Differential Temperature Sensor With Linear Sensing Offset Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature sensors are limited in their ability to precisely control and linearly adjust sensing temperatures, making them inadequate for emerging applications requiring more precise temperature sensing and control in semiconductor devices.

Innovation Solution

A temperature sensor design that includes a reference voltage generator, a temperature sensing voltage generator, and a sensing temperature controller capable of controlling amplifier offsets using control signals or digital codes to produce differential output signals with inverted phases, allowing for linear variation of sensing temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sensing temperature is adjusted by controlling the resistance value of resistor strings, then the temperature sensor can operate at different temperature points, but the sensing temperature varies nonlinearly with resistance value changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature sensing rangeVSAvoidtemperature linearity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from resistance value to voltage offset. By controlling the voltage offset of the differential amplifier rather than the resistance of resistor strings, the system achieves linear temperature sensing. The voltage offset can be precisely controlled through digital code input to the offset control circuit, enabling linear relationship between the control signal and sensing temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the resistive control mechanism with a voltage-based control mechanism. Instead of using resistor strings whose resistance changes with temperature, the system uses a differential amplifier with controllable voltage offset. This substitution of control domain (resistance to voltage) enables linear temperature adjustment while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional temperature sensors are used, then the basic temperature sensing function is provided, but precise control and linear adjustment of sensing temperatures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the differential amplifier serve multiple functions: it acts as both the temperature sensing element and the temperature control element. By integrating the offset control circuit that can be adjusted via digital code, the same amplifier circuit performs both sensing and precise control functions, eliminating the need for separate control circuits and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through the offset control circuit that can be modified by digital code input. This allows the voltage offset to be dynamically changed based on control signals, enabling precise and flexible temperature control. The system transitions from a static sensing mechanism to a dynamically adjustable one, achieving high precision without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise and linear adjustment of sensing temperatures, enhancing the ability to control semiconductor devices in response to peripheral temperature variations, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional temperature sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a reference voltage generator configured to generate a reference voltage having a first slope that varies in accordance with variations of a peripheral temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent voltage characteristic:

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensing voltage having a second slope that varies in accordance with variations of the peripheral temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent voltage characteristic:

Implementation Method 3

configured to amplify a voltage difference between the reference voltage and the temperature sensing voltage to generate a first differential output signal and a second differential output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS7455452B2Temperature sensor capable of controlling sensing temperature

Publication Date: 2008.11.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A temperature sensor includes a reference voltage generator, a sensing temperature controller and a first differential amplifier. The reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage having a first slope that varies in accordance with variations of a peripheral temperature, and a temperature sensing voltage having a second slope that varies in accordance with variations of the peripheral temperature. The sensing temperature controller controls an offset of an amplifier in response to a first control signal, and amplifies a voltage difference between the reference voltage and the temperature sensing voltage to generate a first differential output signal, and a second differential output signal having an inverted phase of the first differential output signal. The first differential amplifier amplifies a voltage difference between the first differential output signal and the second differential output signal to generate a sensor output signal.