Thermal Management

What is SPI or Serial to Parallel Interface?

The Serial Peripheral Interface Bus (SPI) is a synchronous serial data link standard that operates in full duplex mode. Devices communicate in master/slave mode where the master device initiates the data frame. Multiple slave devices are allowed with individual slave select (chip select) lines. The Microwire and MicrowirePLUS buses are a subsets of SPI. National offers many solutions with SPI interface including:


Where can I find a utility for converting IBIS models to SPICE?

Intusoft offers a free IBIS to SPICE conversion utility. See their Modeling Utilities page, http://www.intusoft.com/utilities.htm.


Is there any way air flow can be detected with a National device?
The LM335 data sheet shows an application for an air flow detector. The LM335 output voltage is proportional to the chip temperature. A high current is forced through the device causing a temperature increase, and a strong air flow will drop the temperature. The application circuit detects the voltage change caused by this temperature drop
Relevant Part: LM335
On Temperature Sensors or System Monitor parts that use remote diode sensing, how should unused inputs be treated?
The remote diode plus (+) connection(s) can be left open or shorted to the remote diode (-) negative connection. There will be a tiny amount of power savings if left open. Neither the D+ nor the D- pin (or Remote+ and Remote- pin in the case of the LM85) should be connected to ground
Relevant Part: LM83;LM85;LM87;LM88
What is the difference between LM94021 and LM94022?

The difference is in output drive capability. The LM94022 has a push-pull output, while the LM94021 has an open-drain output.

Relevant Part: LM94022;LM94021
What is TruTherm?

TruTherm stands for "True Thermal Measurement" and is the brand name for National’s new temperature monitoring technology. TruTherm™ technology is an improved method of measuring temperature on integrated circuits designed in sub-micron (90nm & below) processes.

Relevant Part: LM94;LM95231;LM95233;LM95234;LM95235;LM95241