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Brians256 · 07-29-2007, 04:01 PM

By the way, I just wrote a small bit of temperature control firmware for a customer using an MSP430 microcontroller. What I did was use a temp to voltage temp sensor being read as slowly (and thus accurately) as possible. Based upon the temperatures, I adjusted some solenoids to control airflow.

Since I couldn't directly measure the temperature of the important structure, I measured the temperature of something that was directly attached. This is analogous to your situation. The coolant isn't the CPU, but it IS directly attached via a non-variable junction. So, you will see a directly correlated (linearly) temperature that should suffice. The biggest problem will be the temperature compression, not any lack of correlation.

The advantage of the MSP430 for a hobbyist is that I have a free C compiler for a 14-pin DIP package. Plus, that microcontroller has a set of built-in A-D peripherals , a good timer, and very low power consumption.

07-29-2007, 04:01 PM	#5
Brians256 Pro/Staff Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Klamath Falls, OR Posts: 1,439	Re: Q. Making a FAN controller By the way, I just wrote a small bit of temperature control firmware for a customer using an MSP430 microcontroller. What I did was use a temp to voltage temp sensor being read as slowly (and thus accurately) as possible. Based upon the temperatures, I adjusted some solenoids to control airflow. Since I couldn't directly measure the temperature of the important structure, I measured the temperature of something that was directly attached. This is analogous to your situation. The coolant isn't the CPU, but it IS directly attached via a non-variable junction. So, you will see a directly correlated (linearly) temperature that should suffice. The biggest problem will be the temperature compression, not any lack of correlation. The advantage of the MSP430 for a hobbyist is that I have a free C compiler for a 14-pin DIP package. Plus, that microcontroller has a set of built-in A-D peripherals , a good timer, and very low power consumption.