Heat sinks must efficiently conduct heat away from the electronic components that generate this heat. The new Tactilus® heat-sink analysis system helps you quickly and precisely test and correct the surface contact and pressure distribution between the heat sink and its source. Even a slight warping of the heat exchange structure or reduction in surface contact area can have a profound effect on cooling efficacy. If the pressure distribution is not uniform, heat conduction will be low, and the electronics may overheat.
The Tactilus sensor lets you see actual contact forces and pressure distribution data on the circuit board components. As the mounting screws between the CPU and the heat sink are torqued, the sensor sends signals to map and measure the changing pressure distribution between the mating surfaces. These data are displayed through the software. The heat sink interface can be tested, manipulated, and repositioned in real-time. The sensor also provides the pressure data needed for FEA simulation predictions.
Unlike conventional transducers, this sensor is flexible and 0.015-in. thick (0.38 mm), allowing it to be placed between the CPU and heat sink without affecting the assembly. The sensor pad has 625 resistive sensing points arrayed on a 25 × 25 grid. The total sensing area is 2 in. × 2 in. The scan speed is up to 1,000 Hz, and the operating pressure range is 0 to 100 psi (0 to 7 kg/cm2).
It collects and processes data using Windows-based software that:
• Creates pressure versus time graphs and histograms
• Performs 2D, 3D and 360 degree image rendering and region of interest scaling
• Displays maximum, minimum and average pressures and does force integrations
• Prepares reports through export to Excel, ASCII, or Access formats.
The sensor system will endure hundreds of diagnostic uses on different heat sinks with consistent repeatability. It is resistant to electromagnetic noise, temperature, and humidity fluctuations. Accuracy is ± 10%; repeatability is ± 2%; hysteresis is ± 5%; and non-linearity is ± 1.5%.
Sensor Products Inc.
www.sensorprod.com/dynamic/heatsink
::Design World::
Filed Under: Semiconductor, Sensors (position + other), Test + measurement • test equipment
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