Abstract: A system may include a trim circuit configured to provide a trim signal to a circuit under test. The trim circuit may be configured to adjust a trim value of the trim signal based on a selection signal and a value signal. The trim signal may cause a key characteristic of the circuit under test to change based on the adjusted trim value. The system may include a production tester configured to determine whether the key characteristic is within a threshold range. Responsive to the key characteristic being within the threshold range, the production tester may stop performing the trim procedure on the circuit under test. Responsive to the key characteristic not being within the threshold range, the production tester may adjust the value signal based on whether the key characteristic is greater than or less than the threshold range.

Abstract: An on-chip temperature sensor generates a proportional to absolute temperature current and sloped bandgap reference current with transistor offset cancelled using chopping circuitry and dynamic element matching circuitry with resistor-based current mirrors. A digital successive approximation register (SAR) code provided to a digital to analog converter (DAC) is adjusted until current output by the DAC matches the PTAT current.

Abstract: A system supporting enhanced programmable signal adjustments may include a plurality of circuits configured to generate a corresponding plurality of input signals; a signal conditioner configured to condition the plurality of signals; and a controller configured to control the signal conditioner. The controller may generate one or more control signals for the controlling of the signal conditioner. The signal conditioner may select one or more input signals from the plurality of input signals, based on a first control signal generated by the controller; may generate an adjustment signal based on a second control signal generated by the controller; and may adjust at least one of the selected one or more input signals based on the adjustment signal and a third control signal generated by the controller.

Abstract: Enhanced multi-channel sensor interfaces with programmable signal adjustments are provided. An example sensor interface may include an input selector that selects one or more sensor signals from a plurality of sensor signals based on input selection control signal; an offset generator that generates an offset signal based on an offset control signal; and a programmable signal adjuster that adjusts at least one selected sensor signal based on the generated offset signal and a signal adjustment control signal. The sensor interface may include a control interface unit that generates the input selection control signal, the offset control signal, and the signal adjustment control signal. The sensor interface may include a comparator that compares output of the programmable signal adjuster with a reference signal, and provides based on the comparison an output configured for use in performing offset correction. The programmable signal adjuster may generate a number of selectable gains.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for sensing temperature. The apparatus for sensing temperature includes: a sensor unit configured to include at least one sensor resistor and output a sensing signal varying by the sensor resistor in response to temperature when the sensor unit is applied with an operating voltage; a data conversion unit configured to convert a change in temperature sensed based on the sensing signal output from the sensor unit into a time signal and generate temperature information based on the converted time signal; and a control unit configured to control the sensor unit and the data conversion unit and output a temperature value determined depending on the temperature information.

Abstract: A highly integrated programmable sensor interface with improved sensor signal calibration and conditioning functions is described. The programmable sensor interface according to the present invention sensor interface provides programmable gain, digital offset correction and bias for one or more signal channels on one chip on a per channel basis. According to another aspect of the invention, the sensor interface provides reference voltage and sensor biasing by using an on-chip precision voltage regulator. According to one aspect of the invention, multiple inputs are multiplexed and each is applied to a variable gain instrumentation amplifier, which connects to the output. The offset of a given channel is controlled by an on-chip DAC which has multiple digital storage registers, allowing each channel to have a unique, stored offset. Offsets and gains are programmed externally.

Abstract: This invention relates to input channel diagnostics for an industrial process control system. The invention provides improved apparatus and methods relating to fault containment, overload protection and input channel diagnostics.

Abstract: A ratio meter includes a converter circuit, a first counter, a delay circuit, and a second counter. The converter circuit is configured to receive a temperature-independent signal, to convert the received temperature-independent signal into a first frequency signal during a first phase, to receive a temperature-dependent signal, and to convert the temperature-dependent signal into a second frequency signal during a second phase. The first counter is configured to receive the first frequency signal and to generate a control signal by counting a predetermined number of pulses of the first frequency signal count. The delay circuit is configured to delay the control signal for a predetermined time delay. The second counter is configured to receive the second frequency signal and to generate a count value by counting the second frequency signal.

Abstract: In one example, a pulse width modulation output temperature sensor device includes a linearization module, an analog-to-digital converter module operatively connected to the linearization module, and a digital magnitude comparator module operatively connected to the analog-to-digital converter module. A binary counter module is also operatively connected to the digital magnitude comparator module. The pulse width modulation output temperature sensor device thereby generates a digital pulse width modulation output based on a temperature sensor reading.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a current sensing circuit corrects for the transient and steady state temperature measurement errors due to physical separation between a resistive sense element and a temperature sensor. The sense element has a temperature coefficient of resistance. The voltage across the sense element and a temperature signal from the temperature sensor are received by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines a power dissipated by the sense element, which may be instantaneous or average power, and determines an increased temperature of the sense element. The resistance of the sense element is changed by the increased temperature, and this derived resistance Rs is used to calculate the current through the sense element using the equation I=V/R or other related equation. The process is iterative to continuously improve accuracy and update the current.

Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit includes a signal generation unit including a delay line and generating a source signal with a pulse width corresponding to a delay value of the delay line, a pulse width expansion unit configured to generate a comparison signal by expanding a pulse width of the source signal, and a change detection unit configured to sense a temperature change using a difference between the pulse widths of the comparison signal and a reference signal.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.

Abstract: A microwave applicator assembly includes a microwave applicator that excites TE modes and provides a generally circular heating pattern in a lossy dielectric material. The microwave applicator has a processing chamber bounded by a circumferential wall in which a plurality of indents are formed. The microwave applicator assembly may further include a feed waveguide coupled to the microwave applicator for inputting microwaves into the processing chamber. The microwave applicator assembly may further include one or more choking sections in communication with the processing chamber to enhance heating efficiency and reduce microwave leakage.

Abstract: A temperature sensor generates a digital output signal representative of the absolute temperature of the sensor. The sensor includes a first circuit configured to generate a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) voltage signal and a second circuit configured to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current signal. A comparator receives the CTAT and PTAT signals and generates a comparison signal based on a comparison between the signals. A converter circuit receives the comparison signal and generates a digital output signal based on the comparison signal. The digital output signal is representative of the temperature of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for managing thermal condition of a thermal zone that includes multiple thermally controllable components include determining thermal relationship between the components and reducing temperature of a first component by reducing thermal dissipation of a second component.

Abstract: A circuit includes a comparator, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The comparator has a first input node and a second input node. The first circuit is configured to output a temperature-dependent voltage at the first input node of the comparator. The first circuit includes a current mirror configured to generate a first reference voltage. The second circuit is configured to output a second reference voltage at the second input node of the comparator responsive to a digital code and the first reference voltage.

Abstract: In one example, a pulse width modulation output temperature sensor device includes a linearization module, an analog-to-digital converter module operatively connected to the linearization module, and a digital magnitude comparator module operatively connected to the analog-to-digital converter module. A binary counter module is also operatively connected to the digital magnitude comparator module. The pulse width modulation output temperature sensor device thereby generates a digital pulse width modulation output based on a temperature sensor reading.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing a physical quantity according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first oscillator circuit configured to provide a first clock signal including a first frequency depending on the physical quantity, and a second oscillator circuit configured to provide a second clock signal comprising a second frequency depending on the physical quantity. The circuit also includes a frequency comparator circuit configured to provide a frequency signal indicative of the physical quantity, the frequency signal being based on the first and second frequencies, wherein the first and second oscillator circuits are configured to provide the first and second clock signals such that due to a change in the physical quantity one frequency of the first and second frequencies increases, while the other frequency of the first and second frequencies decreases.

Abstract: A converter comprising a comparator having a first input operable to receive a first signal, a second input operable to receive a second signal, and an output, a switch for sinking a portion of the first signal, wherein the switch is responsive to the output, and an integrator connected to the first input, wherein the first signal is a voltage developed by the integrator when a current proportional to the absolute temperature is applied thereto. A method for measuring temperature of a device using a comparator and converting the bitstream of the comparator to a digital output is also given. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.

Abstract: Mechanisms for providing linear relationship between temperatures and digital codes are disclosed. In one method, at a particular temperature, a circuit in the sensor provides a temperature dependent reference voltage, and a compared voltage, to a comparator. The temperature dependent reference voltage depends on temperature in complement to absolute temperature or alternatively depends on temperature in proportion to absolute temperature. The compared voltage is generated corresponding to digital analog converter (DAC) codes as inputs. Another circuit varies the DAC codes until the temperature dependent reference voltage and the compared voltage are equal so that the dependent reference voltage corresponds to a DAC code. The various temperatures experienced by the temperature sensing circuit and the DAC codes are substantially linearly related.

Abstract: A fully on-chip temperature, process, and voltage sensor includes a voltage sensor, a process sensor and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor includes a bias current generator, a ring oscillator, a fixed pulse generator, an AND gate, and a first counter. The bias current generator generates an output current related to temperature according to the operating voltage of chip. The ring oscillator generates an oscillation signal according to the output current. The fixed pulse generator generates a fixed pulse signal. The AND gate is connected to the ring oscillator and the fixed pulse generator for performing a logic AND operation on the oscillation signal and the fixed pulse signal, and generating a temperature sensor signal.

Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit of a semiconductor device includes a code signal generator, a comparator, a reference clock generator and a final temperature code signal generator. The code signal generator is configured to output a first count signal having an increase rate that varies according to a change in temperature. The comparator is configured to receive the first count signal and a control signal, compare the first count signal with the control signal and output a comparison signal. The reference clock generator is configured to generate a reference clock having a uniform period regardless of the change in temperature during an activation period of the comparison signal. The final temperature code signal generator is configured to count pulses of the reference clock, generate a second count signal, modify the second count signal using an offset value, and output the modified second count signal as a final temperature code signal.

Abstract: A temperature detecting device includes a current source, a plurality of resistors, a binary counter, a multiplexer, a comparator and a control logic. The current source provides a PTAT current. The resistors provide m voltage signals with ascending or descending voltages. The binary counter generates a binary select signal having (n+1) bits. The m voltage signals are selectively outputted from the multiplexer as a multiplexer output signal according to the binary select signal, wherein 2n<m<2n+1. The comparator is used for comparing the multiplexer output signal with a reference voltage, thereby generating a comparing signal. The control logic is for issuing the start signal. If the comparing signal has a level change, the control logic controls the binary counter to record the binary select signal as a binary temperature signal. The reference voltage does not vary with temperature.

Abstract: A temperature sensor generates a digital output signal representative of the absolute temperature of the sensor. The sensor includes a first circuit configured to generate a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) voltage signal and a second circuit configured to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current signal. A comparator receives the CTAT and PTAT signals and generates a comparison signal based on a comparison between the signals. A converter circuit receives the comparison signal and generates a digital output signal based on the comparison signal. The digital output signal is representative of the temperature of the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for thermal drift. A temperature is measured in a meter as a temperature voltage. The temperature voltage is converted to a digital signal. The digital signal is processed to generate an offset voltage in response to the digital signal. The offset voltage is applied as an input to an amplifier. The amplifier receives as a second input a gauge voltage. An output is generated from the meter that corrects the gauge voltage using the offset voltage to compensate for thermal drift.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing temperature data indicative of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor. The circuit is coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to identify for a coarse temperature range one of a plurality of fine temperature ranges corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and generate temperature data that is provided on an asynchronous output data path.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a digital temperature reading are provided. In an embodiment, one or more current sources and one or more switches are used to selectively provide a first amount of current (I1) and a second amount of current (I2) to the emitter of a transistor (Q1), during different time slots of a time period, to thereby produce a first base-emitter voltage (Vbe1) and a second base-emitter voltage (Vbe2), where I1=I2*M, and M is a known constant. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) digitizes analog signals representative of the magnitudes Vbe1 and Vbe2. A difference is determined between the magnitudes of Vbe1 and Vbe2. A digital calculator produces a digital temperature reading (DTR) based on the difference between the magnitudes of Vbe1 and Vbe2.

Abstract: A converter comprising a comparator having a first input operable to receive a first signal, a second input operable to receive a second signal, and an output, a switch for sinking a portion of the first signal, wherein the switch is responsive to the output, and an integrator connected to the first input, wherein the first signal is a voltage developed by the integrator when a current proportional to the absolute temperature is applied thereto. A method for measuring temperature of a device using a comparator and converting the bitstream of the comparator to a digital output is also given. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.

Abstract: A method for managing thermal condition of a thermal zone that includes multiple thermally controllable components include determining thermal relationship between the components and reducing temperature of a first component by reducing thermal dissipation of a second component.

Abstract: A method for precision thermal measurement and control, especially for bioreactors, as well as the correction of temperature sensitive probes such as pH and dissolved oxygen. Typical control requirements are +/?0.1° C. The thermal measurement circuit converts a sensor output to a high level voltage or current with great accuracy and provides noise immunity and sensor isolation. While digital outputs from sensor converters can have the greatest noise immunity, the noise associated with digital circuitry may contaminate low level sensor signals so in many cases an analog sensor converter is preferred because of low noise generation, especially if the converter is near the sensor. The circuit is low cost, reliable, generates minimal heat is immune to, and does not generate noise, and requires minimal calibration effort.

Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit comprises a temperature sensing unit for generating a reference voltage having a constant level, regardless of a temperature fluctuation, and a variable voltage to be changed according to the temperature fluctuation, and a comparison unit for comparing the reference voltage to the variable voltage, detecting an ambient temperature and generating a temperature detecting signal.

Abstract: A mixed-signal integrated circuit comprises: 1) an analog front end having differential inputs adapted for directly connecting to at least one thermocouple, 2) an analog-to-digital (ADC) for converting the thermocouple voltages to digital representations thereof, 3) a linearization circuit capable of performing the multi-order polynomial equations for converting the thermocouple electromotive voltages (the digital representations) to linear temperature measurement units by using coefficients unique to each type of thermocouple from a coefficients table based upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 4) a integrated temperature sensor for measuring cold junction temperature, 5) optionally, an input multiplexer for selecting each of a plurality of thermocouples for measurement thereof, 6) optionally, registers for storing measured temperature values, high and low set points, alarm limits, etc., and 7) a communications interface for setting parameters and receiving temperature information.

Abstract: Temperature detection for a semiconductor component is disclosed. One embodiment includes a circuit arrangement for measuring a junction temperature of a semiconductor component that has a gate electrode and a control terminal being connected to the gate electrode and receiving a control signal for charging and discharging the gate electrode, where the gate electrode is internally connected to the control terminal via an internal gate resistor. The circuit arrangement includes: a measuring bridge circuit including the internal gate resistor and providing a measuring voltage which is dependent on the temperature dependent resistance of the internal gate resistor; an evaluation circuit receiving the measuring voltage and providing an output signal dependent on the junction temperature; a pulse generator providing a pulse signal including pulses for partially charging or discharging the gate electrode via the internal gate resistor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an operating voltage lower bound for preventing photovoltaic (PV) cell reverse breakdown during power conversion. The method comprises determining a PV cell operating temperature; computing, at a controller, an operating voltage corresponding to a maximum power point (MPP) based on the PV cell operating temperature; and determining, at the controller, an operating voltage lower bound based on the operating voltage.

Abstract: A temperature detecting device includes a current source, a plurality of resistors, a binary counter, a multiplexer, a comparator and a control logic. The current source provides a PTAT current. The resistors provide m voltage signals with ascending or descending voltages. The binary counter generates a binary select signal having (n+1) bits. The m voltage signals are selectively outputted from the multiplexer as a multiplexer output signal according to the binary select signal, wherein 2n<m<2n+1. The comparator is used for comparing the multiplexer output signal with a reference voltage, thereby generating a comparing signal. The control logic is for issuing the start signal. If the comparing signal has a level change, the control logic controls the binary counter to record the binary select signal as a binary temperature signal. The reference voltage does not vary with temperature.

Abstract: A temperature sensor and device and system including same, comprise a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a noise voltage in response to switching and circuitry configured to generate a relative temperature output signal proportional to an absolute temperature output signal in response to the noise voltage. The device includes a temperature sensor, temperature sensitive device logic and temperature compensation logic configured to receive the absolute temperature and generate an adjustment signal to adapt the temperature sensitive device logic in response thereto. A related method for sensing temperature includes amplifying a noise voltage from a switched capacitor circuit in a plurality of parallel amplifier channels and removing amplifier noise from each of the plurality of parallel amplifier channels to form a relative output signal proportional to an absolute temperature.

Abstract: An integrated circuit contains within the chip one or more measuring devices that provide a digital value corresponding to respective physical operating parameters of the chip. The digital values can be communicated to other devices using an interrupt handler.

Abstract: Methods, systems and thermal sensing apparatus are provided that use bandgap voltage reference generators that do not use trimming circuitry. Further, circuits, systems, and methods in accordance with the present invention are provided that do not use large amounts of chip real estate and do not require a separate thermal sensing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital linear heat detector with thermocouple heat confirmation. A digital linear heat detector with thermocouple heat confirmation comprises a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor composed of a different conductive material than the second conductor. The first and second conductors are then are twisted together to form substantially continuous spring pressure between the first conductor and the second conductor, thereby causing the layers of the non-conductive heat sensitive thermoplastic material to be in contact. The present invention also includes a monitoring circuit that is configured to monitor resistance along the first and second conductors. When the resistance changes along the first and second conductors, the monitor is configured to detect a short and enter a thermocouple mode.

Abstract: A temperature sensor generates a digital output signal representative of the absolute temperature of the sensor. The sensor includes a first circuit configured to generate a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) voltage signal and a second circuit configured to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current signal. A comparator receives the CTAT and PTAT signals and generates a comparison signal based on a comparison between the signals. A converter circuit receives the comparison signal and generates a digital output signal based on the comparison signal. The digital output signal is representative of the temperature of the sensor.

Abstract: A temperature detecting circuit includes a temperature detecting unit that generates a first temperature detecting signal according to a temperature. A temperature information control unit generates a control signal by the first temperature detecting signal, supplies the control signal to the temperature detecting unit, and generates a second temperature detecting signal by the control signal and the first temperature detecting signal. A temperature information output unit generates a temperature information signal in accordance with the second temperature detecting signal and the control signal.

Abstract: A system may include biasing of diodes of a temperature sensor disposed in an integrated circuit die using a current from an off-die current source, generation of a voltage based on the current and a temperature of the integrated circuit die, and determination of a first temperature based on the voltage. Such a system may further include amplification of the voltage using an oscillator and a chopper stabilizer, determination of a first amplified voltage associated with a first state of the oscillator and a second amplified voltage associated with a second state of the oscillator, and determination of a third voltage based on the first amplified voltage and the second amplified voltage, wherein determination of the first temperature based on the voltage comprises determination of the first temperature based on the third voltage.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing temperature data indicative of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor. The circuit is coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to identify for a coarse temperature range one of a plurality of fine temperature ranges corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and generate temperature data that is provided on an asynchronous output data path.

Abstract: Provided are a temperature sensor using a ring oscillator and temperature detection method using the same. One embodiment of the temperature sensor includes a first pulse generator, a second pulse generator, and a counter. The first pulse generator includes a first ring oscillator and generates a first clock signal having a variable period according to a change in temperature. The second pulse generator includes a second ring oscillator and generates a second clock signal having a fixed period. The counter counts a pulse width of the first clock signal as a function of a pulse width of the second clock signal and generates a temperature code.

Abstract: The output of a solid-state temperature sensor is the ratio of a voltage proportional to a reference voltage. The solid-state temperature sensor used diodes in its sensing and reference circuits, however, these diodes exhibit a second order behavior that causes the temperature sensor output response to deviate from an ideal straight line. This output response deviation has a characteristic error curve that is shaped like a parabola. An offset that varies opposite to that of the temperature sensor output response deviation may be determined and applied in the digital domain as offset compensation after the temperature has been conversed to a digital value with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). By adding this offset compensation to the digital output of the ADC, digital representations of the measured temperatures will track more linearly.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.

Abstract: A digital temperature detection circuit adapted for use with a semiconductor device is disclosed. The digital temperature detection circuit comprises a digital temperature generation unit adapted to detect an internal temperature of the semiconductor device, convert the internal temperature into perception data in accordance with a perception data code, and output the perception data. The digital temperature detection circuit further comprises an offset shift unit adapted to shift the perception data in accordance with offset data to thereby generate standard data; and, an offset generation unit adapted to generate the offset data, wherein the offset generation unit is controlled from outside of the digital temperature detection circuit.

Abstract: A method for generating a temperature-compensated timing signal that includes counting, within an update interval, a first number of oscillations of a first micro-electromechanical (MEMS) resonator, a second number of oscillations of a second MEMS resonator and a third number of oscillations of a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO), computing a target DCO count based on the first number and second number of oscillations, computing a loop error signal based on the target DCO count and the third number of oscillations, and modifying an output frequency of a temperature-dependent (DCO) timing signal based on the loop error signal. The duration of the update interval may also be modified based on temperature conditions, and the update interval may also be interrupted and the output frequency immediately adjusted, if a significant temperature change is detected. Thus, dynamic and precise temperature compensation is achieved that accommodates constant, slowly changing, and rapidly changing temperature conditions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and thermal sensing apparatus are provided that use bandgap voltage reference generators that do not use trimming circuitry. Further, circuits, systems, and methods in accordance with the present invention are provided that do not use large amounts of chip real estate and do not require a separate thermal sensing element.