Monitoring device incorporates 14bit ADC

Linear Technology Corp. has launched an 8-channel I²C temperature, voltage and current monitor that operates in 3V and 5.5V systems. The LTC2991 is an integrated monitoring solution that incorporates a 14bit ADC, 10ppm/°C voltage reference and I²C digital interface. The combined features enable submillivolt voltage resolution, ±0.7°C remote accuracy and ±1°C internal accuracy when making temperature measurements.

The LTC2991 provides a highly configurable, yet simple solution for simultaneously monitoring combinations of internal and remote temperatures, remote voltage and internal VCC for single or repeated measurements.

The devices target a range of applications such as supply voltage monitoring and remote diode temperature measurement, particularly in industrial or computing systems where thermal management is crucial for maximizing performance. When making differential measurements of diode or transistor voltages to calculate temperature, the LTC2991 allows for cancellation of error due to sensor series resistance. It also limits temperature noise to 0.07°RMS (Celsius or Kelvin).

The LTC2991's 0.06°C resolution is the result of an averaging 14bit Δ∑ADC. The number of supporting components and area required is minimized due to the internal 10ppm/°C voltage reference. A PWM output is also available for controlling fans and heaters, or setting up alarm applications. The I²C serial interface enables easy configuration and read back of the device's control, status and data registers, with support of up to 400kbit/s in I²C fast mode.

The RoHS-compliant device is available in a small 16-lead MSOP package specified over commercial and industrial temperature ranges. Pricing starts at $4.50 each in 1,000 piece quantities.