Ultra-low power temperature sensor

Abstract

We propose an architecture and circuit for temperature sensors integrated within systems on a chip. The circuit is based on special properties of devices when biased by a current with a particular dependence with temperature. We present results from a test circuit fabricated on a standard 0:8 ¹m CMOS technology which draws under 40 nA from a 1.6 V to 3.0 V supply at room temperature. Measurements show that the circuit is suitable for temperature sensing with a ±0.5 K uncertainty in the 290 K to 350 K range.