Reference-Less Electro-Thermal Loop for Constant IC Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits face challenges in maintaining a constant temperature without relying on reference signals, which can be undesirable due to temperature-voltage dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A reference-less electro-thermal loop circuit is implemented, comprising a PTAT current sink, a CTAT current source, and a heating element, which uses differential amplification to control the heating element and maintain a constant temperature without a reference signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference signal is used to maintain constant temperature, then temperature control functionality is achieved, but temperature-voltage dependencies are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reference signal from the temperature control system. By using a bandgap circuit that generates a temperature-compensated voltage reference internally, the system removes the need for external reference signals that introduce temperature-voltage dependencies, thereby achieving reliable temperature control without the harmful effects of external reference dependencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bandgap circuit as an intermediary element that generates an internal voltage reference with temperature compensation characteristics. This intermediary circuit acts as a mediator between the temperature sensing elements and the control system, providing a stable reference voltage that is inherently compensated for temperature variations, thus eliminating the need for external temperature-dependent reference signals
2Measurement precision
If PTAT and CTAT current sources are used for temperature control, then precise temperature control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PTAT (proportional to absolute temperature) and CTAT (complementary to absolute temperature) current sources into a unified temperature control architecture. By combining these two current sources that have opposite temperature coefficients, the system achieves precise temperature control through their complementary actions, while the integrated design minimizes the overall circuit complexity compared to separate independent control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal temperature control circuit that uses the PTAT and CTAT current sources for multiple functions including temperature sensing, temperature compensation, and heating control. This multi-functional approach allows the same circuit elements to serve multiple purposes, thereby achieving precise temperature control without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 effectively maintains the temperature of temperature-dependent circuits within integrated circuits at a desired set point, achieving precise temperature control without the need for reference signals.
Implementation Method 1
a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current sink
Implementation Method 2
a complementary to absolute temperature current source (CTAT) current source
Implementation Method 3
a heating element
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects relate to a circuit comprising a temperature-dependent circuit, a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current sink, a complementary to absolute temperature current source (CTAT) current source, and a heating element. The temperature-dependent circuit is disposed within an integrated circuit package. The PTAT current sink is disposed within the integrated circuit package and has an output terminal. The CTAT current source is disposed within the integrated circuit package and has an output terminal coupled to the output terminal of the PTAT current sink. The heating element is disposed within the integrated circuit package and has a control terminal coupled to the output terminal of the PTAT current sink and the output terminal of the CTAT current source.