Temperature Evaluation Circuit for Integrated Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face complexity in temperature evaluation due to the need to monitor multiple semiconductor devices, requiring a more straightforward and adaptable temperature evaluation circuit to prevent thermal overload.
Innovation Solution
A temperature evaluation circuit with multiple sensor circuits that generate output currents based on sensed temperatures, which are combined using weighted sums to produce an evaluation signal for overtemperature detection, allowing for flexible adaptation and effective thermal protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors are used to monitor different positions in the integrated circuit, then the thermal protection capability is improved, but the evaluation circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensor circuits into a single evaluation circuit that processes all temperature signals through one unified evaluation path. The evaluation circuit receives output currents from multiple sensor circuits and generates a single evaluation signal, merging the evaluation function into one centralized unit rather than having separate evaluation paths for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation circuit is designed as a universal circuit that can handle multiple temperature sensor inputs through a common interface. It evaluates temperatures at different positions by receiving output currents from various sensor circuits and generating appropriate evaluation signals, making the circuit adaptable to different sensor configurations and positions within the integrated circuit.
2Reliability
If temperature monitoring is extended to multiple positions in the integrated circuit, then the thermal management effectiveness is improved, but the implementation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring system is segmented into independent sensor circuits, each responsible for monitoring a specific position in the integrated circuit. Each sensor circuit operates independently to sense temperature at its designated location and provides output current to the evaluation circuit, allowing modular implementation and easier manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation circuit serves as an intermediary that receives output currents from multiple sensor circuits and transforms them into evaluation signals. This intermediary structure simplifies the implementation by providing a standardized interface between the distributed sensors and the control logic, making the system easier to manufacture and adapt.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit includes a temperature evaluation circuit. The temperature evaluation circuit includes a first sensor circuit with a first output terminal that is configured to sense a first temperature at a first position of the electronic circuit and to generate at the first output terminal a first output current that is dependent on the first temperature. A second sensor circuit includes a second output terminal and is configured to sense a second temperature at a second position of the electronic circuit and to generate at the second output terminal a second output current that is dependent on the second temperature. An evaluation circuit has an input terminal connected to the first output terminal and the second output terminal and is configured to provide an evaluation signal that is dependent on a current received at the input terminal.