GE Industrial Solutions 12A Analog PicoDLynx - Manual (Page 16)

GE
Data Sheet
12A Analog PicoDLynx TM : Non-Isolated DC-DC Power Modules
3Vdc –14.4Vdc input; 0.6Vdc to 5.5Vdc output; 12A Output Current
August 13, 2013 ©2013 General Electric Corporation. All rights reserved. Page 16
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 46. The preferred airflow
direction for the module is in Figure 47.
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 46. Thermal Test Setup.
The thermal reference points, T
ref
used in the specifications are
also shown in Figure 45. For reliable operation the temperature
at Q1 should not exceed 120 o C and the temperature at L1
should not exceed 130 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 47. Preferred airflow direction and location of
hot-spot of the module (Tref).