Sign in Subscribe
Semiconductor industry

National Semiconductor Corp. Introduces LM80, a New System Hardware Monitor IC

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

National Semiconductor Corp. has released the LM80, a tightly integrated monolithic data acquisition system designed to increase the reliability of PC systems by continuously monitoring key analog functions, including temperature, voltage, and fan speed. The LM80 allows system administrators to set hazard warning limits via WATCHDOG registers and generates interrupts based on user-defined and programmed system limits. This new IC is expected to prolong system life cycles, minimize downtime, and reduce overall system monitoring costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The LM80 is a tightly integrated monolithic data acquisition system that monitors key analog functions, including temperature, voltage, and fan speed.
  • The LM80 is designed to increase the reliability of PC systems by providing early warnings to system administrators.
  • The IC allows system administrators to set hazard warning limits via WATCHDOG registers and generates interrupts based on user-defined and programmed system limits.
  • The LM80 includes features such as +/-3 degrees Celsius temperature accuracy, two sets of user-programmable watchdog limits register, and three interrupt modes.
  • The IC is available in a 24-lead TSSOP package and priced at $4.00 in 1,000-unit quantities.
  • National Semiconductor Corp. has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and 13,000 employees worldwide.
  • The LM80 has been designed to reduce overall system monitoring costs and prolong system life cycles.

Statistics:

  • +/-3 degrees Celsius temperature accuracy (-10 degrees Celsius to 125 degrees Celsius)
  • Two sets of user-programmable watchdog limits register for T(subscript)os (over temperature) and T(subscript)HYST (hysteresis)
  • Three interrupt modes: default, one-time, and comparator
  • Temperature resolution of plus or minus 1/2 degrees Celsius
  • A supply voltage range from 2.8V to 5.75V
  • The 10mV LSB and 2.56 volt input range allow distributed temperature sensing using analog output temp sensors
  • Seven voltage monitoring analog inputs
  • Associated WATCHDOG registers for each voltage input (high and low)
  • Two user-programmable inputs for fan speeds ranging from 1100 rpm to 8800 rpm
  • Active-high chassis security input for detection of intrusion
  • Board temperature interrupt input (BTI No.), for use with thermostat output temp sensors

Sources:

  • National Semiconductor Corp. Press Release - April 1996
  • National Semiconductor Corp. Product Information - LM80CIMT
  • National Semiconductor Corp. Homepage - www.national.com

Read more