The IDT 9WDV3501 system monitor device is pin programmable, allowing customers to purchase a single device that meets all of their system specifications rather than purchasing several individual devices — each with separate functionality — as in the past. This now gives IDT customers greater design flexibility while lowering design and inventory costs.
The IDT system monitor features a power-on reset function that holds the reset pins in active mode when the user first turns on the power switch, allowing the power supplies to reach maximum levels. This helps prevent incorrect system starts, protecting against potential system errors and unnecessarily restarting the system.
The IDT system monitor also features a watchdog timer that monitors the control microprocessor to ensure it is functioning correctly. Acting as a system failsafe, the device monitors an I/O pin on the microprocessor, and if that I/O pin doesn’t pulse in specified period of time, the system monitor assumes it is in an endless loop and resets the system.
In addition, the system monitor has a power supply monitor that continually checks the voltage levels of the system to see if any of the power supplies go below a specified minimum voltage, which could keep the logic or microprocessor from functioning correctly. If power supply levels reach the minimum voltage specification, the system monitor resets the system and keeps it reset until the power levels reach a safe condition, helping increase system reliability and preventing system parts from failing.
The IDT system monitor is currently shipping in full production and is available in commercial and industrial temperature ranges. It is available in a 20-pin QFN or a 20-pin TSSOP package.