Fail-safe System Monitor Measures Remote Temps

From Maxim Integrated Products, the MAX6617 is a 1°C system monitor that accurately measures its own die temperature, the temperatures of two external, diode-connected transistors, and reports the temperature data using a 2-wire serial interface. For added functionality, the MAX6617 monitors its own supply voltage and an external voltage such as a thermistor voltage or an additional rail. With its combination of high accuracy and multiple thermal/voltage measurements the MAX6617 targets applications such as notebook computers, desktop computers and servers.

The MAX6617's internal architecture provides ease of use by autonomously functioning with a programmable temperature and voltage scanning profile. A fail-safe monitoring scheme does not require any programming by the system controller on power-up. A fail-safe voltage-programmable temperature limit and fail-safe output provide additional hardware protection for CPU overtemperature operating conditions. The SMBus timeout feature enhances overall system reliability.

Packaged in the 24-Pin SSOP and 24-Pin QSOP, the MAX6617 operates from the 3-V to 5.5-V supply voltage range while consuming only 1 mA of supply current. It is specified over the -40°C to 125°C range. Prices start at $1.95 each in quantities of 1000.

A preliminary datasheet for this product is available at www.maxim-ic.com/PRGraphics/PRPDF/MAX6617DS.pdf.