Elsevier

Sensors and Actuators

Volume 10, Issues 1–2, 10 September 1986, Pages 103-125
Sensors and Actuators

Thermal sensors based on transistors

https://doi.org/10.1016/0250-6874(86)80037-3Get rights and content

Abstract

This paper reviews various methods of utilizing bipolar transistors and integrated circuits as temperature transducers. Starting with a study of the temperature dependence of the baseemitter voltages of bipolar transistors, the properties of single-transistor temperature sensors are discussed. Next, integrated circuits that generate an accurate output current or voltage proportional to the absolute temperature (PTAT) are presented, along with a novel type of integrated circuit that generates an output voltage on a °C, °F or an arbitrary scale. The accuracy, stability and calibration problems of the different transducers are discussed and compared with each other. Finally, a smart IC sensor with on-chip microcomputer interfacing is described.

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