Microchip announces the MCP9808 silicon temperature sensor, which serves applications by guaranteeing accuracy of 0.5 degrees from -20 to +100 degrees Celsius, combined with temperature resolution of 12 bits (0.0625 degrees Celsius/LSB). The MCP9808 comes in MSOP and 2mm x 3mm DFN 8-pin packages, for space-constrained applications, and additional features include shutdown, an under/over-temperature monitor and a critical-temperature alert.

Possible applications include thermostats operating at -20 to +45°C; personal computers operating at +85°C and industrial or automotive applications which have an operating temperature of up to +125°C. With its shutdown and temperature monitoring/alert features, the MCP9808 can help to adjust the real-time power utilisation of applications ranging from residential HVAC systems to industrial equipment.

Specifically, its shutdown feature reduces power consumption in both line- and battery-powered systems. The on-chip over/under temperature monitor can improve system performance through thermal optimisation. The MCP9808’s critical-temperature alert can increase the system’s life by preventing harmful operating temperatures.

The MCP9808 is available for samples and volume production.