Thermal Management in Surface-Mounted Resistor Applications

Thermal Management in Surface-Mounted Resistor Applications

Thermal management is becoming more important as the density of electronic components in modern printed circuit boards (PCBs), as well as the applied power, continues to increase. Both factors lead to higher temperatures of individual components and of the entire assembly. However, every electrical component in an assembly has to be used within its prescribed operating temperature limits due to its material properties and reliability aspects. In this application note, experimental results are provided in order to prevent overheating of electronic devices such as surface-mount resistors.