Intel 3560M CW8064701486906 Data Sheet

Datasheet

77

The maximum and minimum case temperatures (T

C

) for the processor is specified in 

. This temperature specification is meant to help ensure proper operation of 

the processor. 

 illustrates where Intel recommends T

C

 thermal measurements 

should be made. For detailed guidelines on temperature measurement methodology, 

refer to the appropriate Thermal and Mechanical Design Guidelines (see 

).

The Thermal Monitor feature helps control the processor temperature by activating the 

thermal control circuit (TCC) when the processor silicon reaches its maximum operating 

temperature. The TCC reduces processor power consumption by modulating (starting 

and stopping) the internal processor core clocks. The Thermal Monitor feature must 

be enabled for the processor to be operating within specifications. The 

temperature at which Thermal Monitor activates the thermal control circuit is not user 

configurable and is not software visible. Bus traffic is snooped in the normal manner, 

and interrupt requests are latched (and serviced during the time that the clocks are on) 

while the TCC is active.

When the Thermal Monitor feature is enabled, and a high temperature situation exists 

(i.e., TCC is active), the clocks will be modulated by alternately turning the clocks off 

and on at a duty cycle specific to the processor (typically 30–50%). Clocks often will 

not be off for more than 3.0 microseconds when the TCC is active. Cycle times are 

processor speed dependent and will decrease as processor core frequencies increase. A 

small amount of hysteresis has been included to prevent rapid active/inactive 

transitions of the TCC when the processor temperature is near its maximum operating 

temperature. Once the temperature has dropped below the maximum operating 

temperature, and the hysteresis timer has expired, the TCC goes inactive and clock 

modulation ceases.

With a properly designed and characterized thermal solution, it is anticipated that the 

TCC would only be activated for very short periods of time when running the most 

power intensive applications. The processor performance impact due to these brief 

periods of TCC activation is expected to be so minor that it would be immeasurable. An 

 

37.5 mm 

Measure T

C

at this point            

(geometric center of the package)

3

7

.5

 m

m

 

37.5 mm 

Measure T

C

at this point            

(geometric center of the package)

3

7

.5

 m

m