Thermal interface materials or TIMs are any material that is applied between the interfaces of two components to enhance the thermal coupling between these devices. Usually, TIMs’ places are between a heat-generating device (e.g. microprocessor, photonic integrated circuits, etc.) and a heat-dissipating device (e.g. heat sink) to remove the heat from the component.
The importance of Thermal Interface Materials
While the surfaces to be places in contact may appear flat, closer inspection will show imperfections such as marks, warped or imperfectly flat surfaces, surface porosity, etc. These multiple voids prevent actual physical contact between the two surfaces, making the thermal resistance of the mechanical interface a lot higher than might be expected based on the apparent area of contact.
In this case, thermal interface materials’ useage is to fill this gaps or voids with a substance that’s got a better thermal conductivity than the air so as to improve heat transfer between the two surface.
The difference can be significant, as typical TIMs conduct heat tens to hundreds of times better than the air they displace.
Popular types of Thermal Interface Materials
Thermal greases are materials that act to reduce thermal resistance between mating surfaces by minimizing the joint bond line thickness
They have a relatively high viscosity so that they remain in the gap ever under conditions of vibration
Thermal Pads or Tapes are beneficial when the key design criteria are both thermal management and mechanical attachment
These products are often used to replace fasteners and reduce the overall cost of ownership of a device
Graphite products are optimal choices when the key design criteria is both excellent thermal management and electrical conductivity
How to choose suitable Thermal Interface Materials?
Choosing a Thermal Interface Materials depends on a variety of factors, some important ones are as follow:
- Heat Dissipation
- Clamping Design
- Device Footprint
- Working Temperature
- Clamping Pressure
- Pressure limits
- Surface Finish
- Electrical Isolation
- Reworkability
- Packaging Requirements
In general, TIMs are available in a wide range of formats and the right TIMs for your application could significantly contribute to manufacturing cost as well as end-product quality. It is essential to consider all aspects of the design and the packaging of mateials. Please contact us for more consult for products and solutions regarding to Thermal Management.
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