Keep electronics cool

Developers continue to work on ways to cool sensitive electronic hardware. The latest example is the custom, self-contained Intelligent Thermal Management System (iTMS).

This system is based on liquid cooling system technology developed by Thermacore for military applications, such as embedded military computing, radar and image processing applications, laser diodes and power converters. It extends the capabilities of the Ruggedized Liquid Cooling System (rLCS) technology, which is a closed-loop liquid cooling system that includes a liquid-to-air heat exchanger(s), cold plate(s), pump(s), coolant, fluid reservoir, fan(s) and hydraulic interconnects. The rLCS pumps coolant through cold plate(s) mounted to heat generating components. Heat is efficiently transferred into the fluid before flowing through the heat exchanger, where the thermal load is rejected.

The rLCS technology is the foundation for iTMS, which adds control features to the existing rLCS platform. These additional features include integrated controls and sensors, data logging and plug-and-play intelligent “life support” systems. The systems are custom engineered for each application to optimize size, weight, power consumption and cooling (SWaP-C). COTS or MIL-COTS components are used where practical to decrease cost and lead time.

By precisely controlling temperature, the iTMS can extend the life and improve the reliability of electronic hardware. The device’s energy consumption is reduced because the iTMS only adjusts pump speed, fan speed and other operating components, when signaled by integrated programmable logic control technology. Live switching between redundant pumps provides rapid, automatic recovery if a single pump malfunction occurs, further increasing reliability.

Integration onto electronics platforms is made easier because the control system lets you eliminate or reduce electronics in the next level of overall assembly.

Thermacore
www.thermacore.com