Patent ID: 8421392
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: G05D,G06F,H05K,Y02D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling a speed of a fan in a computer, the apparatus comprising: a signal generator, a signal buffer, a signal switch, and an integrated baseboard management controller (IBMC) comprising a general purpose input output (GIPO) pin and a signal output port; the IBMC configured to determine whether the IBMC operates normally by detecting a voltage status of the GIPO pin, generate an enabling signal to enable the signal generator and switch the signal switch to the signal buffer according to the enabling signal when the IBMC does not operate normally, and generate an disabling signal to disable the signal generator, and switch the signal switch to the IBMC according to the disabling signal when the IBMC operates normally; the signal generator configured to generate a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to a system temperature of the computer, and send the first PWM signal to the signal switch through the signal buffer; the IBMC further configured to generate a second PWM signal according to the system temperature of the computer, and send the second PWM signal to the signal switch through the signal output port; and the signal switch configured to control the speed of the fan according to the first PWM signal when the IBMC does not operate normally, and control the speed of the fan according to the second PWM signal when the IBMC operates normally.