US 2019/0113393 A1 · TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Abstract

A temperature sensor is disclosed. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor takes form in an integrated circuit that includes a plurality of first diodes connected in series between a first node and another node, and a plurality of second diodes connected in series between a second node and the other node. The integrated circuit includes a sub circuit coupled to the first and second nodes. The sub circuit the circuit is configured to generate an output voltage that depends on first and second voltages at the first and second nodes, respectively. The integrated circuit includes a first current source for generating a constant first current, wherein the first current or substantially all of the first current passes through the plurality of first diodes. A second current source is also provided on the integrated circuit for generating a constant second current, wherein the second current or substantially all of the second current passes through the plurality of second diodes. The plurality of first and second diodes are arranged on the integrated circuit so that they operate at a substantially equal temperature T.

Claims25

Dependent claims

An integrated circuit comprising:

a plurality of first diodes connected in series between a first node and another node;
a plurality of second diodes connected in series between a second node and the other node;
a circuit coupled to the first and second nodes wherein the circuit is configured to generate an output voltage that depends on first and second voltages at the first and second nodes, respectively;
a first current source for generating a first current to be passed through the plurality of first diodes when the first current source is active;
a second current source for generating a second current to be passed through the plurality of second diodes when the second current source is active;
wherein the plurality of first and second diodes are configured in the integrated circuit to operate at a substantially equal temperature T.

3 more elements

An integrated circuit comprising:

a stack of first diodes coupled in series between a first node and another node, wherein p-n junction areas of first diodes are substantially equal;
a first current source for generating a first current;
a first switch for selectively coupling the first current source to the stack of first diodes so that the first current flows through the stack of first diodes when the first switch is closed;
a circuit coupled to the first node and configured to generate a signal based on a first voltage generated at the first node when the first switch is closed.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Temperature sensor

Life of this patent

Temperature sensor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25