Temperature Sensor Calibration Using Dynamic Tap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature sensors provide reduced accuracy outside a specific temperature range due to variations in diode temperature coefficients, limiting their effectiveness in wider temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor design that incorporates a calibration coefficient 'x' and a tap control unit to adjust the components during calibration, allowing for more accurate temperature readings across a broader temperature range by modifying the current ICTAT value and switching mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are used, then they provide accurate readings within a specific temperature range, but they provide reduced accuracy outside that specific temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic calibration system where the sensor components (resistors and capacitors) are adjusted based on the measured temperature. The calibration coefficient 'x' is dynamically selected from multiple tap positions depending on the temperature range, allowing the sensor to adapt its characteristics to maintain accuracy across different temperature conditions rather than using fixed component values
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the sensor circuit by introducing a calibration coefficient 'x' that modifies the relationship between the measured voltage and temperature. By varying this coefficient based on temperature range (through tap switching), the sensor effectively changes its calibration parameters to maintain measurement precision across extended temperature ranges
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to improve accuracy across wider temperature ranges, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional calibration components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement range into multiple segments or zones, each associated with a specific tap position on the calibration resistor. Instead of using a single complex calibration mechanism for the entire range, the system segments the calibration approach by selecting different tap positions (0, 1, 2, etc.) corresponding to different temperature ranges, simplifying the overall calibration structure
Solution Approach 2:
The tap control unit dynamically selects the appropriate tap position based on the measured temperature, creating a adaptive calibration system. This dynamic switching allows the sensor to automatically adjust its calibration coefficient without requiring manual intervention or complex continuous adjustment mechanisms
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 enables temperature sensors to provide more accurate readings from 0°C to 125°C, improving accuracy beyond the typical range of conventional sensors by adjusting the sensor components during calibration.
Implementation Method 1
variations in diode temperature coefficients
Implementation Method 2
a value of a current ICTAT (complimentary temperature absolute temperature) flowing through resistor 122
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch may be configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state based on a value of a first current flowing through a number of resistors and a diode coupled in series with the resistors. The second switch may be configured to switch between the on-state and the off-state based on a value of a second current on a circuit path. The second current is a function of a voltage at a node between two of the resistors and a resistance of the circuit path. The circuit may be configured to provide a temperature reading based on the number of times the first switch or the second switch switches between the on-state and the off-state during a time interval.