Smarter with Sensors video – TSYS03 (English)

Introduction:

Welcome to the first “Smarter with Sensors” videos, my name is Devin Brock, Manager for Product Knowledge and Training from TE Connectivity Sensor Solutions.

1) Demand for Digital Sensors is Growing

Why is it a trend?

The global sensor market is poised for explosive growth in the near future. According to Market Research Future (MRFR) the global sensor market is expected to grow to approximately $266.27 billion by the end of 2023 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR pronounced “cag-er”) of 11.6% during the forecast period of 2017-2023. The forecast for digital sensors vary to some extent, but is generally expected to grow faster than the overall sensors market and twice the rate of the overall industrial market.

2) Technology Comparison

Why Digital?

So, why are digital sensors growing in popularity? There are a variety of advantages that digital sensors and, specifically, digital temperature sensors, have over their analog counterparts. First of all, from an accuracy standpoint, the total system accuracy for analog temperature sensors such as NTC thermistors and RTDs includes not only the errors associated with the sensor itself but also must include errors associated with the circuitry used to read the sensor including pull-up resistors, A to D converters and amplifiers and others. For a digital sensor, the system accuracy is the sensor accuracy as the sensor returns a single value for its reading. Next, looking at power usage, most analog sensors are always “ON” and the voltage divider or constant current circuit is always drawing a significant amount of power from the system. A digital sensor, on the other hand, is typically very low power and most can be put into a sleep mode and will only “wake up” as needed to generate a reading, further conserving power in the system making them ideal for battery powered applications. Digital sensors also offer better data reliability as digital data is either valid or null and most sensors have self diagnostic features to further enhance the reliability of the data. The data quality of analog sensors, on the other hand, is susceptible to circuit noise, A to D conversion and the reliability can degrade over time due contact and lead resistance as well as drift of the sensing element. From an integration standpoint, analog sensors require extensive external circuitry, look-up tables and system validation while digital sensors provide data with a simple I/O call and a straightforward data conversion. Finally, from a cost to accuracy perspective, analog sensors require external circuitry, a stable voltage supply and a quality A to D converter in order to obtain accurate readings. The overall system cost and accuracies for analog sensors has remained relatively stable with incremental improvements. Digital temperature sensors, on the other hand, have seen a dramatic improvement in accuracy in recent years and their cost has declined significantly as digital sensor field has continued to evolve

3) Digital Temperature Sensors TSYS Series Application

3.1 HVACR Systems

There are a range of applications where the TSYS03 is well suited including HVACR systems. These systems require accurate temperature data in order to ensure a comfortable environment for people in homes and workplaces. The TSY03 is ideal as it provides accurate temperature data with no need for calibration and provides true plug and play operation as it connects directly to and I2C bus with a simple command set that simplifies programming

3.2 Healthcare Systems

Digital temperature sensors like the TSYS03 can also play a pivotal role in a range of healthcare applications. Its small size and high accuracy provide critical temperature information in a variety of medical applications. The TSYS03 provides data in a direct digital format and combines a temperature sensing element along with and A to D converter, amplifier and interface circuitry that allows for direct connection to an I2C bus

3.3 Mobile Devices

Another application are that is well suited for the TSYS03 is for mobile devices and fitness wearables. The tiny footprint of the TSYS03 minimizes board real estate and its low power consumption and the ability to utilize sleep mode operation makes it ideal for battery powered applications and anywhere, where power usage is important

3.4 Weather Stations

Weather stations, both commercial and residential are another area where the TSYS03 can be utilized. Its wide operating temperature range from -40C to +125C and high accuracy make it well suited for outdoor and cost critical applications

3.5 Automotive Comfort Systems

Automotive comfort systems are another application area where the TSYS03 is well suited. The operating temperature range fits the needs of the automotive industry and its small size allows it to be integrated into tight spaces and respond quickly to changes in temperature

4) Product Description

TE Connectivity’s TSYS03 series of Digital Temperature Sensors are designed to provide very accurate temperature measurements in a miniature TDFN8 or ultra-small XDFN6 surface mount package with very low power requirements. These sensors are factory calibrated and are available with an I2C digital output and operate over a wide temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. They work over a wide voltage range and a programmable I2C address allows multiple TSYS03 sensors to operate on the same I2C bus. 16 bits of resolution and an accuracy of ±0.5°C make this sensor ideal for a wide range of applications

5) How It Works

The TSYS03 is a full-digital temperature sensor in a miniature TDFN8 package with dimensions of 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.75mm or an even smaller XDFN6 package with dimensions or 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.38mm

Here’s how it works…

• Thermal energy from the surroundings or from the medium that is thermally connected to the TSYS03 impinge upon the device
• An bandgap silicon p-n junction that is embedded internal to the ASIC reacts to the thermal energy
• The voltage across the diode is proportional to temperature of the diode
• The ASIC converts the diode junction voltage to a digital value via an internal A-to-D converter and outputs the digital information in an I2C output format. The digital temperature value is then available on the corresponding output pins of the TSYS03

6) Summary

Digital temperature sensors provide a number of advantages over other temperature sensing technologies including a simplified interface, better overall system accuracy, low power operation and competitive pricing. The small size of this digital temperature sensor enables a faster thermal response time which translates into faster temperature readings. The TSYS03, with its improved ASIC design and reduced package size enables exceptional price-to-performance ratio.​