LOW-COST AUTOMATIC FAN CONTROLLER ELIMINATES SOFTWARE OVERHEAD
SUNNYVALE, CA-May 4, 2004-Maxim Integrated Products
(NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX6643, a low-cost fan controller that eliminates software overhead by automatically adjusting the speed of a cooling fan without using an embedded controller. It monitors its own internal temperature or a remote thermal diode, and detects fan failure by using tachometer or locked rotor signals. All temperature-threshold programming is hardwire programmable, providing ease of use. These features make the MAX6643 an ideal solution for keeping systems cool and quiet in applications such as Ethernet switches, server power supplies, and test equipment.
The MAX6643 automatically adjusts the duty cycle of the waveform, driving a pass transistor to control the speed of a DC-cooling fan. This ensures that the system is cool and improves acoustic performance. It measures its own internal die temperature or a remote thermal diode, and offers additional flexibility by using tachometer or locked rotor signals to monitor fan failures. All programming is completed through a pin connection, thus eliminating BIOS. In addition, logic outputs are available for overtemperature and fan-failure indications.
Available in the 16-pin QSOP package, the MAX6643 operates from a 3V to 5.5V input voltage range and consumes only 500µA of supply current. It has a 15°C to 80°C control range with ±2°C accuracy. Prices start at $0.75 (2500-up, FOB USA).
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