Semtech adds ultra-miniature temperature sensor and monitor to sensing platform

CAMARILLO, USA: Semtech Corp., a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, announced the SX8733, a temperature sensing and monitoring device with the small size, low power draw, high precision and integrated functionality necessary to monitor system temperature in computers, printers, video projectors, servers, routers and other consumer electronics both when they are operating and are in sleep mode.

The SX8733 is a 3 mm x 3 mm device that combines one integrated temperature sensor with monitoring electronics to directly connect up to two temperature diodes. It is suitable for monitoring one or two application processor ASICs in addition to its own temperature for applications such as appliances or computers enabling the system to safely and reliably go into energy saving sleep mode without a concern of overheating.

The SX8733 drives the sensing diodes with a variable current and converts that into temperature information. It reads sequentially up to two external sensors and its internal sensor; the external sensors can be discrete diodes or transistors to monitor the temperature of active mechanics like hard drives, or these can be temperature diodes embedded in VLSI ASICs.

The SX8733 is addressed through SMBus protocol; it can autonomously set or reset alarms if the sensor temperature exceeds programmed thresholds, allowing for controlled cooling while the system is shut down.

“The SX8733 is a great value for ecology-aware appliance manufacturers because it is a highly integrated part that monitors several temperature points while reducing cost. The SX8733 allows manufacturers to build systems that have optimized operating conditions and safe transition to sleep mode even with high performance ASICs, power LEDs or mechanical parts that need constant temperature dissipation monitoring,” said Michel Chevroulet, System Engineering Manager for Semtech’s Advanced Communications and Sensing Products Business Unit.

“The part helps Semtech to expand its leadership in industrial sensing and data acquisition markets into office appliances as well.”

The SX8733 comes in a 3x3 mm MLPD6 leadless 6-pins package that is RoHS and WEEE compliant.