Temperature sensor combines low power with high accuracy

22nd June 2016

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Combining low power consumption and high accuracy in a 1.6x1mm package, the AS6200 digital temperature sensor has been announced by ams. The device's typically consumes just 6µA at a measurement rate of 4S/s and its digital measurement outputs are accurate to ±0.4°C.

The factory calibrated AS6200 integrates in a single chip the functions required in a temperature sensing system, making it easy for users to design the sensor into their space-constrained or battery-powered products.

The device consists of a silicon bandgap sensor, an ADC, a digital signal processor and a serial I²C interface. The on-chip DSP handles all linearisation and calibration, producing a 12-bit (0.0625°C resolution) binary output.

Despite its high level of integration, the AS6200 draws very little current. Operating from a supply range of 1.8-3.6V, the AS6200 draws just 1.5µA at a measurement rate of 1S/s. The conversion rate can be set in a range from 0.25 to 8Hz. At lower conversion frequencies, power consumption is lower. In stand-by mode, in which all the chip’s functions are turned off except the serial interface, it draws just 0.1µA (typical).

The AS6200 creates new opportunities for manufacturers of battery-powered, mobile and wearable devices to implement digital temperature sensing into new designs without paying a power or space penalty. Industrial process control solutions and IoT applications such as cold-chain monitoring are significantly enhanced as space and power savings are realised when using the AS6200.

“Backed by ams’ proprietary low-power, high-sensitivity analogue process, this results in the factory calibrated AS6200’s industry-best combination of accuracy (±0.4°C, max between 0 and +65°C), low power consumption and small size (1.6mm²)”, said Christian Feierl, Marketing Manager, ams.

The sensor’s I²C interface allows for two devices to be connected to one bus. The sensor also has a pin dedicated to an Alert function, which triggers an interrupt at the host MCU when the measured temperature crosses a high or low temperature threshold set by the user.

The AS6200 is available immediately in production volumes, priced at €0.49 each in 1,000 unit quantities. An evaluation board is also available online from the ams ICdirect online store.