EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
MAX31790
6-Channel PWM-Output Fan RPM Controller
General Description
Features
The MAX31790 controls the speeds of up to six fans
using six independent PWM outputs. The desired fan
speeds (or PWM duty cycles) are written through the I C
interface. The outputs drive “4-wire” fans directly, or can
be used to modulate the fan’s power terminals using an
external pass transistor.
S Controls Up to Six Independent Fans with PWM Drive
S Up to 12 Tachometer Inputs
2
S Controlled Duty Cycle Rate-of-Change for Best
Acoustics
2
S I C Bus Interface with Timeout and Watchdog
Tachometer inputs monitor fan tachometer logic outputs
for precise (Q1%) monitoring and control of fan RPM as
well as detection of fan failure. Six pins are dedicated
tachometer inputs. Any of the six PWM outputs can also
be configured to serve as tachometer inputs.
S 3.0V to 5.5V Supply Voltage Range
S 1.5mA (typ) Operating Supply Current
Applications
The PWM_START inputs select the PWM output status
at startup to ensure appropriate fan drive when power is
first applied.
Servers
Networking
Telecom
To ensure low acoustic impact of fan control, all changes
in PWM duty cycle take place at a controlled, program-
mable rate.
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
The MAX31790’s 3.0V to 5.5V supply voltage range and
I C-compatible interface make it ideal for fan control in
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part,
refer to: www.maximintegrated.com/MAX31790.related
2
a wide range of cooling applications. The MAX31790 is
available in a 28-pin TQFN package and operates over
the -40NC to +125NC temperature range.
Typical Operating Circuit
CRYSTAL
(OPTIONAL)
V
CC
3.0V TO 5.5V
12pF
12pF
0.1µF
V
V
CC
CC
XTAL1 XTAL2
MAX31790
V
CC
V
R
4-WIRE FAN
PU
SDA
SCL
PWMOUT1
FAN1
HOST
INTERFACE
TACH1
FAN_FAIL
PWMOUT2
FULL_SPEED
TACH2
CLKOUT
PWMOUT3
2
I C INTERFACE,
REGISTERS,
AND
PWM OUTPUT
DRIVER,
TACH MONITOR
TACH3
PWM_START1
PWM_START0
PWMOUT4
CONTROL LOGIC
TACH4
FREQ_START
SPIN_START
WD_START
ADD1
SET
POWER-UP
VALUES
PWMOUT5
TACH5
PWMOUT6
ADD0
TACH6
6 CHANNELS
GND
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
19-6540; Rev 0; 12/12