Ring oscillator for temperature or voltage sensing
US10288496B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R19/0084
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and circuits are disclosed for measuring temperature and/or voltage using ring oscillators. In an example implementation, temperature and/or voltage are determined using an iterative measurements of a ring oscillator. The ring oscillator oscillates with a different voltage-temperature response in each of the first, second and third modes. In each iteration, a first set of indications of frequency are determined for a ring oscillator in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. A coarse temperature estimate and a coarse voltage estimate of the ring oscillator are determined based on the indications of frequency measured in a first iteration. A more accurate temperature estimate and a more accurate voltage estimate of the ring oscillator are determined as a function of a second set of indications of frequency measured in a second iteration, the coarse temperature estimate, and the coarse voltage estimate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.