Series Diode Temperature Sensing for Computing Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensing systems in computing devices face challenges in accurately measuring temperature variations within enclosures, leading to potential component damage due to uneven temperature distribution and inefficient fan control.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing system comprising N temperature sensing circuits connected in series, each including a diode, which communicates with a control module to calculate an average temperature and adjust fan operation based on thresholds, ensuring accurate temperature monitoring and efficient cooling or heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used to monitor temperature in computing devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of temperature distribution is insufficient leading to inaccurate temperature monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature sensing function into multiple segments by deploying N temperature sensors at different locations within the computing device. Each sensor monitors temperature at its specific location, and the control module collects and processes signals from all sensors to determine overall device temperature. This segmentation enables comprehensive temperature monitoring across the entire device rather than relying on a single measurement point.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed at different locations, then the measurement precision of temperature distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing circuits and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple temperature sensors and their signal processing into a single integrated control module. The control module receives temperature signals from N distributed sensors, processes all signals simultaneously, and generates a unified temperature determination. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision through multiple sensors while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating control logic.
3Reliability
If fan operation is controlled based on single-point temperature measurement, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of cooling control is insufficient leading to potential component damage from uneven temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control module continuously receives temperature signals from N distributed sensors, processes the signals to determine overall device temperature, and adjusts fan operation accordingly. The fan control logic receives feedback from the temperature determination and automatically adjusts fan speed or operation state. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable cooling control while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
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 effectively manages temperature variations by accurately calculating average temperatures and adjusting fan speeds, thereby preventing component damage and optimizing cooling/heating operations within computing devices.
Implementation Method 1
N temperature sensing circuits that are connected in series and that each include a diode... calculates an average temperature of the N temperature sensing circuits based on the combined voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensing system includes N temperature sensing circuits, each including a diode, that are connected in series, wherein N is an integer greater than one. A control module includes a first terminal that communicates with one of the N temperature sensing circuits, that receives a combined voltage of the N temperature sensing circuits at the first terminal, and that calculates an average temperature of the N temperature sensing circuits based on the combined voltage.