Microchip Technology

The TCN75A is a digital temperature sensor capable of reading temperatures from -40°C to +125°C. Temperature data is measured from an integrated temperature sensor and converted to digital word with a user selectable 9 to 12-bit Sigma Delta Analog to Digital Converter. The TCN75A notifies the host controller when the ambient temperature exceeds a user programmed set point. The ALERT output is programmable as either a simple comparator for thermostat operation or as a temperature event interrupt. Communication with the sensor is accomplished via a two-wire bus that is compatible with industry standard protocols. This permits reading the current temperature, programming the set point and hysteresis and configuring the device. Small physical size, low installed cost and ease of use make the TCN75A an ideal choice for implementing sophisticated temperature system management schemes in a variety of applications.

This low threshold, enhancement-mode (normally-off) transistor utilizes a vertical DMOS structure and well-proven, silicon-gate manufacturing process. This combination produces a device with the power handling capabilities of bipolar transistors and the high input impedance and positive temperature coefficient inherent in MOS devices. Characteristic of all MOS structures, this device is free from thermal runaway and thermally-induced secondary breakdown. Vertical DMOS FETs are ideally suited to a wide range of switching and amplifying applications where very low threshold voltage, high breakdown voltage, high input impedance, low input capacitance, and fast switching speeds are desired.