Thermal Detection Circuit With Switched Capacitor Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face reliability issues due to temperature variations, as existing thermal monitoring systems are inefficient in accurately sensing and managing temperature changes, leading to potential operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A detection circuit comprising a sensing circuit, control circuit, and switching circuit, which generates temperature-dependent voltages to control a capacitor's charging and discharging, allowing for precise temperature measurement by alternately switching between voltage supply and ground, thereby reducing delays and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional thermal monitoring systems are used, then temperature monitoring is provided, but the system suffers from operational delays and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternately switching the capacitor between charging and discharging states through the switching circuit. This periodic switching enables the system to achieve fast temperature sensing responses while reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring systems. The capacitor is charged during one phase and discharged during another, creating a periodic operation mode that balances speed and energy efficiency.
2Loss of time
If conventional thermal monitoring systems are used, then temperature monitoring is provided, but operational delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitor through the switching circuit before temperature measurement is needed. The capacitor is charged to a reference voltage level in advance, so when temperature sensing is required, the system can immediately begin measurement without waiting for charging completion. This preliminary charging action eliminates operational delays and improves system reliability for time-critical thermal monitoring applications.
3Measurement precision
If simple sensing circuits are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated circuit structure. The sensing circuit, switching circuit, and capacitor are combined into one unified thermal monitoring system. The switching circuit serves dual purposes: it controls the capacitor charging/discharging and simultaneously generates the measurement signal. This merging of functions achieves precise temperature measurement without requiring separate complex circuits for each function, thus maintaining measurement precision while controlling overall device complexity.
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 solution enables faster and more accurate temperature sensing and monitoring, reducing operational delays and power consumption compared to existing systems, thereby enhancing the reliability of semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
A sensing circuit generates first and second temperature-dependent voltages
Implementation Method 2
The switching circuit is configured to couple the capacitor to a voltage supply to charge the capacitor, and alternatively couple the capacitor to ground to discharge the capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit is disclosed that includes a first differential input pair, a second differential input pair, a first switch, and a second switch. The first differential input pair receives an output voltage at an output node and a first temperature-dependent voltage. The second differential input pair receives the output voltage and a second temperature-dependent voltage. When the output voltage reaches the second temperature-dependent voltage, the first switch is turned on to pull up the output voltage in response to a first control signal generated according to an output signal of the second differential input pair. When the output voltage reaches the first temperature-dependent voltage, the second switch is turned on to pull down the output voltage in response to a second control signal generated according to an output signal of the first differential input pair.