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ADVANCED THERMOELECTRIC's High Reliability "HP" Series Thermoelectric Modules
When left continuously running TE modules are highly reliable due to their solid-state construction. Industry standards are a couple hundred thousand hours. In 80-90% of the applications that our TE modules are used, our “ST” or Standard Series of thermoelectric coolers are appropriate and with and moisture barrier, like an epoxy edge seal, will provide years of highly reliable service.
In some applications however the module may be affected by thermally induced stress. The magnitude of this stress depends on a variety of factors. In the simplest of these when, for example, the user selects a simple On/Off temperature control, typically full electrical power is applied to the module that rapidly makes the "cold side" ceramic contract and the "hot side" expand. This can have an effect on the many solder joints that maintain the electrical connections between the copper pads on the inside of the ceramic substrates and the TE material or "dice" which are sandwiched between these substrates. Another example of minor thermally induced stress involves applications that have changing ambient temperatures such as may be experienced in an aircraft (or car). Since the transient times for these changes are typically rather long (minutes rather than seconds) most modules will operate reliably but marginal quality modules will suffer from even this minor degree of stress.
Modules in equipment for QC/TEST or Thermal Cycling will be presented with significant thermally induced stress as a result of rapid switches in polarity that cause contracting surface to expand and vice versa. This is the most difficult type of application with regard to affecting the reliability of modules.
To address the effects of thermally induced stress, we have integrated into our “HP” series modules several enhancements in components and know-how that yield modules that last a very long time in such challenging environments. In order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of so called “infant mortalities” each “HP” module is inspected, burned in and then re-inspected for flaws. After completing the testing sorting can be done yielding modules with very homogeneous performance characteristics.
If your company uses modules in this type of application we encourage you to call us to discuss your requirements.
Additional information that may be important to you may include:
If you have a question please feel free to contact us:
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