Feature: Thermal protection
Thermal protection for today’s and tomorrow’s electronics
By Kent Larson, Principal Scientist, Dow E
lectronic devices inherently generate heat, but heat is the enemy of reliable electronics since higher temperatures reduce the life of printed
circuit boards (PCBs), solder joints and components. Faster data speeds in today’s electronic devices, and the growing number and density of electronic components, further increase the amount of heat, requiring even higher levels of thermal protection. For engineers designing 5G products for consumer, transportation, telecommunications and industrial applications, reliable thermal protection is a top priority to avoid device failure. In communications applications, 5G base-stations and optical interconnects that require greater data transfers at faster speeds are challenging experts in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Meanwhile, consumer electronics with high-density packaging and smart
For engineers designing 5G products for consumer,
transportation, telecommunications and industrial
applications, reliable thermal protection is a top priority to avoid device failure
architectures are susceptible to electronic pollution that can disrupt or disable circuits. Electrically-conductive adhesives provide reliable shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) whilst preserving their other properties. Tey are formulated specifically to provide electrical conductivity, but they also provide some thermal conductivity.
Thermally-conductive silicones Termally-conductive silicones are helping engineers improve reliability and extend service life. Tese thermal interface materials (TIMs) draw significant amounts of heat away from electronic components, are stable at high temperatures and retain their properties over time. In addition to adhesives, thermally-conductive silicones include gap fillers, thermal greases and encapsulants and gels. All of these products consist of
a silicone base and a filler. Aluminum oxide (AL2O3), an electrical insulator
26 December/January 2021
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
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