Temperature Sensor Nonlinearity Adjustment Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature sensors face challenges in accurately measuring temperature due to nonlinearity in detected and clock signals, affecting detection accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor system that includes a temperature clock generator with a nonlinearity adjustment circuit, a reference clock generator, and a counter circuit, which adjusts the nonlinearity of the temperature clock signal using resistors with nonlinear resistance values and a switch circuit controlled by a control signal, and a controller that determines nonlinear errors and adjusts the nonlinearity to reduce measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If common materials or electronic devices are used as temperature sensors, then the temperature measurement can be performed, but nonlinearity occurs in the detected signal and clock signal which affects detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resistance parameters of the temperature sensor by connecting different resistance values (R1, R2, R3, R4) in series based on temperature ranges. By switching between different resistance configurations, the system adjusts the temperature coefficient to maintain linear relationship between the detected signal and temperature across different temperature ranges, thereby resolving the nonlinearity issue while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If the detected signal and clock signal have nonlinearity with respect to temperature, then the temperature sensor can operate, but the detection accuracy and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the resistance parameters of the temperature sensor by switching between different resistance configurations (R1+R2+R3+R4 for low temperature, R1+R2 for high temperature, etc.). This parameter adjustment compensates for the nonlinearity in the detected signal and clock signal, ensuring that the measurement capability is maintained across the full temperature range while preserving detection accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single resistance value is used in the temperature sensor, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature measurement accuracy decreases at extreme temperatures due to nonlinearity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance configuration where the total resistance of the temperature sensor changes based on the temperature range. The controller switches between different resistance configurations (connecting different numbers of resistors in series) according to the detected temperature, allowing the sensor to maintain optimal linearity and measurement accuracy across the entire temperature range from -40°C to 125°C, while keeping the basic sensor structure relatively simple.
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 enhances temperature measurement accuracy by linearizing the count signal with respect to temperature, thereby improving detection reliability and reducing nonlinear errors.
Implementation Method 1
The nonlinearity adjustment circuit may include resistors with nonlinear resistance values, and a switch circuit configured to control a connection between the resistors based on the control signal
Implementation Method 2
a counter circuit configured to output a count signal by counting clocks of the temperature clock signal corresponding to a counting interval of the reference clock signal
Implementation Method 3
The temperature may include a reference voltage generator configured to generate a threshold voltage used to generate the temperature clock signal and the reference clock signal
Implementation Method 4
The reference voltage generator may include an amplifier configured to equalize a voltage of a first input node to a voltage of a second input node
Implementation Method 5
The reference clock generator may include a capacitor, a switch circuit configured to charge the capacitor or discharge an electric charge of the capacitor based on a reference bias current
Implementation Method 6
a comparator configured to output a comparison result obtained by comparing a first threshold voltage and a second threshold voltage based on a voltage stored in the capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor and a method of sensing a temperature are provided. The temperature sensor generates a temperature clock signal based on a control signal to adjust a nonlinearity of the temperature clock signal, and outputs a count signal by counting clocks of the temperature clock signal corresponding to a counting interval of a reference clock signal.