Advanced thermal sensor
First Claim
1. A thermal sensing system comprising:
- a reference voltage generator configured to generate a non-constant first reference voltage that varies as a known first function of temperature;
a thermal sensor configured to generate a sensor voltage that varies as a known second function of temperature; and
a first comparator configured to receive the sensor voltage and the first reference voltage, compare the sensor voltage and the first reference voltage, and generate a first comparison output signal based on the comparison of the sensor voltage and the first reference voltage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for reducing the complexity and size of thermal sensors, where the voltage of a thermally sensitive device is compared to a reference voltage that varies as a function of temperature, rather than being constant. One embodiment comprises a thermal sensing system including a reference voltage generator, a thermal sensor and a comparator. The reference voltage generator is configured to generate a non-constant reference voltage that varies as a known function of temperature. The thermal sensor is configured to generate a sensor voltage that also varies as a known function of temperature. The functions of the reference and sensor voltages cross at a known temperature/voltage. The comparator is configured to compare the sensor voltage and the reference voltage and to generate a comparison output signal based on the comparison of the sensor voltage and the first reference voltage. A transition in this signal indicates the reference temperature.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A thermal sensing system comprising:
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a reference voltage generator configured to generate a non-constant first reference voltage that varies as a known first function of temperature;
a thermal sensor configured to generate a sensor voltage that varies as a known second function of temperature; and
a first comparator configured to receive the sensor voltage and the first reference voltage, compare the sensor voltage and the first reference voltage, and generate a first comparison output signal based on the comparison of the sensor voltage and the first reference voltage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method comprising:
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providing a reference voltage source which provides a first reference voltage that increases as a known first function of temperature and is insensitive to manufacturing variations;
providing a thermal sensor which provides a sensor voltage that decreases as a known second function of temperature and is insensitive to manufacturing variations;
comparing the sensor voltage to the first reference voltage; and
generating a first temperature indicator signal that is not asserted when the sensor voltage is less than the first reference voltage and is asserted when the sensor voltage is greater than the first reference voltage. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification