flopack consists of a collection of “smart part” modules installed on a central web server. users enter data describing the ic package through simple forms using a standard web browser. parameters such as the number of solder balls, die size, power, substrate metal layer stack-up and coverage are typically entered. these parameters are then used by flopack to generate a flotherm simulation model with built-in adherence to the thermal modeling standards currently being defined by industry standards body jedec. the resulting models can be instantly downloaded to the user's local machine and analyzed in their actual operating environment. flopack supports more than 40 package families, including their standard jedec outlines. associated parts such as pcb, heatsinks, sockets etc. are also supported.

flopack is the only commercial software tool in the market that can generate delphi compact models. several studies have shown that delphi models yields less than 10 percent predictive error for the wide range of environments that were examined.

flopack version 5 provides an advanced nonlinear optimization method that provides more accurate delphi compact models. the new algorithm automatically optimizes the area assigned to each node, eliminating the need for manual nodal partitioning. the new optimization method also provides a more flexible objective function that combines flux and junction temperature contributions. version 5 also increases the number of nodes with which the compact model interacts with the environment. in addition to the top inner/outer and bottom inner/outer nodes supported in the past, version 5 also supports up to two side nodes for all packages and up to four lead nodes for leaded packages.

version 5 for the first time gives users access to key delphi setup parameters. this includes user-definable boundary condition sets for generating delphi models. users now have the choice of either using the default set of boundary conditions or creating and storing their own boundary condition sets. users also have the ability to download a detailed model from flopack, modify it using flotherm thermal analysis software – for example to add a specific feature such as a “heat slug” - then re-export the model and upload it back to flopack for delphi model generation. this feature combines the full geometry flexibility of flotherm to add features not supported in flopack input fields with flopack’s powerful parametric capabilities and compact modeling tools. finally, heat fluxes and temperatures generated by most thermal analysis software can now be exported in a defined comma separated variable format and uploaded to flopack where it will be used to generate the delphi model.

* the jedec solid state technology association (once known as the joint electron device engineering council), is the semiconductor engineering standardization body of the electronic industries alliance (eia), a trade association that represents all areas of the electronics industry. jedec sub-committee jc-15.1 is responsible for developing and documenting thermal standards.