ATS Redesigns Open Loop Wind Tunnel for PCB and Component Testing

NORWOOD, Mass. - June 27, 2013 - PRLog -- Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc.(ATS) has redesigned the CWT-100™, a research quality open loop wind tunnel designed for PCB and component level testing. It is used in air flow characterization and flow visualization, thermal resistance measurements, and generation of P-Q curves.

The CWT-100™ wind tunnel can be used to characterize different heat sink sizes for natural and forced convection cooling. Two heat sinks can be tested side by side to determine their thermal performance in the same environment. Actual or simulated PCBs can be tested for thermal flow distribution and pressure drop characterization.

The CWT-100™ has 18 sensor ports on the front and sides of the test section, which allows inserting of a variety of probes, such as thermocouples, Pitot tubes, velocity measuring sensors, etc. It can be operated both vertically and horizontally, maximizing laboratory space.  The test section is made of Plexiglas^TM, allowing users to observe the flow distribution. The mounting plate can be adjusted in 2 directions using appropriate length standoffs. The flexibility of the movable mounting plate allows users to design and build their own modifications to suit specific needs.

The new CWT-100™ has honeycombs and screens to suppress turbulence and provide uniform and near homogeneous flow at the test section. A mounted diffuser at the exit and before the fans helps with pressure recovery to provide a smooth flow. Rail guides are provided so the unit position can be adjusted. Fans are tray-mounted and easily replaced with another tray to accommodate larger or smaller fans. The air velocity in the test section can be varied from 0.5 m/s (100 ft/min) to 10 m/s (2000 ft/min).  A switch box is provided with the unit so some fans can be turned off for lowest possible air flow.

Optional accessories such as the HP-97™ heat slug and WTC-100™ wind tunnel controller are available for maximizing the full capability of the CWT-100™. When used with the HP-97™, the heat performance for devices or heat sinks will be provided under specific tests for thermal analysis. The heat slug is mounted flush with the surface, so there is no dimensional change to the objects under test.

The WTC-100™ automates the thermal characterization of heat sinks, boards, components in a wind tunnel or card rack testing for different fan tray configurations. It has two independent sensors for determining air temperature and velocity to facilitate rapid feedback of the airflow inside the test chamber. The controller communicates with a PC through an RS-232 port, enabling the user to fully automate air flow testing. Uni-sensor based control and measurement enables the user to control the air flow anywhere inside the test chamber. The flow range, step increment and the dwell time are set from the stageCONTROL™ application software by the user.

To learn more about the new CWT-100™, or to view the full product line of open loop, closed loop, and benchtop wind tunnels, please visit www.qats.com