
ADT7462
Rev. 2 | Page 46 of 88 | www.onsemi.com
FAN
I/O CARDS
POOR CPU
AIRFLOW
VENTS
POWER
SUPPLY
CPU
DRIVE
BAYS
GOOD VENTING =
GOOD AIR EXCHANGE
POOR VENTING =
POOR AIR EXCHANGE
VENTS
FAN
I/O CARDS
GOOD CPU AIRFLOW
FAN
VENTS
POWER
SUPPLY
CPU
DRIVE
BAYS
05
569
-0
54
Figure 66. Chassis Airflow Issues
Worst-Case Processor Power Consumption
This data sheet maximum does not necessarily reflect the
true processor power consumption. Designing for worst-
case CPU power consumption can result in a processor
becoming overcooled (generating excess system noise).
Worst-Case Peripheral Power Consumption
The tendency is to design to data sheet maximums for
peripheral components (again overcooling the system).
Worst-Case Assembly
Every system manufactured is unique because of manufac-
turing variations. Heat sinks may be loose fitting or slightly
misaligned. Too much or too little thermal grease may be
used. Variations in application pressure for thermal interface
material can affect the efficiency of the thermal solution.
Accounting for manufacturing variations in every system
is difficult; therefore, the system must be designed for the
worst case.
SUBSTRATE
HEAT
SINK
THERMAL
INTERFACE
MATERIAL
INTEGRATED
HEAT
SPREADER
EPOXY
THERMAL INTERFACE MATERIAL
PROCESSOR
TA
TJ
θCA
θSA
θTIMS
θCTIM
θTIMC
θJTIM
θCS
TC
TTIM
TS
TTIM
θJA
05
56
9-
05
5
Figure 67. Thermal Model
Although a design usually accounts for worst-case conditions
in all these cases, the actual system is almost never operated at
worst-case conditions. The alternative to designing for the
worst case is to use the dynamic TMIN control function.
Dynamic TMIN Control Overview
Dynamic TMIN control mode builds upon the basic automatic
fan control loop by adjusting the TMIN value based on system
performance and measured temperature. This is important
because, instead of designing for the worst case, the system
thermals can be defined as operating zones. The ADT7462 can
self-adjust its fan control loop to maintain either an operating
zone temperature or a system target temperature. For example,
it can be specified that ambient temperature in a system be
maintained at 50°C. If the temperature is below 50°C, the fans
might not need to run or might run very slowly. If the
temperature is higher than 50°C, the fans need to throttle up.
The challenge presented by any thermal design is finding the
right settings to suit the system’s fan control solution. This can
involve designing for the worst case, followed by weeks of
system thermal characterization and, finally, fan acoustic
optimization (for psycho-acoustic reasons).
Obtaining the greatest benefit from the automatic fan control
mode involves characterizing the system to find the best TMIN
and TRANGE settings for the control loop and the best PWMMIN
value for the quietest fan speed setting. Using the ADT7462
dynamic TMIN control mode, however, shortens the characteriza-
tion time and alleviates tweaking the control loop settings,
because the device can self-adjust during system operation.
Dynamic TMIN control mode is operated by specifying the
operating zone temperatures required for the system. Remote 1
and Remote 2 channels have dedicated operating point registers.
This allows the system thermal solution to be broken down into
distinct thermal zones. For example, CPU operating temperature
is 70°C, VRM operating temperature is 80°C, and ambient
operating temperature is 50°C. The ADT7462 dynamically
alters the control solution to maintain each zone temperature as
close as possible to its target operating point.
Figure 68 shows an overview of the parameters that affect the
operation of the dynamic TMIN control loop.
P
W
M
DUTY
C
Y
CL
E
TLOW TMIN OPERATING
POINT
THIGH
TRANGE
TEMPERATURE
TTHERM
0556
9-056
Figure 68. Dynamic TMIN Control Loop
Table 28
provides a brief description of each parameter.
Table 28. TMIN Control Loop Parameters
Parameter
Description
TLOW
If the temperature drops below the TLOW limit,
an error flag is set in a status register and an SMBALERT
interrupt can be generated.
THIGH
If the temperature exceeds the THIGH limit, an error flag is
set in a status register and an SMBALERT interrupt can
be generated.
TMIN
The temperature at which the fan turns on under
automatic fan speed control.
Operating
Point
The maximum target temperature for a particular
temperature zone. The system attempts to maintain
system temperature around the operating point by
adjusting the TMIN parameter of the control loop.
T
THERM
If the temperature exceeds this critical limit, the fans
can be run at 100% for maximum cooling.
TRANGE
Programs the PWM duty cycle vs. temperature control
slope.