IXYS Announces New Power and Temperature Measurement IC

IXYS Corp. introduced a power and temperature measurement mixed signal integrated circuit (IC), the MX844, developed by its Micronix division. The MX844 measures current, voltage, and temperature, and is a fully integrated subsystem that outputs serial data with a resolution of 3½ digits plus sign. The fully differential sense amplifier has been optimized to measure very small voltages near ground and includes an internal temperature sensor with 0.2 °C resolution. The device may be used with a 4-wire standard synchronous serial I/O interface or scan mode controlled by serial EEPROM. Additionally there is an asynchronous serial "talk-only" data output.

The MX844 operates with supply voltages between 4.5V to 40V and is compatible with most microcontrollers over an operating temperature of -40 °C to +85 °C. It is a necessary building block for monitoring power consumption, efficiency, and reliability with the convenience of digital outputs for interface control and communication.

"Our MX844 is a premier power and temperature measurement IC that is ideal for power systems in automotive and industrial applications where the user is concerned with battery capacity measurements, monitoring power, and systems energy efficiency," remarked Bob DeCaro, General Manager and Vice President of Micronix. "When operated with a low impedance shunt in series with the negative terminal of a battery, the MX844 can be used to determine the remaining battery capacity."

The MX844 has a standard lead time of 14-16 weeks and is available in an environmentally friendly, lead-free, QFN-28 package.