On-Chip Temperature Sensor Integrating Diode and Comparator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring integrated circuit junction temperature require separate circuits on printed circuit boards, which are complex, costly, and inefficient in terms of space and power usage.
Innovation Solution
An on-chip temperature sensor system comprising a voltage/current source circuit, a sense signal circuit, a reference signal circuit, and a comparator, which provides a temperature-dependent sense signal and a selectable reference signal to monitor and indicate junction temperature within the integrated circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate integrated circuit is used to monitor diode voltage and translate it into temperature values, then temperature monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing diode, voltage measurement circuitry, and temperature conversion logic into a single integrated circuit device. The sensing diode is directly connected to internal voltage reference circuits and comparator circuits within the same chip, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring circuits. This integration merges multiple previously separate components into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining temperature monitoring precision.
2Measurement precision
If a separate integrated circuit with delta-sigma converter is used on the printed circuit board, then temperature measurement is enabled, but printed circuit board space and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter and temperature processing logic directly into the same integrated circuit that contains the sensing diode. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external converter circuits on the printed circuit board, thereby reducing PCB space requirements while maintaining the precision temperature measurement capability provided by the delta-sigma conversion process.
3Measurement precision
If external monitoring circuits are used to translate diode voltage into temperature values, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage reference circuits, sensing diode, comparator, and temperature conversion logic into a single integrated circuit that operates from a single power supply. This integration allows for shared power management resources and optimized power distribution within the chip, reducing the total power requirements compared to having separate external monitoring circuits that would each require independent power supplies and contribute to higher overall power consumption.
4Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor diode connected between two input/output pins is used, then temperature sensing is enabled, but interface limitations and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the temperature sensing diode and all associated measurement and conversion circuits within a single integrated circuit package with a reduced pin count. The sensing diode is connected to internal circuitry through on-chip interconnections rather than requiring external wire bonds or discrete component connections. This integration simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of external connections required, eliminating complex inter-pin wiring, and allowing for more straightforward mounting and integration into target systems.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective temperature monitoring within the integrated circuit, reducing the need for external components and allowing for internal temperature management to prevent overheating and extend device lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
bipolar diode adapted to receive the constant current of the constant current generator and to provide the sense signal corresponding to the temperature of the integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
bandgap reference circuit adapted to provide a constant reference voltage to the reference signal circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An on-chip temperature sensor for an integrated circuit includes in one embodiment a voltage/current source circuit that provides a reference voltage and a current. A sense signal circuit receives the current of the voltage/current source circuit and provides a sense signal corresponding to the temperature of the integrated circuit. A reference signal receives the reference voltage of the voltage/current source circuit and provides a reference signal having a selectable value. A comparator compares the sense signal of the sense signal circuit to the selectable reference signal of the reference signal circuit and provides a temperature sensor output signal.