June 1994
LM3911 Temperature Controller
General Description
The LM3911 is a highly accurate temperature measurement
a
perature range. Fabricated on a single monolithic chip, it
includes a temperature sensor, a stable voltage reference
and an operational amplifier.
The LM3911 uses the difference in emitter-base voltage of
transistors operating at different current densities as the ba-
sic temperature sensitive element. Since this output de-
pends only on transistor matching the same reliability and
stability as present op amps can be expected.
b
and/or control system for use over a 25 C to 85 C tem-
§
§
The output voltage of the LM3911 is directly proportional to
temperature in degrees Kelvin at 10 mV/ K. Using the inter-
The LM3911 is available in two package styles, a metal can
TO-46 and an 8-lead epoxy mini-DIP. In the epoxy package
all electrical connections are made on one side of the de-
vice allowing the other 4 leads to be used for attaching the
LM3911 to the temperature souce. The LM3911 is rated for
§
nal op amp with external resistors any temperature scale
factor is easily obtained. By connecting the op amp as a
comparator, the output will switch as the temperature trans-
verses the set-point making the device useful as an on-off
temperature controller.
b
a
operation over a 25 C to 85 C temperature range.
§
§
Features
Y
An active shunt regulator is connected across the power
leads of the LM3911 to provide a stable 6.8V voltage refer-
ence for the sensing system. This allows the use of any
power supply voltage with suitable external resistors.
g
Uncalibrated accuracy 10 C
§
Y
Y
Y
Internal op amp with frequency compensation
Linear output of 10 mV/ K (10 mV/ C)
§
§
Can be calibrated in degrees Kelvin, Celsius or
Fahrenheit
The input bias current is low and relatively constant with
temperature, ensuring high accuracy when high source im-
pedance is used. Further, the output collector can be re-
turned to a voltage higher than 6.8V allowing the LM3911 to
drive lamps and relays up to a 35V supply.
Y
Y
Y
Output can drive loads up to 35V
Internal stable voltage reference
Low cost
Block Diagram
Typical Applications
Ground Referred
Centigrade Thermometer
Proportioning Temperature
Controller
Basic Temperature Controller
* Output goes negative on
temperature increase
a
TL/H/5701–1
1
e
b
6.8V) kX
R
(V
&
Note 1: C1 determines proportioning frequency f
S
* Trims out initial zener tolerance.
Set output to read C
2R4 C1
Va
Vb
a
b
7V
l
l
l
0.0015A
l
e
Note 2: R10
Note 3: Either Vb or Va can be ground.
C
1995 National Semiconductor Corporation
TL/H/5701
RRD-B30M115/Printed in U. S. A.