Temperature Sensor Reference Voltage Selection for Resolution Range Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature measuring devices using analog-to-digital (A/D) converters face a trade-off between high temperature resolution and wide measurement range, as larger reference voltages reduce resolution and smaller ones limit the range, making it difficult to achieve both simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least two reference voltage sources and a selection mechanism that dynamically chooses the appropriate reference voltage based on the analog or digital signal, allowing the A/D converter to maintain high resolution across a wide measurement range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large reference voltage is chosen for the A/D converter to achieve a wide measurement range, then the measurement range is improved, but the temperature resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system includes a reference voltage selection means that can switch between at least two different reference voltage values based on the measured temperature range, allowing the reference voltage to adapt to different measurement scenarios and maintain high resolution across the entire measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference voltage parameter according to the measurement requirements. By selecting different reference voltage values (e.g., first reference voltage for lower temperature ranges, second reference voltage for higher temperature ranges), the system optimizes the temperature resolution for each specific measurement range while maintaining a wide overall measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a small reference voltage is chosen for the A/D converter to achieve high temperature resolution, then the temperature resolution is improved, but the measurement range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage selection means dynamically adjusts the reference voltage based on the input signal level or temperature range being measured, enabling the system to use smaller reference voltages for high-resolution measurements in specific ranges while expanding the overall measurement range through multiple reference voltage options.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement range is segmented into multiple sub-ranges, each associated with a specific reference voltage. This segmentation allows the system to optimize resolution for each sub-range while collectively covering a wide measurement range through the combination of multiple reference voltage sources.
3Device complexity
If only one reference voltage is used for the A/D converter to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature resolution deteriorates in certain ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic reference voltage selection through a reference voltage selection means that automatically chooses the appropriate reference voltage based on the measurement conditions, maintaining high temperature resolution across all ranges while adding minimal complexity through automated switching logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference voltage selection means uses feedback from the temperature measurement process or input signal level to determine the appropriate reference voltage to use, ensuring optimal resolution is maintained across the entire measurement range through automatic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein of temperature measuring devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a temperature measuring device includes a temperature sensing means, at least two reference voltage sources, and a reference voltage selection means for selecting one reference voltage source from the at least two reference voltage sources to generate a reference voltage output. The temperature measuring device also includes an A/D converter for converting an analog signal output by the temperature sensing means to a digital signal based on the reference voltage output. The temperature measuring device further includes a temperature calculation means for calculating a temperature to be measured based on the digital signal output by the A/D converter.