Sensor devices
First Claim
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1. A sensor device, comprising:
- one or more first sensors configured to measure a primary quantity related to an operation of an entity in which, on which, or near which the sensor device resides, the one or more first sensors arranged on a semiconductor chip;
a second sensor, distinct from the one or more first sensors, the second sensor configured to measure a secondary quantity related to a lifetime of the sensor device, the second sensor arranged on the semiconductor chip, andan evaluation circuit coupled to the second sensor to monitor the measured secondary quantity over time to determine if a budget for the secondary quantity related to the lifetime of the sensor device is exceeded or about to be exceeded, wherein the secondary quantity is a temperature, and the budget is a thermal budget.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sensor devices and corresponding methods are provided where a quantity is measured and monitored over time. The quantity may be related to a lifetime of the sensor device.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A sensor device, comprising:
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one or more first sensors configured to measure a primary quantity related to an operation of an entity in which, on which, or near which the sensor device resides, the one or more first sensors arranged on a semiconductor chip; a second sensor, distinct from the one or more first sensors, the second sensor configured to measure a secondary quantity related to a lifetime of the sensor device, the second sensor arranged on the semiconductor chip, and an evaluation circuit coupled to the second sensor to monitor the measured secondary quantity over time to determine if a budget for the secondary quantity related to the lifetime of the sensor device is exceeded or about to be exceeded, wherein the secondary quantity is a temperature, and the budget is a thermal budget. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method employed by a sensor device, comprising:
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sensing a primary quantity using one or more first sensors arranged on a semiconductor chip, wherein the primary quantity is related to an operation of an entity in which, on which, or near which the sensor device resides, sensing a secondary quantity using a second sensor arranged on the semiconductor chip, wherein the one or more first sensors and the second sensor are distinct from one another, wherein the secondary quantity is related to a lifetime of the sensor device, incrementing a value based on the sensed secondary quantity using an evaluation circuit, checking if the incremented value exceeds a threshold using the evaluation circuit, and taking an action by selectively outputting a warning message or an alarm signal, or selectively disabling the sensor device depending on the value exceeding the threshold, wherein the primary quantity comprises a magnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A device, comprising:
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a magnetoresistive sensor arrangement, the magnetoresistive sensor arrangement being configured to output a first value at a first one or more terminals corresponding to a sensed magnetic field and a second value at a second one or more terminals corresponding to a sensed temperature, wherein the first one or more terminals is different from the second one or more terminals, and an evaluation circuit configured to evaluate the sensed temperature over time and make a determination regarding a lifetime of an entity in which, on which, or near which the device resides, wherein the magnetoresistive sensor arrangement comprises magnetoresistive sensor elements arranged in a bridge configuration, wherein the second value corresponds to an overall resistance of the sensor arrangement, and the first value corresponds to a voltage tapped at two first terminals in first and second branches between series-connected magnetoresistive sensor elements, in each branch of the sensor arrangement arranged in a full bridge configuration.
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13. A device, comprising:
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one or more first sensors configured to measure a primary quantity related to an operation of an entity in which, on which, or near which the device resides; a second sensor, distinct from the one or more first sensors, the second sensor configured to measure a secondary quantity related to a lifetime of the device, wherein the secondary quantity comprises a temperature, and an evaluation circuit coupled to the second sensor comprising a storage configured to store the secondary quantity over time. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification