Thermal Management
Thermal-management components control the heat produced by electronic parts, improving reliability and lifespan. Heat is electronics' number-one enemy.
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Heatsinks, fans, thermal pads/pastes, Peltier modules and temperature sensors are the main types. Thermal resistance, power dissipation, airflow and mounting type matter when choosing one. Power electronics, processor cooling and LED lighting are the most common applications.
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Frequently asked questions
What does thermal paste do?+
Thermal paste fills the microscopic gaps between a chip and heatsink to improve heat transfer. It replaces the air between the two surfaces (a poor heat conductor), improving cooling.
What should I watch when choosing a heatsink?+
The component's power dissipation (watts) and maximum allowed temperature are decisive. The lower the heatsink's thermal resistance (°C/W), the better it cools; airflow (a fan) improves it further.
What is a Peltier module?+
A Peltier (thermoelectric) module cools one side and heats the other when voltage is applied. It is used in small-scale cooling, temperature control and portable coolers.