What is thermal profiling?

A thermal profile is a complex set of time-temperature data typically associated with the measurement of thermal temperatures. At Silex for thermal profile analysis of our radios we generate heat within the DUT (radio), but running high frequency of data through the radio until the desired steady thermal state is reached. Once the desired steady state is reached the thermal profiles are captured by a FLIR camera.

FLIR camera is a Forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera, typically used in military and civilian aircraft, use a thermographic camera that senses infrared radiation.  With the help of this camera we can pinpoint the hottest component within the radio module as shown in the sampe image.

 Figure 2: Silex Test Setup for Thermal Profile Testing

Benefits of thermal profiling?

In industrial applications where the devices must endure extreme temperatures, thermal profiles of the radios can be critical to the quality of the finished product. It can help eliminate costly rework or rejects, and maximize product throughput while minimizing costs.

To help our customers with their radio designs we try to provide them with guidelines on the expected thermal profiles for our radios then operational and in steady state.

For our SDIO WLAN radio modules we have developed an application note that provides thermal profile guidelines for our customers. Please download the full application note for more information.