Technical info
Influence of temperature on the
life expectancy of electronics
In order to ensure the full lifespan and the correct function of the electronic components, sufficient thought should be given to a suitable thermal management concept during the development process. A rise in temperature increases the risk of failure of temperature-sensitive components (an increase in temperature of 10 °C doubles the risk of failure). Fans have a lifespan of up to 350000 h at an operating temperature of 20°C.
Temperature fluctuations
Fluctuations in temperature can also be damaging. The continuous changes in temperature from high to low can result in thermal expansion and contraction which in turn causes stress in the fan materials. This can lead to cracks that affect the structural integrity of the fan.
How to control the temperature
- Optimum operating temperature: Ideally fans should be operated in a temperature range that is neither too hot nor too cold. This can be achieved by adequately cooling the surrounding environment or by using either heat sinks or heat dissipation systems.
- Temperature monitoring: The installation of temperature sensors can contribute to detecting excess heat at an early stage so that necessary measures can be taken to reduce the temperature before damage occurs.
How the device temperature affects the failure risk of temperature-sensitive components
A fact that is commonly overlooked is the failure risk of temperature-sensitive components, in particular electrolytic capacitors which increases dramatically when the device temperature increases.
Electrolytic capacitors are popular electronic components that are used in many circuits for storing and discharging electrical energy. They comprise an electrode structure that is separated by an electrolyte material. During operation these capacitors heat up due to the electric current and the internal losses. The increase in temperature leads to accelerated chemical reactions in the electrolyte that can ultimately affect the lifespan of the component.
The integration of fans in electronic devices plays a decisive role in minimizing the risk of failure. Fans support the dissipation of heat from temperature-sensitive components and maintain the operating temperature at an optimum level. This improves the overall reliability of the electronic devices and reduces the failure risk of temperature-sensitive components.