Designers of cold-chain pharma and other temperature-sensing applications could improve accuracy and operation with two analogue ICs from California-based Maxim Integrated.

The Max 31889 digital temperature sensor is said to combine accuracy and power consumption, replacing resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in precise temperature-sensitive applications. The Max 31825digital temperature sensor enables up to 64 devices per bus, all parasitically powered by the 1-Wire bus to reduce wiring complexity.

Low power and design simplicity are essentials for designers of pharmaceutical cold chains, medical monitors and industrial automation applications. Variances as little as 2˚C can adversely impact products and processes by limiting the producer’s ability to deliver quality products.

The Max 31889 delivers accuracy at low power consumption, providing robust protection of assets. Delivering precision measurement of ±0.25˚C accuracy across a wide temperature range, it measures cold-chain pharma product temperatures at a claimed less cost than RTDs and at 35 per cent the power consumed by competitive products. It comes in a six-pin µDFN package.

Sensitive processes and applications often require connecting multiple devices in a space-constrained system to measure temperature and protect processes, assets and equipment from unacceptable variation.

Some products can connect up to eight devices and require an additional wire for power. The Max 31825 reduces design and wiring complexity by allowing up to 64 devices, all connected to the same parasitically powered 1-Wire bus, with the precision of ±1˚C accuracy.

Each device has a unique code that can be optionally programmed with a location address, simplifying system design. The 1-Wire versatility improves robustness by delivering an eightfold reduction in necessary wiring compared with two- or three-wire products.

The Max 31825, which comes in a six-bump WLP, also supports longer battery life and extends operational uptime with a standby current of 2.5µA, suitable for consumer devices and factory automation.

“These essential analogue products by Maxim Integrated enable manufacturers to make their operations and supply chains more reliable, helping to ensure quality to their customers and savings to their bottom line,” said Colin Bamden, principal analyst at Semicast Research.

David Andeen, executive director at Maxim Integrated, added: “These temperature sensor ICs epitomise the values of precision measurement and robust protection from Maxim Integrated’s essential analogue portfolio. Our customers can measure temperature with precision, and thereby protect their assets from potential damage by heat or cold.”