Abstract: Existing photodiodes in an optical component used for monitoring input light levels are used to measure the internal temperature of the optical component. Electrical measurements are taken across the photodiode while it is slightly forward biased, and the approximate temperature is determined according to pre-measured current-voltage characteristics of the optical component calibrated at different temperatures. By adjusting its parameters to compensate for the temperature, the performance of the optical component can be optimized. An external microprocessor system controls biasing of the photodiode, electrical measurement of the photodiode, and determination of the optical component temperature.

Abstract: An on-chip thermal sensing circuit is disclosed. The thermal sensing circuit including a detection circuit located on an integrated circuit (IC) for detecting a local temperature of the IC. The output of the thermal sensor has a frequency that is directly related to the local temperature. The detection circuit has an associated time constant that is used to produce the frequency.

Abstract: The apparatus which is located separately from the RTD includes means for measuring the resistance of a plurality of RTDs present at a selected site, the RTDs being those of a number of different RTD types. The module includes means for storing the resistance/temperature map for each of the plurality of RTDs and for determining the temperatures associated with said resistances from the resistance/temperature maps. The resulting plurality of temperatures for each RTD, respectively, is then transmitted in a known order to a remote protective relay which determines the correct temperature for each RTD connected to the module.

Abstract: A system for measuring differences in a physical variable, such as temperature or voltage, by utilizing predictable behavior in the relative time drift of offset curves for various circuit elements, including, for example, two sensors coupled to a difference signal amplifier, an ambient condition amplifier, and an analog to digital converter. In an initial calibration mode, the system records several offset curves, stored in memory, correlating ambient condition measurements to offset measurements acquired from the ambient condition amplifier and the difference signal amplifier. Offset curves recorded in the initial calibration mode, correlating ambient condition measurements to measurements from the difference signal amplifier, include one curve recorded with both inputs of the difference signal amplifier held at equal potential and another curve recorded with both sensors held at the same value of the physical variable, over a given ambient condition range.

Abstract: A method and device for determining ambient air temperature by measuring the temperature of an aircraft interior skin surface.

Abstract: An improved electronic thermometer for rectal, oral, and axillary temperature measurements includes a removable module that houses a temperature sensitive probe and isolation chamber as well as a supply of clean, uncontaminated disposable probe covers on a single color coded module. Each removable module is interchangeably operable with a single temperature calculating unit. This thermometer design reduces the risk of patient exposure to all of the common sources of contamination encountered in the use of electronic thermometers by isolating the probe, the isolation chamber, and a supply of disposable probe covers on one dedicated removable module.

Abstract: A thermometer is disclosed that utilizes a thermistor as a temperature sensor, to control the period and duty cycle of a multivibrator circuit. A second circuit, controlled by a microcontroller, measures both the charge and discharge times of the oscillation. From the ratio of these parameters, a precise indication of temperature can be obtained that is independent of temperature variations within the active components and the charging capacitor of the multivibrator circuit. The method is also independent of the value of the charging capacitor. Furthermore, by measuring the same ratio when a fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, a cell constant can be derived. The cell constant is used to calibrate the non-ideal response of the multivibrator circuit, thus providing a more accurate measurement of temperature.

Abstract: In order to be able to determine precisely a temperature of a semiconductor chip, in particular a semiconductor memory, during active operation, a temperature-dependent diode structure of the chip is connected to four chip terminals using four-conductor connection technology. In this manner, an inexpensive and accurate measuring mechanism is provided for measuring the temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for self-calibrated measurements, for example temperature sensing. The system includes a controller, a multiplexer of low on-resistance, at least two calibration reference resistors, and a current-to-frequency converter that performs self-calibrated temperature sensing with temperature sensing devices such as resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). In general, the system provides a self-calibrated temperature sensing by the current-to-frequency converter providing a constant voltage sequentially to at least two calibration resistors and one or more RTDs using switches of low on-resistance in the multiplexer, which is controlled by the controller.

Abstract: The output of a preamplifier is communicated to an active feedback circuit which drives the primary of a balancing transformer the secondary of which is connected in series with an impedance under test (IUT), the terminals of the series connection are communicated to respective differential inputs of the preamplifier. The feedback circuit automatically drives the preamplifier input toward balance, balance being achieved when the signal across the secondary equals the signal across the IUT in magnitude but opposite in phase. A DC blocking circuit is interposed between the series connection and the preamplifier for blocking preamplifier bias current from loading and heating the IUT. At balance an active equalizing transfer function circuit nulls any potential across the blocking circuit.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of, for example, an exhaust gas of a vehicle is manufactured by inserting a thermistor element into a bottomed metal tube while filling an inside of the metal tube with a filler material, preferably of silicone oil, to reduce a sliding resistance between the thermistor element and the metal tube as an integral temperature sensing structure which is then mounted in a housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature sensor having a first FET transistor circuit and a second FET transistor circuit and also to a method for operating a temperature sensor. Both FET transistor circuits are operated at an operating point that lies outside the temperature-independent operating point. The difference between the voltages at the first and second FET transistor circuits is evaluated as a measure of the temperature at one of the FET transistor circuits. The invention enables the temperature sensor to provide a relatively large output signal even in the case of only small changes in temperature.

Abstract: A clinical temperature test instrument includes disposable temperature test strips adapted for detecting the temperature of a person's body, and a strip reader adapted for reading the temperature level of each temperature test strip used, each temperature test strip having a temperature induction crystal embedded in a front side thereof and adapted for detecting the temperature level of the body of the person by contact, two terminals extended from a rear side thereof for output of detection signal from the temperature induction crystal to the strip reader, and lead wires connected between the ends of the temperature induction crystal and the terminals.

Abstract: A temperature probe (10) including a cylindrical thermally conductive housing (10) and a temperature sensor (18) employing a resistive temperature element (22) mounted therein. The temperature sensor (18) is mounted at one end of the housing (12) by a thermally conductive potting material (50). Signal wires (36) electrically couple to the resistive element (22) extend through an elongated insulated member (30) and out of an end of the housing (12) opposite the sensor (18). Changes in the temperature of the housing are quickly transferred to the resistive temperature element (22) through the conductive potting material (50). In one embodiment, the probe (10) is combined with a pressure transducer (60) to provide a pressure and temperature sensing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a light emitting diode (LED). In order to enable an influence on the lifetime of the LED, it is proposed that the method comprises measuring the ambient temperature surrounding the LED, and controlling a current through the LED depending on the measured temperature. The invention equally relates to a corresponding device comprising at least one LED 1. It is proposed that this devices further comprises a temperature sensing element 2 for measuring the ambient temperature surrounding the at least one LED 1, and controlling means 3 for controlling a current flowing through said at least one LED 1 depending on the measured temperature.

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus comprises a temperature sensor, a current measuring device and temperature detection circuit. The temperature sensor contains a thermal resistor that is disposed near a motor and outputs voltages acting to the thermal resistor. The current measuring device measures quantity of current that is applied to the motor. The temperature detection circuit detects temperature of the motor according to the output voltages from the temperature sensor. And, the temperature detection circuit judges whether a predetermined quantity of current is applied to the motor during a predetermined time. When the predetermined quantity of current is applied to the motor during the predetermined time, the temperature detection circuit compares a temperature detected by the current measuring device with a predetermined temperature. When the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the temperature detection circuit decides a wire of the thermal resistor breaks.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for utilizing an inductive coil fluid level sensor to measure the temperature of the fuel, or fuel vapors, in a fuel tank depending upon the location of the sensor within the tank. The inductive coil sensor is connected to a Fuel Control Unit containing the sensor electronics to drive the inductive coil sensor and read the corresponding fuel or fuel vapor temperature.

Abstract: A four current transistor temperature sensor comprises a p-n junction, preferably the base-emitter junction of a bipolar transistor, which is driven with four different currents in a predetermined sequence. Each of the four currents induces a respective base-emitter voltage, which is measured. The temperature of the transistor is calculated based on the values of the four driving currents and the four measured base-emitter voltages. The four driving currents (I1, I2, I3 and I4) are preferably arranged such that I1=2*I3, I2=2*I4, I1/I2=A and I3/I4=A, where A is a predetermined current ratio. I1 and I2 produce respective base-emitter voltages which are subtracted from each other to produce &Dgr;Vbe1, and I3 and I4 produce respective base-emitter voltages which are subtracted from each other to produce &Dgr;Vbe2. When so arranged, the difference between &Dgr;Vbe1 and &Dgr;Vbe2 is entirely due to the effect of series base and emitter resistances rb and re.

Abstract: A two-wire temperature transmitter performs thermocouple diagnostics on a thermocouple attached to the transmitter to determine if, and the extent to which, the thermocouple has degraded. Various methods of obtaining thermocouple resistance are also provided.

Abstract: A combined hub temperature and wheel speed sensor system comprises a sensor assembly coupled to an axle and a wheel assembly fixedly coupled to the wheel, which in turn is free to rotate with respect to the axle. The wheel assembly includes a ring magnet. The sensor assembly includes a temperature sensor in proximity to the wheel bearing, Hall effect sensors positioned to detect the rotation of the ring magnet, and a circuit for generating and transmitting signals corresponding to the wheel rotation speed, rotation direction, and bearing temperature.

Abstract: A substrate temperature measuring method, a substrate processing method, substrate temperature measuring equipment and semiconductor manufacturing equipment that can measure more accurately a temperature of and can process more precisely a substrate than in existing ones are provided. Electric energy is converted into electromagnetic wave energy, an electromagnetic wave involving the converted electromagnetic wave energy being irradiated on a resonant circuit disposed on a substrate. A voltage or a current involving electric energy is detected to detect a resonance frequency of a resonant circuit. From the detected resonance frequency, a temperature of a substrate is obtained. Thereby, by making use of at least one resonant circuit disposed on a substrate, a temperature of the substrate can be measured with high precision.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer that reduces patient exposure to all sources of cross-contamination, aids in infection control, and provides a clean, uncontaminated, readily accessible source of probe covers. A probe assembly for an electronic thermometer, which does not require expensive calibration procedures during manufacturing and allows the use of inexpensive thermisters. A memory component such as an EEPROM integrated circuit stores calibration information and identifying information in each particular probe assembly which improves performance and reduces manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.

Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of sensors connected to two or more groups of wires such that individual sensors can be addressed. No two sensors are connected to the same two wires. The groups of wires are connected to multiplexers or the like to address particular wires connecting a unique sensor. Dramatically improved accuracy is obtained by connecting rectifiers in series with the sensors to significantly reduce reverse current through a sensor that can lead to significant errors.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of the water inside a water container. A temperature probe that defines a front end and a rear end has its front end exposed to water inside the water container. A temperature probe mount mounts the temperature probe to the side of the water container and allows access of the front end of the temperature probe to the water inside the water container. A temperature probe insulator fits over the rear end of the temperature probe. The temperature probe insulator attaches to the temperature probe mount and prevents rearward motion of the temperature probe. In a preferred embodiment, the water container is a spa. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature probe insulator is made of a rubbery substance.

Abstract: A converter system for a temperature sensor includes a programmable current source, a digital-to-analog converter, a summer, and an analog-to-digital converter. The temperature sensor provides a measurement voltage in response to application of a bias current. The programmable current source selectively provides two different currents to the temperature sensor such that the temperature sensor provides two measurement voltages during a given temperature measurement. The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) provides an intermediate voltage that corresponds to an approximation of a voltage between the two voltages. A summer is configured to produce an offset measurement in response to the intermediate voltage and the measurement voltage. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) receives the offset measurement voltage and produces a conversion code. Offsetting the measurement voltage reduces the dynamic range requirements of the ADC such that substantially a full input range of the ADC is utilized.

Abstract: A two-wire temperature transmitter is coupleable to a two-wire process control loop for measuring temperature of a process. The transmitter includes an analog to digital converter configured to provide digital output in response to an analog input. A two-wire loop communicator is configured to couple to the process control loop and send information on the loop. A microprocessor is coupled to the digital output and configured to send temperature related information on the process control loop with the two-wire loop communicator. A power supply is configured to completely power the two-wire temperature transmitter with power from the two-wire process control loop. A temperature sensor comprises at least two temperature sensitive elements having element outputs which degrade in accordance with different degradation characteristics.

Abstract: The resistance of an air-fuel-ratio sensor element is determined from current detected before changing an applied voltage to the sensor and current detected when a predetermined period elapses after changing the applied voltage to the sensor. A resistence detector includes operational amplifiers, resistors and transistors. The applied voltage is changed by switching the transistors to more accurately detect a resistance value.

Abstract: A method for characterizing the parameters of a normally occurring turbine exhaust gas temperature profile is provided. From that characterization the characteristics of a filter function to eliminate or significantly reduce the strength of aliased signals from that normally occurring pattern are established. Sensors to provide filtering functions for that purpose include a distributed gradient thermocouple system and a resistance thermometer system. Examples of such sensor systems are disclosed. The method and related sensors improve the detection limits associated with exhaust gas temperature profiles used to monitor, diagnose, and control gas turbines.

Abstract: Measurement of environment parameters beyond a barrier without having to make a hole in the barrier to connect a sensor to the other circuitry may be made using a primary inductor on one side of the barrier inductively coupled to a secondary inductor on the other side of the barrier. A thermistor or other sensor is connected to the secondary inductor and disposed with the secondary inductor on the other side of the barrier. A pulse generator causes a first current through the primary inductor that is modified by a mutually induced second current through the secondary inductor, that is further determined by the resistance or impedance of the thermistor or sensor. A measuring circuit converts the peak current value into a value representative of the temperature or other environment parameter surrounding the sensor.

Abstract: A temperature sensor has a sensing element (13) consisting of a thermistor (11) and leads (12) and a sheath pin (15) containing core wires (14), to accurately detect temperature. A method of manufacturing such a temperature sensor includes the steps of connecting the leads to the core wires, arranging an insulator (130) around the sensing element, filling the insulator with an inorganic adhesive (135) to fix the sensing element in the insulator, arranging a metal cover (16) around the insulator, and joining an end of the metal cover to an end of the sheath pin.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of a method and apparatus for testing a temperature sensor, an apparatus includes at least one component that affects ambient temperature. The at least one component is positioned on a circuit board so that when a current is applied to the at least one component the temperature of a temperature sensor is affected, where the temperature sensor is attached to a battery in contact with the circuit board. The response of the temperature sensor further includes the capability to be measured by external equipment. In accordance with another embodiment of a method and apparatus for testing a temperature sensor, a method of testing a temperature sensor attached to a battery, the battery being in contact with a circuit board, is as follows. The response to a temperature sensor is measured. Current is applied to the at least one heating component with sufficient proximity of the temperature sensor to affect its temperature.

Abstract: A heat emitting probe including a conductive nanotube probe needle with its base end fastened to a holder and its tip end protruded, a heat emitting body formed on the probe needle, a conductive nanotube lead wire fastened to the heat emitting body, and an electric current supply that causes an electric current to pass through the conductive nanotube lead wire and both ends of the probe needle. The tip end of the probe needle is thus heated by an electric current flowing through the heat emitting body. A heat emitting probe apparatus includes the above-described heat emitting probe, a scanning mechanism that allows the heat emitting probe to scan over a thermal recording medium, and a control circuit that causes the tip end of the probe needle to emit heat, thus recording extremely small hole patterns in the surface of a thermal recording medium.

Abstract: A thermometer is disclosed that utilizes a thermistor as a temperature sensor, to control the period and duty cycle of a multivibrator circuit. A second circuit, controlled by a microcontroller, measures both the charge and discharge times of the oscillation. From the ratio of these parameters, a precise indication of temperature can be obtained that is independent of temperature variations within the active components and the charging capacitor of the multivibrator circuit. The method is also independent of the value of the charging capacitor. Furthermore, by measuring the same ratio when a fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, a cell constant can be derived. The cell constant is used to calibrate the non-ideal response of the multivibrator circuit, thus providing a more accurate measurement of temperature.

Abstract: A temperature sensor may include a capacitor, a circuit element coupled in series with the capacitor and having a resistance that varies with temperature, and a controller. The controller is for charging/discharging the capacitor through the circuit element, measuring a charging/discharging time required to charge/discharge the capacitor to a predetermined threshold, and determining a temperature based upon the charging/discharging time. More specifically, the circuit element may be a thermistor, for example. The temperature sensor may further include at least one calibration resistor coupled between the controller and the capacitor.

Abstract: The apparatus which is located separately from the RTD includes means for measuring the resistance of a plurality of RTDs present at a selected site, the RTDs being those of a number of different RTD types. The module includes means for storing the resistance/temperature map for each of the plurality of RTDs and for determining the temperatures associated with said resistances from the resistance/temperature maps. The resulting plurality of temperatures for each RTD, respectively, is then transmitted in a known order to a remote protective relay which determines the correct temperature for each RTD connected to the module.

Abstract: A temperature detector for an exhaust gas sensor comprises: an exhaust gas sensor 2 for detecting a concentration of oxygen contained in exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine; a temperature sensor 6 for measuring an environmental temperature which is substantially the same as the exhaust gas sensor 2; a resistance measuring means 12 for measuring an internal resistance value of the exhaust gas sensor 2; a timer means 10 for measuring an operation stop time of the internal combustion engine; and a control means 8 for detecting the internal resistance value of the exhaust gas sensor 2 and the environmental temperature at each operation starting point when a period of operation stop conducted by the timer means 10 is longer than a predetermined period, for calculating a characteristic of the internal resistance value versus the temperature of the exhaust gas sensor 2 from both the internal resistance of the exhaust gas sensor and the environmental temperature, for renewing and storing them, a

Abstract: A temperature regulator, circuit for an air-mass flow meter in which the temperature regulator circuit includes a bridge circuit one of whose bridge branches contains a temperature resistor of substantially higher resistance than a heating resistor in the other bridge branch. The resistance element of the temperature resistor normally requires a large amount of space on the sensor for this purpose. In order to reduce the size of the resistance element, a voltage divider is provided to reduce the input voltage applied to the temperature resistor. In order to maintain the bridge balance, additional circuit elements are provided in the other bridge branch containing the heating resistor.

Abstract: A cost-effective electronic thermometer comprises a rigid case attached to a flexible probe stem in a lap joint. The distal end portion of the relatively rigid case is affixed to the flexible probe stem at the lap joint by a molding weld between the case and the flexible probe. A substantially rigid insert is positioned partially within an axially extending passageway defined by the stem such that a sensor cap can be mounted around the insert. A temperature sensor in sensor cap is connected to an electronic processor with display that is positioned within case and powered by a battery.

Abstract: A device for determining the temperature in the interior of a vehicle (12) comprises a temperature sensor (30) for arrangement behind a wall (18) adjacent the interior, and a processing unit (82) receiving the measuring signal from the temperature sensor (30) and outputting an output signal representing the temperature in the interior (10) of the vehicle (12). Further, it is provided with a thermal conductor element (36, 36′) for sensing the temperature of the air in the interior (10) in the region close to the wall, the thermal conductor element (36, 36′) being in thermally conductive contact with the temperature sensor (30) and being provided to extend up to or close to the wall (18) or through an opening (38) in the wall (18).

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a circuit board includes: at least one heating component. The at least one heating component is positioned on the board so that when a current is applied to the at least one heating component, a temperature sensor attached to a battery in contact with the circuit board is heated by the at least one heating component.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the abnormality of a wire harness or a power supply device for a motor vehicle, a temperature fuse which blows out when a temperature exceeds a certain value is arranged within or adjacently to a wire harness. By detecting the presence or absence of break of the temperature fuse, abnormality of the wire harness is detected. Thus, deterioration of the wire harness due to rare short can be avoided.

Abstract: A current sensing noise thermometer is described, in which a low noise amplifier is used to measure the noise current in a sensor resistor and the sensor resistor is connected in series with a superconducting coil, or a coil assembly including at least one superconductor. The superconductor of the coil assembly is preferably positioned inside the coil, and the superconducting transition temperature of the superconductor is used to calibrate the thermometer. Preferably, the sensor resistor is grounded to enable particularly low temperatures to be achieved.

Abstract: An RTD having a thin film HfN resistor formed on a substrate for temperature detection in accordance with the resistance of the HfN resistor. The RTD is a two lead device having high accuracy and a wide temperature range from 20 to 1400 degrees Kelvin. The substrate has bonding pads or contact strips connected to the resistor and processing electronics. An SiN thin film passivation layer is formed on the resistor and substrate. Two leads connect the bonding pads or contact strips to processing electronics and an indicator.

Abstract: A device according to the present invention is provided with element temperature measurement voltage application circuit for temporarily applying a predetermined voltage for element temperature measurement to a sensor element of an air-fuel ratio sensor equipped to an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, first sensor output reading circuit for reading in a sensor output just before applied with the voltage, and second sensor output reading circuit for reading in a sensor output being applied with the voltage, wherein the element temperature of the air-fuel ratio sensor is estimated based on the sensor output just before applied with the voltage and the sensor output being applied with the voltage. Further, during internal resistance measurement of the sensor element of the air-fuel ratio sensor equipped to the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine, a voltage applied to the heater for heating the sensor element is maintained to be constant.

Abstract: A multi-channel remote diode temperature sensor that receives current flow across a plurality of remote diodes on a plurality of channels at a single negative data pin, is small in size and has reduced noise coupling between channels at the common negative data pin. The noise coupling of the multi-channel remote diode temperature sensor is minimized by placing an output of a low impedance buffer in electrical communication with the negative data pin. The voltage produced by the low impedance buffer automatically stabilizes the common mode voltage at the negative data pin. The size is minimized by configuring all channels of the multi-channel remote diode temperature sensor to share the sole negative data pin, thereby reducing pin count.

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus comprises a temperature sensor, a current measuring device and temperature detection circuit. The temperature sensor contains a thermal resistor that is disposed near a motor and outputs voltages acting to the thermal resistor. The current measuring device measures quantity of current that is applied to the motor. The temperature detection circuit detects temperature of the motor according to the output voltages from the temperature sensor. And, the temperature detection circuit judges whether a predetermined quantity of current is applied to the motor during a predetermined time. When the predetermined quantity of current is applied to the motor during the predetermined time, the temperature detection circuit compares a temperature detected by the current measuring device with a predetermined temperature. When the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the temperature detection circuit decides a wire of the thermal resistor breaks.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system for monitoring and controlling temperatures of various peripheral devices inside a notebook type of computer. The temperature sensing system uses a thermistor as a temperature sensor. The thermistor is positioned around a peripheral device and forms a potential divider circuit with another resistor. Next, the voltage produced by the divider circuit is fed to a voltage detection pin of a chipset. Inside the chipset, the divider voltage can be compared with a reference so that appropriate action can be taken to cool down a particular peripheral device. In addition, the temperature sensor of this invention can be placed anywhere inside a notebook computer including the area surrounding the peripheral device or even inside the peripheral device. Moreover, no additional control chips for operating those temperature sensors arc needed, and hence production cost can be lowered.

Abstract: The temperature of a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example provided in a mobile telephone, is measured by covering the LCD with a conductive touch screen bottom sheet having a known resistance-temperature relationship. A temperature-stable resistor is connected to the touch screen bottom sheet, and a voltage is applied across the resistor and the sheet. The voltage signal between the resistor and the touch screen bottom sheet is measured and converted to digital representation by an A/D-converter. The measured voltage signal is used to calculate the temperature of the touch screen bottom sheet, which is substantially equal to the temperature of the LCD.

Abstract: In order to be able to determine precisely a temperature of a semiconductor chip, in particular a semiconductor memory, during active operation, a temperature-dependent diode structure of the chip is connected to four chip terminals using four-conductor connection technology. In this manner, an inexpensive and accurate measuring mechanism is provided for measuring the temperature.