**TMP35GT9Z: A Comprehensive Technical Overview and Application Guide**
The **TMP35GT9Z** from Analog Devices represents a pinnacle of precision analog temperature sensing technology. This low-voltage, precision centigrade sensor provides a highly accurate and linear voltage output directly proportional to the Celsius temperature, making it an indispensable component across a vast array of industrial, consumer, and communications applications. Its simplicity, robustness, and performance eliminate the need for complex calibration or signal conditioning circuits.
**Core Technical Specifications and Operating Principles**
At its heart, the TMP35GT9Z functions as a solid-state sensor that exploits the predictable linear relationship between its base-emitter voltage and junction temperature. It is designed to operate from a **single supply voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 5.5 V**, drawing a very low supply current of less than 50 μA. This ultra-low power consumption makes it exceptionally suitable for battery-powered and portable devices.
The device's output scale factor is a key feature: **10 mV/°C**. With an output voltage of 250 mV at 25°C, calculating temperature is straightforward and requires no external components. Its accuracy is impressive, typically **±1°C at 25°C** and ±2°C over the full -40°C to +125°C temperature range. Furthermore, the sensor's output is exceptionally linear, typically deviating by less than ±0.5°C from the best-fit straight line across its entire operating range.
A significant advantage of the TMP35GT9Z over similar sensors (like the TMP36) is its **ground-referenced output**. The output voltage starts at 0 mV at 0°C, which simplifies interfacing with single-supply analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and minimizes the need for level-shifting circuitry. The device is also remarkably stable and immune to noise due to its proprietary design, which includes on-chip precision thin-film resistors.
**Application Guide and Circuit Implementation**
Integrating the TMP35GT9Z into a design is remarkably simple. The basic connection involves decoupling the supply pin with a 0.1 μF ceramic capacitor to mitigate noise and stabilize the supply voltage.
**1. Interfacing with an ADC (Microcontroller):**
The most common application is connecting the sensor's output pin directly to an ADC input on a microcontroller. The 10 mV/°C scaling allows for easy digital conversion. For a 10-bit ADC with a 3.3V reference (LSB = 3.22 mV), the resolution is approximately 0.32°C per LSB. For higher resolution, a 12-bit or 16-bit ADC is recommended. Software can then convert the ADC reading to temperature with a simple calculation: `Temperature (°C) = (ADC_Value * V_ref / ADC_Resolution) / 0.01`.
**2. Noise Filtering:**
In electrically noisy environments (e.g., motor control, industrial systems), a simple RC low-pass filter can be added at the output. A 1 kΩ resistor in series with the output and a 0.1 μF capacitor to ground will create a filter with a -3dB point of approximately 1.6 kHz, effectively suppressing high-frequency noise without significantly impacting the slowly changing temperature signal.
**3. Precautions and Best Practices:**
* **PCB Layout:** Place the decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the supply pin of the sensor. Use a ground plane to improve noise immunity.
* **Thermal Coupling:** To ensure accurate measurement of the target's temperature, the sensor must be in good thermal contact with the source. This can be achieved through thermal adhesive, a screw-down package, or ensuring adequate airflow over the device.
* **Self-Heating:** The minimal 50 μA current draw results in negligible self-heating, typically less than 0.1°C in still air, ensuring measurements are not skewed by the sensor's own power dissipation.
**Key Advantages Summary**
* **Linear 10 mV/°C Scale Factor**
* **Calibration Not Required**
* **Wide Single-Supply Range (2.7 V to 5.5 V)**
* **Ultra-Low Quiescent Current (<50 μA)**
* **Ground-Referenced Output (0 mV at 0°C)**
**ICGOODFIND**: The TMP35GT9Z stands out as an exemplary solution for designers seeking a no-compromise, easy-to-use analog temperature sensor. Its combination of high accuracy, excellent linearity, low power consumption, and simple implementation establishes it as a superior choice for a multitude of precision temperature measurement and control systems, from portable medical devices to robust industrial controllers.
**Keywords**: Precision Temperature Sensor, Low Power Consumption, Analog Output, 10 mV/°C, Wide Supply Range.