• Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

All About Heat Sinks- Types & Functions

Heat sinks are one of the common heat management systems in technology. They are so universal that we often forget their contribution in maintaining the systems. Let's discuss some basics on heat sinks and their importance. 


What is a heat sink? 



A heat sink is a safety device that is used to take the heat away from the device. It accomplishes this task by increasing the working surface area and allowing a low temperature fluid to pass through the enlarged surface area and hence decreasing the overall temperature. 


How does a heat sink work? 


The working of heat sink can be explained in 4 simple steps 


Source generates the heat: The source is any system that generates heat which requires it to be removed for proper working. 

Heat transfers away from source: Heat is moved to heat sink from the source through natural conduction, which is directly impacted by sink’s thermal conductivity. This is made possible by using material of high conductivity like copper and aluminum in the sink. 

Heat distributes throughout the sink: Heat travels throughout the heat sink via natural conduction, moving across the thermal gradient from high temperature to low temperature, which means it will be hotter at the side of source and cooler at the other extreme of the sink. 

Heat moves away from heat sink: It depends on the sink’s temperature gradient and its working fluid-mostly air or electrically nonconductive liquid. 

  1. The working fluid runs across the surface of the heat sink using thermal diffusion and convection to move heat away from the surface into the surrounding environment. 
  2. It relies on temperature gradient so no convection and heat removal will occur if the surrounding temperature is not cooler than the heat sink. 
  3. The total surface area of the heat sink is also important as the large surface area enables better thermal diffusion and convection. 


What are the types of heat sinks? 


There are three types of heat sinks – Active, Passive & Hybrid. 

Passive heat sink- Passive sinks rely on natural convection as they rely on the ability of hot air to float and causes the airflow to be generated across the heat sink, they do not require any secondary method of heat removal. But passive heat sinks are not effective in removing heat from system as active heat sinks. 

Active heat sink- Active sink utilizes forced air commonly generated by a fan or blower to increase the fluid flow in hot areas. 

Hybrid heat sink- Hybrid heat sinks combine both the active and passive characteristics. Such configurations are less common and use control systems to cool. When the system is operating at cooler levels the forced air is inactive and thus cooling the system passively. Once the source reaches the higher temperature, the active cooling mechanism engages to increase the cooling capacity of sink. 


Heat Sink Compound 


Heat sink compound or thermal grease is a stick paste that is used as an interface between CPU heat sinks and heat sources. The mechanical heat sink is kept over the CPU, heat is drawn from the CPU to mechanical sink through fins, where the fan blows to dissipate the excess heat. 


Heat sinks play a critical part in dispersing the heat away from CPU and avoid overheating. Heat sinks are often overlooked for the helpful devices they are. Us Electronics provide with the best solutions for heat sinks.


By Swetha Parvathy May 26, 2025
As we increasingly rely on electronic devices and appliances in our daily lives, electrical safety becomes a crucial aspect of home maintenance. Electrical accidents can be devastating, causing injuries, fatalities, and property damage. In this blog post, we'll share essential tips to help you ensure electrical safety at home and avoid electrocution. 1. Keep Water Away from Electricity Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Avoid using electrical appliances near water sources, such as: - Bathrooms - Kitchens - Swimming pools - Outdoor areas during rain or snow 2. Inspect Cords and Appliances Regularly Regular inspections can help identify potential electrical hazards. Check for: - Frayed or damaged cords - Overheating appliances - Sparks or unusual smells - Loose connections or faulty wiring 3. Use GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) GFCIs are designed to prevent electrical shock by interrupting the power supply when a ground fault occurs. Install GFCIs in areas prone to moisture, such as: - Bathrooms - Kitchens - Outdoor areas 4. Avoid Overloading Outlets and Extension Cords Overloading outlets and extension cords can lead to electrical fires or electrocution. Be mindful of: - Using too many appliances on a single circuit - Overloading extension cords - Using damaged or frayed extension cords 5. Keep Children Safe Children are naturally curious, and electrical safety is crucial for their well-being. Take steps to: - Secure outlets with tamper-resistant covers - Keep electrical appliances out of reach - Teach children about electrical safety 6. Hire a Licensed Electrician For any electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to ensure: - Compliance with local electrical codes - Safe installation and maintenance - Proper diagnosis and repair of electrical issues 7. Be Cautious with Outdoor Electrical Equipment Outdoor electrical equipment, such as generators or power tools, requires special care. Ensure: - Proper grounding and installation - Regular maintenance and inspection - Safe operation and storage 8. Replace Damaged or Outdated Electrical Components Don't hesitate to replace damaged or outdated electrical components, such as: - Old or damaged wiring - Outdated electrical panels - Faulty circuit breakers Conclusion Electrical safety is a critical aspect of home maintenance. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents and ensure a safe living environment for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, electrical safety is everyone's responsibility.
By Swetha Parvathy May 2, 2025
The electronics industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer needs. Here are some emerging trends that are set to shape the future:  1. The Rise of Electric Vehicles Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity, driven by environmental concerns and government incentives. EVs offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Key developments in the EV space include: - Advancements in Battery Technology: Improved battery life, range, and charging speed are making EVs more practical for everyday use. - Expansion of Charging Infrastructure: Governments and companies are investing in charging infrastructure, making it easier to own and use an EV. - Increased Model Options: More automakers are launching EV models, offering consumers a wider range of choices. 2. Advancements in Printed Electronics Printed electronics involve using printing techniques to create electronic devices and components. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including: - Wearable Technology: Printed electronics can be used to create flexible, wearable devices that track vital signs and monitor health. - Flexible Displays: Printed electronics can enable the creation of flexible displays that can be used in a variety of applications, from smartphones to wearables. - Biomedical Devices: Printed electronics can be used to create implantable devices that monitor and treat medical conditions. 3. 3D Printing Technologies 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is transforming the way we design and produce products. Key developments in 3D printing include: - Increased Speed and Accuracy: Advances in 3D printing technology are enabling faster and more accurate production of complex parts and products. - New Materials and Applications: Researchers are developing new materials and applications for 3D printing, including biomedical devices and aerospace components. - Customization and Personalization: 3D printing enables the creation of customized products tailored to individual needs and preferences. Conclusion These emerging trends are set to shape the future of the electronics industry, enabling new applications, products, and experiences. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the years to come.