A5936
Three Phase Sensorless Sinusoidal Fan Driver
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The A5936 targets fan applications to meet the objectives of low
audible noise, minimal vibration, and high efficiency. Allegro’s
This 9-bit “demand” is applied to a PWM generator block to
create the modulation profile. The modulation profile is applied
proprietary control algorithm results in a sinusoidal current wave- to the three motor outputs, with 120-degree phase relationship, to
shape that adapts to a variety of motor characteristics to dynami-
cally optimize efficiency across a wide range of speeds.
create the sinusoidal current waveform as shown in Figure 1.
A BEMF detection “window” is opened on phase A modulation
profile to measure the rotor position so as to define the modula-
tion timing. The control system maintains the window to a small
level to minimize the disturbance and approximate the ideal
The speed of the fan can be controlled by voltage mode (control
of power supply amplitude) or variable duty cycle PWM input.
Use of the PWM input allows overall system cost savings by
eliminating the requirement of an external variable power supply. sinusoidal current waveform as much as possible.
Operation down to 4 V can be achieved to allow the IC to fit into
Protection features include lock detection with restart, overcur-
legacy systems with voltage mode operation.
rent limit, motor output short circuit, supply undervoltage moni-
The PWM input is measured and converted to a 9-bit number.
tor, and thermal shutdown.
FG
OUTA
OUTB
OUTC
iB
iC
iA
Figure 1: Sinusoidal PWM
4
Allegro MicroSystems
955 Perimeter Road
Manchester, NH 03103-3353 U.S.A.
www.allegromicro.com