GE Industrial Solutions 40A Digital MegaDLynx - Manual (Page 30)

GE
Data Sheet
40A Digital MegaDLynx TM : Non-Isolated DC-DC Power Modules
4.5Vdc –14.4Vdc input; 0.45Vdc to 2.0Vdc output; 40A Output Current
April 24, 2013 ©2012 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. Page 30
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 30.
The preferred airflow direction for the module is in Figure 31.
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 30. Thermal Test Setup.
The thermal reference points, T
ref
used in the specifications
are also shown in Figure 30. For reliable operation the
temperatures at these points should not exceed 130ºC. 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 31. Preferred airflow direction and location of hot-
spot of the module (Tref).