SKU: SENS-3393
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Adafruit EMC2101 I2C PC Fan Controller and Temperature Sensor - STEMMA QT / Qwiic

₹889.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The Adafruit EMC2101 breakout board is an I2C-based PC fan controller and temperature monitor designed for easy integration with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and other 3.3V/5V microcontroller platforms via its plug-and-play STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector. It provides programmable PWM control for 3- or 4-pin fans and includes an internal temperature sensor with support for an external sensing diode.

Features

  • Intelligent I2C fan controller for 3- and 4-pin PC fans with programmable PWM output.
  • Integrated internal temperature sensor with ±1°C accuracy and support for external diode sensing.
  • Features a tachometer input for real-time fan speed monitoring and feedback.
  • Configurable temperature-to-fan-speed Lookup Table (LUT) for automatic thermal management.
  • Plug-and-play connectivity via STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector for 3.3V to 5V I2C systems.

Out of stock

Description

The Adafruit EMC2101 breakout board is centered on the Microchip Technology EMC2101 integrated circuit, a dedicated fan controller and temperature monitor. It provides a complete hardware solution for managing cooling systems, eliminating the need for custom PWM signal generation and tachometer decoding in firmware. The board communicates via a standard I2C interface, making it compatible with a wide range of development platforms.

Beyond its internal sensor, the EMC2101 supports an external temperature-sensing diode input, allowing for precise thermal monitoring of specific components like CPUs or power ICs. Its programmable Lookup Table (LUT) enables the creation of custom fan speed curves, allowing the system to autonomously adjust cooling performance based on temperature readings, thereby optimizing noise and power efficiency.

Key Features

  • Based on the Microchip Technology EMC2101 fan controller and temperature monitor IC.
  • Provides full control over 3-pin (DC voltage) and 4-pin (PWM) PC cooling fans.
  • Integrated ±1°C accuracy internal temperature sensor for ambient monitoring.
  • Dedicated external diode input for remote, high-precision component temperature sensing.
  • Real-time fan speed monitoring via tachometer feedback input.
  • User-configurable temperature-to-RPM Lookup Table (LUT) for autonomous control.
  • Standard I2C interface with 3.3V logic and level-shifted 5V tolerance.
  • Plug-and-play design with STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector for solderless prototyping.

Applications

  • Active cooling system management for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or custom SBC enclosures.
  • Noise reduction and thermal optimization in silent PC builds or home theater PCs.
  • Retrofitting intelligent thermal control into existing electronic devices and prototypes.
  • Monitoring and controlling fan speed in 3D printer electronics or network equipment cooling.
  • DIY projects requiring automated temperature-based fan control without complex firmware.

Technical Specifications

Core ComponentMicrochip Technology EMC2101 Fan Controller & Temperature Monitor
Operating Voltage3.3 V to 5 V
Communication InterfaceI2C (with STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector)
Controlled Fan Type3-pin (Voltage Control) and 4-pin (PWM Control) PC Fans
Internal Temperature Accuracy±1°C
External SensingSupports External Temperature Diode
Fan FeedbackTachometer Input for Speed Monitoring
Control FeatureProgrammable Temperature-to-Speed Lookup Table (LUT)
Item TypeBreakout Board
Dimensions (Shipping)4 cm x 3 cm x 2 cm
Weight (Shipping)0.011 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fans can the Adafruit EMC2101 controller operate?

The EMC2101 breakout board can control both standard 3-pin (voltage-controlled) and 4-pin (PWM-controlled) PC cooling fans. It provides a programmable PWM output signal for speed control and includes a tachometer input pin to read the fan's speed feedback signal for monitoring.

How do I connect and communicate with this board?

The board uses a standard I2C interface and features a STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector for plug-and-play connectivity with compatible development systems like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Adafruit's own QT boards. It operates on a 3.3V to 5V supply, and all I2C pins are level-shifted for safe operation with 5V logic microcontrollers.

Can it monitor temperature from a specific component, not just ambient air?

Yes. In addition to its integrated ±1°C internal temperature sensor, the EMC2101 supports an external temperature-sensing diode input. This allows you to attach a remote diode (often integrated into CPUs or other ICs) to monitor and control cooling based on the temperature of a specific critical component.

What is the Lookup Table (LUT) feature used for?

The Lookup Table (LUT) is a programmable feature within the EMC2101 chip that allows you to define a custom temperature-to-fan-speed curve. Once configured, the controller can automatically adjust the PWM duty cycle (fan speed) based on the measured temperature, enabling fully autonomous thermal management without constant microcontroller intervention.

Package Includes

  • 1 x Adafruit EMC2101 I2C PC Fan Controller and Temperature Sensor Breakout Board

Additional Information

Weight 0.011 kg
Dimensions 4 × 3 × 2 cm