The Tactilus heatsink analysis system by Sensor Products enables research and design engineers to test and correct the surface contact and pressure distribution between the heatsink and semiconductor. Engineers can visualise actual contact forces and pressure distribution data on the board components. As the mounting screws between the CPU and the heatsink are torqued, it maps and measures the changing pressure distribution between the mating surfaces and displays it through its software. The sensor is flexible and 0.015inch thick, allowing it to be placed between the CPU and heat sink without affecting the assembly. The pad has 625 resistive sensing points arrayed on a 25×25 grid and total sensing area is 2×2inch. The scan speed is up to 1,000Hz, and the operating pressure range is 0 to 100psi. The sensor is resistant to electromagnetic noise, temperature, and humidity fluctuations. Accuracy is ±10%; repeatability is ±2%; hysteresis is ±5%; and non-linearity is ±1.5%.
