Piecewise Temperature Correction Circuit Without Sensors or Comparators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature correction methods, such as global and piecewise corrections, face challenges in maintaining a constant output signal across varying temperatures due to discontinuities and offset drifts, particularly in precision applications like references and temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-dependent correction circuit that rectifies signals from multiple supply sources to create a piecewise correction signal without discontinuities, using rectifying circuits and diodes to ensure the signal is approximately zero outside specific temperature ranges, eliminating the need for temperature sensors and comparators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piecewise temperature correction is applied using conventional methods, then output signal drift is reduced, but discontinuities and offset drifts occur in the correction signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using diode-connected transistors that act as temperature-threshold detectors. These intermediaries automatically switch correction signals based on temperature ranges without requiring explicit comparators or sensors, thereby eliminating discontinuities while maintaining correction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The correction circuit uses self-service by leveraging the inherent temperature-dependent characteristics of diode-connected transistors to automatically detect temperature thresholds and switch between correction signals. The circuit serves itself by using its own components' physical properties rather than external sensors, ensuring continuous and reliable operation
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If temperature sensors and comparators are used for piecewise correction, then temperature range detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates external temperature sensors and comparators by using the self-service capability of diode-connected transistors. These transistors inherently detect temperature thresholds through their forward voltage characteristics, removing the need for separate sensing and comparison circuits while maintaining accurate temperature range detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from voltage comparison (requiring comparators) to temperature-dependent forward voltage characteristics of diodes. This parameter change allows threshold detection to be achieved through the natural physical properties of semiconductor components, reducing circuit complexity
3Device complexity
If global temperature correction is applied, then circuit complexity is reduced, but output signal drift increases across temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature correction into multiple segments or pieces, each valid for a specific temperature range. By segmenting the correction approach and using diode-connected transistors to automatically select the appropriate segment based on temperature, the system achieves both the simplicity of global correction and the precision of range-specific correction
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 provides a continuous and accurate correction signal that minimizes output drift, ensuring a stable output across temperature changes without discontinuities, thereby enhancing the reliability of precision applications.
Implementation Method 1
The rectifying circuit is configured to receive the first and second signals, rectify the first signal to produce a first rectified signal
Implementation Method 2
The first supply source is configured to supply a first signal that varies with temperature along a first constant or continuously variable slope
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature dependent correction circuit includes a first supply source, a second supply source, a rectifying circuit, and a reference. The first supply source is configured to supply a first signal that varies with temperature along a first constant or continuously variable slope. The second supply source is configured to supply a second signal that varies with temperature along a second constant or continuously variable slope. The rectifying circuit is configured to receive the first and second signal, rectify the first signal to produce a first rectified signal, and add the first rectified signal to the second signal to produce a correction signal. The reference is configured to receive the correction signal.