Semiconductor temperature sensor using bandgap generator circuit
US7821321B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05F3/30
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A combined bandgap generator and temperature sensor for an integrated circuit is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention recognize that bandgap generators typically contain at least one temperature-sensitive element for the purpose of cancelling temperature sensitivity out of the reference voltage the bandgap generator produces. Accordingly, this same temperature-sensitive element is used in accordance with the invention as the means for indicating the temperature of the integrated circuit, without the need to fabricate a temperature sensor separate and apart from the bandgap generator. Specifically, in one embodiment, a voltage across a temperature-sensitive junction from a bandgap generator is assessed in a temperature conversion stage portion of the combined bandgap generator and temperature sensor circuit. Assessment of this voltage can be used to produce a voltage- or current-based output indicative of the temperature of the integrated circuit, which output can be binary or analog in nature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.