Pulse width modulation has been around for nearly two decades in the realm of fuel pump control at the OEM level. This method of controlling an electrical component allows for less stress on electric motors, as well as reducing amperage spikes which leads to less load on the vehicle’s electrical system.

This year at the 2013 SEMA show, Derale introduced their PWM Fan Controller, which takes the often high current loads associated with electric fans and reduces it’s initial spike considerably. This system also reduces the number of components in an electric fan control system.

Pulse width modulation works by rapidly cycling an electrical component hundreds or even thousands of times per second. To some this might sound like higher stress on a component, but it is actually a way to reduce stress on the electrical components, and increase their life since the component is not run at it’s maximum operating level for long periods of time.

The PWM-FC works from a user defined preset temperature and works to maintain that temperature within 3 1/2 degrees of the setting. “It’s signal driven by the temperature and keeps the speed varied,” says Derale’s Troy Wood. The controller varies the fan’s speed and the electric fan motor duty cycle.

Temperature setting is controlled by an adjustment screw. The PWM-FC includes a heat sync case, and is 100-percent made in the USA. The PWM-FC eliminates the need for an additional fan thermostat, fan control relays, or switches by combining all of those functions into a single piece.

The PWM-FC should retail in the $200 neighborhood according to Wood, although the final pricing wasn’t available yet since the part won’t hit retailers until December or possibly January.

Pulse width modulation is changing how electrical components work in the aftermarket, and this new high-tech product from Derale offers great innovation and operation, while simplifying the electrical system under the hood of any vehicle it is installed on.