Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – Circuit interruption by thermal sensing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-22
2002-06-11
Jackson, Stephen W. (Department: 2836)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
Circuit interruption by thermal sensing
C361S115000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06404610
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a device for detecting and a method for conditioning temperature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a temperature sensor for detecting the temperatures of various heat-generating peripheral devices inside a notebook computer using a potential divider circuit constructed from a thermistor and resistor. Variable voltage produced by the potential divider circuit is then returned to the chipset inside the computer for controlling the temperature of those peripheral devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Inside a conventional notebook computer, a number of interface devices, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an integrated device electronics (IDE) interface and a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) interface are generally mounted on top of a main circuit board. As the notebook computer is used, the temperature of these internal components will rise.
FIG. 1
is a sketch showing the major internal components inside a conventional notebook computer. As shown in
FIG. 1
, internal components includes a main circuit board
10
with a central processing unit
12
, an IDE device
14
, a PCMCIA device
16
and a chipset
18
mounted on top. In general, a fan (not shown) is also mounted on top of the central processing unit
12
for dissipating the heat generated by the central processing unit
12
away. Similarly, fans
22
and
22
are also installed at the respective backsides of the IDE device
14
and the PCMCIA device
16
for carrying away the heat generated by the IDE device
14
and the PCMCIA device
16
respectively. In addition, a battery pack
24
is usually installed somewhere around the main board
10
to provide the necessary power for operating the notebook computer.
The main heat-producing source inside the notebook computer is the central processing unit
12
inside the notebook computer. Due to operation, heat produced by the central processing unit
12
will diffuse towards surrounding peripheral devices. Therefore, temperature of the neighboring peripheral devices such as the IDE device
14
and the PCMCIA device
16
will gradually rise. Consequently, most notebook computers have additional fans (not shown) installed in the neighborhood of the central processing unit
12
for cooling down the peripheral devices.
However, if the fans operate continuously, they may easily break down. In contrast, if the user operates the computer erroneously, the cooling fan may not operate at all. Furthermore, if the central processing unit has problems or the battery pack is over-charged, individual devices may be overheated. Therefore, if no mechanism for detecting the degree of heating in those devices and responding just in time to lower the temperature, the devices may be irreversibly damaged.
To detect the temperature of various peripheral devices, the simplest method is to install a temperature sensor next to each peripheral device. However, this method will definitely increase the loading of the integrated circuit (IC) and the hardware monitoring device in addition to the increased cost of production.
In light of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a new type of temperature sensor having a different method of operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a device capable of sensing temperature around the peripheral devices inside a notebook computer and a method for controlling temperatures of various peripheral devices so that their permissible operating temperature will not be exceeded.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a method of connecting up a temperature sensor for monitoring and controlling temperature of peripheral devices inside a notebook computer. The temperature sensor comprises of a thermistor and a resistor. One terminal of the thermistor is coupled to a voltage source. The other terminal of the thermistor is connected to one terminal of the resistor as well as a voltage detection pin of a chipset. The other terminal of the resistor is connected to a ground.
For an alternative coupling architecture, the thermistor can be connected between the ground and the voltage detection pin of a chipset, and one terminal of the resistor is connected to a ground.
The temperature sensors inside the notebook computer according to this invention are thermistors that are attached to peripheral devices with the possibility of being overheated due to operation. Each thermistor is connected with a resistor to form a potential divider circuit. By tapping a voltage from the potential divider circuit and sending the voltage to the pin of a chipset, temperatures of various peripheral devices can be detected. Hence, appropriate controlling signals can be returned by the chipset, for example, to stop the operation of a particular device or lowering the operating frequency of that device.
The temperature sensor or thermistor can be installed anywhere within the notebook computer, for example, surrounding area of the peripheral devices or inside the peripheral devices. Furthermore, no controlling chips need to be added for supporting the temperature sensors. Hence, no additional production cost must be accounted for.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4945445 (1990-07-01), Schmerda et al.
patent: 6112164 (2000-08-01), Hobson
J. C. Patents
Jackson Stephen W.
Via Technologies Inc.
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