Semiconductor Temperature Detection Circuit for Sub-Zero Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices with integrated temperature detection circuits face challenges in detecting temperatures across a wide range, especially in cold environments, requiring multiple components and conversion circuits, which complicates the design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a temperature detection circuit that uses a voltage signal generation circuit and a conversion circuit, including operational amplifiers and bandgap-type reference voltage generation, to produce a detection signal with a lower temperature-dependent change rate, allowing direct input to a computer and reducing the number of terminals needed, thus achieving compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional temperature detection circuit is used, then it can detect temperature, but it requires multiple terminals and complex conversion circuits which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature detection circuit and conversion circuit into a single integrated module within the semiconductor device. The detection circuit generates a detection signal based on temperature, and the conversion circuit directly converts this signal to a standardized output signal (0-3.3V) that can be read by general-purpose computers, eliminating the need for external conversion circuits and reducing terminal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor device is designed to be universally compatible with general-purpose computers by outputting standardized voltage signals (0-3.3V) that can be directly read by any computer's analog-to-digital converter. This multi-functional design allows the same device to work across different computing platforms without requiring platform-specific conversion circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature detection range is limited to conventional ranges, then the circuit design is simpler, but it cannot detect temperatures in cold regions (below 0°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the temperature detection range by modifying the operational parameters of the detection circuit to function accurately from -40°C to 150°C. This involves adjusting the characteristics of the temperature-sensitive element and the associated signal conditioning circuitry to maintain linear response and appropriate signal levels across this extended temperature range, particularly enabling detection of sub-zero temperatures that conventional circuits cannot measure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional conversion circuits are added to extend temperature detection range, then temperature detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both the temperature detection circuit and the signal conversion circuit into a single monolithic semiconductor device. This integration eliminates the need for separate external conversion circuits, reducing the total component count, simplifying the manufacturing process, and lowering overall system cost while maintaining the extended temperature detection range of -40°C to 150°C.
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 enables reliable temperature detection across a wide range, from -40°C to 150°C, with a simplified circuit design that reduces component count and costs, allowing the semiconductor device to function effectively in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
based on a voltage signal that is temperature-dependent, a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a power element, a drive circuit configured to drive the power element, and a temperature detection circuit configured to be capable of detecting a temperature of 0° C. or lower. The temperature detection circuit is configured to generate and output, based on a voltage signal that is temperature-temperature, a detection signal having a lower temperature-dependent change rate than the voltage signal.