PCB Heating Pattern With NTC/PTC Thermistors for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive infotainment and autonomous driving systems face reliability issues due to sudden temperature fluctuations affecting semiconductor devices, potentially leading to malfunctions that could endanger vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) incorporating a negative thermal coefficient (NTC) thermistor and a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) thermistor, which rapidly adjusts temperature to ensure semiconductor devices operate within a reliable range by varying electrical resistance based on temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a semiconductor device is driven in extreme temperature environments for extended periods, then the device can operate in harsh conditions, but the device may malfunction due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pattern is activated before the semiconductor device is fully operational to pre-heat the NTC thermistor and surrounding components. This preliminary heating action ensures that when the device starts operating, the temperature is already within a safe range, preventing thermal shock and malfunctions in extreme cold environments
Solution Approach 2:
The NTC thermistor continuously monitors the temperature of the PCB and provides feedback through resistance changes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect temperature fluctuations in real-time and adjust the heating pattern accordingly, maintaining reliable operation during extended periods in extreme temperature environments
2Speed
If a heating pattern with PTC thermistor is used to rapidly increase temperature, then the temperature can be quickly raised to driving temperature, but the electrical resistance changes may affect signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pattern is designed with localized PTC thermistor elements positioned specifically near the NTC thermistor and critical components. This localized heating approach rapidly increases temperature in the immediate vicinity without causing excessive heat spread that could interfere with signal lines and affect signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The NTC thermistor serves as an intermediary element between the heating pattern and the rest of the circuit. It absorbs and regulates the thermal energy from the PTC heating pattern, converting thermal changes into electrical resistance changes that can be monitored without directly interfering with signal integrity in other parts of the circuit
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The PCB efficiently and rapidly adjusts temperature, ensuring semiconductor devices in automotive systems maintain operational reliability even in extreme conditions, thereby preventing malfunctions and ensuring safe vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a negative thermal coefficient (NTC) thermistor which provides an electrical signal received from outside the PCB, wherein an electrical resistance of the NTC thermistor varies according to a negative thermal coefficient
Implementation Method 2
a heating pattern which receives the electrical signal from the NTC thermistor, wherein the heating pattern includes a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) thermistor with an electrical resistance that varies according to a positive thermal coefficient
Implementation Method 3
a heating pattern which receives the electrical signal from the NTC thermistor, wherein the heating pattern includes a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) thermistor
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board (PCB) including: a negative thermal coefficient (NTC) thermistor which provides an electrical signal received from outside the PCB, wherein an electrical resistance of the NTC thermistor varies according to a negative thermal coefficient; and a heating pattern which receives the electrical signal from the NTC thermistor, wherein the heating pattern includes a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) thermistor with an electrical resistance that varies according to a positive thermal coefficient, wherein the PTC thermistor has a first thermal coefficient of resistance at a first critical temperature or below and changes to a second thermal coefficient of resistance above the first critical temperature, and the NTC thermistor has a third thermal coefficient of resistance at a second critical temperature or below and changes to a fourth thermal coefficient of resistance above the second critical temperature.