution based on temperature needs, thereby reducing power consumption and improving system management.
Implementation Method 1
the band gap unit 10 detects a temperature of the memory device based on the fact that a voltage level of a base-emitter voltage VBE of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) changes according to a temperature variation in the ratio of about −1.8 mV/° C.
Data Source
AI summary
An on die thermal sensor (ODTS) in a memory device includes: a band gap unit for detecting a temperature of the memory device to output a first voltage corresponding to the temperature; and an analog-to-digital converting unit for outputting a digital code having temperature information based on the first voltage, the digital code having varied resolution according to temperature ranges.