GE Industrial Solutions 12V PicoTLynx 3A - Manual (Page 18)

GE
Data Sheet
12V PicoTLynx TM 3A: Non-Isolated DC-DC Power Modules
4.5Vdc –14Vdc input; 0.59Vdc to 5.5Vdc output; 3A Output Current
May 2, 2013 ©2013 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. Page 18
Thermal Considerations
Power modules operate in a variety of thermal environments;
however, sufficient cooling should always be provided to help
ensure reliable operation.
Considerations include ambient temperature, airflow, module
power dissipation, and the need for increased reliability. A
reduction in the operating temperature of the module will
result in an increase in reliability. The thermal data
presented here is based on physical measurements taken in
a wind tunnel. The test set-up is shown in Figure 49. The
preferred airflow direction for the module is in Figure 50.
Air
flow
x
Power Module
Wind Tunnel
PWBs
12.7_
(0.50)
76.2_
(3.0)
Probe Location
for measuring
airflow and
ambient
temperature
25.4_
(1.0)
Figure 49. Thermal Test Setup.
The thermal reference points, T
ref
used in the specifications
are also shown in Figure 50. For reliable operation the
temperatures at these points should not exceed 120
o C. The
output power of the module should not exceed the rated
power of the module (Vo,set x Io,max).
Please refer to the Application Note “Thermal
Characterization Process For Open-Frame Board-Mounted
Power Modules” for a detailed discussion of thermal aspects
including maximum device temperatures.
Figure 50. Preferred airflow direction and locations of hot-
spots of the module (Tref).