Thermal Management


maintenance requirements and eliminate potential points of mechanical failure. Heatsinks can also be highly adaptable. Different profiles can be selected according to the required power dissipation, available space and airflow conditions, while custom machining and cutting can enable manufacturers to create solutions for specific applications. For many power electronic systems, this makes the heatsink an ideal starting point for thermal design.


Innovation through heatsink design


Modern heatsink profiles are designed to maximise thermal performance while minimising material usage, weight and physical footprint. Advances in extrusion technology and profile design have enabled engineers to create increasingly efficient solutions for high-power applications. Electric vehicles, renewable energy converters, industrial power supplies, traction systems and data centre infrastructure all place greater demands on power electronics. Engineers need components capable of handling substantial


currents and power levels without allowing operating temperatures to become excessive. The right heatsink can provide an effi cient thermal pathway while supporting the development of smaller, more powerful and more reliable equipment.


Choosing the right heatsink There is no universal heatsink that is suitable for every application. Thermal performance depends on several factors, including: Component power dissipation Required thermal resistance Ambient operating temperature Available airflow  Component size and mounting arrangement


Space and weight restrictions Material and profile design Natural or forced convection Operating environment


Engineers should consider the complete thermal path, from the semiconductor junction through the case and thermal interface to the heatsink and surrounding environment.


Thermal interface materials also play an


important role: using appropriate thermal compound or interface materials can help minimise thermal resistance and improve the overall effectiveness of the cooling system.


GD Rectifiers: heatsinks for demanding applications For more than 60 years, GD Rectifiers has supported customers across the power electronics industry with components, thermal management products and technical expertise. GD Rectifiers offers a comprehensive range of heatsinks designed to support applications from lower-power electronics through to demanding industrial and high-power systems.


With more than 160 heatsink profiles available and over 50 profiles held in stock, GD Rectifiers can provide solutions for a wide variety of thermal management requirements. The range covers applications from approximately 10W through to 100kW+, helping engineers address thermal challenges across numerous power electronic systems.


As a specialist power electronics supplier, GD Rectifiers can also help customers select an appropriate heatsink according to their


application requirements rather than simply supplying a standard product. This technical approach is particularly valuable where space is limited, thermal performance is critical, or a standard profile isn’t suitable.


Supporting the next generation of power electronics


For engineers developing the next generation of power electronic equipment, choosing the right heatsink can be just as important as selecting the semiconductor itself. More compact designs, higher switching frequencies and increased power requirements are all placing greater demands on the ability of systems to remove heat efficiently.


Heatsinks remain a fundamental technology for managing temperature and protecting critical power electronic components. GD Rectifiers’ extensive heatsink range, technical knowledge and specialist power electronics experience provide engineers with the thermal management solutions they need to design with confidence.


www.gdrectifi ers.co.uk


LAUNCHING


SOMETHING NEW? Put it in front of the right people


Showcase your latest components, products and innovations to an engaged electronics industry audience.


ADVERTISE WITH CIE


TO DISCUSS THE WIDE ARRAY OF PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT Sophie Scott | sscott@cieonline.co.uk | 01622 699166


www.cieonline.co.uk Components in Electronics October 2026 39


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48