Temperature sensor for image sensors

摘要

An integrated temperature sensor provides an output current proportional to temperature rising from a zero value at a selectable reference temperature. The reference temperature can be selected by varying resistive values in the sensor's circuit. The temperature sensor can be manufactured at low cost and fully integrated on a chip using CMOS technology, and may be used for low-power applications.

主权项

1. A temperature sensor, comprising:
a first output transistor having first and second conduction terminals, the first conduction terminal coupled to a first voltage supply so that the first output transistor is configured to generate a first current proportional to absolute temperature from the second conduction terminal; a current source coupled to the second conduction terminal and configured to draw a constant reference current from the second conduction terminal; and an output terminal coupled to the second conduction terminal and configured to output an output current proportional to the absolute temperature for temperatures in excess of a first reference temperature; wherein the value of the constant reference current determines a zero-crossing value of the output current.