The MAX1619 is a precise digital thermometer that reports the temperature of both a remote sensor and its own package. The remote sensor is a diode-connected transistor-typically a low-cost, easily mounted 2N3904 NPN type-that replaces conventional thermistors or thermocouples. Remote accuracy is ±3°C for multiple transistor manufacturers, with no calibration needed. The remote channel can also measure the die temperature of other ICs, such as microprocessors, that contain an on-chip, diode-connected transistor.

The 2-wire serial interface accepts standard System Management Bus (SMBus™) Write Byte, Read Byte, Send Byte, and Receive Byte commands to program the alarm thresholds and to read temperature data. The data format is 7 bits plus sign, with each bit corresponding to 1°C, in two's complement format. Measurements can be done automatically and autonomously, with the conversion rate programmed by the user or programmed to operate in a single-shot mode. The adjustable rate allows the user to control the supply-current drain.

The MAX1619 is nearly identical to the popular MAX1617A, with the additional feature of an overtemperature alarm output (active-low OVERT) that responds to the remote temperature; this is optimal for fan control.