Semiconductor Current and Temperature Sensing With One Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices require separate elements for current and temperature detection, leading to complex manufacturing processes and increased chip area.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that uses a single sensing element to function as both a current sensing element and a temperature sensing element by switching its operation mode based on the state of the output element, eliminating the need for a dedicated temperature detection diode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate elements are used for current detection and temperature detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and chip area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects current when the output element is ON and detects temperature when the output element is OFF. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate current detection and temperature detection elements, thereby reducing device complexity and chip area while maintaining detection accuracy through mode switching based on the output element state
2Measurement precision
If separate elements are used for current detection and temperature detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element serves dual purposes as both a current sensor and temperature sensor depending on the operational state of the output element. By integrating these two detection functions into a single element, the chip area is significantly reduced compared to using separate dedicated elements for each detection function
3Device complexity
If a single sensing element is used for both current and temperature detection, then device complexity is reduced, but the sensing element must switch between different detection modes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element dynamically switches between current detection mode and temperature detection mode based on the ON/OFF state of the output element. This dynamic adaptation is controlled automatically through the connection configuration, where the sensing element connects to different circuit nodes depending on the output element state, simplifying operation despite the multi-functional requirement
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
Simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces chip area by integrating current and temperature detection functions into a single sensing element, thereby optimizing device design.
Implementation Method 1
turn on the sensing element by connecting the high potential terminal of the sensing element to the high potential terminal of the output element and ungrounding the low potential terminal of the sensing element, to thereby cause the sensing element to function as a current sensing element for detecting a current flowing in the output element
Implementation Method 2
supply a constant current from the high potential terminal of the sensing element in a state where the low potential terminal of the sensing element is grounded, to thereby turn on the sensing element and cause the sensing element to function as a temperature sensing element for detecting a temperature of the output element
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device having: a semiconductor device unit including an output element and a sensing element; and a control circuit. When the output element is in an on state, the control circuit connects a high potential terminal of a sensing element to a high potential terminal of an output element and ungrounds a low potential terminal of the sensing element to cause the sensing element to function as a current sensing element for detecting a current flowing in the output element. When the output element is in an off state, the control circuit disconnects the high potential terminals of the sensing element and the output element, causes a constant current to flow through the high potential terminal of the sensing element, and grounds the low potential terminal of the sensing element to cause the sensing element to function as a temperature sensing element for detecting the temperature of the output element.