The Noctua brand has today presented its new NA-FH1 fan hub to connect PWM fans in 8 channels. Its smart protection allows up to eight PWM fans to be run and controlled simultaneously via a single motherboard PWM fan header or separate controllers.
It is compatible with 12V and 5V fans with 4-pin and 3-pin PWM connectors. The NA-FH1 presents itself as a suitable solution for both PC environments and other 12V or 5V based applications.
Noctua wants to make it easier for you to connect multiple fans to your motherboard with the NA-FH1
According to the Noctua brand, many commercially available fan hubs use very basic PCB designs, which do not have any protection or circuitry to improve signal quality. Although this helps to reduce cost, it often presents major drawbacks in terms of operation and safety. PWM-based speed control may not work reliably if multiple fans are connected, and RPM speed signals may be transmitted poorly, especially at low fan speeds; which can cause read errors. On the other hand, the signal quality improvement circuitry of the NA-FH1 ensures reliable reading and speed control, even if the incoming signals are not of ideal quality.
In terms of security, the Unprotected fan hubs pose hazards in case of overcurrent or short circuit at output ports. Especially when powering devices via S-ATA, this can cause cables and connectors to melt and even sparks or flames. To rule out that something like this could happen, the NA-FH1 incorporates protection circuits with resettable polyfuses that disconnect in the event of overcurrent or short circuit, protecting the connected fans and surrounding components.
Noctua's NA-FH1 hub can be powered via its S-ATA input or 4-pin PWM input. Both ports can also be used simultaneously, as the hub is powered via S-ATA and exchanges RPM and PWM signals via the 4-pin interface. Its status LEDs allow easy monitoring. The magnetic fixing makes installing the NA-FH1 inside a PC case or any other steel surface very easy. It is CE, UKCA and UL certified, and Noctua's 6 year warranty.
