2a picotlynx, Non-isolated dc-dc power modules, Data sheet – GE Industrial Solutions 2A PicoTLynx User Manual
Page 17: Thermal considerations

GE
Data Sheet
2A PicoTLynx
TM
: Non-Isolated DC-DC Power Modules
3Vdc –14Vdc input; 0.6Vdc to 5.5Vdc output; 2A Output Current
February 26, 2013
©2013 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.
Page 17
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 59. The preferred airflow direction
for the module is in Figure 60.
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 59. Thermal Test Setup.
The thermal reference points, T
ref
used in the specifications are
also shown in Figure 13. For reliable operation the temperatures
at these points should not exceed 140
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 60. Preferred airflow direction and location of
hot-spot of the module (Tref).