08 Sep 2006 -- Maxim Integrated Products has introduced a ±1°C accurate thermal sensor with two independent SMBus serial ports. According to the company, MAX6638's dual SMBus interface lets a GPU card controller and a CPU board controller access the temperature data of the GPU chip and graphics card, thereby eliminating communication errors.
The sensor also monitors its own internal temperature. The combination of high accuracy and multiple temperature monitoring makes the device suitable for next-generation notebook computers with upgradeable graphics systems, Maxim said.
The sensor's high temperature accuracy enhances overall system performance. The device also offers one programmable overtemperature (OT) output and two programmable ALERT outputs, further improving overall system reliability, the company explained.
Packaged in a 16-pin TQFN, the MAX6638 operates over the 3-5.5V supply-voltage range while consuming only 500µA of supply current. This device is specified over the -40°C to 125°C temperature range. Prices start at $1.75 (1,000-up, FOB USA).
