Long gone are the days of simply selling a part, pins in plastic if you will. Between environmental standards, qualification testing, UL ratings, and thermal models; customers have come to expect information about the products they purchase as well.
Thermal modeling is one of the many capabilities that Samtec has added, and is utilized during the design process for its products as well as assisting its customers in the design of their systems.
What Factors Affect Thermal Performance?
There are several factors that Samtec takes into consideration when thermal modeling a product or system. More specifically, when considering the thermal performance of a system, Samtec will factor in the following:
- Power Density
- Device Thermal Resistance
- Total Power entering the system
- System Air Flow
- System Impedance (pressure drop through the box)
This goes without saying, that size, weight, and cost are also important considerations for the designer at the package and device level as they all will affect the thermal performance of the system. For example, in heat sinks, Aluminum is a natural choice for ease of manufacturing, cost effectiveness, and its heat transfer properties.
How can Samtec help you?
With using this information, Samtec can provide a solution in your system, at the package and device level, in the form of a customized heat sink (FQSFP-DD), conductive greases / films, and customer heat spreaders.
At the system level, Samtec can assist with sizing of baffles / plenums, fans and/or fan placement, optimizing component location, and can recommend heat pipes and vapor chambers that will best suit your application.
Looking at the component level, Samtec can provide thermal models for its connectors under specific conditions as well. This is just another area where Samtec seeks to provide its customers with the data they need for a better overall design.
For more information about thermal modeling, contact your local FSE.
Leave a Reply