DigiKey applications engineering and tech support manager, Dany Haikin, emphasizes the importance of purchasing professionals’ understanding of thermal management products.
Thermal management is the unrecognized champion of electrical engineering, helping keep devices cool and working properly. Solutions can be found in industrial controllers, power supplies, RF transmitters, wireless/wired communication units, mobile devices and many other electronic products. For purchasing professionals, having a basic understanding of the types of products and lead time considerations can help immensely as they work with engineers and design teams to select the best possible solution.
Designing thermal solutions is not straightforward and not something typically done by sourcing professionals alone. Engineers and designers should be involved because it requires a totally different approach than sourcing standard electronic components. Different types of thermal products are available, divided into active (requires a power supply) and passive (works by utilizing internal chemistry).
In general, manufacturers are quoting a standard lead time of five to six weeks, plus one to two additional weeks for pre-cutting. Some manufacturers might even quote up to 12 weeks because the material being used is a combination of many raw materials, which can lead to delays. For example, after the 2011 earthquake in Japan, many of the glue factories were ruined. Glue is a key component so lead times reached 16 weeks or longer. For a high-service distributor like DigiKey, lead times tend to remain stable during disruptions because of the depth and breadth of in-stock inventory.
Component traceability is also a consideration. Procurement professionals should work with distributors that only buy directly from manufacturers to ensure authenticity. This also helps engineers isolate and resolve any prototyping issues.
Another reason traceability is so important is shelf life. With specialty thermal pads, grease or putties, it is important the distributor pays attention to shelf life. A component is not recommended for use beyond its shelf life. Different pads, different manufacturers and different chemistries all have different shelf lives. Sometimes it can be a year, sometimes it can be five years and others can be indefinite.
In addition, controlled storage conditions at some product distribution centers meet industry standards and are periodically audited by manufacturers, which prolongs shelf life. In fact, some manufacturers start counting shelf life from the date thermal management solutions arrive at the distribution center rather than the manufacturing date.
While sourcing thermal management solutions can be more complex than typical electronic components, understanding the process, pitfalls and distribution options can help procurement professionals obtain the best solutions for engineering and design teams.
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