LTM8021
13
8021fd
For more information www.linear.com/LTM8021
applicaTions inForMaTion
θ
JB
is the junction-to-board thermal resistance where
almost all of the heat flows through the bottom of the
µModule converter and into the board, and is really the
sum of the θ
JCbottom
and the thermal resistance of the
bottom of the part through the solder joints and through a
portion of the board. The board temperature is measured
a specified distance from the package, using a two sided,
two layer board. This board is described in JESD 51-9.
Given these definitions, it should now be apparent that none
of these thermal coefficients reflects an actual physical
operating condition of a µModule converter. Thus, none
of them can be individually used to accurately predict the
thermal performance of the product. Likewise, it would
be inappropriate to attempt to use any one coefficient to
correlate to the junction temperature vs load graphs given
in the product’s data sheet. The only appropriate way to
use the coefficients is when running a detailed thermal
analysis, such as FEA, which considers all of the thermal
resistances simultaneously.
A graphical representation of these thermal resistances
is given in Figure 6.
The blue resistances are contained within the µModule
converter, and the green are outside.
The die temperature of the LTM8021 must be lower than
the maximum rating of 125°C, so care should be taken in
the layout of the circuit to ensure good heat sinking of the
LTM8021. The bulk of the heat flow out of the LTM8021
is through the bottom of the μModule converter and the
LGA pads into the printed circuit board. Consequently a
poor printed circuit board design can cause excessive
heating, resulting in impaired performance or reliability.
Please refer to the PCB Layout section for printed circuit
board design suggestions.
8021 F06
µMODULE DEVICE
JUNCTION-TO-CASE (TOP)
RESISTANCE
JUNCTION-TO-BOARD RESISTANCE
JUNCTION-TO-AMBIENT RESISTANCE (JESD 51-9 DEFINED BOARD)
CASE (TOP)-TO-AMBIENT
RESISTANCE
BOARD-TO-AMBIENT
RESISTANCE
JUNCTION-TO-CASE
(BOTTOM) RESISTANCE
JUNCTION AMBIENT
CASE (BOTTOM)-TO-BOARD
RESISTANCE
Figure 6. Thermal Model of µModule Regulator
