The LM76 is a digital temperature sensor and thermal window comparator with an I²C Serial Bus interface with an accuracy of ±1°C. This accuracy for the LM76CHM is specified for a −10°C to 45°C temperature range. The LM76CHM is specified with an accuracy ±0.5°C at 25°C. The window-comparator architecture of the LM76 eases the design of temperature control systems conforming to the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) specification for personal computers. The open-drain Interrupt (INT) output becomes active whenever temperature goes outside a programmable window, while a separate Critical Temperature Alarm (T_CRIT_A) output becomes active when the temperature exceeds a programmable critical limit. The INT output can operate in either a comparator or event mode, while the T_CRIT_A output operates in comparator mode only.

The host can program both the upper and lower limits of the window as well as the critical temperature limit. Programmable hysterisis as well as a fault queue are available to minimize false tripping. Two pins (A0, A1) are available for address selection. The sensor powers up with default thresholds of 2°C T_HYST, 10°C T_LOW, 64°C T_HIGH, and 80°C T_CRIT.

The LM76's 5.0V supply voltage, Serial Bus interface, 12-bit + sign output, and full-scale range of over 127°C make it ideal for a wide range of applications. These include thermal management and protection applications in personal computers, electronic test equipment, office electronics and bio-medical applications.