TEC Science Class丨Temperature Control Black Technology is on the Stage! Micro thermoelectric coolers are penetrating these frontiers
Welcome to TEC Science Classroom! In this issue, we will give a detailed introduction to the structure, advantages and classic application scenarios of micro thermoelectric coolers.
What is a micro thermoelectric cooler?
A micro-thermoelectric cooler is a small temperature control device based on the thermoelectric effect that can achieve precise heating or cooling functions. It is suitable for small electronic devices with limited space and extremely high temperature control requirements. Although the micro thermoelectric cooler is small in size, its structure is not simple. It mainly consists of two key parts:
1. Thermocouple pair (PN junction)
The basic unit of TEC is a thermocouple pair composed of N-type and P-type semiconductor materials. When direct current passes through, the electrons in the N-type semiconductor and the holes in the P-type semiconductor move to the cold end, absorbing heat at the cold end and releasing heat at the hot end. Multiple thermocouple pairs are connected in series or in parallel to form a thermoelectric module, thereby increasing the cooling power.
2. Ceramic substrate
Thermocouple pairs are typically sandwiched between two highly thermally conductive ceramic substrates, such as alumina or aluminum nitride, which provide mechanical support while also effectively conducting heat. The ceramic substrate at the cold end is used to absorb heat, while the ceramic substrate at the hot end is used to dissipate heat.
*The substrate surface can be processed according to customer needs: for example, adding electroplating to the surface to facilitate customer welding.
Advantages of Micro Thermoelectric Coolers
As an established company with more than 30 years of experience in the semiconductor temperature control field, FerroTec has relied on its independent research and development capabilities to create a series of high-performance micro TEC products and has achieved great breakthroughs in size, precision and reliability.
1. Small, light and compact
FerroTec's micro thermoelectric cooler has a minimum size of 2×1mm and can be easily integrated into space-constrained devices such as microelectronics and optical sensors.
2. Precise temperature control, fast response
FerroTec's micro thermoelectric cooler can achieve millisecond-level rapid response and ±0.1°C high-precision temperature control, and is suitable for equipment that is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, such as lasers and optical communication equipment.
3. Reduce power consumption and save costs
Compared with conventional thermoelectric coolers, FerroTec micro thermoelectric coolers have lower power consumption, but their cooling efficiency can meet the temperature control requirements of most miniaturized devices.
4. No mechanical parts, quiet operation
The micro thermoelectric cooler contains no mechanical parts, operates quietly, has a lower failure rate and a longer service life.
5. Highly customizable capabilities
①Support size/cooling capacity customization: Our company can adjust the size and cooling capacity of the thermoelectric cooler according to customer needs to meet the technical requirements of specific applications.
②Support pattern customization: Our company supports customizing specific patterns on the cold surface of the thermoelectric cooler as circuit connections for small devices.
▲ Micro cooler-customized circuit pattern
③Multiple electrode options: To meet different packaging and connection requirements, our company provides a variety of electrode forms for customers to choose from, including tinned wires, gold-plated PADs on hot and cold surfaces, gold-plated POSTs, etc.
▲ Micro cooler-different electrodes
④ Process solution selection: Our company can provide different process solutions according to different temperature environments: the conventional temperature zone solution uses tin-antimony solder, which is suitable for scenarios with a maximum process temperature resistance of 200°C; high-temperature application scenarios use high-temperature materials and advanced manufacturing processes, and are combined with gold-tin solder, and the maximum process temperature resistance can reach 250°C.
Classic application scenarios of micro thermoelectric coolers
In practical applications, micro thermoelectric coolers are suitable for industry scenarios with strict requirements on space, precision and environmental adaptability, such as laser focus modules in mobile phone cameras, optical chips in optical communication equipment, and laser radars on self-driving cars .
1. Optical communication field
In optical communication systems, key components such as optical modules are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Increased temperature often leads to performance fluctuations and even reduced reliability. The micro thermoelectric cooler just meets the needs of small space and precise temperature control, providing a strong guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the communication system.
▲ Different types of optical modules
2. Automotive field
LiDAR, as the "eyes" of autonomous driving, is crucial to environmental perception. But in high-temperature environments, it may experience "blurred vision" - signal drift and detection deviations. At this time, the micro thermoelectric cooler acts like a precise temperature regulator, helping the lidar maintain its optimal working condition and making autonomous driving safer and more reliable.
▲ On-board laser radar on the top of an electric car
3. Consumer electronics
In electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops, high-performance processors and graphics cards will generate a lot of heat when running under high load, affecting system performance, causing freezes, slowdowns, and even crashes. At this time, adding a micro thermoelectric cooler can achieve rapid heat dissipation, stabilize temperature, and improve user experience.
In the future, with the rapid development of technologies such as 5G communications, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, the demand for precision temperature control will continue to grow. Micro thermoelectric coolers will also play a key role in more cutting-edge technology products, becoming ideal "temperature managers" in the high-tech industry.
