The TC646B is a new version of the existing TC646 fan speed controller. This device is a switch mode fan speed controller, which incorporates a new fan auto restart function. Temperature proportional speed control is accomplished using pulse width modulation. A thermistor (or other voltage output temperature sensor) connected to the VIN input supplies the required control voltage of 1.20V to 2.60V (typical) for 0% to 100% PWM duty cycle. The auto-shutdown speed is set by a simple resistor divider on the VAS input. An integrated Start-Up Timer ensures reliable fan motor start-up at turn-on, coming out of shutdown mode, auto-shutdown mode, or following a transient fault. A logic low applied to VIN, pin 1, causes fan shutdown.
The TC646B also features Microchip Technology's proprietary FanSense™ technology for increasing system reliability. In normal fan operation, a pulse train is present at SENSE, pin 5. A missing-pulse detector monitors this pin during fan operation. A stalled, open, or unconnected fan causes the TC646B device to turn the VOUT output on full (100% duty cycle). If the fan fault persists (a fan current pulse is not detected within a 32/F period), the FAULT output goes low. Even with the FAULT output low, the VOUT output is on full during the fan fault condition in order to try and restart the fan. The FAULT signal is also asserted if the PWM reaches 100% duty cycle, indicating that maximum cooling capability has been reached and a possible thermal runaway condition exists.
Parameter Name Value
Typical Accuracy (°C) Depends on external thermistor
Over Temp Alert yes
SM Bus NO
Predictive Fan Fault NO
Max. Supply Current (µA) 400
Max. Accuracy @ 25°C (°C) Depends on external thermistor
Integrated Temp Sensor No
Fan Sense Yes
External Temp Input Yes
Auto Shutdown Yes
Device Description Fan Manager
Temp Range (°C) -40 to +85
Vcc Range (V) +3.0 to +5.5
Features
Temperature Proportional Fan Speed for Acoustic Control and Longer Fan
Life
FanSense™ Protects Against Fan Failure
Efficient PWM Drive
Automatic Shutdown Mode for "Green" Systems
3.0V to 5.5V Supply Range
Fan Voltage Independent of Supply Voltage – Supports Any Fan Voltage
Supports Low Cost NTC/PTC Thermistors
Fan Auto-Restart
Over-Temperature Indication
