Automated Temperature Sensor Calibration via Adjustable Series Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration methods for temperature sensors in integrated circuits are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in large-scale production, leading to inaccuracies due to process variations during fabrication.
Innovation Solution
An automated calibration system for temperature sensors, which includes a temperature sensor circuit with adjustable resistances and a calibration circuit that uses a bi-section technique and fuse blowing mechanism to accurately calibrate the sensor, allowing for precise temperature measurement and automatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by placing the temperature sensor in a temperature-controlled testing apparatus, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time and production efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical calibration process with an automated electronic calibration system. The calibration circuit automatically adjusts the calibration register based on measured temperature data, eliminating the need for manual intervention and temperature-controlled testing apparatus, thereby significantly improving calibration speed while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own temperature using the temperature sensor and adjusting its calibration parameters accordingly. The calibration circuit reads temperature data, calculates calibration values, and updates the calibration register without external intervention, enabling rapid automated calibration
2Measurement precision
If process variations during fabrication are reduced, then temperature sensor accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a calibration circuit and calibration register directly into the temperature sensor design during fabrication. This preliminary integration allows for post-fabrication calibration adjustments without requiring complex manufacturing process changes, enabling accuracy compensation for process variations through simple electrical calibration rather than complex manufacturing control
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system adjusts temperature measurement accuracy by changing the calibration parameters stored in the calibration register. By modifying these digital parameters rather than physical manufacturing parameters, the system can compensate for fabrication variations without increasing manufacturing complexity, simply through software-based parameter adjustment
3Productivity
If automated calibration is implemented, then production efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration circuit, temperature sensor, and calibration register into a single integrated unit. This consolidation automates the calibration process by combining multiple functions into one system, improving production efficiency while actually reducing overall system complexity compared to separate manual calibration equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration circuit serves multiple functions: it measures temperature, calculates calibration values, stores calibration parameters in the calibration register, and adjusts the temperature sensor output. This multi-functionality enables automated calibration without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, maintaining simplicity while achieving high productivity
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 system enables efficient and accurate calibration of temperature sensors, reducing the need for manual calibration and minimizing the impact of process variations, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of temperature measurement in integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a first resistance configured to indicate a temperature of the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second resistance, in series with the first resistor, wherein the second resistance is adjustable to calibrate the first resistance
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system and method for automatically calibrating a temperature sensor. More specifically, there is provided a system including a temperature sensor that includes a first resistance configured to indicate a temperature of the temperature sensor and a second resistance, in series with the first resistor, wherein the second resistance is adjustable to calibrate the first resistance, and a calibration circuit, coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to automatically calibrate the first resistance.