About Heat Sinks
Artesyn Embedded Technologies Heat Sinks
Heat sinks are an electronic component that is used to manage heat generated by other electronic components, usually processors, keeping them within safe temperature limits. Heat sinks typically come in two forms: active and passive. Active heat sinks are typically comprised of a cooling fan attached to an aluminum alloy metal body. The metal body absorbs and removes heat from the processor, and the fan dissipates the heat away from the processor. Passive heat sinks are made from metal, and their design maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation. The metal body of a passive heat sink also absorbs and removes heat from the processor, however, the heat is dissipated into the surrounding environment. Heat sinks are used to increase the performance and lifetime of electronic components.