What lm_sensors can be used for

The lm_sensors and i2c packages are very flexible and can be used in a wide range of scenarios. This page intends to give you some ideas.

Some web-based examples:

Industrial production floor data-aquisition (in this case, supervising medical supply sterialization temperatures)

Output of our decode-dimms System DRAM reporting tool

Suggested uses:

• High-end servers, routers, and other mission critical machines. Even if you are sitting in front of it, how would you know that, say, the +12 power supply just failed and is only outputting 6V? or 30V? Using Lm_sensors and a system monitoring daemon (like the one included in the package), you can be alerted (via email) within seconds of a failing critical component such as a power supply, fan, other cooling mechanism, or even detect if the case has been opened.

• Close monitoring of overclocked machines. Overclocking is a popular option for users squeezing every ounce of performance out of their machine. Overclocking makes the processor hotter, and sometimes requires some 'tweaking' of the voltage supplies. Lm_sensors allows users to closely monitor these on most mainboards.

• Data aquisition sensors are becoming cheaper and smaller. Many use the I2C or SMBus 2-wire interface. Lm_sensors provides a well-tested, modular and flexible platform to interface with such devices. Other I2C devices of interest include LCD displays, battery chargers, lighting controls, etc. So, if you are looking for a way to do systems automation (in the home, workshop, weather station, you name it) then this software package can help you easily interface a Linux system to a variety of sensors.

Web Servers:

Our package also contains scripts using the Round Robin Database package (RRDTool) to automatically generate graphs like this in a web server: