Time-based temperature sensor system and method therefor

A method of providing a time-based digital temperature sensing system comprising the steps of:

• providing a first oscillator which is temperature sensitive and has a temperature coefficient which allows said first oscillator to generate an output signal which varies approximately linearly as a function of temperature;
• providing a second oscillator which generates a reference clock signal;
• providing timer means having a clock input coupled to an output of said second oscillator and an enable input coupled to an output of said first oscillator for generating a number indicative of a length of time said timer means is enabled by said first oscillator wherein said number is approximately proportional to a current temperature of a material being measured by said temperature sensing system, said timer means generates said number indicative of a length of time said timer means is enabled by said first oscillator by counting rising edges of said reference clock signal of said second oscillator when said timer means is enabled by said first oscillator, said timer means having a reset/load input coupled to said output of said first oscillator for at least one of resetting said number indicative of a length of time said timer means is enabled to an initial value when said timer means is disabled by said first oscillator and for signalling said timer means to load a starting initial value into said timer means for said timer means to generate said number indicative of said length of time said timer means is enabled;
• and
• providing latch means having an input coupled to said timer means and a load input coupled to said output of said first oscillator for loading and storing said number indicative of said length of time said timer means is enable prior to said number being reset by said reset input.