An isolated temperature sensing system includes a thermistor that measures a temperature of a compressor system. An isolation circuit charges a capacitor, sets an output signal to a first state during charging of the capacitor, discharges the capacitor to the thermistor, and sets the output signal to a second state during discharging of the capacitor to the thermistor. The first state is different than the second state. A control module receives the output signal via an isolation barrier and determines the temperature of the compressor system based on a ratio of: (i) a first period that the output signal is in the first state to (ii) a second period that the output signal is in the second state.

An isolated temperature sensing system includes a thermistor that measures a temperature of a compressor system. An isolation circuit charges a capacitor, sets an output signal to a first state during charging of the capacitor, discharges the capacitor to the thermistor, and sets the output signal to a second state during discharging of the capacitor to the thermistor. The first state is different than the second state. A control module receives the output signal via an isolation barrier and determines the temperature of the compressor system based on a ratio of: (i) a first period that the output signal is in the first state to (ii) a second period that the output signal is in the second state.

An apparatus is provided that increases resolution of a resistance sensor. The apparatus may include a variable current source that produces a variable current in response to a current value. The apparatus may also include a variable resistance device that generates a variable voltage associated with the variable current. The variable resistance may have a low resistance value and a high resistance value. In addition, the apparatus may include a controller that receives a voltage value associated with the variable voltage and controls the current value in order to result in an increase in resolution of a range between the low resistance value and a high resistance value.

An apparatus is provided that increases resolution of a resistance sensor. The apparatus may include a variable current source that produces a variable current in response to a current value. The apparatus may also include a variable resistance device that generates a variable voltage associated with the variable current. The variable resistance may have a low resistance value and a high resistance value. In addition, the apparatus may include a controller that receives a voltage value associated with the variable voltage and controls the current value in order to result in an increase in resolution of a range between the low resistance value and a high resistance value.

A sealed electrical plug comprises at least one temperature sensor for monitoring an internal temperature of the electrical plug. The electrical plug further comprises a data cable that is wrapped by a shield for screening electrical noise so as to accurately capture and convey temperature data. The electrical plug further comprises a housing or holder for receiving the at least one temperature sensor, wherein the housing is capable of being embedded within an inner-mold of the electrical plug and positioned close to at least one pin. One or more seals may be placed at junctions between the at least one pin and the inner-mold and a cable for the data cable to seal the inner-mold from air, moisture and particles.

A sealed electrical plug comprises at least one temperature sensor for monitoring an internal temperature of the electrical plug. The electrical plug further comprises a data cable that is wrapped by a shield for screening electrical noise so as to accurately capture and convey temperature data. The electrical plug further comprises a housing or holder for receiving the at least one temperature sensor, wherein the housing is capable of being embedded within an inner-mold of the electrical plug and positioned close to at least one pin. One or more seals may be placed at junctions between the at least one pin and the inner-mold and a cable for the data cable to seal the inner-mold from air, moisture and particles.

A protection circuit includes a first sensor connecting path having a first overcurrent protection element and connecting one of terminals of a first temperature sensor to a sensor input circuit; a second sensor connecting path having a second overcurrent protection element and connecting one of terminals of a second temperature sensor to the sensor input circuit; a rectifying element connecting the first sensor connecting path, whose normal voltage is higher than a reference voltage line, to the reference voltage line in a section between the first overcurrent protection element and the sensor input circuit; and an overvoltage protection element connecting the second sensor connecting path, whose normal voltage is higher than the reference voltage line, to the reference voltage line in a section between the second overcurrent protection element and the sensor input circuit.

In an integrated circuit device having a microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) resonator and a temperature transducer, a clock signal is generated by sensing resonant mechanical motion of the MEMS resonator and a temperature signal indicative of temperature of the MEMS resonator is generated via the temperature transducer. The clock signal and the temperature signal are output from the integrated circuit device concurrently.

A temperature sensor is disclosed that determines whether the temperature of an integrated circuit (IC) is within a normal temperature range. A low threshold monitor circuit senses whether the temperature of the IC is above or below a minimum temperature threshold. A high threshold monitor circuit configured senses whether the temperature of an integrated circuit (IC) is above or below a maximum temperature threshold. The minimum temperature threshold is determined by an intersection of a first temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and a second TCR that are associated with a first pair of conductive lines. The maximum temperature threshold is determined by an intersection of a third TCR and a fourth TCR associated that are with the second pair of conductive lines.

A sensor device according to the present invention includes: a sensor element including a temperature-sensitive resistor; and a protective cover that protects the sensor element, wherein the sensor element has a shape extending long along one direction, and the protective cover surrounds a periphery of the sensor element with a plurality of support pillars extending obliquely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the sensor element. It is preferable that the plurality of support pillars intersect in a lattice-like manner.