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Temperature-based cooling device controller apparatus and method

  • US 6,630,754 B1
  • Filed: 11/07/2000
  • Issued: 10/07/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/21/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An integrated circuit comprising:

  • a register to store a threshold temperature value;

    a thermal sensor comprising;

    a current source;

    a voltage reference coupled to the current source to provide a bandgap reference voltage, wherein the bandgap reference voltage is substantially constant over a range of temperatures;

    programmable circuitry providing an output voltage that varies with the integrated circuit temperature and in accordance with the register value; and

    a comparator, wherein the comparator generates an interrupt signal if a difference between the output voltage and the bandgap reference voltage indicates that the threshold temperature has been exceeded; and

    cooling activation logic to activate an active cooling device in response to the interrupt signal.

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