Adaptive Thermal Sensor Calibration Using Single-Point BJT Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for calibrating the temperature slope of thermal sensors using bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) require two different temperature environments, increasing costs and calibration time due to the need for multiple parameter measurements.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive temperature slope calibration method that uses BJT parameters obtained in a single temperature environment to determine the temperature slope, employing a sensing circuit and temperature slope calibration unit to calculate the slope using a formula that incorporates a reference value and a constant, allowing for calibration without additional environmental setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two different temperature environments are used to calibrate the temperature slope, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the calibration cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calibration approach from requiring multiple temperature environment parameters to using a single temperature environment parameter combined with pre-stored reference data. By storing reference BJT parameters at multiple temperatures and using ratio calculations, the system determines the temperature slope from a single measurement point, eliminating the need to physically create multiple temperature environments during calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary storage of reference BJT parameters at multiple temperature points before the actual calibration process. This pre-prepared reference data allows the calibration to proceed using only a single temperature environment, as the multi-temperature relationship is already encoded in the stored reference values, thus saving calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If two different temperature environments are used to calibrate the temperature slope, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the calibration cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the calibration method from one requiring multiple physical temperature environments to one using a single environment with computational processing. By changing from environmental parameter variation to data-driven calculation using stored references, the system eliminates expensive temperature chamber requirements while maintaining calibration accuracy through mathematical relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of creating multiple temperature environments with an information-processing system. Instead of physically heating and cooling the calibration setup, the system uses stored reference data and computational algorithms to determine the temperature slope, substituting physical infrastructure with digital processing.
3Measurement precision
If BJT parameters are measured at multiple temperature environments, then the temperature slope determination accuracy is improved, but the calibration process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the complex multi-temperature measurements in advance and stores the results as reference data. This preliminary action captures the temperature-dependent BJT parameter relationships before the actual calibration, simplifying the calibration process itself to a single measurement and calculation step while preserving the accuracy benefits of multi-temperature characterization.
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 approach reduces calibration costs and time by enabling temperature slope determination in a single environment, facilitating efficient and rapid temperature sensing while maintaining accuracy across various BJT corner cases.
Implementation Method 1
A base-emitter junction of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) has a predictable transfer function that is dependent on temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an adaptive temperature slope calibration method of a thermal sensor, wherein the method includes the steps of: obtaining a parameter of the thermal sensor under a temperature environment; calibrating a temperature slope of the thermal sensor by using the parameter of the thermal sensor obtained under the temperature environment without using parameter(s) of the thermal sensor under other temperature environment(s); and storing the temperature slope of the thermal sensor for subsequent use of detecting temperature.