GE Industrial Solutions 12A Digital SlimLynx Open Frame - Manual (Page 34)

GE
Data Sheet
12A Digital SlimLynx TM Open Frame: Non-Isolated DC-DC Power Modules
3Vdc –14.4Vdc input; 0.45Vdc to 5.5Vdc output; 12A Output Current
February 19, 2014 ©2014 General Electric Corporation. All rights reserved. Page 34
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 the Q3 should not exceed 120 o C and the
temperature at L1 core should not exceed 125°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 location of hot-
spot of the module (Tref).