Maxim Integrated Products has a system management microcontroller that combines six temperature measurement channels with six channels of closed-loop fan control.

The MAX31782 is intended for the design of zoned-cooling schemes, which individually adjust the speed of each fan to optimise cooling.

C-language programmable, the MAX31782 incorporates a 6-channel, 12-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) with a temperature-sensing analogue front-end (AFE) that allows direct connection to thermal diodes.

The AFE offers 0.125 deg C resolution as well as series resistance cancellation for the entire external diode circuit.

The chip can be directly connected to up to six remote thermal diodes, which are typically integrated on CPU, FPGA, and Asics.

Using the on-chip master I2C interface, additional temperature points can be monitored with external digital temperature ICs, such as Maxim's high-accuracy DS7505.

Based on the temperature information, the MAX31782 can control up to six cooling fans, each with an independent 16-bit PWM output and timer/tachometer input. It thus provides a complete closed-loop system for multiple fans, allowing accurate zoned cooling with minimum energy expended for fan power.