Miscellaneous active electrical nonlinear devices – circuits – and – External effect – Temperature
Reexamination Certificate
2006-01-12
2010-10-26
Patel, Rajnikant B (Department: 2838)
Miscellaneous active electrical nonlinear devices, circuits, and
External effect
Temperature
C327S540000, C323S315000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07821321
ABSTRACT:
A combined bandgap generator and temperature sensor for an integrated circuit is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention recognize that bandgap generators typically contain at least one temperature-sensitive element for the purpose of cancelling temperature sensitivity out of the reference voltage the bandgap generator produces. Accordingly, this same temperature-sensitive element is used in accordance with the invention as the means for indicating the temperature of the integrated circuit, without the need to fabricate a temperature sensor separate and apart from the bandgap generator. Specifically, in one embodiment, a voltage across a temperature-sensitive junction from a bandgap generator is assessed in a temperature conversion stage portion of the combined bandgap generator and temperature sensor circuit. Assessment of this voltage can be used to produce a voltage- or current-based output indicative of the temperature of the integrated circuit, which output can be binary or analog in nature.
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U.S. Appl. No. 11/328,694, filed Jan. 4, 2006.
Micro)n Technology, Inc.
Patel Rajnikant B
Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP
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