Temperature Sensor Post-Processing for Measurement Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature sensors face errors due to statistical spread, corner variations, and curvature of bandgap voltage, leading to inaccuracies in temperature measurement, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing system is employed to correct these errors by computing and applying correction coefficients to the output signals from temperature sensors, averaging responses to reduce spread errors, comparing diode junction voltages to reference voltages to correct corner errors, and shifting bandgap voltage to achieve linear temperature dependency, thereby improving temperature sensing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are used without post-processing correction, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to statistical spread, corner variations, and curvature errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating correction coefficients for statistical spread, corner variations, and curvature errors during the manufacturing process. These correction values are stored in memory and automatically applied during temperature measurements, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing operational device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary post-processing system that acts as a mediator between the temperature sensor and the final measurement output. This system applies correction algorithms to compensate for various error sources, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring fundamental changes to the sensor structure itself.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are processed individually without averaging, then the processing time is short, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to statistical spread errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple temperature sensor readings through averaging operations to reduce statistical spread errors. By combining measurements from multiple sensors and applying correction coefficients simultaneously, the system achieves higher measurement precision while minimizing additional processing time through efficient parallel computation.
3Measurement precision
If bandgap voltage is used directly without correction, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to curvature errors and non-linear temperature dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the non-linear bandgap voltage characteristics into a linear temperature-dependent output through mathematical correction. Correction coefficients are applied to compensate for curvature errors, changing the voltage parameter relationships to achieve accurate linear temperature measurement without requiring complex analog correction circuits.
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 significantly reduces statistical spread and corner errors, ensuring accurate temperature measurement with improved precision and reduced outlier readings, enhancing the yield of high-precision temperature sensors.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first signal in response to a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes post processing a plurality of temperature sensors grouped into a plurality of sets. For each set of the plurality of sets, a post-processing system coupled to corresponding temperature sensors receives a plurality output signals generated by the corresponding temperature sensors. For each set of the plurality of sets, the post-processing system computes values representing proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) voltages and values representing internal reference voltages based on output signals generated by the corresponding temperature sensors. For each set of the plurality of sets, the post-processing system computes an average of the values representing the PTAT voltages and relative PTAT voltage variation coefficients. For each set of the plurality of sets, the post-processing system computes values representing corrected PTAT voltages using the relative PTAT voltage variation coefficients.