PowerWise® Design University

Basics of Thermal Management

Basics of Thermal Management



Objective: Understand the different types of temperature sensors available. Know the different types of silicon-based IC temperature sensors.

Length: 60 minutes

Published Date: Jul 30, 04

Step(s) to complete

  1. Complete the suggested assignments
  2. Complete the online test to receive a certificate from Bob Pease

About the Instructor: Emmy Denton is a staff engineer in National Semiconductor's Data Conversion Systems Group in Santa Clara CA working with temperature sensors and hardware monitors.
Suggested Assignments

Reading Assignment:

  1. To obtain an understanding of the different temperature sensor solutions available, read National Semiconductor's "Temperature Sensor Handbook," (pdf) page 1-4.
  2. See a more in depth comparison between silicon-based sensors and thermistors in "Tiny Temperature Sensors for Portable Systems ."

Research Assignment:

Using the datasheets for LM20, LM70, and LM74, compare their performance and limitations.

  • Identify which has the analog output and which has the digital output.
  • Which temperature sensor is the most accurate?
  • What packages are the parts available in?
  • Which digital temperature sensor has the highest bit A/D Converter?
  • Which temperature sensor has the lowest price?
  • Which temperature sensor has the lowest supply voltage range?

    CHECK ALL ANSWERS HERE
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