Temperature Sensor Mismatch Error Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature sensors in semiconductor devices experience reduced accuracy due to mismatches between circuit elements within the analog core, leading to errors in temperature readings.
Innovation Solution
The temperature sensor includes an analog core that generates temperature-dependent output signals through diodes or transistors, sampling these signals in multiple states to average out errors caused by mismatches, using multiplexers to switch between different couplings of circuit elements and adjusting power supply voltage to mitigate mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors use matched circuit elements in the analog core, then temperature reading accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the temperature sensing function from the matched circuit elements. By using a bandgap reference circuit that generates a temperature-dependent voltage independent of component matching, the sensor removes the dependency on precisely matched circuit elements, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing complexity and manufacturing constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from relying on matched impedance or gain to relying on a voltage parameter generated by a bandgap reference. This parameter change allows the sensor to achieve temperature measurement accuracy without requiring tightly matched circuit elements, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
2Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors use matched circuit elements, then accurate temperature readings are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing functionality from the matched circuit element architecture and implements it through a bandgap reference-based voltage generation approach. This extraction eliminates the need for high-precision manufacturing of matched components while maintaining accurate temperature readings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard, readily available circuit components with relaxed tolerance specifications rather than requiring precision-matched components. This approach uses conventional, easily manufactured elements to achieve the same functional result, reducing manufacturing precision requirements
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors compensate for mismatch errors through multiple sampling, then reading accuracy improves, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction factors or calibration data during manufacturing or initialization. This preliminary characterization allows the sensor to apply simple lookup tables or correction algorithms during operation, achieving high accuracy without requiring multiple time-consuming measurements
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 approach significantly improves the accuracy of temperature readings by canceling out errors from individual readings, allowing for precise temperature measurement and optimal device operation.
Implementation Method 1
an analog core that generates temperature-dependent output signals through diodes or transistors
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor is disclosed. The temperature sensor includes an analog core having at least first and second circuit nodes and configured to provide a temperature dependent output, a multiplexer coupled to the first and second circuit nodes and configured for at least first and second states in each of which the first circuit node couples to a different circuit element and in each of which the second circuit node couples to a different circuit element, and a controller coupled to the analog core and configured to provide a temperature measurement that is an average of at least first and second readings of the temperature dependent output of the analog core, the first reading taken while the multiplexer is in the first state, and the second reading taken while the multiplexer is in the second state.