Resonant Peak Oscillator Circuit for Real-Time Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement systems for semiconductor components face phase lag issues during fast temperature transients, making real-time monitoring challenging, especially in production tests where immediate accuracy is required.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with a variable gain amplifier that allows switching between high and low gain-bandwidth modes to lock onto different resonant peaks, enabling accurate and rapid temperature measurement by using a secondary resonant peak for temperature sensing, which eliminates phase lag and allows for on-the-fly compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate temperature sensor (diode or band gap reference) is used to measure temperature, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but phase lag occurs between the actual temperature of the component and the measured temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the oscillator component itself by utilizing the temperature-dependent frequency characteristics of the oscillator. The oscillator serves dual purposes: generating clock signals and sensing temperature through its frequency variations, thereby eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and the associated phase lag.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a clock signal generator and a temperature sensor. By exploiting the inherent temperature dependence of the oscillator frequency, the same component provides both timing and temperature measurement functions, achieving real-time temperature monitoring without phase lag.
2Measurement precision
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented during fast temperature transients, then accurate temperature measurement is achieved, but production test timing constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator automatically provides temperature information through its frequency output without requiring external measurement circuits or additional measurement time. The frequency directly reflects the temperature, enabling instantaneous temperature determination that fits within production test timing constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural parameter change of oscillator frequency with temperature. By measuring the frequency (or period) of the oscillator output, temperature is determined through this inherent parameter relationship, providing rapid temperature measurement suitable for production testing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple crystals or capacitor/inductor pairs are used to create temperature sensors, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing capability from separate physical components (crystals, capacitor/inductor pairs) and integrates it into the existing oscillator structure. By using the oscillator's own frequency characteristics, the design eliminates the need for additional sensor components, reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature measurement functionality.
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 solution enables real-time transient response temperature measurements without phase lag, facilitating quick and accurate multi-point calibration within production test timing limits, and can be applied to other physical variables like pressure, light, or gas density.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant device for providing an oscillating source... control of resonant peaks for selection for oscillation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a temperature and calibration utilizing resonant frequency peaks in an oscillator. A circuit providing resonant peaks for utilization for temperature measurements comprising a resonator device for providing an oscillating source, a variable gain-bandwidth amplifier in parallel with the crystal/resonator for providing modulation of the gain and/or bandwidth driving the crystal/resonator, and control of resonant peaks for selection for oscillation, a first capacitor electrically coupled to the parallel combination of the input of the variable gain-bandwidth amplifier, and the resonator device for providing charge storage for oscillation, and a second capacitor electrically coupled to parallel combination of the output of the variable gain-bandwidth amplifier, and the resonator device for providing charge storage for oscillation.