3 LIDAR Temperature Sensing Solution Using Remote Temperature Sensors

TI’s digital remote temperature sensors measure the local temperature of the device and sense the junction temperature of either an NPN or PNP bipolar junction transistor (BJT). The BJT can be an integrated transistor in an MCU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, or a discrete transistor. Figure 3-1 shows a typical application of TI’s TMP451-Q1 automotive remote temperature sensor.

Figure 3-1 Typical Application of TMP451-Q1 Automotive Remote Temperature Sensor

This device and TI’s other remote sensors are ideal for multi-location, high-accuracy temperature measurements. Using remote temperature sensors is particularly beneficial in LIDAR applications because the MCU or processor, time-of-flight sensor, and other components may have built-in thermal transistors or diodes that can be used to measure their temperature. Remote channels of the temperature sensors allow the use of these built-in transistors, which prevent the need for another external sensor and have a better response time because they measure the die temperature directly.

For components that do not have integrated thermal transistors, the local temperature sensor or the remote channel with a discrete thermal transistor can still be used for temperature monitoring. When using the remote channel of the temperature sensor with an integrated or discrete thermal transistor, it is important to ensure that the sensor is optimized for the most accurate temperature readings. For more information on optimizing remote temperature sensors, see the Optimizing Remote Temperature Sensor Design application report. Like the TMP61-Q1, TI also provides the TMP451-Q1 Functional Safety FIT Rate and FMD functional safety information to aid in system-level functional safety certification.