Temperature Sensor Single-Point Calibration via Adjustable Gain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensor calibration methods require multiple temperature insertion points, leading to complexity and inaccuracy, especially in high-temperature applications like radar systems, where high numbers of diodes increase circuit complexity and mismatch modeling difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor design utilizing a first current generator for proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current and a second for inverse PTAT (IPTAT) current, combined to form a reference current with adjustable sensitivity and gain, controlled by a digital controller and current mirrors, with a variable resistor for output calibration, allowing for single-point calibration and high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature insertion points are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calibration approach by using a single temperature insertion point with adjustable sensitivity and gain parameters. Instead of multiple temperature points, the system varies electrical parameters (sensitivity and gain) to achieve accurate temperature measurement across the full range, thereby reducing calibration complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamically adjustable sensitivity and gain parameters that can be tuned to optimize temperature measurement accuracy. This dynamic adjustment replaces the static multi-point calibration approach, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring complex pre-calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If a high number of diodes are used to increase dynamic range, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensitivity and gain parameters universally adjustable to cover the full dynamic range requirement. Instead of using multiple diodes to extend the measurement range, the system uses a single diode with electronically adjustable sensitivity and gain, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts sensitivity and gain parameters to optimize the dynamic range of the temperature sensor. By varying these electrical parameters, the system achieves the required measurement range without adding more diodes, thus maintaining simple circuit architecture while improving measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If a high number of diodes are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity from the hardware level (reducing diode count) and moves it to the control level (adjustable sensitivity and gain parameters). This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces mismatch modeling difficulties while maintaining measurement precision through electronic parameter adjustment rather than complex hardware configurations.
4Device complexity
If single-point calibration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for single-point calibration limitations by introducing adjustable sensitivity and gain parameters. These parameter changes allow the system to optimize measurement accuracy across the entire temperature range from a single calibration point, thereby maintaining precision without requiring complex multi-point calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the adjustable sensitivity and gain parameters can be tuned based on measured temperature values. This feedback allows the system to self-optimize and maintain high measurement accuracy across different operating conditions, effectively compensating for the simplicity of single-point calibration.
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 achieves high accuracy within ±2 degrees of the desired temperature range, simplifies the calibration process, and reduces parameter drifts in applications like ADPLL and DCO circuits, providing greater predictability and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first current generator configured to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current
Implementation Method 2
a second current generator configured to generate an inverse PTAT (IPTAT) current
Implementation Method 3
the PTAT current and IPTAT current being combined to form a reference current having a sensitivity relative to temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a temperature sensor including a first current generator configured to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current, a second current generator configured to generate an inverse PTAT (IPTAT) current, the PTAT current and IPTAT current being combined to form a reference current having a sensitivity relative to temperature, a plurality of current mirrors to adjust the sensitivity and gain of the reference current, and a variable resistor to set an output calibration voltage based on the generated current.