JABATAN KEJURUTERAAN ELEKTRIK

MINI PROJECT
DEC40053 EMBEDDED SYSTEM APPLICATION

SESI II: 2024/2025

MINI PROJECT TITLE:

PWM FAN CONTROLLER

NO NAME REG.NO
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NO CLO1/25M CLO2/15M CLO3/20M CLO4/25 CLO4/25 TOTAL

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 Contents

Mini Project Title 1

Introduction 1

List of Devices used in Project 1

Objective 2

Background Theory of Input Output 2

Gantt Chart 1

Block Diagram 1

Schematic 2

Flowchart 3

Cost for the project 4

Programme 5

Result & Discussion 6

Conclusion 7

Reference 8

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Mini Project Title

PWM Fan Controller

Introduction

A PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Fan Controller is a system used to automatically control
fan speed based on the cooling requirements of electronic devices. In the world of
electronics and computing, regulating component temperatures is essential to ensure
optimal performance and prevent damage caused by overheating.

The PWM Fan Controller works by adjusting the fan speed through pulse width modulation,
which changes the duty cycle of the signal sent to the fan. By modifying the ratio of "on" to
"off" time in these pulses, the controller can vary the fan's speed according to the current
temperature of the device, saving energy and reducing fan noise.

One of the primary advantages of a PWM Fan Controller is its ability to provide smoother
and more efficient speed control compared to traditional fan controllers. This makes it
suitable for various applications, including computers, electronic coolers, power supplies,
and audio-video systems that require precise cooling
management……………………………………

Can add any related info. .

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List of Devices used in Project

list all the devices / components here

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Objective

The objectives for a PWM Fan Controller project is:

a) To develop a fan controller that adjusts fan speed based on temperature levels,
providing precise cooling to prevent overheating while optimizing energy use.

b) To create customizable fan speed profiles, allowing users to set different fan speeds
for various temperature ranges, improving control over noise levels and cooling
performance.

c) To design the controller to be compatible with a wide range of PWM fans, ensuring
flexibility and ease of integration into different devices and systems.

Background Theory of Input Output

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique used to control power delivery to electronic
devices by varying the "on" and "off" duration of a digital signal. This method is efficient for
speed control in DC motors, like those in fans, because it minimizes energy loss in switching
components. According to Rashid (2013), PWM works by adjusting the duty cycle of a
square wave signal, where the ratio of on-to-off time (duty cycle) determines the average
power delivered to the load.

Thermal management is critical in electronics to prevent overheating, which can degrade

performance and shorten component lifespan. Research by Yung and Lai (2010) shows that
active cooling methods, such as PWM-controlled fans, allow for adaptive responses to
changing temperatures in electronic systems. Efficient thermal management reduces the risk
of thermal runaway and prolongs device longevity by maintaining optimal temperatures.

Control systems theory provides the basis for designing feedback systems in which a
controller, such as a PWM fan controller, adjusts outputs (fan speed) in response to changes
in system inputs (temperature). Ogata (2010) describes how closed-loop control systems
use feedback to maintain stability and accuracy. By monitoring temperature and adjusting
fan speed in real time, the PWM controller ensures consistent cooling within specified
parameters.

The duty cycle and frequency of PWM signals are critical for fan speed control. The duty
cycle represents the percentage of time a signal is "on" in each cycle, which directly
influences the speed of DC motors. Higher duty cycles result in higher average voltages and,
therefore, faster fan speeds. According to Erickson and Maksimovic (2007), adjusting PWM

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frequency is also essential, as lower frequencies can lead to noticeable oscillation, while
higher frequencies reduce ripple and create smoother motor operation.

Can include information and picture related to :

- PIC board
- Input device or output device use in this project
- DC motor Fan
- Motor driver
- Sensor
- Any related component used…….
- Any related theory based on project title

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Gantt Chart

Refer question mini project or can used any planning chart.

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Block Diagram

Temperature Motor
sensor Driver
PIC18F4520 DC Fan

Feedback loop
(Adjust fan speed)

Figure 1: Block Diagram of PWM Fan Controller

Temperature Sensor: Detects the current temperature of the system or device.

Microcontroller: Processes the data from the temperature sensor and generates a PWM
signal based on temperature readings.
PWM Signal Output: Sends a pulse-width modulated signal to the fan.
Fan (DC Motor): The fan whose speed is controlled based on the PWM signal.
Feedback Loop: Ensures that the fan speed adjusts in real-time to maintain the desired
temperature.

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Schematic

Figure2: Schematic of PWM Fan Controller

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Flowchart

The PWM Fan Controller system operates according to this flowchart in 3.

start

Detect car

No
Car detected? GREEN LED ON

Yes

RED LED ON

No
Exit system?

Yes

finish

Figure 3: PWM Fan Controller Flowchart

Based on this flowchart, the Parking System is always ready to detect a car in a parking slot.

If a car is detected, it will turn the red LED on to indicate that the parking slot is already

occupied. Else, if no car is detected, green LED will turn on that indicates the parking slot is

empty. Then, this system loops again until someone chooses to exit this system.

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Cost for the project

Table 1 presents the cost breakdown for the components used in this PWM Fan Controller
project.

No Component Price
1 PIC
2 Temperature Sensor
3 Motor Driver
4 DC Fan
5 Printed Circuit Board
6 Jumper
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Table 1: Cost of PWM Fan Controller Project

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Programme

The PWM Fan Controller program was developed using the C programming language,

implemented on a PIC microcontroller. The code for this system is shown in Figure 4 below:

// Name: Muhammad bin Abdullah, adam bin haris & Zikry bin Adhmad
// No matrc:

void setup()
{
pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

void loop()
{
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);
delay(1000); // Wait for 1000 millisecond(s)
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);
delay(1000); // Wait for 1000 millisecond(s)
}

Figure 4: C Program coding for PWM Fan Controller

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Result & Discussion

Can discuss based on experience in developing PWM Fan Controller Project

The PWM Fan Controller system was successfully designed and implemented to control fan
speed based on temperature readings. The system operates by continuously monitoring the
temperature through the temperature sensor (LM35) and adjusting the PWM signal sent to
the fan, which in turn adjusts the fan's speed.

The results of this project are presented in Table 2 below:

Test Parameter Value/Description Outcome

Temperature 25°C to 80°C Accurate temperature readings within the
Range expected range.
Fan Speed 30% to 100% PWM duty Fan speed varied smoothly in response to
Control cycle temperature changes.

Table 2: Result

Temperature Response: The temperature sensor provided accurate readings in real-time,

ranging from 25°C to 80°C, which were then processed by the PIC microcontroller. As the
temperature increased, the microcontroller adjusted the duty cycle of the PWM signal. At
higher temperatures, the duty cycle increased, resulting in a faster fan speed to cool the
system, while at lower temperatures, the duty cycle decreased, reducing the fan speed to
save energy and minimize noise.

Fan Speed Control: The PWM fan controller successfully controlled the fan's speed based
on the temperature input. The fan speed varied smoothly in response to temperature
fluctuations, ensuring the system was kept at an optimal operating temperature. The fan
speed ranged from 30% to 100% depending on the temperature readings, ensuring efficient
cooling.
Energy Efficiency: The PWM control mechanism proved to be energy-efficient, as the fan
consumed only the necessary power based on temperature demands. The fan did not
operate at full speed unless needed, resulting in energy savings.

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Noise Reduction: By reducing the fan speed during lower temperature conditions, the
system also minimized noise levels. This feature is particularly beneficial in noise-sensitive
environments, where a quieter operation is desired.

Conclusion

The PWM Fan Controller project was successfully designed, developed, and tested,

achieving the main objectives of controlling fan speed based on real-time temperature

readings. By using a microcontroller to process data from a temperature sensor and

generate a PWM signal, the system was able to adjust the fan speed smoothly and

efficiently, ensuring optimal cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption and

noise.

This project successfully met its objectives, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for

temperature regulation in electronics. The experience also highlighted the importance of

selecting the right components, tuning system parameters, and performing thorough testing

for reliable performance.

Moving forward, the system could be expanded with additional features such as multi-fan

support, wireless temperature monitoring, or integration with other environmental control

systems. Overall, the PWM Fan Controller proves to be a valuable tool for any application

requiring efficient and reliable cooling solutions.

Can add any related point…

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Reference

Rashid, M. H. (2013). Power electronics: Circuits, devices, and applications (4th ed.).
Pearson.
Yung, K. C., & Lai, J. K. (2010). Thermal management of electronics: Concepts and
applications. Springer.

Ogata, K. (2010). Modern control engineering (5th ed.). Prentice Hall.

Erickson, R. W., & Maksimovic, D. (2007). Fundamentals of power electronics (2nd ed.).
Springer