AD590

AD590 August 1997 2-Wire, Current Output Temperature Transducer Description The AD590 is an integrated-circuit temperature transducer which produces an output current proportional to absolute temperature. The device acts as a high impedance constant current regulator, passing 1µA/oK for supply voltages between +4V and +30V. Laser trimming of the chip's thin film resistors is used to calibrate the device to 298.2µA output at 298.2oK (25oC). The AD590 should be used in any temperature-sensing application between -55oC to 150oC in which conventional electrical temperature sensors are currently employed. The inherent low cost of a monolithic integrated circuit combined with the elimination of support circuitry makes the AD590 an attractive alternative for many temperature measurement situations. Linearization circuitry, precision voltage amplifiers, resistance measuring circuitry and cold junction compensation are not needed in applying the AD590. In the simplest application, a resistor, a power source and any voltmeter can be used to measure temperature. In addition to temperature measurement, applications include temperature compensation or correction of discrete components, and biasing proportional to absolute temperature. The AD590 is particularly useful in remote sensing applications. The device is insensitive to voltage drops over long lines due to its high-impedance current output. Any well insulated twisted pair is sufficient for operation hundreds of feet from the receivin...