Objective:

1. Familiarization with different types of temperature sensors available
2. Know the different types of silicon-based IC temperature sensors

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

Program Coordinator/Professor

Emmy Denton

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.

Quiz:

Take a quiz to check your understanding of this subject. Click here.
Answer all questions correctly to receive a certificate from Dean Bob Pease.