#$%^&*AU2007221767B220130516.pdf#####TEMPERATURE SENSING RETURN ELECTRODE PAD ABSTRACT An electrosurgical return electrode (6) is disclosed. The return electrode (6) includes a conductive pad (30) having one or more temperature monitoring zones and a patient-contacting surface (32) configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a temperature sensing circuit (40) coupled to the conductive pad (30). The temperature sensing circuit (40) includes at least one diode (42) disposed within the at least one temperature monitoring zone, the at least one diode (42) having a predetermined forward voltage drop that is indicative of temperature of at least one temperature monitoring zone. 967309-1