The TC77 Thermal Sensor PICtail Demo Board demonstrates how to interface the TC77 Thermal Sensor device to a microcontroller. This board can connect directly to the PICkit 1 Flash Starter Kit, providing a platform for code development and evaluation. The system designer will be able to use this design as an example of how to integrate a digital temperature sensor in their system.

The TC77 is a serially accessible digital temperature sensor particularly suited for low cost and small formfactor applications. Temperature data is converted from the internal thermal sensing element and made available at anytime as a 13-bit two’s compliment digital word. Communication with the TC77 is accomplished via a SPI and MICROWIRE compatible interface. It has a 12-bit plus sign temperature resolution of 0.0625°C per Least Significant Bit (LSb).

The TC77 offers a temperature accuracy of ±1.0°C (max.) over the temperature range of 25°C to 65°C. When operating, the TC77 consumes only 250 μA (typ.). The TC77’s Configuration register can be used to activate the low power Shutdown mode, which has a current consumption of only 0.1 μA (typ.). Small size, low cost and ease of use make the TC77 an ideal choice for implementing thermal management in a variety of systems.

Applications: Thermal Protection for Hard Disk Drives and Other PC Peripherals, PC Card Devices for Notebook Computers, Low Cost Thermostat Controls, Industrial Control, Office Equipment, Cellular Phones, Thermistor Replacement.