Overheating can have a number of negative effects on printed circuit boards (PCBs), such as circuit line disruption, component oxidation, loss of structural integrity, and incompatible material expansion rates. These effects can lead to a reduction in the performance of the PCB. Therefore, one of the main factors you need to consider when investing in a PCB is how well it dissipates heat.

You can learn more about how to dissipate heat in your PCB by looking at the following key techniques.

PCB

1. Using a thermal through-hole array

For companies looking to remove heat sinks from their PCBs, the heat-through-hole array is popular. By increasing the mass and area of the copper, the device will reduce thermal resistance. Thermal through-hole arrays also provide greater heat dissipation for critical components as they allow for better conduction.

In some applications, hot-through-hole arrays can be used in combination with pads to conduct heat away from the device. This combination improves heat dissipation from the PCB and also eliminates the need for heat sinks.

2. Use of heat sinks and cooling fans

Heat sinks are thermally conductive metal parts with large surfaces that are attached to heat-generating components such as switchgear. Once installed, the heat sink will allow the component to transfer heat to other areas and dissipate it over the large surface of the heat sink.

Alternatively, you can add cooling fans. These fans add a stream of cool air to your device to quickly remove heat and stop it from building up. Typically, cooling fans are used for high-current power supplies as they help to dissipate heat more efficiently and faster.

3. Adding copper coins

Copper coins are small pieces of copper embedded in the PCB. Copper coins are usually placed directly underneath components that generate a lot of heat. The excellent thermal conductivity of copper is used to pull heat directly from the component to the heat sink. Copper coins are a great way to dissipate heat and are often used when you have a small number of components that generate most of the heat.

4. Invest in heat pipes

Heat pipes help to absorb heat from fluids such as ammonia, water, acetone, or nitrogen in small quantities. After the fluid has absorbed the heat, the pipes release the vapor. This vapor flows down the pipe until it reaches the condenser, which then condenses the vapor into liquid form, thus allowing the pipe to circulate continuously. Heat pipes are suitable for installation in compact units where space is limited.

5. Circuit board materials

A suitable board material for heat dissipation is also helpful for PCB heat dissipation. Some PCB materials do not have the properties required to cope with extreme temperatures. If you know that your equipment will be exposed to high temperatures, it is vital that you choose materials with heat dissipation properties. Examples include using polyimide substrates, aluminum, copper, ceramics, etc. as PCB materials.

6. Optimise the PCB layout

An excellent PCB layout will ensure that heat sources are mounted furthest away from each other to avoid excessive heat build-up. Some practices to dissipate heat by optimizing the layout of the PCB include placing temperature-sensitive components in lower temperature areas of the device, such as its underside, and avoiding mounting them on top of heated devices. It is also possible to stagger multiple components placed on a horizontal plane to increase ventilation.

Are you interested in learning more about PCB heat dissipation techniques? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!