03-09-2020 | Laird | Subs & Systems
Laird Thermal Systems has created a thermoelectric module series that is rated for high temperature in developing optoelectronic applications. The HiTemp ETX Series thermoelectric cooler has a tough construction that enables it to survive in temperatures up to 150C, surpassing most outdoor applications. It is constructed with advanced thermoelectric materials that boost cooling capacity by up to 10% in comparison to conventional thermoelectric coolers. These solid-state heat pumps provide a higher thermal insulating barrier when compared to standard thermoelectric materials producing a maximum temperature differential (Delta T) of up to 83C.
The enhanced thermoelectric materials are merged with a proprietary construction that inhibits performance degradation in high-temperature environments, a common problem with conventional grade thermoelectric coolers. The series maintains a high COP to reduce the amount of input power needed to function and decreases the heat rejection needed to the hot side, which is crucial in poor heat sinking applications.
Many temperature sensitive optoelectronic devices need active cooling to keep beneath their maximum operating temperature in outdoor environments. Common applications incorporate LiDAR and CMOS sensors for autonomous systems in vehicles and drones, DLP employed in 3D machine vision and advanced lighting systems, and optical transceivers.
"We are seeing a lot of innovation in the marketplace where highly sensitive optoelectronics are getting specified into outdoor applications with worst-case temperatures exceeding 90C," said Andrew Dereka, product director at Laird Thermal Systems. "This is a problem for these devices as they are not designed to operate at these temperatures, and engineers are creatively figuring out ways to spot cool in these environments using thermoelectrics."
The series is offered in over 50 models incorporating multiple footprints, cooling capacities, voltage ranges and finishing options.
