Abstract: A voltage reference circuit is provided which includes PTAT and CTAT generating components. The CTAT components are provided in a feedback configuration about an operational amplifier and are combined with PTAT generating components which are coupled to the inputs of the amplifier. The combination of the CTAT and PTAT components is effected in a manner which provides for a temperature curvature correction of the output voltage of the circuit.

Abstract: Provided is an on-chip reference current generating circuit for generating a reference voltage that can be digitally calibrated and is substantially not affected by changes in temperature and/or supply voltage. The on-chip reference current generating circuit includes a summing circuit for receiving a first current having a negative temperature coefficient and a second current having a positive temperature coefficient, and outputting a third current based upon, is a sum of, the first and second currents; and a digital calibration circuit for calibrating the third current to be the reference current in response to a digital control signal. Using the on-chip reference current generating circuit, it is possible to precisely and digitally calibrate an offset between currents due to a change in temperature and/or supply voltage.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit includes an output stage circuit which operates either in a normal operation state in which a regulator output voltage stabilized in accordance with an input control voltage is supplied from a regulator output terminal to an external load circuit or in an overcurrent protection state in which a regulator output current supplied from the regulator output terminal to the external load circuit is limited up to a predetermined level. The voltage regulator circuit further includes a first control circuit which generates the control voltage in accordance with the regulator output voltage and outputs the control voltage to the output stage circuit, and a second control circuit which monitors a state of the output stage circuit and switches the output stage circuit between the normal operation state and the overcurrent protection state in accordance with the monitored state of the output stage circuit.

Abstract: The multiplication circuitry of the present invention operates to generate multiple monolithic electrical currents, all referenced to a single external resistor. A first current referenced to a first monolithic resistor, a second current referenced to a second monolithic resistor, and a third current referenced to an external resistor are used to generate an output current, which is also referenced to the external resistor. The present invention accurately generates two currents each being referenced to the single external resistor, while simultaneously minimizing the number of external connections and overall cost of producing the circuitry.

Abstract: A drain-source voltage regulator in a VPTAT generator operates with a lower minimum Vdd and provides a regulated current-mirror voltage. The minimum Vdd can be expressed as Vdd_min=Vdsat_cs+Vdsat_amp+VGS_pmir. Regulation of the current-mirror voltage is achieved by using a common-gate configuration to generate a low-voltage reference. The low-voltage reference is generated inside a regulated feedback loop that includes the VPTAT generator. The current-mirror voltage, which is outside the loop, is indirectly regulated. The current-mirror voltage can be regulated within a voltage range that spans from tens of millivolts to hundreds of millivolts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature-compensating reference voltage generator, including a temperature-compensating voltage divider, or variable voltage generator, for dividing an input reference voltage in order to generate a temperature-compensated output voltage. Preferably included, are a first differential amplifier for amplifying a voltage difference between a first reference voltage and a first feedback voltage in order to output an internal reference voltage, a first voltage divider for generating and outputting a first feedback voltage in response to the temperature-compensated voltage, the first voltage divider further including, two resistive elements for controlling a magnitude of reference voltage.

Abstract: A current-sensing and correction circuit having programmable temperature compensation circuitry that is incorporated into a pulse width modulation controller of a buck mode DC—DC converter. The front end of the controller contains a sense amplifier, having an input coupled via a current feedback resistor to a common output node of the converter. The impedance of a MOSFET, the current through which is sampled by a sample and hold circuit is controlled by the sense amplifier unit. A sensed current correction circuit is coupled between the sample and hold circuit and the controller, and is operative to supply to the controller a correction current having a deterministic temperature-compensating relationship to the sensed current. The ratio of correction current to sensed current equals a value of one at a predetermined temperature, and has other values at temperatures other than at that temperature.

Abstract: A bandgap circuit for producing a constant current having a controllable temperature coefficient. A current mirror supplies first and second substantially identical currents to first and second bipolar transistors. A first resistor is connected across the emitters of the bipolar transistors. A second resistor connects one to the bipolar emitters to a common terminal where the current source currents are recombined and supplied to a common terminal of a power supply. The band gap voltage produced at the common base connections of the bipolar transistors have a voltage temperature coefficient which is controlled by the values of the resistors. A current source is coupled to receive the bandgap voltage and produces a current having a temperature coefficient corresponding to the voltage temperature coefficient of the bandgap voltage.

Abstract: A temperature controlled high voltage regulator for automatically adjusting the high voltage applied to a radiation detector is described. The regulator is a solid state device that is independent of the attached radiation detector, enabling the regulator to be used by various models of radiation detectors, such as gas flow proportional radiation detectors.

Abstract: To provide a voltage regulator with high safety in which its characteristics do not deteriorate and the regulator is not destroyed even if it is used with a large loss, for example, it is erroneously used in excess of an allowable loss. The voltage regulator of the present invention is provided with a loss detecting circuit that functions so as to lower an output voltage when a loss increases. When the loss detecting circuit is activated, the output voltage falls and an output current decreases, whereby the loss can be reduced.

Abstract: A bandgap reference that generates a temperature stable DC voltage by using a corrective current. The corrective current is generated by a series of differential pairs that are controlled by both positive temperature shift gate voltage on one transistor, as well as a negative temperature shift gate voltage on the other transistor. As temperature changes and crosses the crossing point at which the current is split evenly through both transistors, the current change is more abrupt. The crossing points of each of the differential pairs may be appropriately selected so as to generate a high resolution corrective current. The various current contributions are summed to form the total corrective current, which tends to be quite accurate due to the abrupt crossing points. The corrective current is then fed back into the circuit so as to compensate for much of the temperature error.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with a thermostat selectively closing when predetermined temperatures are reached to deliver current to a heater associated with a motor protector switch. The thermostat is able to more quickly close in response to undesirable conditions in the compressor, than would be the case with the motor protector switch typically found at the motor. The circuit associated with the motor protector switch preferably includes at least two heaters, with the normal heater associated with the power lines leading to the motor performing its normal function. The thermostat is preferably associated with an auxiliary heater. In another feature, a heater is preferably formed with a thick film technology directly onto an insulator element within the motor protector body.

Abstract: Each of stages RS(1), RS(2), . . . of a shift register is constituted by six TFTs. A ratio of a channel width and a channel length (W/L) of each of these TFTs 1 to 6 is set in accordance with a transistor characteristic of each TFT in such a manner that the shift register normally operates for a long time even at a high temperature.

Abstract: A voltage stabilization circuit includes a band gap reference circuit to generate a stable output voltage that is temperature-independent, and a folded cascode feedback circuit to generate a feedback potential that is applied to stabilize the band gap reference circuit. The folded cascode feedback circuit is implemented with current mirror circuits.

Abstract: An insulating-type switching electric power source device has an input voltage Vin of a primary side that is converted at an input/output ratio determined by switching operations of a switching device, and then is output. Voltage subjected to rectifying and smoothing by a primary-side rectification smoothing circuit is used as detecting signals of the output voltage, to control the time ratio of the switching device. A load regulation correcting circuit outputs load regulation correcting signals correlated with the amount of output current. A temperature compensating circuit corrects the load regulation correcting signals according to the ambient temperature. The load regulation correcting signals correct the output voltage detecting signals according to the fluctuations of the output voltage according to fluctuations in the output current and fluctuations in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A non-linear temperature compensation circuit (10) is provided for generating at least dual-slope characteristics responsive to changes in operating temperature of the compensation circuit. The compensation circuit includes a temperature dependent current generator circuit (11) for generating at least one output (I4) substantially proportional to changes in the temperature of the circuit, a current-based dual-slope drift generator (12) for generating a current proportional to absolute temperature, and a summing means (14) for summing both current outputs and generating a compensation drift voltage. The temperature dependent current generator includes a sub-circuit having a first current generator that generates a current (I2) that is relatively independent of temperature, and a second current generator that generates a second current (I3) that decreases with increases in temperature.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is described for compensating temperature non-linearity of the characteristics of piezoresistive, metallic or polycrystalline resistors (bridge resistors) connected in a bridge circuit, the non-linearities being caused by non-linearities of the resistors, in particular due to the physical quantities affecting the bridge circuit (temperature, pressure, bimetal effects, non-linear membrane stresses), and the resistors being composed of partial resistors having different temperature coefficients, with each of the partial resistors having a certain linear and non-linear temperature response. The partial resistors of each bridge resistor are selected on the basis of their known linear and non-linear temperature characteristics so that an asymmetric layout of the bridge circuit is obtained and a non-linear variation of a bridge output voltage of the circuit arrangement can be essentially compensated.

Abstract: A current generator with thermal protection has an input terminal and an output terminal. The current generator includes a voltage generator, first and second controlled switches, a temperature sensor, and a control circuit. The first controlled switch has a control terminal applied to the voltage generator, a first terminal connected to the input terminal, and a second terminal connected to a resistance. The second controlled switch has a control terminal coupled to the voltage generator, a first terminal connected to the resistance, and a second terminal connected to the output terminal. The temperature sensor of the current generator measures the temperature of the generator, and the control circuit controls the second controlled switch so as to open the second controlled switch when the temperature of the current generator overcomes a preset temperature.

Abstract: A reference voltage generator capable of stably generating a reference voltage irrespective of temperature variations is provided. The reference voltage generator includes a voltage bias unit having a plurality of resistors and a first group of transistors serially connected between a power supply voltage node and a ground voltage node, a reference voltage node connected to one of the plurality of resistors or transistors to produce a preliminary reference voltage; a voltage controller connected between the preliminary reference voltage node and the ground voltage node; a temperature compensator having a second group of transistors serially connected between the preliminary reference voltage node and a reference voltage node to produce a reference voltage; and a voltage compensator having a third group of transistors serially connected between the reference voltage node and the ground voltage node for controlling the reference voltage.

Abstract: A current source with low temperature dependence includes a reference current source and a current mirror for copying the reference source current to at least one output branch. The reference current source and the current mirror may have opposite coefficients of temperature dependence and the current mirror may be a weighted mirror. The present invention is particularly applicable to the manufacture of integrated circuits.

Abstract: A reference voltage generating circuit of the present invention includes a start-up circuit connected between a power supply voltage and a ground voltage for generating a start-up voltage, a bias current generating circuit connected between the power supply voltage and the ground voltage for generating a bias current in response to the start-up voltage, the bias current increasing in response to an increase in temperature, a current generator connected between the power supply voltage and a reference voltage generating terminal for generating a mirrored current of the bias current, and a load connected between the reference voltage generating terminal and the ground voltage for generating a reference voltage that increases in response to any increase in temperature regardless of variations in the level of the power supply voltage. Accordingly, the level of reference voltage generated increases in response to increases in temperature regardless of variations in the level of the power supply voltage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reference current circuit capable of preventing an appearance of the effect of the Early voltage, operated from a low power supply voltage, and adapted to output a current having a positive or optional temperature characteristic. In this reference current circuit, by a self-biased method, a current of a current mirror circuit is set to be proportional or substantially inversely proportional to a temperature by first and second transistors constituting a non-linear current mirror circuit. A third transistor is provided. A current of the third transistor proportional to a third voltage between a control terminal and a current input terminal is set to be substantially inversely proportional to the temperature, and the currents of the current mirror circuit and the third transistor are weighted and added. Thus, an output current having a fixed temperature current is obtained.

Abstract: A reference current/voltage gnereator is insensitive to variations in power supply voltage and temperature. The operational parameters of matched current mirror transistors of the generator are effectively equalized by an auxiliary bias amplifier, whose transistors are matched with and connected to the current mirror transistors of the generator in such a manner as to maintain the same electrical parameters in each of the current mirror legs of the current generator, irrespective of variations in supply voltage. Temperature insensitivity is achieved by making the output current mirror a current that is the sum of two currents whose current paths complementary temperature coefficients.

Abstract: Power to a processor-based system is automatically disabled following a thermal condition detected by the processor. A predetermined thermal condition identified by the processor is coupled to a circuit that causes the power supply to be turned off. The response is substantially simultaneous to the predetermined thermal condition such that the processor and other integrated circuits located on the motherboard of the system may survive the thermal condition.

Abstract: A reference current source includes at least one first voltage-controlled current source, at least one second voltage-controlled current source, and an addition unit. The first voltage-controlled current source includes: at least one first control voltage source providing a first temperature-dependent control voltage, at least one first MOS transistor having a process gain, and an output providing a first current that is dependent on the control voltage and on the process gain of the first MOS transistor. The second voltage-controlled current source includes: at least one second control voltage source providing a second control voltage, at least one second MOS transistor having a process gain, and an output providing a second current that is dependent on the second control voltage and on the process gain of the second MOS transistor. The addition unit provides a reference current from the first current and the second current.

Abstract: A photocoupler includes a signal relay unit, a voltage regulation unit and a signal amplification unit. The signal relay unit transmits an optical signal from the primary side to the secondary side. The voltage regulation unit applies only a safe voltage to the signal relay unit. The voltage regulation unit has a greater withstand voltage than the signal relay unit has. The signal amplification unit amplifies signals sent from the signal relay unit. The withstand voltage of the signal amplification unit is also greater than that of the signal relay unit.

Abstract: A regulated voltage generator provides different regulated voltages to an integrated circuit. The regulated voltage generator includes a bandgap reference circuit and at least one gain stage connected to an output thereof. The output voltage of the bandgap reference circuit varies as a function of temperature to compensate for variations in the gain stage made up of first and second transistors. A regulated voltage output by the regulated voltage generator is independent of temperature and of the supply voltage. The value of the regulated voltage is adjusted via a load resistor and via the first and second transistors along with an output transistor of the bandgap reference circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of achieving current balancing among phases of a multi-phase power supply by reducing and controlling the temperature variation among packages disposed within each phase. Each package contains a dc-to-dc converter (e.g. a buck converter), a temperature sensor and may also contain a driver, which supplies a pulse train for driving the converter. By controlling the temperature among phases to within ±X % a balancing of currents among phases to within ±X/2 % is achieved.

Abstract: A circuit generating a ramp signal between two temperature values includes two pairs of transistors in current/mirror configurations and a signal converter. The transistors and signal converter are constructed and connected such that below a first temperature value a first constant signal is outputted. Between the first temperature value and a second temperature value, an increasing or decreasing ramp signal is outputted. Above the second temperature value, a second constant signal is outputted. The temperature values between which the ramp signal operates and the rate of increase or decrease of the ramp signal are selectable.

Abstract: A circuit for generating an output voltage proportional to temperature with a required gradient, the circuit including a first stage arranged to generate a first voltage which is proportional to temperature with a predetermined gradient, the first stage including first and second bipolar transistors with different emitter areas having their emitters connected together and their bases connected across a bridge resistive element, wherein the collectors of the transistors are connected to an internal supply line via respective matched resistive elements as the voltage across the bridge resistive element is proportional to temperature; a differential amplifier having its input connected respectively to the collectors, and its output connected to stabilisation circuitry connected between first and second power supply rails and an internal supply line which cooperates with the differential amplifier to maintain a stable voltage on the internal supply line despite variations between the first and second power supply

Abstract: A temperature characteristic compensating circuit is capable of carrying out temperature compensation of a signal that varies in proportion to absolute temperature by analog processing and without using a thermistor, to thereby enable use of a smaller IC. A first current source supplies a first current that is proportional to the absolute temperature and inversely proportional to the resistance value of a first resistor. A second current source supplies a second current that is inversely proportional to the resistance value of a second resistor. A first circuit carries out logarithmic compression of an input voltage using the first current as a bias current, and a second circuit carries out logarithmic expansion of the logarithmically compressed voltage using the second current as a bias current. The gain of the logarithmically expanded voltage relative to the input voltage is proportional to the ratio of the second current to the first current.

Abstract: A temperature compensated power detector generally comprises a detector circuit portion, which includes a detector diode, and a temperature compensation circuit portion, which includes a temperature compensation diode, that is operably connected to the detector circuit portion. The detector diode and the temperature compensation diode are connected in DC series with each other and develop substantially identical voltage drops. The detector circuit portion operates to detect a voltage from a power input. However, the detected voltage is subject to alteration due to temperature variations. The temperature compensation circuit portion develops a voltage that is also subject to alteration due to temperature variations. The temperature altered voltage of the temperature compensation circuit portion is used to cancel out the temperature altered voltage of the detector circuit portion allowing the power detector to produce a true voltage output.

Abstract: An improved motor protection switch incorporates a parallel feedback component mounted in parallel to a heater in a motor protection circuit. The parallel feedback component senses the temperature of a compressor component. If tie temperature increases then the current flow through the heater increases. This causes a motor protector switch to open. In this way, the feedback component provides feedback from the compressor pump unit to the motor protection circuit more quickly than in the prior art.

Abstract: A regulator circuit to control the output of a charge pump circuit, to reduce the effects of operating temperature and process variations on available output current from the charge pump circuit. A predetermined fraction of the output voltage of the charge pump circuit is fed back to the input of a differential amplifier, which compares it to a reference voltage. The output of the differential amplifier feeds a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), which in turn generates a clock signal that is used to drive the charge pump circuit. The normal temperature characteristics of this configuration cause the output of the charge pump circuit to degrade with temperature changes. The regulator circuit can be placed between the differential amplifier and the VCO to adjust the voltage driving the VCO. In one embodiment, a biasing resistor with a negative temperature coefficient can be used in the regulator circuit to offset the normal effects of temperature on the circuit.

Abstract: A current reference circuit provides a reference current that has a controlled temperature coefficient and is relatively stable with supply voltage fluctuations. The reference leg includes a series of MOS transistors including at least one PMOS transistor that is electrically closer in the series to a high voltage source, at least one NMOS transistor that is electrically closer in the series to the low voltage source. The series composite resistor comprises at least two resistors coupled in series within the current path. The size of the resistors may be designed so as to lower the temperature dependency of the circuit. A bipolar transistor is also coupled in the reference leg. The mirror leg is similar to the reference leg except that no series resistor is provided, and the emitter area of the bipolar resistor in the reference leg is larger than the emitter area of the bipolar transistor in the mirror leg.

Abstract: For use with a semiconductor switch that exhibits a temperature-dependent electrical characteristic and a current sense circuit that employs the characteristic of the switch to derive a switch current signal, a temperature compensation circuit, method of operation thereof and controller employing the same. In one embodiment, the circuit includes: (1) an electrical component, locatable in thermal communication with the switch and having a temperature-dependent electrical characteristic that bears an inverse relationship to the characteristic of the switch, that generates an intermediate signal based on an actual temperature of the switch and (2) a signal conditioning circuit, coupled to the electrical component, that scales the intermediate signal to yield a compensation signal that counteracts temperature-dependent variations in the switch current signal.

Abstract: A first diode part (1B) for sensing junction temperature and a second diode part (1C) for absorbing static electricity that are included in a semiconductor element (1) for electric power are formed within the same substrate together with a semiconductor element part (1A) for electric power. Moreover, the number of a plurality of second diodes (1CD) constituting the second diode part (1C) is equal to the number of a plurality of first diodes (1BD) constituting the first diode part (1B). In addition, a capacitor (11) for reducing the impedance is disposed between the input terminals of a forward direction voltage fall operating amplifying circuit part (4) of a controlling circuit part (8). Here, it is effective to form an LC low pass filter as well by covering a forward path side relay lead part (9A) and a backward path side relay lead part (9B) with one tubular ferrite core.

Abstract: The constant current source circuit provides current that compensates for changes in performance resulting from changes of temperature. The circuit mixes variable amounts of current having a negative temperature coefficient with current having a positive temperature coefficient. Analog and digital embodiments of the circuit are disclosed. In the analog embodiment, the amount of current having a positive temperature coefficient is added to an amount of current having a negative temperature coefficient as determined by the voltage difference between a variable control voltage input to transistors and a bandgap reference voltage.

Abstract: A temperature curvature compensation technique and circuit can be realized through the generation of a temperature curvature compensation voltage provided by measuring the difference between the base-emitter voltage Vbe of two different transistors operating at two different temperature coefficient quiescent currents. This voltage difference measured between two such transistors results in a scaled voltage that is representative of the temperature curvature of the base-emitter voltage Vbe of a transistor, and which can then be summed to the bandgap reference output to provide a temperature compensated, bandgap reference voltage. The above method can be carried out in an amplifier circuit configured to receive and sum the temperature curvature compensation voltage and the bandgap reference output voltage into the temperature compensated, bandgap reference voltage.

Abstract: In order to limit the heat dissipation within a regulator for controlling the supply to the microprocessor control unit of a communications device, a dropping component is connected in series with the regulator during periods of high battery voltage and is shunted during periods of low battery voltage in the battery charge cycle.

Abstract: A power supply converts an AC input voltage to a DC output voltage and supplies the DC output voltage to power devices. The power supply includes a housing, a transformer provided in the housing for reducing a voltage level of the AC input voltage and a thermal protection device thermally connected between the AC input voltage and the transformer for electrically disconnecting the AC input voltage from the transformer when activated responsive to the transformer exceeding a predetermined temperature. A rectifier is electrically connected to the transformer for rectifying the AC input voltage reduced by the transformer into the DC output voltage which is supplied to the power devices.

Abstract: A low power band gap circuit which uses the thermal properties of MOS devices to compensate for bipolar device behavior and provide temperature independent voltage and current sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing curvature trim in a voltage reference circuit that allows a curvature error to be trimmed after the circuit has been packaged. The curvature trim may be performed by switching in segments of one or more non-linear resistors, such as n-type lightly doped drain (LDD) diffused resistors, having a curvature characteristic that is opposite to the normal band-gap curvature. Specifically, a network of non-linear resistors may be selected via selection bits stored in a non-volatile memory. Since various combinations of the resistors may be selected by programming the memory, the curvature of a band-gap reference can be adjusted after final packaging. This curvature correction method achieves a reliable and accurate correction for the curvature variations associated with various process changes.

Abstract: A tunable constant current source having temperature and power supply compensation is provided. The tunable constant current source includes a voltage regulator, a differential amplifier, a current source and a compensating load. The voltage regulator provides a substantially constant bias voltage VB. The differential amplifier receives the bias voltage VB and maintains a load voltage VL substantially equal to the bias voltage VB by way of a negative feedback. The current source generates a substantially constant current IREF from the differential amplifier. The compensating load varies with temperature changes to maintain the current IREF substantially constant, whereby the tunable constant current source may operate in a supply voltage range between about 0.5 volts to about 1.8 volts.

Abstract: Control circuitry is used to provide a uniform temperature distribution between multiple power supplies on a chip which drive a single load. The power supplies each include a MOSFET with a source to drain path connecting VDD to the single load. The control circuitry includes a bipolar diode placed close to the MOSFET in each power supply unit, each diode providing a voltage varying inversely proportional to temperature changes resulting from power dissipated by its respective MOSFET. The control circuitry further includes components in each power supply unit to provide the voltage from the bipolar diode with the lowest voltage (or highest temperature) on a bus external to the power supply units. The bus voltage is then examined in the control circuitry in each of the power supply units and if the bipolar diode voltage in a unit is equal to the bus voltage, that unit does not increase current from its respective MOSFET to the load since it has the highest temperature.

Abstract: A temperature-related voltage generating circuit has an input terminal receiving a control voltage independent of temperature, and an output terminal delivering a temperature-related control voltage. The input and output terminals are connected together through at least an amplifier stage adapted to set an output reference voltage from a comparison of input voltages. The voltage generating circuit also includes a generator element generating a varying voltage with temperature and connected between a ground voltage reference and a non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier stage. The amplifier stage has an output terminal adapted to deliver a multiple of the varying voltage with temperature to an inverting input terminal of a comparator stage.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first circuit, a second circuit and a third circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate a first current in response to a reference voltage. The first current may vary as a function of temperature. The second circuit may be configured to generate a second current to counteract for the variations of the first current. The second current may vary as a function of temperature. The third circuit may be configured to generate a third current in response to the first current and the second current.

Abstract: A nonlinear body effect compensation circuit includes a number of PMOSFETs, each having an identical current flow, with two of the PMOSFETs having different sizes, and two of the PMOSFETs having different body to source voltages. The different body to source voltages of the two PMOSFETs affect the gate to source voltage of the PMOSFETs in a manner that allows compensation of nonlinear body effects as a function of temperature. A voltage proportional to absolute temperature (VPTAT) is generated as a difference between the gate to source voltages of the two PMOSFETs having different sizes, and a voltage not proportional to absolute temperature (VnPTAT) is generated as a difference between the gate to source voltages of the two PMOSFETs having different body to source voltages.

Abstract: For use with a semiconductor switch that exhibits a temperature-dependent electrical characteristic and a current sense circuit that employs the characteristic of the switch to derive a switch current signal, a temperature compensation circuit, method of operation thereof and controller employing the same. In one embodiment, the circuit includes: (1) an electrical component, locatable in thermal communication with the switch and having a temperature-dependent electrical characteristic that bears an inverse relationship to the characteristic of the switch, that generates an intermediate signal based on an actual temperature of the switch and (2) a signal conditioning circuit, coupled to the electrical component, that scales the intermediate signal to yield a compensation signal that counteracts temperature-dependent variations in the switch current signal.

Abstract: The circuit configuration for sensing when a critical temperature of a component has been exceeded makes use of at least one sense transistor which has a temperature-dependent current/voltage characteristic and which is thermally connected to the component. A current source is connected in series with the sense transistor. A circuit device for compensating for parasitic leakage currents at the sense transistor is provided. The circuit device has a measurement transistor and two current mirror circuits. By compensating for leakage currents, the proper operation of the temperature sensor is guaranteed over the entire temperature range and the destruction of the component is prevented.