INTRODUCTION

The low cost and direct digital output of CMOS smart temperature sensors are important advantages compared to conventional temperature sensors. This book addresses the main problem that nevertheless prevents widespread application of CMOS smart temperature sensors: their relatively poor absolute accuracy. Several new techniques are introduced to improve this accuracy. The effectiveness of these techniques is demonstrated using three prototypes. The final prototype achieves an inaccuracy of ±0.1°C over the military temperature range, which is a significant improvement in the state of the art. Since smart temperature sensors have been the subject of academic and industrial research for more than two decades, an overview of existing knowledge and techniques is also provided throughout the book.