MAXIM Integrated Products, represented in Australia by Arrow Electronics , has released the MAX6615/MAX6616 1°C accurate, dual-channel temperature monitor and fan controller. Each monitor/controller controls the speed of two cooling fans based on the temperatures of either two thermistors or one thermistor and the device's internal temperature.
For added flexibility, the MAX6616 has six GPIOs that can be used for setting POR states and controlling VID. The combination of high accuracy, dual thermistor inputs, and dual PWM fan control makes the MAX6615 and MAX6616 suitable for networking equipment, servers and power supplies.
The MAX6615/MAX6616 report temperature values in digital form using a two-wire serial interface. To adjust the speed of the cooling fans, the temperature data controls the duty cycle of a PWM output signal. This function minimises noise when the system is running cool, but provides maximum cooling when power dissipation increases. The devices also feature an overtemperature alarm output to generate interrupts, throttle signals or shutdown signals.
The MAX6615 is offered in the 16-pin QSOP package, while the MAX6616 is packaged in the 24-pin QSOP. Both devices operate from a +3.0V to +5.5V supply voltage range over the -40°C to +125°C temperature range, and only consume 500μA (typical) of supply current.