This is a subsidiary page to the Fan Selection & Application Guide, which elaborates on the different values for the Termination attribute used to characterize AC and DC fans at DigiKey.
At minimum, the electrical interface to a fan requires 2 conductors, one for current supply and another for return. Among regularly-stocked fans at DigiKey this is the most common single configuration (particularly among AC-input devices) though the total number of all devices having 3 or more conductors is greater. These additional conductors are associated with a fan’s feedback and control features and can be used in a variety of different ways, which are discussed at greater length in the electrical interfacing section. Various interconnect styles used in fans sold by DigiKey are described below.
The charts below show the relative prevalence of different termination styles among regularly-stocked products at DigiKey at the time of writing, with termination styles found on 5 or fewer regularly-stocked products omitted for clarity.
Cord and Plug
A cord and plug termination style refers to a fan whose input leads are terminated to a common barrel-style power receptacle, co-packaged with a wall-mount AC adapter having a mating plug. It is not a common termination style among standard products at DigiKey. P/N OD9225-SPOT pictured above is an example of such.
LP4 Assembly
An LP4 termination refers to an interconnect style commonly used in desktop computers. It is not a common termination style among standard products at DigiKey. Part number 3159/ME80251V3-000U-G99 shown above is an example.
Rectangular Connector
Fans with a “rectangular connector” termination style are equipped with a rectangular-style connector, usually qualified with the number of connector positions present. It does not imply any specific style or type of such connector. Part numbers TF037F-2000-F and BFB0312HA-A116 above are two examples.
This also is a relatively uncommon termination style among regularly-stocked products, because of the greater flexibility afforded by not applying a connector to unterminated fan leads until such time as the desired connector and pinout have been identified. Note that DigiKey offers limited custom assembly capabilities, and is capable of assembling a variety of connector types to fans having wire leads, to a customer’s specification. Setup fees, per-unit charges, and minimum orders do apply; for more information contact custom.orders@digikey.com.
Terminal Block
Terminal blocks are a type of connector which facilitates connection to discrete, free-hanging conductors or (in some instances) to a mating portion of a terminal block system which does so. While not particularly common, it is more frequently encountered in context of AC-input fans than among DC-powered devices. Part number W2E200-HH86-01 above is an example.
Terminals
In context of fans, a “terminal” style interface usually implies use of a standard size quick-disconnect system, often implemented in such a manner as to allow use of either discrete wires with suitable terminals applied, or a purpose-specific cord which integrates suitable connectors on an appropriate mounting pitch in an overmolded cable assembly. This is a relatively common termination style particularly among AC fans, with the 2-terminal style being most frequently encountered. Part number UF12A12-BTHR above is an example.
USB
Fans with a USB termination are equipped with a common USB Type-A connector, which allows sourcing power from typical USB host sources. It is not commonly encountered in DigiKey’s product portfolio, with the obsolete P/N 9120-20 being the sole example at the time of writing.
Wire Leads
The use of discrete, non-terminated lead wires is the most frequently-encountered termination style among regularly stocked fan products at DigiKey at the time of writing. Products may ship with a variety of wire preparations depending on the product, including being stripped, partially stripped, stripped and tinned (most common) or simply cut to length. Part number HA80251V4-000U-999 above is an example.