SMBus-Compatible Temperature Monitor with Automatic PWM Fan-Speed Controller

Active: In Production.

The MAX6641 temperature sensor and fan controller accurately measures the temperature of its own die and the temperature of a remote pn junction. The device reports temperature values in digital form using a 2-wire serial interface. The remote pn junction is typically the emitter-base junction of a common-collector pnp on a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

The 2-wire serial interface accepts standard System Management Bus (SMBus™) write byte, read byte, send byte, and receive byte commands to read the temperature data and program the alarm thresholds. The temperature data controls a PWM output signal to adjust the speed of a cooling fan, thereby minimizing noise when the system is running cool, but providing maximum cooling when power dissipation increases. The device also features an over-temperature alarm output to generate interrupts, throttle signals, or shut down signals. The MAX6641 operates from supply voltages in the 3.0V to 5.5V range and typically consumes 500µA of supply current.

The MAX6641 is available in a slim 10-pin µMAX® package and is available over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range.

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