Temperature monitors boast high accuracy

Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX6622/MAX6636 ±1°C accurate, 5-/7-channel temperature sensors. The MAX6622 accurately measures its own temperature and the temperature of up to four external locations—such as CPUs, memory, GPUs and other heat-sensitive components—while the MAX6636 accurately measures its own temperature and up to six external locations. In both the MAX6622 and the MAX6636, one remote channel is optimized to provide accurate temperature measurements, even when used with thermal diodes on ICs operating from power supply voltages as low as 0.3V. Offering the industry's highest accuracy, these devices are suited for applications in which precise temperature monitoring of multiple locations is critical.

The MAX6622/MAX6636 increase flexibility by allowing the user to program the temperature threshold of alarm outputs. These outputs can serve as interrupts, they can be connected to a system fan, or they can be used for other thermal-management circuitry, further enhancing flexibility. Additionally, these devices offer a hardware-standby function that eliminates false alerts at system boot.

The MAX6622/MAX6636 communicate through a two-wire SMBus-compatible interface. They operate from a 3V to 5.5V supply voltage range, and they consume only 500?A of supply current and 30?A in standby mode. Packaged in small 16-/20-pin TSSOP packages, these devices are fully specified over the -40°C to 125°C temperature range. Prices start at $3 for the MAX6622 and $3.75 for the MAX6636 (1,000-up).