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13486 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: May 7, 2011 5:12 PM by ARTTEC RSS
Novice
G_Wagner
Currently Being Moderated

Apr 27, 2011 5:25 PM

Simple Thermal Control of PC Cooling Fan

I'm looking for a small single temp. normally open thermal switch that I can mount under my laptops to turn on a litlle squirrel cage fan to blow air under the computer.  I see the PCB Mount Thermal Switches TO-220 and DIP on page 2139 of the catalog but they only start at 45 C (113 F).  Would prefer something around 90 F trip point since they are not monted in the labptop but outside underneath.  Could find nothing else.  I know one could use an adjustable circiut with electronics etc but I.m hoping to keep it as simple and cheap as possibe since I have several PCs to equip.  The fans run off the 5V of the USB port.  Any ideas.

Tags: thermal-control, switches
  • designspecialist-power
    Alec
    62 posts since
    Mar 22, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 28, 2011 2:16 PM (in response to G_Wagner)
    Simple Thermal Control of PC Cooling Fan

    I didn't find the thermal switches you are talking about in the Digi-Key catalog.  Are you using the current U.S. version US2011?  They are likely on a different page if you are using an older or different country version of the catalog.

     

    Thermal switches like that can have a pretty wide actual operating range around the switching temperature they spec (i.e. not really all that accurate).  As you mentioned, it's also hard to even find them centered around a specifically desired temperature (such as 90 F).  If you want something that is more sure fire (excuse the pun) around a specific temperature you may need to add some modest circuit complexity to do this.  With an adequate power rail, an IC temperature sensor, a comparator, a MOSFET, and a couple of appropriately sized resistors I believe you should be able to make yourself a much more accurate temperature switch for your fan.

  • Novice
    TimM
    2 posts since
    May 2, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 2, 2011 4:11 PM (in response to G_Wagner)
    Simple Thermal Control of PC Cooling Fan

    As Alec already ittereated building a custom circuit for your needs is best here.  I designed this circuit for a board I'm currently working on.  An NTC resistor decreases with increasing restance which causes the temp signal to increase in voltage.  Once the temp signal decreases below the voltage divider of R10, and R11 the comparator will turn on the mosfets controlling the fan and the led.fanControl.png

  • Novice
    Addidis
    6 posts since
    Apr 9, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 3, 2011 2:00 PM (in response to G_Wagner)
    Re: Simple Thermal Control of PC Cooling Fan

    WHy not use a simple temp sensor IC , for instance

    MCP9700A-E/TO-ND

     

    Then mount the package under the laptop so it touches. Read the temperature and activate a relay with an i/o pin to activate the fans when your chosen temperature is reached.  The sensors basically act like a pot  and are read with an A/D converter, calibrated with a map function.

    See my site for a bunch of examples of using them. www.jeselectronics.com.

    I should have noted there are instructions to calibrate it at the makeitlast datalogger page, linked to on the post for it.

    #TWiPad

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