
10
Tyco Electronics Corp.
Data Sheet
July 1998
18 Vdc to 36 Vdc Input, 5 Vdc Output; 50 W
FC250A1 Power Module: dc-dc Converter;
Thermal Considerations
Introduction
The power modules operate in a variety of thermal
environments; however, sufficient cooling should be
provided to help ensure reliable operation of the unit.
Heat-dissipating components inside the unit are ther-
mally coupled to the case. Heat is removed by conduc-
tion, convection, and radiation to the surrounding
environment. Proper cooling can be verified by mea-
suring the case temperature. Peak temperature (TC)
occurs at the position indicated in Figure
14.8-716 (F).k
Note: Top view, pin locations are for reference only. Measurements
shown in millimeters and (inches).
Figure 14. Case Temperature Measurement
Location
The temperature at this location should not exceed
100 °C. The output power of the module should not
exceed the rated power for the module as listed in the
Ordering Information table.
Although the maximum case temperature of the power
modules is 100 °C, you can limit this temperature to a
lower value for extremely high reliability.
Heat Transfer Without Heat Sinks
Increasing airflow over the module enhances the heat
transfer via convection. Figure
15 shows the maximum
power that can be dissipated by the module without
exceeding the maximum case temperature versus local
ambient temperature (TA) for natural convection
through 4 m/s (800 ft./min.).
Note that the natural convection condition was mea-
sured at 0.05 m/s to 0.1 m/s (10 ft./min. to 20 ft./min.);
however, systems in which these power modules may
be used typically generate natural convection airflow
rates of 0.3 m/s (60 ft./min.) due to other heat-dissipat-
ing components in the system. The use of Figure
15 is
shown in the following example.
Example
What is the minimum airflow necessary for a FC250A1
operating at VI = 54 V, an output current of 26 A, and a
maximum ambient temperature of 60 °C?
Solution
Given: VI = 54 V
IO = 26 A
TA = 60 °C
Determine PD (Use Figure 16.): PD = 10 W
Determine airflow (v) (Use Figure
15.):
v = 1 m/s (200 ft./min.)
8-3364 (F)
Figure 15. FC250A1 Forced Convection Power
Derating with No Heat Sink; Either
Orientation
MEASURE CASE
ON/OFF
CASE
+ SEN
TRIM
– SEN
15.0
(0.6)
TEMPERATURE HERE
VO(+)
VO(–)
VI(+)
VI(–)
15.0
(0.6)
30
0
LOCAL AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, TA (
°C)
PO
W
E
R
D
ISSIP
A
TIO
N
,P
D
(W)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 100
20
10
0
3.0 m/s (600 ft./min.)
2.0 m/s (400 ft./min.)
1.0 m/s (200 ft./min.)
NATURAL
CONVECTION