MAXIM MAX31740

MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
General Description
Features
The MAX31740 is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use fanspeed controller. It monitors the temperature of an external NTC thermistor and generates a PWM signal that can
be used to control the speed of a 2-, 3-, or 4-wire fan. The
fan control characteristics are set using external resistors,
thereby eliminating the need for an external microcontroller. Controllable characteristics include the starting
temperature for fan control, PWM frequency, fan speed
at low temperatures, and slope of the temperature-dutycycle transfer function.
● Self-Contained PWM Fan Control—No Micro Needed
● Controls Speed of 2-, 3-, or 4-Wire Fans
● Resistors Set Fan Control Characteristics
● Smooth, Linearly Varying PWM Duty Cycle Minimizes
Audibility of Fan Noise
● Accurately Monitors External Thermistor Temperature
● 3.0V to 5.5V Operating Voltage Range
● -40°C to +125°C Operating Temperature Range
Because the operating characteristics are selected by
hardwired passive components, a simple, low-cost fanspeed controller can be implemented without the need
for firmware development. This can dramatically reduce
development time for the fan control function.
Applications
●
●
●
●
The MAX31740 is available in a 2mm x 3mm, 8-pin TDFN
package.
Consumer Equipment
Communications Equipment
Computing Equipment
Industrial Equipment
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
Typical Application Circuits
2-WIRE FAN-SPEED CONTROLLER
4-WIRE FAN-SPEED CONTROLLER
VDD
RST
CB
RB
RD1
VDD
RST
VDD
SENSE
D0
FREQ
MAX31740
DMIN
RD2
GND
VFAN
PWM_OUT
SLOPE
RSLOPE
RD1
VDD
SENSE
D0
FREQ
CF
33Hz
CB
RB
CF
MAX31740
N
DMIN
RD2
GND
PWM_OUT
SLOPE
25kHz
RSLOPE
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part, refer to www.maximintegrated.com/MAX31740.related.
19-6697; Rev 0; 5/13
VFAN
TACH OR
LOCKED
ROTOR
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Absolute Maximum Ratings
(All voltages relative to ground.)
Voltage Range on VDD............................................... -0.3V to +6.0V
Voltage Range on Any Non-Power Pin..... -0.3V to (VDD + 0.3V)
Operating Temperature Range.......................... -40°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature Range............................. -55°C to +125°C
Junction Temperature Maximum......................................+150°C
Soldering Temperature (reflow)........................................+260°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these
or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.
Package Thermal Characteristics (Note 1)
TDFN
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (θJA)...........60°C/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (θJC)................11°C/W
Note 1: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-layer
board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maximintegrated.com/thermal-tutorial.
Recommended Operating Conditions
(TA = -40°C to +125°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
3.3
MAX
UNITS
Supply Voltage
VDD
3.0
5.5
V
Logic 1 (D0)
VIH
VDD x 0.7
VDD + 0.3
V
Logic 0 (D0)
VIL
-0.3
VDD x 0.3
V
Electrical Characteristics
(VDD = VDDMIN to VDDMAX, TA = -40°C to +125°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Notes 2, 3)
PARAMETER
Supply Current (Note 4)
SYMBOL
IDD
PWM Start Voltage (Note 5)
VSTART
Input Bias Current (SENSE)
IBIAS
Internal DO Pulldown Resistor
Internal SLOPE Feedback
Resistance (Note 6)
Sawtooth Peak Voltage Offset
(Note 7)
Sawtooth Peak Voltage
RSLOPE Capacitive Load
(Note 8)
CONDITIONS
TYP
MAX
VDD = 3.3V
500
800
VDD = 5.5V
750
1100
-40
+10
VDD = 3.3V
-80
TA = +25°C to +125°C
DORLOAD
RFBK
MIN
19
20
VDD = 3.3V, TA = +25°C
VFSOFFSET
VFS
0.4925
VOL
ISINK = 6mA
PWM Output High
VoH
ISOURCE = -6mA
60
100
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kΩ
kΩ
±12
mV
0.5
0.5075
x VDD
10
pF
0.4
V
VDD - 0.4
V
10.5455 /CF
PWMFREQ
mV
22 ± 2.4
Hz
-6
PWM Frequency
µA
nA
CSLOPE
PWM Output Low
UNITS
TA = +25°C to +125°C
-10
+10
TA = -40°C to +125°C
-20
+20
%
Maxim Integrated │ 2
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Capacitance
(TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
Input Capacitance
CI
(Note 9)
10
pF
Output Capacitance
CO
(Note 9)
15
pF
Note 2: All voltages referenced to ground.
Note 3: Limits are production tested at TA = +25°C. Limits over the operating temperature range and relevant supply voltage range
are guaranteed by design and characterization. Typical values are not guaranteed.
Note 4: SENSE = VDD/2.
Note 5: VSTART specifies the voltage change relative to VDD/2 that is required to start PWM. Negative value indicates lower than
VDD/2.
Note 6: The typical (TYP) column indicates ±3 sigma distribution of a trimmed resistance.
Note 7: VFSOFFSET is specified relative to VDD/2. The total error equals VFS + VFSOFFSET.
Note 8: For stable PWM operation, the maximum external capacitance connected to RSLOPE from all sources must be less than
10pF.
Note 9: Guaranteed by design; not 100% production tested.
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Maxim Integrated │ 3
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Typical Operating Characteristics
(TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
+125°C
550
-40°C
500
450
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
40
35
30
25
20
6.0
VDD = 3.3V,
CF = 330nF,
CL = 10pF
45
-40
1.E+03
1.E+02
1.E-07
1.E-06
TA = +25°C
1.E+04
1.E+03
1.E+02
1.E+01
1.E-10
40
20
15%
30%
DMIN BIAS (%VDD)
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45%
PWM_OUT OUTPUT VOLTAGE HIGH
vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
3.30
MAX31740 toc06
MAX31740 toc05
VDD = 3.3V,
TA = +25°C
1.E-09
1.E-08
1.E-07
1.E-06
FREQ INPUT CAPACITANCE (F)
VDD = 3.3V,
TA = +25°C
3.35
3.20
3.15
3.10
3.05
3.00
-10
-8
-6
-4
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
-2
0
PWM_OUT OUTPUT VOLTAGE LOW
vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
0.4
MAX31740 toc07
1.E-08
1.E+05
PWM_OUT OUTPUT VOLTAGE LOW (V)
1.E-09
PWM_OUT OUTPUT VOLTAGE HIGH (V)
PWM DUTY CYCLE (%)
110
MAX31740 toc04
1.E+04
MEASURED PWM OUTPUT FREQUENCY (Hz)
TA = +25°C
PWM DUTY CYCLE
vs. DMIN INPUT BIAS
0%
80
MEASURED PWM OUTPUT FREQUENCY
vs. FREQ INPUT CAPACITANCE
60
0
50
THEROETICAL PWM OUTPUT FREQUENCY
vs. FREQ INPUT CAPACITANCE
FREQ INPUT CAPACITANCE (F)
80
20
TEMPERATURE (°C)
1.E+01
1.E-10
100
10
POWER-SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
1.E+05
PWM OUTPUT FREQUENCY (Hz)
PWM_OUT OUTPUT FREQUENCY (Hz)
600
50
MAX31740 toc01
CF = 330nF,
DUTY CYCLE = 50%
MAX31740 toc03
POWER-SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
650
PWM_OUT OUTPUT FREQUENCY
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX31740 toc02
POWER-SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. POWER-SUPPLY VOLTAGE
VDD = 3.3V,
TA = +25°C
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0
5
10
15
20
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
Maxim Integrated │ 4
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Pin Configuration
TOP VIEW
1
SLOPE
2
SENSE
3
GND
4
+
DMIN
MAX31740
EP
8
VDD
7
PWM_OUT
6
D0
5
FREQ
TDFN
Pin Description
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
1
DMIN
2
SLOPE
Connect to an external resistor to set the slope of the temperature-PWM curve.
3
SENSE
Thermistor Voltage Input. External NTC thermistor senses temperature. Thermistor and external resistor
form a voltage divider with a negative temperature coefficient.
4
GND
Ground
5
FREQ
Connect to external capacitor CF to set PWM frequency.
6
D0
7
PWM_OUT
8
VDD
—
EP
Connect to an external resistor divider to set the minimum active PWM duty cycle. (Typically between
0.05VDD to 0.2VDD depending on desired minimum duty cycle.)
Duty Cycle Input. Sets the duty cycle below tMIN to either DMIN or 0%. Connect to GND for 0% or to VDD
for DMIN. D0 has an internal 60kΩ (typ) pulldown resistor.
PWM CMOS output signal.
3.0V to 5.5V Supply Voltage Input. Bypass with at least a 0.01µF capacitor.
Exposed Pad. Connect to ground, but do not use as the sole ground connection point or leave
unconnected.
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Maxim Integrated │ 5
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Block Diagram
VDD
VFS
VDD
VL
FREQ
P
OSCILLATOR
CF
RFBK
PWM_OUT
N
SLOPE
RSLOPE
VFS
VDD
RST
∑
RB
SENSE
MAX31740
CB
60kΩ (TYP)
THERMISTOR
VDD
RD1
DMIN
D0
VDD
RD2
Detailed Description
The MAX31740 monitors the temperature of an external
NTC thermistor and generates a PWM signal that can be
used to control the speed of a 2-, 3-, or 4-wire fan. The fan
control characteristics are set using external resistors and
capacitors, thereby eliminating the need for an external
microcontroller. Controllable characteristics include the
starting temperature for fan control, PWM frequency, fan
speed at low temperatures, and slope of the temperatureduty-cycle transfer function.
Controlling Fan Speed
The device generates a PWM signal and varies the duty
cycle of that signal to control the speed of one or more
fans. If the fan has a PWM speed control input (typically
this is a “4-wire” fan), the recommended PWM frequency
is usually in the 20kHz to 30kHz range.
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PWM_OUT is a CMOS output that can be connected
directly to most fans’ speed control input as shown in the
4-Wire Fan-Speed Controller Typical Application Circuits.
If the fan has no speed control input (this is the case for all
2-wire fans and most 3-wire fans), there are two options
for controlling the fan’s speed. The first option is to use a
low-frequency (typically 33Hz) PWM signal to modulate
the fan’s power supply as shown in the 2-Wire Fan-Speed
Controller Typical Application Circuits.
The advantage of using PWM to modulate the fan’s power
supply is that it is inexpensive. Note, however, that some
fan manufacturers recommend against this approach for
their fans. Before using this approach, be sure to verify
that the fan is compatible with pulse-width modulation
of the power supply. Also, modulating the power-supply
voltage in this manner can cause an increase in the
perceived noise level when the duty cycle is not equal to
100% or 0%.
Maxim Integrated │ 6
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Another option for fans with no speed control input is to
convert the PWM signal to a DC voltage. This can be
done using a simple two-transistor buffer circuit, a linear
low-dropout voltage regulator, or a switch-mode voltage
regulator. Always use a high PWM frequency (20kHz
or higher recommended) in this case to ease filtering.
Figure 1 shows an example of a two-transistor buffer
circuit.
Fan Control Profile
Figure 2 shows three general curves of PWM duty cycle
vs. temperature for the device. The important parameters
are listed as follows:
• TSTART is the temperature that corresponds to the intersection of the diagonal portion of the curve, including
the dashed portion in (b) and (c), with 0% duty cycle. It
is selected by setting resistor RST equal to the resistance of the thermistor at temperature TSTART.
• DMIN is the PWM duty cycle at the lower left end of the
solid diagonal portion of the curve. It is selected using
a resistor-divider to set the voltage at the DMIN input.
• TMIN is the temperature at which the duty cycle begins
to increase from DMIN.
• D0 is the value of the PWM duty cycle for temperatures below TMIN. This value is equal to either DMIN
or 0% in curves (b) and (c), depending upon whether
D0 is connected to VDD or GND.
• The slope of the diagonal portion of the curve is selected by the value of the resistor at the SLOPE input.
VFAN
(5V OR 12V)
3.3V
100kΩ
P
2N3904
MAX31740
PWM_OUT
33kΩ
100kΩ
2.2µF
9.1kΩ
10µF
Figure 1. Two-Transistor Buffer
DMIN
TSTART
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
c) DMIN > 0%, D0 = VDD
DUTY CYCLE (%)
100
b) DMIN > 0%, D0 = GND
DUTY CYCLE (%)
DUTY CYCLE (%)
a) DMIN = 0%, D0 = GND
DMIN
TSTART TMIN
TEMPERATURE (°C)
100
DMIN
TSTART TMIN
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Figure 2. PWM Duty Cycle vs. Temperature
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Maxim Integrated │ 7
MAX31740
Operation
Referring to the Block Diagram, CF sets the frequency of
the internal saw-tooth oscillator that is used to generate
the PWM speed control signal. The oscillator’s output
voltage swings from near-zero to VFS (VDD/2).
The external NTC thermistor and resistor (RST) form a
voltage-divider whose output voltage is approximately
linear and has a negative temperature coefficient. This
voltage is subtracted from VFS to create a voltage with
a positive temperature coefficient at the input to the
amplifier. The amplifier’s closed-loop gain is set by an
external resistor (RSLOPE) and an internal 25kΩ resistor
(RFBK). The value of RSLOPE therefore determines the
slope of the duty cycle as a function of temperature. The
temperature at which the thermistor’s resistance is equal
to RST is the nominal value of TSTART.
The voltage at DMIN, derived by the voltage-divider
between VDD and GND, determines the minimum duty
cycle. The logic level at D0 determines whether the lowtemperature duty cycle will be 0% or equal to DMIN.
Component Selection
Before picking component values, be sure that you have
determined target values for the important parameters
such as PWM frequency, TSTART, DMIN, D0, and the
Slope of the duty cycle vs. temperature curve. Most of
these parameters are defined in the Fan Control Profile
section.
PWM Frequency
If the fan has a speed control input, the most common
recommended PWM frequency is 25kHz, although some
fans require different frequencies. If the fan has no PWM
input and will be controlled by applying the PWM signal
directly to a power-supply modulation transistor (as in
the typical 2-wire fan-speed controller circuit), the PWM
frequency should normally be in the 25Hz to 35Hz range.
A good starting point is 33Hz.
CF sets the PWM frequency according to the equation:
CF = 10.5455E-6/FREQ (Hz)
The most common values of CF are 330nF for fPWM =
33Hz and 430pF for fPWM = 25kHz.
TSTART
Select RST equal to the resistance of the thermistor at the
desired value of TSTART.
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Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
DMIN and D0
Select DMIN and D0 based on the system requirements
and the type of fan to be used. For example, in some
systems, the optimum cooling strategy requires that
the fan stop spinning when the temperature is below a
specific value (TMIN). Such a scheme can be achieved
with the fan profile shown in Figure 2(c). The voltage VMIN
at the DMIN input selects the minimum duty cycle using
the following equation:
VMIN/VDD = R2/(R1+R2) = DMIN (%)/200
where DMIN is the minimum duty cycle (in percent).
For example, if a minimum duty cycle of 30% is desired,
the voltage at the DMIN input should be 15% of VDD.
When the temperature drops below TMIN in the profile
shown in Figure 2(b), the duty cycle should drop to zero.
This is accomplished by connecting the D0 input to GND.
If the system requires a profile like the one in
Figure 2(c), where the duty cycle remains at D MIN
when the temperature drops below T MIN , simply
connect D0 to V DD .
Some fans with speed control inputs (these are typically
4-wire fans) are designed to keep spinning at a reduced
speed even when the duty cycle is equal to zero. For
such fans, a profile like that of Figure 2(a) is usually
appropriate. With this profile, the duty cycle decreases
linearly to zero as temperature decreases. To achieve this
profile, connect D0 to GND.
Thermistor
Use a standard NTC thermistor. A +25°C resistance in
the 10kΩ to 50kΩ range works well. An NTC’s resistancetemperature curve is generally very nonlinear, but when
combined with RST in a voltage-divider, the resulting
curve is reasonably linear over the temperature range of
interest.
RST
First determine TSTART. In Figure 2(a), TSTART is the
temperature at which the duty-cycle curve intersects the
horizontal axis. In Figure 2(b) and Figure 2(c), TSTART
can be determined by continuing the diagonal line until
it crosses the horizontal axis, and the point at which it
intersects the horizontal axis is TSTART. Now choose RST
equal to the resistance of the thermistor at TSTART.
Maxim Integrated │ 8
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Slope
RSLOPE sets the slope of the duty cycle vs. temperature
curve. Pick the value based on the thermistor characteristics
and the desired range of temperatures between TMIN and
the point where the duty cycle reaches 100%.
As an example, assume that a typical NTC thermistor +
RST combination will provide a slope of about 1% of VDD
per °C. Since VFS = VDD/2, this is equivalent to 2% of VFS
per °C at the input to the internal amplifier. Therefore, the
range of duty cycles from 0% to 100% would correspond
to about a 50°C range of temperatures when the amplifier
gain is equal to one. In most implementations, you would
want a smaller temperature range (for example, 15°C) to
cause the duty cycle to cover the full 0% to 100% range.
Doing so requires an amplifier gain of:
AV = 50°C/15°C = 3.33
The closed-loop gain of the internal amplifier is:
AV = (1 + RFBK/RSLOPE).
Therefore:
RSLOPE = RFBK/(AV – 1) = 25kΩ/(3.33 – 1) = 10.7kΩ
RST and RSLOPE Example Values
Table 1 gives example values of RST and RSLOPE for
three values of TSTART and three fan control temperature
spans. Values are given for two standard thermistor
products, one rated at 10kΩ and the other rated at 15kΩ
at +25°C.
CB and RB
One of the most common reasons for controlling fan
speed is to reduce the audible noise perceived by users
in the vicinity of the equipment. The audibility of fan noise
increases significantly when the fan speed undergoes
rapid changes. When the thermistor is in contact with a
significant mass, such as a heat sink or a printed circuit
board, the thermal mass of the object being measured will
often limit the rate of change of the voltage at the SENSE
input so that any fan speed changes are slow and no
additional filtering is needed. In such cases, RB and CB
are not necessary.
In some cases, the thermistor could be in contact with
an object whose temperature changes relatively rapidly,
or a low-mass thermistor can be suspended in an area
where air flow could cause its temperature to undergo
Table 1. RST and RSLOPE Resistor Options
THERMISTOR
BetaTHERM 10K3A1
TSTART
RST
(kΩ)
CONTROL RANGE
(TSTART to T100%)
RSLOPE
(kΩ)
+10°C
6.65
25
10
+15°C
11
+20°C
16.2
+10°C
6.49
+15°C
10.5
30
35
25
Murata NCP15XW153J03RC
30
35
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8.06
6.49
15
12.4
10.5
+20°C
15.4
+10°C
6.04
+15°C
10
+20°C
14.7
+10°C
5.49
+15°C
8.87
+20°C
13
+10°C
5.23
+15°C
8.45
+20°C
12.4
+10°C
5.36
+15°C
8.45
+20°C
12.4
Maxim Integrated │ 9
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
fast changes. In these cases, the temperature changes
can be fast enough to cause audible fan speed variations.
To minimize this effect, the rate at which the duty cycle
can change can be slowed down using an external RC
network consisting of RB and CB and connected to the
SENSE input. Typical values for these components are
5MΩ and 1µF, although they can be easily adjusted to
conform to the requirements of the system.
CB can be connected to GND, VDD, or an intermediate
voltage depending on the desired startup characteristics.
When connected to VDD, CB initially holds the SENSE
input high upon application of VDD, which delays the
onset of the PWM signal when D0 is grounded and
the temperature on application of VDD is greater than
TSTART. The delay time is related to the time constant
CBRB. When connected to GND, CB briefly keeps the
SENSE input low upon application of VDD, providing a
“spin-up” function on power-up that can be useful in some
cases (but is generally not necessary). Connecting CB to
a voltage-divider that produces an output of VDD/2 can be
used to minimize any spin-up or delay time.
Ordering Information
Power-Supply Decoupling
To achieve the best results when using the device,
decouple the VDD power supply with a (minimum) 0.01µF
capacitor. Use a high-quality, ceramic, surface-mount
capacitor if possible. Surface-mount components minimize lead inductance, which improves performance, and
ceramic capacitors tend to have adequate high-frequency
response for decoupling applications.
Handling, PCB Layout, and Assembly
The lead-free/RoHS package can be soldered using a
reflow profile that complies with JEDEC J-STD-020.
Moisture-sensitive packages are shipped from the factory
dry-packed. Handling instructions listed on the package
label must be followed to prevent damage during reflow.
Refer to the IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 standard for moisture-sensitive device (MSD) classifications.
Package Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX31740ATA+
-40°C to +125°C
8 TDFN-EP*
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*EP = Exposed pad.
Chip Information
Applications Information
SUBSTRATE CONNECTED TO GROUND
For the latest package outline information and land patterns
(footprints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note
that a “+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status
only. Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but
the drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
8 TDFN-EP
T823+1
21-0174
90-0091
PROCESS: CMOS
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Maxim Integrated │ 10
MAX31740
Ultra-Simple Fan-Speed Controller
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE
0
5/13
DESCRIPTION
Initial release
PAGES
CHANGED
—
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent licenses
are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits)
shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
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