Self-Heating Temperature Sensor Calibration Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration processes for temperature sensors in electronic devices are complex and costly, particularly when aiming for high accuracy over a large temperature range, as they require additional equipment and time-consuming procedures to determine gain errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes self-heating characteristics of the temperature sensor and electronic device to perform calibration at multiple temperature points, calculating gain errors without additional sensors, relying on integrated circuit losses and self-heating, thereby simplifying the calibration process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex calibration process including gain error determination is used, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but calibration time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device uses its own internal resources (processor, existing sensors, and operational characteristics) to perform self-calibration. The processor determines calibration parameters by analyzing temperature data collected during normal operation, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment and reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process utilizes changes in operational parameters (such as processor load, fan speed, and power consumption) to create different thermal states. By measuring temperature under varying load conditions, the system can determine both offset and gain error parameters without requiring external heating equipment or extended calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If a complex calibration process including gain error determination is used, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device performs its own calibration using internally available components. The processor leverages existing temperature sensors, power management circuits, and operational characteristics to determine calibration parameters, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment, specialized measurement devices, or complex calibration setups.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing components in the electronic device (processor, temperature sensors, power management circuits) are utilized for multiple purposes: normal operation, temperature monitoring, and calibration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated calibration equipment while achieving accurate temperature measurement across different operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed at multiple temperature points to determine gain error, then temperature accuracy over large temperature range is improved, but calibration process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates multiple thermal states by varying operational parameters such as processor load, power consumption, and cooling fan speed. By collecting temperature data under these different operational conditions, the system can determine calibration parameters that are valid across the entire operating temperature range without requiring external equipment to heat or cool the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process uses feedback from temperature sensors and power management circuits to iteratively determine calibration parameters. The processor analyzes the relationship between power consumption, operational state, and measured temperature to calculate offset and gain error parameters that compensate for temperature-dependent measurement errors across the full operating range.
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 method significantly increases temperature measurement accuracy, allowing electronic devices to operate closer to absolute temperature thresholds and extends their operational range without redesigning the electronic circuit, while providing accurate temperature values at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic circuit (11) configured to emit a predetermined amount of heat
Data Source
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AI summary
A calibration method for a temperature sensor of an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a temperature sensor, an electronic circuit configured to emit a predetermined amount of heat, and a control circuit. The method comprises steps of determining (Si) a first parameter value of a parameter of the electronic device that is representative for a first temperature of the electronic device; controlling (S2, S3), by the control circuit, the electronic circuit to emit the predetermined amount of heat for a predetermined time; determining (S4) a second parameter value of a parameter of the electronic device that is representative for a second temperature of the electronic device after the predetermined time has elapsed, calculating (S5), by the control circuit a gradient based on the determined first parameter value, the determined second parameter value, the first temperature and the second temperature, and determining a gain error based on the calculated gradient.