Transducer temperature control circuit and method

A control circuit for a transducer having an output comprising:

• power means to direct a current of constant magnitude through the transducer;
• power switch means actuable to turn the constant magnitude current on and off;
• sensing means to sense the temperature of the transducer and generate a temperature signal when the transducer temperature is of a predetermined value;
• reading means to read the output of the transducer and provide a transducer output signal;
• and
• logic means responsive to the temperature signal to periodically actuate the power switch means to turn the constant current on and off and to control the reading means such that the reading means reads the output when the transducer temperature is of the predetermined value.

A method of obtaining accurate output signals from a power consuming temperature sensitive transducer comprising:

• periodically directing current pulses of constant magnitude through the transducer;
• determining when the transducer temperature has attained a predetermined value;
• and
• obtaining an output signal from the transducer when the temperature attains the predetermined value.