Thin-Film Transistor Temperature Sensing by Frequency Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As integrated circuit technology advances, the increasing complexity and shrinking component geometry lead to heightened thermal management needs, with existing solutions failing to effectively monitor and manage temperature variations efficiently, particularly in compact integrated circuit environments.
Innovation Solution
A thin film transistor based temperature sensor device is introduced, comprising a first frequency generator with thin film transistors, a second frequency generator with complementary metal oxide semiconductor transistors, counter devices, and a processor, which counts pulses to determine temperature by leveraging the temperature-dependent frequency differences between the two types of transistors, enabling low power consumption and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional temperature monitoring solutions are used in integrated circuits, then temperature monitoring function is provided, but power consumption increases and circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor utilizes the inherent temperature-dependent electrical characteristics of thin film transistors to self-generate frequency signals that indicate temperature. The system does not require external power-intensive measurement circuits, as the transistors naturally exhibit frequency variations with temperature that can be directly measured and converted to temperature readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electronic temperature sensing mechanisms with a frequency-based electrical measurement approach. By measuring the frequency of oscillations generated by thin film transistor circuits, the system achieves temperature sensing without requiring traditional thermal coupling or power-intensive measurement equipment.
2Reliability
If conventional temperature monitoring solutions are used in integrated circuits, then temperature monitoring function is provided, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film transistor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a standard circuit component and a temperature-sensitive element. The same transistor that performs logical or switching functions in the integrated circuit also provides temperature sensing capability through its inherent electrical characteristics, eliminating the need for separate dedicated temperature sensor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines temperature sensing functionality with existing thin film transistor circuit elements in the integrated circuit. By merging the temperature sensor function with standard transistor operations, the system achieves temperature monitoring without adding separate dedicated sensor components that would increase device area.
3Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, then temperature measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures temperature by detecting changes in electrical frequency parameters of thin film transistor circuits rather than directly measuring resistance or voltage. This frequency-based measurement approach provides high temperature measurement precision while using relatively simple circuit implementations, as frequency can be measured accurately with basic digital counters and oscillators.
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
This solution provides accurate temperature monitoring with low power consumption and independence from temperature variations, ensuring reliable operation in integrated circuit environments by maintaining a consistent frequency across temperatures using thin film transistor-based ring oscillator circuits.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging the temperature-dependent frequency differences between the two types of transistors, enabling low power consumption and compact design
Implementation Method 2
determine temperature by leveraging the temperature-dependent frequency differences between the two types of transistors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an embodiment of a thin film transistor based temperature sensor circuit. The thin film transistor based temperature sensor circuit includes a first frequency generator with thin film transistors, a second frequency generator with complementary metal oxide semiconductor transistors, first and second counter devices, and a processor device. The first and second counter devices are configured to count a number of first pulses and a number of second pulses from the first frequency generator and second frequency generator, respectively. The processor device is configured to determine a frequency based on the number of first and second pulses.