High sensitivity diode temperature sensor with adjustable current source

摘要

A high-sensitivity diode temperature sensor includes a reverse-biased diode, such as a Schottky diode, coupled to an adjustable constant current source for biasing the diode into a reverse operating region. The constant current source biases the diode at a particular reverse leakage current that corresponds to a temperature window over which the reverse voltage across the diode exhibits a linear response of several hundred mV/C. The change in reverse voltage can be used as a signal to switch power to an attached electrical load. Also disclosed is a dual-switchpoint temperature controller that incorporates the high-sensitivity diode temperature sensor with a feedback control circuit that enables the controller to switch power to a load at two adjustable setpoints using the single temperature sensor.