TW201908702A - Temperature sensing circuit and correction method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A correction method for temperature-sensing circuit includes setting current gain of a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) circuit as a first value, receiving a first output voltage generated by the PTAT circuit with the current gain of the first value, setting the current gain of the PTAT circuit as a second value, receiving a second output voltage generated by the PTAT circuit with the current gain of the second value, calculating a change slope according to the first value, the second value, the first output voltage and the second output voltage, and adjusting a voltage gain of the PTAT circuit according a standard slope and the change slope.

Description

Temperature sensing circuit and its correction method

The invention relates to a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) circuit, in particular to a temperature sensing circuit and a correction method thereof.

As far as integrated circuits (ICs) are concerned, changes in temperature will affect the operating points and operation speeds of integrated circuits. For example, in a high-temperature environment, the characteristics of the integrated circuit change with temperature, which further reduces the operation speed and reliability of the integrated circuit. Therefore, the need for a low-cost but high-performance temperature sensor has arisen.

A temperature sensor uses a proportional absolute temperature (PTAT) circuit to generate a temperature indication signal. In order to improve the accuracy of temperature detection by the PTAT circuit, the PTAT circuit needs to perform a calibration procedure so that its temperature-voltage characteristic curve conforms to the standard curve. The current correction method is to adjust the ambient temperature, that is, to correct the PTAT circuit by different two ambient temperatures. However, as the accuracy requirements for temperature detection increase, the test time required for the calibration procedure must also increase.

In some embodiments, a method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit includes: setting a current gain proportional to the absolute temperature circuit to a first value, and receiving a first gain generated by the proportional absolute temperature circuit when the current gain is the first value; An output voltage, setting the current gain of the proportional absolute temperature circuit to a second value, and receiving a second output voltage generated by the proportional absolute temperature circuit when the current gain is a second value, according to the first value, the second value, the first The output voltage and the second output voltage calculate a changing slope, and set a voltage gain proportional to the absolute temperature circuit according to a standard slope and the changing slope.

In one embodiment, a temperature sensing circuit includes a proportional absolute temperature current source, a current amplifier, a current-to-voltage converter, a programmable gain amplifier, and a correction unit. The current amplifier is coupled to a proportional absolute temperature current source. The current-to-voltage converter is coupled to a current amplifier. The programmable gain amplifier is coupled to a current-to-voltage converter. The correction unit is coupled to a current amplifier and a programmable gain amplifier. A temperature change current is output proportional to the absolute temperature current source. The current amplifier amplifies the temperature-varying current based on a current gain. The current-to-voltage converter outputs a temperature-change voltage according to the amplified temperature-change current. The programmable gain amplifier amplifies the temperature-varying voltage into an output voltage based on a voltage gain. The correction unit respectively obtains two output voltages at a first value and a second value at the same ambient temperature, calculates a change slope based on the first value, the second value, and the second output voltage, and adjusts according to the standard slope and the change slope. Voltage gain.

In summary, the temperature sensing circuit and the calibration method thereof according to the present invention can improve the accuracy of temperature detection and can relatively reduce the test time of the calibration procedure. In addition, the temperature sensing circuit and the calibration method thereof according to the present invention can perform a more accurate calibration procedure under a single ambient temperature, for example, it can be performed at a direct normal temperature.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature sensing circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the temperature sensing circuit includes a proportional absolute temperature (PTAT) circuit 10 and a correction unit 20. The proportional absolute temperature PTAT circuit 10 includes a proportional absolute temperature current source 110, a current amplifier 130, a current-to-voltage converter 150, and a programmable gain amplifier 170. The proportional absolute temperature current source 110, the current amplifier 130, the current-to-voltage converter 150, and the programmable gain amplifier 170 are sequentially coupled. The correction unit 20 is coupled to the current amplifier 130 and the programmable gain amplifier 170. Here, the output terminal of the absolute temperature current source 110 is coupled to the input terminal of the current amplifier 130. An output terminal of the current amplifier 130 is coupled to an input terminal of the current-to-voltage converter 150. An output terminal of the current-to-voltage converter 150 is coupled to an input terminal of the programmable gain amplifier 170. The correction unit 20 is coupled to a control terminal of the current amplifier 130, an output terminal of the programmable gain amplifier 170, and a control terminal of the programmable gain amplifier 170.

A temperature-varying current is output proportional to the corresponding ambient temperature of the absolute temperature current source 110. The current amplifier 130 amplifies the temperature-varying current with a current gain. The current-to-voltage converter 150 outputs a temperature-change voltage according to the amplified temperature-change current. The programmable gain amplifier 170 amplifies the temperature-varying voltage into an output voltage with a voltage gain. Among them, the circuit architecture and principle of the proportional-absolute temperature current source 110, the current amplifier 130, the current-to-voltage converter 150, and the programmable gain amplifier 170 are well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described again.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a change slope. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, under the calibration procedure, the correction unit 20 sets the current gain of the current amplifier 130 to the first value G1 (step S01), and receives the output generated by the PTAT circuit 10 when the current gain is the first value G1 The voltage (hereinafter referred to as the first output voltage V1) can program the output of the gain amplifier 170 (step S02). Next, the correction unit 20 sets the current gain of the current amplifier 130 to the second value G2 (step S03), and receives the output voltage (hereinafter referred to as the first output) generated by the PTAT circuit 10 when the current gain is the second value G2. Voltage V2) (step S04). Then, the correction unit 20 calculates a change slope m1 according to the first value G1, the second value G2, the first output voltage V1 and the second output voltage V2 (step S05), and sets a programmable value according to a standard slope m2 and the change slope m1 The voltage gain Gr of the gain amplifier 170 (step S06) is shown in FIG. The first value G1 is different from the second value G2. The change slope m1 refers to the slope of a linear curve in which the output voltage changes with current gain.

Here, at least steps S01 to S04 are performed at the same ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the entire calibration procedure may be performed at the same ambient temperature. The ambient temperature may be room temperature T0, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Depending on the application, the ambient temperature can also be other temperatures T1.

In an embodiment of step S06, the correction unit 20 compares the standard slope m2 with the change slope m1. When the standard slope m2 does not match the change slope m1, the correction unit 20 adjusts the voltage gain Gr of the programmable gain amplifier 170. In some embodiments, when the change slope m1 is greater than the standard slope m2, the correction unit 20 can adjust the voltage gain Gr of the programmable gain amplifier 170 to decrease. When the change slope m1 is smaller than the standard slope m2, the correction unit 20 can adjust the voltage gain Gr of the programmable gain amplifier 170.

In some embodiments, the correction unit 20 may adopt a stepwise adjustment manner. In other words, the correction unit 20 adjusts the voltage gain Gr of the programmable gain amplifier 170 by a predetermined unit (for example, a gear or a specific db). In addition, after the voltage gain Gr is adjusted by the comparison result between the corresponding standard slope m2 and the change slope m1 of the correction unit 20, the calibration procedure repeats steps S01 to S06 to determine whether the new change slope m1 meets the standard slope m2. If not, the correction unit 20 adjusts a predetermined unit accordingly. If so, complete the calibration procedure.

In another embodiment, the correction unit 20 may store a comparison table in which the difference between the standard slope m2 and the change slope m1 is related to the voltage gain Gr. When the standard slope m2 does not match the change slope m1, the correction unit 20 obtains the corresponding adjustment value of the voltage gain Gr from the comparison table based on the difference between the standard slope m2 and the change slope m1, and the obtained adjustment value is set to the programmable gain amplifier 170. The voltage gain Gr.

In yet another embodiment, the correction unit 20 may store an algorithm for the difference between the standard slope m2 and the change slope m1 related to the voltage gain Gr. When the standard slope m2 does not match the change slope m1, the correction unit 20 calculates an adjustment value of the corresponding voltage gain Gr by an algorithm based on the difference between the standard slope m2 and the change slope m1, and the calculated adjustment value sets a programmable gain The voltage gain Gr of the amplifier 170.

In some embodiments, the calibration unit 20 may have a built-in or external storage unit (not shown). This storage unit can store the information needed to execute the calibration process, such as the standard slope m2 (and the aforementioned comparison table or algorithm). The storage unit may be implemented by one or more memories.

In one embodiment, the PTAT circuit 10 may be an analog output, such as an output voltage generated by the programmable gain amplifier 170.

In another embodiment, the PTAT circuit 10 may be a digital output.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a temperature sensing circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the PTAT circuit 10 may further include an analog-to-digital converter 190. An input terminal of the analog-to-digital converter 190 is coupled to an output terminal of the programmable gain amplifier 170. The analog-to-digital converter 190 receives the output voltage generated by the programmable gain amplifier 170 and generates a digital signal D corresponding to the output voltage. For example, the analog-to-digital converter 190 converts the output voltage generated by the programmable gain amplifier 170 into a digital signal D. Among them, the circuit architecture and principle of the programmable gain amplifier 170 are well known to those skilled in the art, so they will not be described again.

In some embodiments, the correction unit 20 may be implemented by a signal processing circuit, a microcontroller, or the like. In other words, the method for calibrating the temperature sensing circuit in the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by using hardware with software or firmware.

In summary, the temperature sensing circuit and the calibration method thereof according to the present invention can improve the accuracy of temperature detection and can relatively reduce the test time of the calibration procedure. In addition, the temperature sensing circuit and the calibration method thereof according to the present invention can perform a more accurate calibration procedure under a single ambient temperature, for example, it can be performed at a direct normal temperature.

10‧‧‧ proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) circuit

20‧‧‧ Calibration unit

110‧‧‧ proportional to absolute temperature current source

130‧‧‧Current Amplifier

150‧‧‧ Current to Voltage Converter

170‧‧‧ programmable gain amplifier

190‧‧‧ Analog Digital Converter

Gr‧‧‧ Voltage Gain

G1‧‧‧first value

G2‧‧‧Second value

V1‧‧‧ the first output voltage

V2‧‧‧Second output voltage

m1‧‧‧ change slope

m2‧‧‧standard slope

T0‧‧‧room temperature

T1‧‧‧Other temperature

D‧‧‧Digital signal

S01‧‧‧Set the current gain of the proportional absolute temperature (PTAT) circuit to the first value

S02‧‧‧ receives the first output voltage generated by the PTAT circuit when the current gain is the first value

S03‧‧‧Set the current gain of the PTAT circuit to the second value

S04‧‧‧The second output voltage generated by the PTAT circuit when the current gain is the second value when receiving power

S05‧‧‧Calculate a change slope according to the first value, the second value, the first output voltage and the second output voltage

S06‧‧‧Adjust the voltage gain of the PTAT circuit according to a standard slope and a changing slope

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature sensing circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. ‧‧‧ FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a change slope. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a temperature sensing circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit includes: setting a current gain of a proportional absolute temperature circuit to a first value; and receiving a first output voltage generated by the proportional absolute temperature circuit when the current gain is the first value Setting the current gain of the proportional absolute temperature circuit to a second value; receiving a second output voltage generated by the proportional absolute temperature circuit when the current gain is the second value; according to the first value, the first A binary value, the first output voltage and the second output voltage are used to calculate a change slope; and the voltage gain of the proportional absolute temperature circuit is set according to a standard slope and the change slope. The method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving the first output voltage generated by the proportional absolute temperature circuit when the current gain is the first value includes: Temperature change current; amplifying the temperature change current with the current gain; outputting a temperature change voltage according to the amplified temperature change current; and amplifying the temperature change voltage to the first output voltage with the voltage gain. The method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving the second output voltage generated by the proportional absolute temperature circuit when the current gain is the second value includes: Temperature change current; amplify the temperature change current with the current gain; output a temperature change voltage according to the amplified temperature change current; and amplify the temperature change voltage to the second output voltage with the voltage gain. The method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first output voltage and the second output voltage are generated at a same ambient temperature. The method for calibrating a temperature sensing circuit according to claim 4, wherein the ambient temperature is room temperature. The correction method of the temperature sensing circuit according to claim 1, wherein the change slope is a slope of a linear curve of the output voltage as a function of the current gain. A temperature sensing circuit includes: a proportional absolute temperature current source that outputs a temperature-varying current; a current amplifier coupled to the proportional absolute temperature current source to amplify the temperature-changing current based on a current gain; a current-to-voltage converter Is coupled to the current amplifier to output a temperature-varying voltage according to the amplified temperature-changing current; a programmable gain amplifier is coupled to the current-to-voltage converter to amplify the temperature-varying voltage into an output voltage based on the voltage gain; A correction unit is coupled to the current amplifier and the programmable gain amplifier, respectively, to obtain the output voltage at a first value and a second value at the same ambient temperature, and the output voltage according to the first value, the first A binary value and the two output voltages calculate a changing slope, and the voltage gain is adjusted according to a standard slope and the changing slope. The temperature sensing circuit according to claim 7, further comprising: an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the programmable gain amplifier, receiving the output voltage and generating a digital signal corresponding to the output voltage. The temperature sensing circuit according to claim 7, wherein the ambient temperature is room temperature. The temperature sensing circuit according to claim 7, wherein the change slope is a slope of a linear curve of the output voltage as a function of the current gain.