The single-coil BLDC fan driver reduces BoM costs by 25%, enhances server cooling performance, and eliminates the need for software validation.
Melexis has introduced the MLX90418, an integrated 1-coil brushless DC (BLDC) fan driver. This single-coil fan driver, designed without coding, supports server-specific functions such as power-loss braking and AC power-loss management. It targets the server market, presenting a 1-coil solution that can reduce Bill of Material (BoM) costs by up to 25% compared to traditional three-phase BLDC fans. The increasing number of servers, driven by data storage and processing demands, including cloud services and AI, underscores the need for cost-effective cooling solutions that meet performance standards.
Traditionally, single-coil solutions are used for server cooling fans up to 15 W. MCU-based 1-coil, or 3-phase solutions are considered for more powerful fans. With the MLX90418, these 1-coil solutions extend to 30 W for 4 cm and 6 cm server fans. This driver’s plug-and-play capability eliminates the need for software validation required by MCU-based solutions, conserving engineering resources, facilitating quicker project completion, and enabling faster production increases. The BLDC fan driver, including AC power loss handling, satisfies server application needs. Its power loss braking (PLB) feature, with an 8 A braking current, ensures quick servicing and mitigates the negative impact on thermal efficiency in server cooling systems due to fan malfunctions.
The new 30 W 4028 single fan solutions deliver comparable pressure/flow performance to older 4056 twin fans of a similar power rating, reducing footprint and system costs. With its ability to operate at high speeds and low vibration, the MLX90418 suits 30 W fans running at speeds up to 40k m-RPM.
“The MLX90418 is a plug-and-play solution that addresses the technical requirements of modern data centre server cooling systems, providing efficiency, performance, and long-term reliability,” said Xuanhong Ou, Marketing Manager at Melexis. “With this IC, we offer the possibility to replace the more expensive three-phase solutions and accelerate the transition from twin fan to single fan, offering significantly lower BoM costs, with less engineering time.”
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