SILICONE-BASED, THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE INSULATORS IMPROVE RELIABILITY, CUT ASSEMBLY COSTS.

Dissipating heat at a maximum rate from a power source is an important element in system reliability. This is usually accomplished by a thermally-conductive insulator that transfers heat from the source to a heat sink. Among the materials used for the insulator are combinations of mica and thermal grease, a ceramic material (alumina or beryllia) with thermal grease, or a silicone-based insulator. Designers are continually seeking the optimum thermally conductive materials, those that can be used under different temperature conditions and satisfy reliability and cost considerations.