General Description
The MAX66960 is a temperature data logger that is ide-
ally suited to monitor and log the ambient temperature
of enclosures that use dry ice as a coolant. It consists
of a precision logging module with a thermistor-based
temperature probe that is permanently attached. In the
application the temperature probe is inserted into the dry
ice cooled area of a container and the logger module is
placed in a container location isolated from the -78.5°C
extremes created by the dry ice. An attached USB cable
and connector provide the PC connection for setup of a
logging mission and download of mission data.
Applications
● Dry Ice Refrigerated Cold-Chain Verication
●In-Transit Monitoring of Temperature-Sensitive
Products
●Time-Stamped Recording of Time/Temperature
Excursions
Benets and Features
●Provides High-Quality Assessment of Storage
Temperature Proles
• 16-Bit Temperature Measurements with Storage for
65,536 Time-Stamped Values
• Flexibility to Monitor and Datalog Long Duration
Shipments with Short-Duration Time Intervals
• Rugged IP42 Construction Survives Harsh
Environments
• Meets CE EMC Directive of EN 61326-1
• Tested for Portable Electronic Devices for Use on
Airplanes per RTCA/DO-160G
●Highly Configurable Options for Data Logging and
Security
• Optimize Logger Operation for Specic Shipment
Conditions
• Protect Settings and Data from Unauthorized
Modication
●Easy to Start/Stop Logging of Missions
• Pushbuttons and LEDs for Control and Status
• Visual Indication of Logger and Battery Status
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
19-7460; Rev 1; 1/17
MAX66960 -80ºC Temperature Data Logger
with External Thermistor Probe
Operating Temperature Range
(Thermistor Probe) ........................................... -80°C to +60°C
Operating Temperature Range
(Logging Module) .............................................-30°C to +60°C
Storage Temperature Range (Logging Module) ..-30°C to +60°C
(Limits are 100% tested at TA = +25°C. Limits are guaranteed over the operating temperature range by design and characterization.)
Note 1: USB-to-PC connection is to be limited to 5 years total connectivity over the batteries lifetime to prevent excessive back
charging.
Note 2: Higher temperature ranges can be read for the thermistor probe, but accuracy is guaranteed for this temperature range.
Note 3: Temperature accuracy represents a 3 sigma value.
Note 4: The time constant is the time required for a thermistor to react to a step change in temperature. For example, if exposed to
a change from -50°C to +50°C, the 63% time constant would be the time required for the thermistor to indicate a tempera-
ture at +13°C.
MAX66960 -80ºC Temperature Data Logger
with External Thermistor Probe
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
│
2
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these
or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.
Specications
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
OPERATING CONDITONS
Measuring Interval tMI 60s 273hrs
Battery Life (Note 1) tBL
TMODULE = +25°C,
tMI = 10 min 1 years
Operating Temperature,
Logging Module TMODULE -30 +60 °C
Operating Temperature,
Thermistor Probe (Note 2) TPROBE -80 -10 °C
Temperature Accuracy (Note 3) TERR
-80°C < TPROBE ≤ -40°C,
TMODULE = +25°C -1.7 + 1.7
°C
-40°C < TPROBE ≤ -10°C,
TMODULE = +25°C -2.5 +2.5
Thermal Response Time
Constant (Note 4) tRESP 5 s
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
Weight 83 g
Logger Module Dimensions
Length 69 mm
Width 79 mm
Height 25 mm
Thermistor Probe Length Logger module to thermistor
probe tip 1625 mm
Detailed Description
The MAX66960 provides a range of temperature data
logging options that are configurable from PC software.
Logging parameters such as temperature sample rate,
alarms, and start condition are user-set while connected
to a PC through a USB port. Typically, the device is con-
figured for a logging mission so that it remains in a low-
power idle state until ready for use at which point the start
pushbutton is pressed and the mission initiates. Once
a mission is started, the logging module takes periodic
readings and stores them with time/date stamp accord-
ing to the configured state. Status LEDs on the logging
module enable visual determination and confirmation that
a mission is running, the monitored temperature environ-
ment has remained within the target range, the health of
the battery, and more.
Data-Logging Missions
The rate at which thermistor probe readings are measured
and stored is user-configurable from one sample per 60
seconds to one sample every 273 hours. With a datalog
memory space that can store up to 65,536 samples of 16
bits each, the sample rate is user-selectable to provide
the maximum number of samples over the expected mis-
sion duration.
The device also provides flexibility with the event that initi-
ates a mission, including:
●Start pushbutton on the module
● Immediately after PC conguration
● After a user-congured delay. This is helpful when a
sample spends a xed delay in a controlled environ-
ment such as a laboratory or warehouse, and then
released later for shipping.
●Upon triggering a temperature exception alarm. Data
logging can begin when the temperature falls below
a congured minimum temperature or rises above a
congured maximum.
Logger Unique Identication and Security
Each MAX66960 is factory programmed with a unique
and unalterable 64-bit serial number that electronically
identifies the logger module and provide strong end-
system use traceability. This serial number is readable by
PC software. In addition, the device provides a dedicated
512-byte general-purpose memory space that can be
used to store any data such as information that identifies
the end system.
Mission log data, configuration settings, and general-
purpose memory can be secured with two-level password
protection. Protection is configurable to either read or
write functions.
#Denotes RoHS-compliant.
MAX66960 -80ºC Temperature Data Logger
with External Thermistor Probe
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
│
3
Ordering Information
PART TEMP RANGE
MAX66960# -80°C to +60°C
Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent licenses
are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits)
shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX66960 -80ºC Temperature Data Logger
with External Thermistor Probe
© 2017 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
│
4
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
0 12/14 Initial release —
1 1/17
Updated General Description, Benets and Features, added improved
accurate measurement temperature range, updated temperature
measurement accuracy, updated minimum measuring interval, and updated
length of thermistor cable
1–3
Revision History
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
