Microchip Technology Incorporated
Current-based temperature measurement devices and methods

Abstract:

A Proportional-To-Absolute-Temperature (PTAT) current source is used for high-resolution temperature measurement. The PTAT current source is coupled to a capacitor for a fixed amount of time so as to charge the capacitor to a voltage which is proportional to the current applied to the capacitor, and thus proportional to the temperature. The voltage on the capacitor is measured, and a temperature is calculated or determined from the measured voltage.