Temperature control system for an electronic device in which device temperature is estimated from heater temperature and heat sink temperature

Abstract

A temperature control system comprises: an electric heater that has a first face which contacts an electronic device, and a second face which is opposite the first face; a heat sink, coupled to the second face of the heater, which absorbs heat from the electronic device through the heater's second face; respective temperature sensors coupled to the heater and the heat sink; and an estimator circuit, coupled to the temperature sensors. The estimator circuit estimates the temperature of the electronic device as a function of the sensed heater and heat sink temperatures, and that enables the device temperature to be regulated even through the device does not have a temperature sensor. By electrically controlling just the heater power, heat flow to/from the electronic device is quickly adjusted; and that in turn quickly regulates the device temperature.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.