Heat Sinks

How do we connect a heatsink in an amplifier? Or to an amplifier module?

Does it matter where it goes in the case? DOes it have to attach to the module or can it just run along the sides of the amplifier case?

Why I ask is because the UCD400 Hypex module has a part in which I have seen it connected. While many other module don't have this. So just curious where I put the heatsink in the amp casing?
 
The module will have an area which is flat and usually (but not always) metallic.

This metallic area is designed to be coupled to the heatsink.

The usual method of coupling is by bolting the two surfaces (module & heatsink) together using bolts or clamps. The junction should be insulated with a mica washer (or similar) and the washer lightly coated with thermal grease.

The finished assembly can be mounted internally or externally to the amplifier chassis.

If the chassis is aluminium, a sandwich can be made using the case between the module and the heatsink. If it is wooden or steel then a hole will need to be cut.
 
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The module will have an area which is flat and usually (but not always) metallic.

This metallic area is designed to be coupled to the heatsink.

The usual method of coupling is by bolting the two surfaces (module & heatsink) together using bolts or clamps. The junction should be insulated with a mica washer (or similar) and the washer lightly coated with thermal grease.

The finished assembly can be mounted internally or externally to the amplifier chassis.

If the chassis is aluminium, a sandwich can be made using the case between the module and the heatsink. If it is wooden or steel then a hole will need to be cut.


This helps a lot. Thanks.
 
The T shaped "heatsink" of the UcD400 should be bolted to the heatsink. there is 4 treaded M3 holes on the T shaped heatsink. there is no need for insulated washers or thermal compound.

Yes, I have seen this.

But for arguments sake, lets say the module does not have this T shaped heatsink to add another heatsink.

To where do attach a heatsink?


Katieanddad mention there should be a metallic area but many modules don't even have this?
 
All hypex UcD modules have this T shaped sink. unless it's a OEM module.
The point of a heatsink is to cool down the output transistors. so a heatsink must be coupled to the output transistors. eighter directly or through another metall surface such as a aluminum plate.
 
If the heatsink is inside the case then you need to get rid of the heat from the heatsink.
This is done with vents or vents plus a fan(s.)
I cheat with my power amps and use a PC case.
These come with mains fittings, mains switch and fan housings so make the job a lot easier. This works for larger power amps but you might be better off with a smaller case for lower power amps.
 
All hypex UcD modules have this T shaped sink. unless it's a OEM module.
The point of a heatsink is to cool down the output transistors. so a heatsink must be coupled to the output transistors. eighter directly or through another metall surface such as a aluminum plate.

Yeh, the OEM modules don't. So, for example on a Hypex UCD400 which doesn't have a T shaped sink where is the best place? The only metal surface is the bottom which is not a bad option just have to find a way to screw in the heatsink to the bottom of the case platting.
 
There is no best place or a worse place. It's a correct place. All other places is usless. The heat sink must be connected where the output transistors are.
And that realy do not change the location of the heatsinks in the chassis.
All heatsinks must stand uprised with the fins vertical (unless it's fancooled).
 
Well, the OEM datasheets for the hypex amps are readily available(obviously you can't see pricing) and I've been reading through some of them to get a better understanding and the UCD400 instructions actually does show to add the heatsink on the underside attached to the metal base which has screw holes ready for it.

So in this case any aluminium 2mm or 3mm thick should be fine bolted on right? Then the aluminium case bolted to the amplifier case. I suppose no fins as it will be a block and won't be upright. (unless i have understood the instruction totally wrong?)