REMOTE TEMPERATURE SENSOR WITH SMBus SERIAL INTERFACE
SUNNYVALE, CA-October 23, 1999-Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX1618 remote temperature sensor. This precise digital thermometer (3°C remote accuracy) measures die temperature directly via an on-chip CPU thermal diode, replacing conventional thermistors and thermocouples. This architecture allows the highest possible clock rates while keeping within the CPU thermal envelope. The MAX1618 can also measure the die temperature of other ICs, such as microprocessors, that contain an on-chip diode-connected transistor.
The 2-wire serial interface accepts standard System Management Bus (SMBus™) Write Byte, Read Byte, Send Byte, and Receive Byte commands to program the alarm thresholds and read temperature data. Measurements can be taken automatically and autonomously with the 16kHz conversion rate programmed to operate in a single-shot mode.
The MAX1618 thermostat mode configures the ALERT-bar output as an interrupt or as a temperature reset that remains active only while the temperature is out of range. In thermostat mode, the ALERT-bar output polarity can be configured as active high or active low. This output can control a fan to reduce heat buildup, improve efficiency, and protect notebook computers against potentially destructive thermal overloads.
The MAX1618 is available in a space-saving 10-pinµMAX package and is guaranteed for the military temperature range (-55°C to +125°C). Prices start from $2.05 (1000-up, FOB USA). A preassembled evaluation kit (MAX1618EVKIT) is available with recommended external components to reduce design time. | 
