In combination with external thermistors, the BU9817-FV four-channel thermal sensing IC provides thermal management and over-voltage monitoring functions for notebook computers, household appliances, and other desktop and portable systems. Connection to external thermistors produces a thermal sensing circuit in which a host system is able to set function parameters and obtain data via the I2C bus. Up to four devices can be monitored and comparison voltages can be set separately for each device by utilizing programmable detection level and operating mode settings. The device integrates a four-channel, 8-bit A/D converter, I2C serial bus interface and over-voltage detector into a single, miniature SMT device that operates at temperatures from -15¡C to +75¡C. The device incorporates two power saving modes and operates from 3V to 5.5V supplies with a current consumption of 0.75 mA or 1 µA when in shutdown mode. Supplied in a miniature SSOP 14-pin plastic package, the ICs have dimensions of just 5.0 x 4.4 by 1.2 mm. Price ranges from $1.15 to $1.20 each/1,000. ROHM ELECTRONICS USA, San Diego, CA. (888) 775-7646.