Flexible Solutions

Thermally Conductive Materials in LED Assemblies

Although LEDs are considerably more efficient than traditional lighting forms, they do still produce heat. This heat can have an adverse effect on the LED and therefore must be managed to ensure the true benefits of this technology are realized. If excessive junction temperatures are reached, particularly above the maximum operating temperature of the LED (~120-150˚C), a non-recoverable effect could occur, leading to complete failure. Operating temperature is directly related to the lifetime of the LED; the higher the temperature, the shorter the LED life.

Heat Spreaders

As summer comes to an end, we bring you our final post in our Hot Summer Blog Series exploring Thermal Interface Materials. In this post, we briefly look at heat spreaders.A heat spreader is a heat exchanger that moves heat between a heat source and a secondary heat exchanger whose surface area and geometry are more favorable than the source. Heat spreaders conduct heat in the x,y, and z axes which spreads the heat to a larger surface area for efficient and effective heat dissipation. This heat dissipation keeps devices running at a safe operating temperature. 

Phase Change Materials

This is the second post in our Hot Summer Blog Series about Thermal Management Materials. In this post, we will focus on phase change materials.  

This is the kick-off to our Hot Summer Blog Series all about Thermal Management Materials.  

Why focus on Thermal management Materials?  Incredible technological advancements have been made over the past 30 years in electronic devices.  Just look at the image below.  

As devices have become smaller, thinner, and more powerful, the need for the efficient removal of heat has become critical to the reliability and longevity of the device. Heat is a normal by-product of electronics operation. Thermal Management Materials exist to aid in the efficient conduction of heat within these devices to keep them running at a safe operating temperature.  There are many different types of Thermal Management Materials offering a range of conductivities, thicknesses, and softness.  In this series, we will explore the different types, starting off with Thermal Gap Pads.  

Within electronics assemblies, thermal gap pads and thermal grease are utilized to fill in gaps between a heat-generating component and a heat sink to create a clear pathway for heat to escape, keeping the device running at an optimal temperature. So which thermal interface solution is right for your application? To aid in your decision, we list a few pros and cons to both thermal gap pads vs. thermal grease.

Thermal pads

Thermal pads, also known as thermal gap fillers and thermal gap pads, are a pre-formed rectangle or square of solid material. Thermal gap pads are often made of silicone or acrylic that contains a conductive filler. The advantages of thermal gap pads are that they have excellent dimensional stability, which makes them easily die-cut to achieve a consistent shape with each pad. The electronics manufacturer knows exactly what they are going to put into each assembly. The solid thermal gap pads are easy to handle, mess-free, and simple to install, leaving less room for assembly error.

Want to learn more about thermal gap pads? Check out this blog post: The Best Thermal Gap Pad for your Design

When you first hear the term “thermal interface material” it sounds like the latest fabric invented by Patagonia for their new line of long-underwear. Little may you know, these materials are critical components found in the many electronics, lighting, and battery operated devices you use everyday.  

Why Are Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) Needed?