Thermal Design


Owner: Dr Ali Mohammadi
Number of students: 2
Formative Deadline: Friday W30

Learning Outcomes

Use analytical and computational tools to model thermal behaviour, validate design choices, and optimize system performance under realistic constraints.

Knowledge Requirements

For Knowledge, you should complete the “PCB” Moodle quiz available on this unit’s Moodle page.

Application Requirements

You should complete the knowledge requirements Screenshot of DC-DC converter board layout designed in accordance with manufacturing guidelines only. Screenshot of a revised layout considering thermal design considerations with graphical annotations. Verification of the design by running thermal simulation in ANSYS or any other Multiphysics tool that allows electrothermal modelling. Screenshots of the imported 3D model and simulation result. Explanation of the rules of thumb and calculations for thermal resistance (50-100 words).

Synthesis Requirements

Completing the application requirements for an independent project in combination with all the PCB design skills. 1) Screenshot of the circuit diagram which needs advanced thermal design considerations compared with previous levels.

2) Screenshot of the PCB layout, with clear graphical annotation of three thermal design considerations, (Student IDs in etch layer)

3) Verification of the design by running thermal simulation in ANSYS or any other Multiphysics tool that allows electrothermal modelling. Screenshots of the imported 3D model and simulation result.

4) Provide brief explanation of thermal design rules mapped to the proposed design.

Knowledge Opportunities

After the lecture W23

Application Opportunities

Lab W29


Labs Demonstrating This Skill

Labs Contributing Towards This Skill