Thermal Management

Electronics produce heat. Despite enormous advances in electronic circuits and conductors, a great deal of power in each application is still normally converted into (unwanted) heat as a by-product.

And while circuits are becoming more compact and more powerful, the housings are becoming increasingly smaller, so that the need for effective heat extraction is also increasing. Heat sinks are the preferred way to foresee the object to be cooled with as big a surface as possible along which the heat can dissipate. Usually, this extracts into the air.

It sounds simple, but there is actually a lot involved in selecting the right heat sink. Construction shape, air speed, and the used materials play a major role in the effectiveness of this cooling method. The thermal resistance of the material, the design of the cooling fins, the finishing treatment, and even the colour of the heat sink are factors which determine the efficiency of the cooling. The mounting location of the heat sink is also a factor to be considered.

Thermal Components

• Fans, possibly with cable and connector
• Heat pipes & vapor chambers
• Push pins, plastic & metal
• Copper heat spreader
• Thermal interfaces
• Peltier elements
• Springs
• Miscellaneous parts