Thermal Sensor Differential Circuit for Supply Voltage Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal sensors are affected by variations in supply voltage, leading to reduced accuracy due to noise and inaccuracy in measurements, and highly stable voltage sources are costly.
Innovation Solution
A thermal sensor design that includes a differential circuit with a sensing element and a reference element, along with a controller to measure and compensate for supply voltage variations, using a bridge circuit to cancel out common-mode effects and improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a highly stable supply voltage source is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the actual supply voltage and adjusts the heating element power accordingly. The controller receives feedback about voltage variations and modifies the heating power to maintain stable operating conditions, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring an expensive stable voltage source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters dynamically by adjusting the heating element power based on actual supply voltage measurements. The controller modifies the power delivery to compensate for voltage variations, effectively maintaining measurement accuracy through parameter adaptation rather than relying on a costly stable voltage source.
2Measurement precision
If supply voltage variations are compensated for, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors supply voltage, measures sensor output, compensates for voltage variations, and processes sensor data. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated compensation circuits, thereby improving measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for its own voltage variations using an integrated controller that monitors and adjusts heating power autonomously. The controller serves the system's own needs by self-regulating the heating element based on actual voltage conditions, eliminating the need for external complex compensation mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the heating element power is adjusted to compensate for voltage variations, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller periodically measures the supply voltage and adjusts heating power accordingly rather than continuously maximizing power delivery. This periodic monitoring and adjustment allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy while minimizing energy consumption by applying power only when and where needed based on actual voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element power is dynamically adjusted based on real-time supply voltage measurements rather than operating at constant maximum power. The controller modulates power delivery to match actual system conditions, improving measurement accuracy during voltage variations while reducing overall energy consumption during stable conditions.
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 provides improved measurement accuracy by compensating for resistance variations caused by voltage fluctuations without the need for costly components, enhancing the reliability and precision of thermal sensor readings.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal sensors are sensors which are based on the use of a heating element to help detect a target stimulus
Implementation Method 2
the sensing element is in thermal contact with the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal sensor comprising: a supply voltage input configured to receive a supply voltage; a differential circuit, the differential circuit comprising a first element configured to provide a first sensing signal, and a first reference element configured to provide a first reference signal; and a controller configured to: obtain a measured supply voltage value, the measured supply voltage value corresponding to a measurement of the supply voltage received by the supply voltage input; obtain a differential measurement between the first sensing signal and the first reference signal; and determine a sensor output value based on the measured supply voltage value and the differential measurement. A method for operating a thermal sensor is also described.