Integrated circuit two terminal temperature transducer
US4123698A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1976 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/901
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An integrated circuit two terminal temperature transducer providing an accurate current output that is linearly related to absolute temperature over an extended temperature range. The circuit is of the type using first and second transistors having conductive areas of different sizes, and control transistors for supplying equal currents through the first and second transistors to operate them at different current densities, and a resistor responsive to the base-to-emitter voltages of the first and second transistors for developing currents therethrough proportional to absolute temperature. Improved accuracy over an extended temperature range is provided in a two terminal device by means of a third transistor coupled to the first and second transistors to generate another controlled current varying linearly with absolute temperature to be combined with the currents through the first and second transistors to form an output current. Bias currents used by control transistors are directed through the third transistor to compel the bias currents to become components of the controlled current. Similarly, the integrated circuit substrate is connected to direct the substrate leakage curren…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.