3.1 THERMAL PATH CONSIDERATIONS
To get the expected results when measuring temperature
with an integrated circuit temperature sensor like the
LM95071, it is important to understand that the sensor measures
its own die temperature. For the LM95071, the best
thermal path between the die and the outside world is
through the LM95071’s pins. In the SOT23 package, all the
pins on the LM95071 will have an equal effect on the die
temperature. Because the pins represent a good thermal
path to the LM95071 die, the LM95071 will provide an accurate
measurement of the temperature of the printed circuit
board on which it is mounted. There is a less efficient thermal
path between the plastic package and the LM95071 die.
If the ambient air temperature is significantly different from
the printed circuit board temperature, it will have a small
effect on the measured temperature.