The MAX31820 ambient temperature sensor provides 9-bit to 12-bit Celsius temperature measurements with ±0.5°C accuracy over a +10°C to +45°C temperature range. Over its entire -55°C to +125°C operating range, the device has ±2.0°C accuracy. 

The device communicates over a 1-Wire® bus that, by definition, requires only one data line (and ground) for communication with a central microprocessor. In addition, the device can derive power directly from the data line (“parasite power”), eliminating the need for an external power supply. Requiring so few pins enables the device to be placed in a 3-pin TO-92 package. The form factor of this package allows the device to be placed above the board and thus measure the ambient temperature of a system, as opposed to the board temperature that a surface-mount package would measure. 

Each MAX31820 has a unique 64-bit serial code, which allows multiple MAX31820 devices to function on the same 1-Wire bus. Therefore, it is simple to use one microprocessor to control many devices distributed over a large area.

Key Features