Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller

The MAX31740 is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use fan-speed controller. It monitors the temperature of an external NTC thermistor and generates a PWM signal that can be used to control the speed of a 2-, 3-, or 4-wire fan. The fan control characteristics are set using external resistors, thereby eliminating the need for an external microcontroller. Controllable characteristics include the starting temperature for fan control, PWM frequency, fan speed at low temperatures, and slope of the temperature-duty-cycle transfer function.

Because the operating characteristics are selected by hardwired passive components, a simple, low-cost fan-speed controller can be implemented without the need for firmware development. This can dramatically reduce development time for the fan control function.

The MAX31740 is available in a 2mm x 3mm, 8-pin TDFN package.

Applications

* Communications Equipment * Computing Equipment * Consumer Equipment * Industrial Equipment

* Self-Contained PWM Fan Control—No Micro Needed

* Controls Speed of 2-, 3-, or 4-Wire Fans

* Resistors Set Fan Control Characteristics

* Smooth, Linearly Varying PWM Duty Cycle Minimizes Audibility of Fan Noise

* Accurately Monitors External Thermistor Temperature

* 3.0V to 5.5V Operating Voltage Range

* -40°C to +125°C Operating Temperature Range

* AEC-Q100 qualified MAX31740ATA/VY+