Patent ID: 6019508
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
An integrated temperature sensor comprising:a first bipolar transistor having a control electrode, a first current electrode coupled to the control electrode and to a reference potential and a second current electrode;a first current source providing a first current and being coupled via a first switch to the second current electrode of the first transistor;a second current source providing a second current and being coupled via a second switch to the second current electrode of the first transistor;an amplifier circuit having an input and an output;a coupling capacitor coupled between the second current electrode of the first transistor and the input of the amplifier circuit;a first clock input coupled to the first switch for receiving a first clock signal for switching the first current source to the second current electrode of the first transistor during a first clock phase; anda second clock input coupled to the second switch for receiving a second clock signal for switching the second current source to the second current electrode of the first transistor during a second clock phase which is substantially opposite to the first clock phase;wherein the amplifier circuit produces a signal at its output dependent on the difference in voltage on the coupling capacitor during the two clock phases and hence indicative of the temperature.