Grounding output heat sinks

rtarbell · 23rd April 2007, 05:04 PM

For power output transistors (in either a class-A,AB type amp or switching class D amp), has anyone heard of grounding the output heat sink to reduce noise? I am assuming that the output transistors are insulated from their heat sink by thermal heat pads.

richie00boy · 23rd April 2007, 05:12 PM

Are the heatsinks not bolted to the case by metal screws/bolts? And the case itself is earthed?

rtarbell · 24th April 2007, 01:59 AM

From a schematic and its PC board layout that I am looking at, the case will be earth-grounded but the heat sinks do not ordinarily have a conducting path to ground. I think that is why the schematic explicitly states to ground the heat sinks, but I didn't think grounding the heat sinks made any difference. . .

23rd April 2007, 05:04 PM	#1
rtarbell diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	Grounding output heat sinks For power output transistors (in either a class-A,AB type amp or switching class D amp), has anyone heard of grounding the output heat sink to reduce noise? I am assuming that the output transistors are insulated from their heat sink by thermal heat pads.

23rd April 2007, 05:12 PM	#2
richie00boy Did it Himself diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England, UK	Are the heatsinks not bolted to the case by metal screws/bolts? And the case itself is earthed? __________________ www.readresearch.co.uk my website for UK diy audio people - designs, PCBs, kits and more

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24th April 2007, 01:59 AM	#3
rtarbell diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	From a schematic and its PC board layout that I am looking at, the case will be earth-grounded but the heat sinks do not ordinarily have a conducting path to ground. I think that is why the schematic explicitly states to ground the heat sinks, but I didn't think grounding the heat sinks made any difference. . .

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