Patent US5829879A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5829879A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Temperature sensor
Assignee: NXP USA Inc
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Filing: 1996-12-23
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Granted: 1998-11-03
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Expires: 2016-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A temperature sensor (1800) incorporates two diodes (1802, 1804). The voltage difference across each diode is a linear function of temperature. The voltage difference between the two diodes is also a function of the ratio of their respective sizes. These relationships can be used to build a sensor that is inexpensive, reliable, and whose process variance is predictable.
Inventors
- 👤 Hector Sanchez
- 👤 Jose Alvarez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K7/00; G01K7/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
48 words
A temperature sensor comprising: a first diode having a first area and generating a first voltage; and a second diode having a second area and generating a second voltage; a first voltage-to-current converter responsive to the first diode; and a second voltage-to-current converter responsive to the second diode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
48 words
A temperature sensor comprising: a first diode having a first area and generating a first voltage; and a second diode having a second area and generating a second voltage; a first voltage-to-current converter responsive to the first diode; and a second voltage-to-current converter responsive to the second diode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 further comprising: a voltage level shifter responsive to the first diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The temperature sensor of claim 2 further comprising compare circuitry responsive to the first and second voltage-to-current converters and generating an output signal responsive to the difference of the first and second current.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The temperature sensor of claim 3 further comprising a digital to analog converter modulating the first current responsive to a received input.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The temperature sensor of claim 4 further comprising a hysteresis switching circuit responsive to a predetermined value of the output signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The temperature sensor of claim 3 further comprising a hysteresis switching circuit responsive to a predetermined value of the output signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The temperature sensor of claim 4 wherein the digital to analog converter further comprises a sensing portion and a calibrating portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein the first and second voltage-to-current converters have a common node.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The temperature sensor of claim 8, wherein the common node is coupled to a voltage supply.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
130 words
A temperature sensor integrated on a circuit for comparing a predetermined temperature threshold to a temperature of the integrated circuit, comprising: a first diode having a first area and generating a first voltage; a first zero-threshold transistor comprising a first current electrode, a second current electrode, and a first control electrode, the first control electrode receiving the first voltage, the first current electrode generating a first current; a second diode having a second area and generating a second voltage; a second zero-threshold transistor comprising a third current electrode, a fourth current electrode, and a second control electrode, the second control electrode receiving the second voltage, the third current electrode generating a second current; and compare circuitry generating an output signal responsive to the difference of the first and second current.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
130 words
A temperature sensor integrated on a circuit for comparing a predetermined temperature threshold to a temperature of the integrated circuit, comprising: a first diode having a first area and generating a first voltage; a first zero-threshold transistor comprising a first current electrode, a second current electrode, and a first control electrode, the first control electrode receiving the first voltage, the first current electrode generating a first current; a second diode having a second area and generating a second voltage; a second zero-threshold transistor comprising a third current electrode, a fourth current electrode, and a second control electrode, the second control electrode receiving the second voltage, the third current electrode generating a second current; and compare circuitry generating an output signal responsive to the difference of the first and second current.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The temperature sensor of claim 8 further comprising a digital to analog converter modulating the first current responsive to a received input.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The temperature sensor of claim 11 wherein the digital to analog converter further comprises a sensing portion and a calibrating portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The temperature sensor of claim 12 further comprising a hysteresis switching circuit sourcing a predetermined current to the compare circuitry responsive to a predetermined value of the output signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The temperature sensor of claim 11 further comprising a hysteresis switching circuit sourcing a predetermined current to the compare circuitry responsive to a predetermined value of the output signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The temperature sensor of claim 10 further comprising a hysteresis switching circuit sourcing a predetermined current to the compare circuitry responsive to a predetermined value of the output signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-11-02 | 2002-05-04 | 2002-11-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-02 | 2006-05-04 | 2006-11-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-02 | 2010-05-04 | 2010-11-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |