Ultra Low Current Consumption Comparator for Thermal Shutdown
AssigneeInfineon Technologies Austria AG
InventorCristi Stefan Zegheru
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An embodiment of the invention relates to a temperature-sensing device and a related method. In an embodiment, the device senses a temperature with a first sensing circuit configured to assert a signal when temperature is above a first temperature threshold level, and a second sensing circuit configured to substantially disable a bias current that powers the first sensing circuit when a sensed level of temperature is below a second, lower temperature threshold level. Accordingly, the device is able to draw substantially reduced current from a power source when the sensed temperature level is less than the second threshold level. Other physical parameters such as strain or pressure may also be sensed using the same technique.
Claims18
A device for sensing a physical parameter, comprising:
- a first sensing circuit for the physical parameter configured to assert a signal when a sensed level of the physical parameter crosses a first threshold level;
- and
- a second sensing circuit for the physical parameter configured to substantially disable a bias current to the first sensing circuit when a sensed level of the physical parameter crosses a second threshold level.
A method of sensing a physical parameter, the method comprising:
- configuring a first sensing circuit for the physical parameter to assert a signal when a level of the physical parameter sensed by the first sensing circuit crosses a first threshold level, wherein the first sensing circuit is enabled to operate from a bias current;
- and
- providing the bias current from a second sensing circuit, and configuring the second sensing circuit to substantially disable the bias current when a level of the physical parameter sensed by the second sensing circuit crosses a second threshold level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.