Tackling AI Data Center Cooling Challenges with 48V Fan Driver Solution

As AI data centers continue to scale in power consumption and density, the cooling systems are undergoing a major shift. The traditional 12V framework is being phased out, with 48V emerging as the new standard. Yet while this transition improves efficiency, it also brings challenges: vibration and noise at high speeds, reverse airflow during multi-fan start-up, limited board space and ever-tighter development schedules.

• How to ensure stability at high speeds?

  Server fan speeds exceed 50,000 RPM, where vibration and noise can easily occur, undermining system reliability. The RT7084 adopts a sensorless FOC algorithm to calculate rotor position in real time and maintain the optimal driving angle, ensuring stable operation at high speeds while significantly reducing noise.

• How to overcome reverse rotation at start-up?

  In multi-fan systems, timing differences during start-up might cause some fans to spin in reverse. While this may be tolerated in traditional 12V systems with lower air pressure, in 48V systems the stronger airflow can severely affect reliability. The RT7084 adopts a “brake-then-restart” strategy, enabling fans to quickly return to the correct direction and greatly improving stability.

• How to address space constraints in fan modules?

  Server fan modules are restricted to a compact 4×4 cm footprint, requiring a high level of integration for power and control ICs. The RT7084 , housed in a 4mm×4mm QFN package, integrates the MCU, gate driver and buck converter into a single chip, streamlining PCB layout and reducing BOM cost.

• How to shorten product development cycles?

  Under compressed development timelines, firmware development often becomes one of the bottlenecks. The RT7084 features a code-free architecture and intuitive GUI, allowing engineers to fine-tune parameters without firmware programming, significantly reducing design and time-to-production.