Category Archives: thermal engineering

An Instrument for Measuring Air Velocity, Pressure and Temperature in Electronics Enclosures

Posted on May 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

For engineer-level thermal management studies, the iQ-200 instrument from Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc, ATS, can simultaneously measure air velocity, air pressure and the temperature of components and surrounding air at multiple locations inside electronic systems. This enables users to obtain full and accurate profiles of components, heat sinks, PCBs and other electronics hardware to enable more effective thermal management.

Developed by Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc., ATS, the iQ-200 system simultaneously captures data from up to 12 J-type thermocouples, 16 air/velocity sensors, and four pressure sensors.

The thermocouples provide surface area temperature measurements on heat spreaders, component packages, housing hardware, and elsewhere to track heat flow or detect hot spots. Temperature data is tracked from -40 to 750°C. The sensors (available separately) measure both air temperature and velocity at multiple points allowing a detailed analysis of airflow.

Candlestick Sensor from ATS

Thin, low profile ATS candlestick sensors can be easily positioned throughout a system under test and measure airflow from -10 to +6°C. Air velocity is measured from natural convection up to 6 m/s (1200 ft/min). The iQ-200 can be factory modified to measure airflow to 50 m/s (10,000 ft/min) and air temperature up to 85°C. Four differential transducers capture pressure drop data along circuit cards, assemblies and orifice plates. Standard pressure measurement capabilities range from 0- 1,034 Pa (0 – 0.15 psi).

The ATS iQ-200 system comes preloaded with user-friendly iSTAGE application software which effectively manages incoming data from the various sensor devices, and allows rich graphic presentation on monitors and captured on videos or documents. The iQ-200 connects via USB to any conventional PC for convenient data management, storage and sharing.

More information on the iQ-200 system from ATS can be found on Qats.com (http://www.qats.com/products/Temperature-and-Velocity-Measurement/Instruments/iQ-200/2632.aspx), or by calling 781-769-2800.

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Posted in Instrument, Sensor, Thermal Analysis, thermal engineering, thermal management, Thermal Research, Thermal Science, Uncategorized

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The Principal Methods for Measuring Thermal Conductivity in Electronics Cooling Studies

Posted on May 24, 2012 by | Leave a comment

A paper by Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc., ATS, compiles the major methods used by engineers for measuring thermal conductivity. In all, the paper describes and compares 17 proven methods for measuring thermal conductivity in electronics.

In one section of the paper, these methods are grouped according to the time dependence of the heat applied to the sample. Each method is classified under steady-state, periodic or pulsed. Another section compares the performance of each thermal conductivity measurement method, and provides an idea of sample size and preparation, and the operator skill required. There is also a list of the equipment typically needed to conduct each of these thermal tests.

According to the ATS article, the wide choice of methods may first appear to be a disadvantage. However, once understood for their application-specific benefits the advantages become evident. Materials to be tested, part geometry and part test temperatures will usually be the primary criteria.

As always, the relative cost and expected level of accuracy will also be important factors. Avoiding complicated boundary conditions, irregular part geometry, difficult heater placement/construction and encouraging the difficult task of one-dimensional heat flow will greatly simplify the measurement process. Multiple benefits will result from reducing the cost and assembly difficulty of the experimental set-up while avoiding those errors often introduced when attempting to construct complicated analytical/mathematical models.

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Posted in Engineering, heat transfer, How To, Qpedia Thermal eMagazine, thermal engineering, Thermal Science, Uncategorized

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This Fixed Cost Plan for Cooling Hot PCBs Saves Money, Simplifies Ordering

Posted on March 27, 2012 by | Leave a comment

For one fixed cost, a QoolPCB plan includes the full set of ATS heat sinks,  attachment devices and all other parts required for the effective thermal management of a PCBs components. There are no additional costs for the thermal engineering, performance testing, procurement or shipping. The heat sinks and hardware are kitted and provided for the full volume of boards requiring cooling.

Pricing for a QoolPCB solutions is based on the number of heat sinks that a specific PCB requires for efficient thermal management. For example, if thermal analysis and testing show that a PCB needs 10 heat sinks to operate safely, the fixed price for the heat sinks and hardware for a production volume of that PCB would be just $50 per board. For larger boards, or those with many hot components, the unit cost per heat sink is reduced.

Whether the solutions are for off-the-shelf heat sinks, custom designed, or a combination of both, the QoolPCB program from ATS provides it at fixed cost. QoolPCB eliminates separate costs for design, tooling, samples, verification and supply chain management. The program offers multiple benefits for companies looking to reduce their product development costs, speed time-to-market and ensure thermal reliability.

To participate, PCB developers simply provide 3D CAD models of their board layout, along with the technical specifications, including power dissipation of all board components. ATS performs a full thermal analysis of the PCB and develops a comprehensive cooling solution for each component on the board. Where possible, ATS engineers will specify existing heat sinks from a portfolio of more than 3000 off-the-shelf and application-specific designs and with in-stock attachment systems.

If any custom heat sinks are required to bring certain components within their manufacturer-designated running temperatures, ATS assumes all tooling charges and sample production costs, including any customized heat sink attachment hardware. In addition, ATS will perform all physical testing at its Thermal Characterization Laboratory, which features advanced open loop and closed loop wind tunnels, temperature and velocity measurement sensors and other analysis instrumentation, to verify the cooling design. All designs and performance reports are provided to customers, who can perform their own thermal analyses and verification studies using the ATS characterization lab and samples of the actual heat sink solutions at no extra cost.

More information about the QoolPCB thermal management program from ATS is available at: http://www.qats.com/Services/QoolPCB—PCB-Cooling-At-Fixed-Cost/57.aspx

 

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Posted in Cabinet, heat sink, Heat Sinks, PCB, Thermal, thermal engineering, thermal management

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Great Viewing: ADI’s New White Board Series on Thermocouples

Posted on October 20, 2011 by | Leave a comment

In our Twitter feed we saw that ADI has a new 8-video series on thermo- couples. It’s a great set of videos on this topic. Well presented and informative, we’d recommend our reader’s put them in their bookmarks to check out. Well worth your time.

You can reach the full series by visiting ADI’s site here:  ADI’s Thermocouple 101 Video Series

ATS has also covered thermocouples here on our blog. Click to this link to read our two part series, “Thermocouples for Thermal Analysis: What they are and How they Work“.

Here’s one of the first of ADI’s thermocouple series to check out!

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Posted in Thermal Analysis, thermal engineering

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ATS Launches Thermal Engineering Reference Kit for Materials

Posted on July 13, 2011 by | 6 comments

We just launched a new reference kit for thermal engineering that is focused on materials for heat sinks and other thermal management applications.We’ve put together this handy list to help you make the best use of your time in your projects. Whether it’s copper, aluminum, or an advanced material, our kit will give you unbiased information so you can make a fact based decision.

You can get your copy by clicking to: Heat Sink and Thermal Management Material Reference Kit

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Posted in thermal engineering

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