Fan Manager ICs Detect Fan Faults

Claimed as the industry’s first single- and dual-SMBus fan speed controllers to feature fan-fault and over-temperature detection, the newest members of the TC6xx family are said to be ideal for next-generation fan-speed control and fan monitoring applications. The TC654, TC655, TC664 and TC665 fan managers adjust fan speed according to temperature instead of continuously running a system’s fan at maximum speed. They can also detect fan wear-out before the fan stops rotating by reading rotations-per-minute (RPM) data from up to two individual fans. The TC6xx family utilizes an external power device, enabling design flexibility and allowing the ICs to drive 5V, 12V, 24V and 48V fans rated up to 1A. The TC654/5 are able to monitor two fans simultaneously, whereas the TC664/5 are targeted at single-fan applications. The TC655 and TC665 devices also assert an over-temperature signal to indicate any possible over-heating conditions. Offered in 10-pin MSOP packages, the devices have an operating voltage range of 3.0V to 5.5V and a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Pricing in 1,000-unit quantities is $1.70 each for the TC654, $1.79 for the TC655, $1.51 for the TC664 and $1.59 for the TC665. Samples are available now with volume quantities available in Q3. MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC., Chandler, AZ. (480) 792-7668.