Heat-sink size 101

[thor61]

Does anyone know of a simple way or formula for selecting the proper size heat-sinks ?

[sreten]

Hi,

Its not simple at all when your talking big heatsinks. The rest of the time
looking at similar applications you usually need very similar heatsinks.

rgds, sreten.

[Ron E]

Look in the application notes in the data sheet for the LM3886 chip amp. Given is a relatively simple relation between maximum junction temperature and ambient temperature, and case and heatsink degrees C (or K) per Watt ratings. This is about as simple as it can be made, although the same heatsink will have a different C/W rating at each level of dissipated power.

[AJT]

have look here: How to Select a Suitable Heat Sink and http://www.crydom.com/en/Tech/HS_WP_HS.pdf

[sofaspud]

This Jaycar primer on heatsink basics is both a useful and concise explanation.

[thor61]

Thank-you everyone ! While doing some further surfing I had found this > http://sound.westhost.com/heatsinks.htm < this seems to be well written in a form easy to understand.