Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX6618/MAX6621 translators that convert Intel's proprietary platform environment control interface (PECI) data to I2C protocol. These devices provide a simple, low-cost solution for implementing temperature management for system-management microcontrollers. The MAX6618/MAX6621 feature an I2C/SMBus port for communication with the system-management microcontroller, thereby eliminating the need for an intermediary microcontroller.
Using the integrated PECI-compliant host port, the MAX6618/MAX6621 monitor temperatures on up to four CPUs with two domains per CPU. They can be configured to average temperature readings and convert the PECI temperature format into degrees centigrade, both absolute and relative to a reference point. Additionally, the MAX6618/MAX6621 automatically compute the maximum temperature for all PECI-enabled CPUs. These translators attain maximum reliability by providing internal support for I2C-bus-lockup timeout, as well as support for the I2C packet-error checksum (PEC). The MAX6621 also supports over temperature alert functionality, which generates an interrupt if a preset temperature is exceeded on any of the CPUs.
Maxim Integrated Products
