The LM50 is a precision integrated-circuit temperature sensor
that can sense a ?40°C to +125°C temperature range
using a single positive supply. The LM50’s output voltage is
linearly proportional to Celsius (Centigrade) temperature
(+10 mV/°C) and has a DC offset of +500 mV. The offset
allows reading negative temperatures without the need for a
negative supply. The ideal output voltage of the LM50 ranges
from +100 mV to +1.75V for a ?40°C to +125°C temperature
range. The LM50 does not require any external calibration or
trimming to provide accuracies of ±3°C at room temperature
and ±4°C over the full ?40°C to +125°C temperature range.
Trimming and calibration of the LM50 at the wafer level
assure low cost and high accuracy. The LM50’s linear output,
+500 mV offset, and factory calibration simplify circuitry
required in a single supply environment where reading negative
temperatures is required. Because the LM50’s quiescent
current is less than 130 μA, self-heating is limited to a very
low 0.2°C in still air.