Temperature Sensor Routing Resistance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit dies face challenges in accurately measuring temperature across multiple regions due to the large parasitic resistances in signal lines, which affect the accuracy of digital temperature signals generated by a single analog-to-digital converter.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating resistance compensation regions along signal lines to maintain a specific ratio of resistances between first and second signal lines, reducing inaccuracies in digital temperature signals by varying the length or material properties of the signal lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors with individual analog-to-digital converters are used to measure temperature in multiple regions, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple analog-to-digital converter functions into a single shared converter. The system uses a single ADC to sequentially convert analog signals from multiple temperature sensors, eliminating the need for multiple large converter circuits on the semiconductor substrate. This significantly reduces the area occupied by conversion circuitry while maintaining the capability to precisely measure temperatures across multiple regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single analog-to-digital converter is designed to serve multiple temperature sensors through time-multiplexed operation. The converter universally handles signals from different sensors by sequentially connecting to each sensor via a multiplexer, allowing one converter to perform the work of multiple converters while occupying only the area of one converter on the substrate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temperature sensors are placed far from the analog-to-digital converter to cover more regions, then temperature monitoring coverage is improved, but signal accuracy deteriorates due to parasitic resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multiplexer as an intermediary device between the distributed temperature sensors and the single analog-to-digital converter. The multiplexer enables the converter to sequentially connect to sensors located at various positions across the substrate, allowing accurate temperature measurement in multiple regions without requiring the converter to be physically close to each sensor. This intermediary solves the problem of signal degradation over long distances by providing controlled signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic time-multiplexed switching to sequentially connect the single ADC to different temperature sensors. By rapidly switching between sensors in a periodic manner, the system maintains accurate signal transmission even when sensors are located far from the converter, as each sensor is connected directly to the ADC during its designated time slot, minimizing the effect of parasitic resistance.
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 ensures accurate digital temperature signal generation for multiple temperature sensors, even when they are located far from the analog-to-digital converter, maintaining signal integrity and reducing the need for multiple large converters, thus saving semiconductor substrate area.
Implementation Method 1
Each group of signal lines includes resistance compensation regions which extend the length of the first signal line of the group with respect to the second signal line of the group in order to maintain a particular ratio of the resistance of the first signal line with respect to the resistance of the second signal line
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit die includes multiple temperature sensor units each for measuring the temperature of respective regions of a semiconductor substrate of the integrated circuit die. The temperature sensor units are each coupled to a multiplexer by respective groups of signal lines. The signal lines include resistance compensation areas for maintaining a particular ratio of resistances of the signal lines of each group.