ee times europe released a recent article emphasizing the importance of utilizing proper thermal management equations early in the design process to ensure the optimal performance of led lights. the article, written by john cafferkey of cambridge nanotherm, noted that without thermal management in the design, then components will not be properly laid out and energy-density will cause overheating.

(wikimedia commons)

the author reminded engineers to test thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and interface resistance to make sure that manufacturers’ statistics are accurate and to provide guidelines for the layout of any led system.

“fundamentally a good understanding of the measurements involved in led thermal management (and knowing some of the pratfalls involved) is critical,” wrote cafferkey. “it can make the difference between a differentiated design that saves money and one that will either be uncompetitive or, in some cases, literally burn itself out.”

read the full article at http://www.ledlighting-eetimes.com/design-center/measurement-basics-led-thermal-management.