PLB's new features also improve security and reduce the bill of materials (BoM) in the data center.
When server fans malfunction or fail, backflow causes them to reverse rotation. The other fans then have to work harder to compensate for the resulting airflow, increasing energy consumption.
The A89331's unique PLB function applies a brake to malfunctioning fans, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption and increasing thermal efficiency. The end result is lower energy consumption and reduced data center costs.
The traditional solution to prevent reverse rotation of broken fans is to incorporate external circuitry to act as a loss-of-power brake, and these external components don't fit in 1U fans. The cost of the Bill of Materials (BoM) increases, and efficiency decreases. This approach also requires coding, which increases time to market.
The A89331 is the world's first and only solution that accommodates both a three-phase BLDC and PLB controller in a 1U fan. Furthermore, Allegro's patented no-code drivers eliminate the need for software development and verification. Benefits include improved performance, a lower cost of goods sold, a smaller footprint, reduced development costs, and faster time to market.
Contributing to a safer data center,
the A89331's integrated power-loss brake also prevents fans from spinning when power is disconnected, thus preventing injury.
The A89331 offers a trapezoidal drive for higher RPMs and improves speed accuracy to ±1.5% at 25°C. The
A89331 has a maximum input voltage of 18V and an operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C. It is available in a 5 mm × 5 mm 28-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (suffix ES) and a 20-pin TSSOP package with exposed thermal pad (suffix LP). These packages are lead-free (Pb) with a 100% matte lead coating.
