Patent ID: 6531899
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
An integrated differential current comparator formed on an integrated silicon device for providing input to output electrical isolation, said comparator comprising:a first resistor disposed between a first contact point and a second contact point, said first resistor proximate to a silicon die, wherein said first resistor generates a first temperature when a first current passes between said first contact point and said second contact point; a second resistor disposed between a third contact point and a fourth contact point, said second resistor spaced apart from said first resistor proximate to said silicon die, wherein said second resistor generates a second temperature when a second current passes between said third contact point and said fourth contact point; a thermal difference sensor disposed on said silicon device, said first thermal difference sensor having a first temperature junction thermally coupled to said first resistor and a second temperature junction thermally coupled to said second resistor, said first thermal difference sensor providing a voltage between a first output and a second output, said voltage a function of a difference between said first temperature and said second temperature; and a dielectric barrier interposed between said first temperature junction and said first resistor and between said second temperature junction and said second resistor.