Overview
Server racks typically rely on manual fan control or basic thermal curves with no remote visibility. This board brings network-enabled control to standard PWM fans — allowing fan speed to be monitored and adjusted remotely, and enabling automation rules that reduce power consumption during off-peak hours.
| Date | March 2026 |
| My role | Hardware Design |
| MCU | ESP32-ETH |
| PCB | 2-Layer, KiCad |
| GitHub | hardware-portfolio/EthernetFanController |
Features
- PWM Fan Control — Precise speed control via PWM output for standard 4-pin fans
- Wired Ethernet — Based on the ESP32-ETH for reliable wired network integration, suitable for rack environments where WiFi is unreliable or disallowed
- Remote Control — Fan speed adjustable over the network
- Power Saving Automation — Supports scheduled or sensor-triggered fan speed profiles to reduce energy consumption during off-peak hours
Hardware Highlights
- ESP32-ETH chosen as the compute core — onboard Ethernet MAC and proven reliability in industrial and networking applications, avoids the unreliability of WiFi in dense rack environments
- Designed specifically for server rack form factor and operating conditions
- PWM output stage sized for standard 4-pin PWM fans with proper current handling
- Layout optimised for EMI — switching PWM signals kept away from the Ethernet magnetics
Images
