Temperature sensor
US8217708B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K7/01
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A temperature sensor performs more precise temperature measurement, even when manufacturing fluctuations are present in semiconductor elements forming a circuit for generating a temperature-dependent current. The temperature sensor includes: a temperature-dependent voltage generation circuit for generating a temperature-dependent potential that is dependent on temperature; a current generation circuit for allowing a temperature-dependent current to flow based on the temperature-dependent potential; a reference current generation circuit for generating a reference current that is independent of temperature; a capacitor that is charged alternately with the temperature-dependent current during a first charge period and the reference current during a second charge period; a pulse generation circuit for comparing a charged voltage of the capacitor with a reference voltage to generate a pulse; and a control circuit for alternately supplying the temperature-dependent current and the reference current to the capacitor. The temperature-dependent voltage generation circuit includes switches for switching connection relations between MOS transistors forming a current source circuit included i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.