Patent · US Expired

Adaptive fan controller for a computer system

US6873883B2 · kind B2 · utility

27Cited by
9References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 26, 2001
Grant dateMar 29, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 18, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG05D23/1912
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A temperature control system for an electronics system minimizes fan noise as much as possible. The system, which may be a computer, is capable of implementing a plurality of temperature control protocols. Each protocol generally specifies fan speed as a function of temperature. When the system initializes, a protocol is selected that, on average, is quieter than at least one other protocol, and preferably all other protocols. The system monitors its own temperature and, if the temperature reaches a threshold, the system causes the initial temperature control protocol to be changed to a different protocol that is better able to cool the system, albeit with a resulting louder sound level.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.