Patent Description:
Previously proposed arrangements are disclosed in <CIT> which describes an apparatus for testing the performance of a heatsink, which can ascertain the conduction efficiency of the heat sink by measuring the heating temperature and the conduction temperature of the heatsink.

Some implementations described herein relate to a test fixture for a heatsink. The test fixture may include a probe assembly with a thermocouple probe configured to removably contact a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink to be tested when the heatsink is attached to the test fixture. and measure a surface temperature of the heatsink. The test fixture may include an insulator housing configured to house the probe assembly and a heater block, and to thermally insulate the probe assembly from the heater block. The heater block may be provided within the insulator housing and may be configured to provide heat to the heatsink via the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink. The test fixture may include a mounting block connected to the insulator housing and configured to connect to the heatsink.

Some implementations described herein relate to a test system for a heatsink. The test system may include a test fixture that includes a probe assembly with a thermocouple probe configured to removably contact a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink to be tested when the heatsink is attached to the test fixture, and measure a surface temperature of the heatsink. The test fixture may include an insulator housing configured to house the probe assembly and a heater block, and to thermally insulate the probe assembly from the heater block. The heater block may be provided within the insulator housing and may include one or more heaters configured to provide heat to the heatsink via the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink. The test fixture may include a mounting block connected to the insulator housing and configured to connect to the heatsink. The test system may include an air temperature sensor and a computing device configured to provide power to the one or more heaters to cause the one or more heaters to provide heat to the heater block for providing heat to the heatsink via the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink. The computing device may be configured to receive a temperature reading from the thermocouple probe, receive an air temperature reading from the air temperature sensor, and calculate a thermal resistance of the heatsink based on the temperature reading, the air temperature reading, and the power provided to the one or more heaters.

Some implementations described herein relate to a probe assembly of a test fixture for a heatsink. The probe assembly may include a thermocouple probe configured to measure a surface temperature of the heatsink, and a base portion with an opening for receiving the thermocouple probe. The probe assembly may include a spring-loaded collet assembly connected to the thermocouple probe via the opening of the base portion and configured to cause the thermocouple probe to removably contact a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink. The probe assembly may include a thermocouple cable connected to the thermocouple probe and configured to communicate the surface temperature of the heatsink.

Heatsink performance may be determined based on a surface/air thermal resistance (Rsa) between a surface of a heatsink pedestal and inlet air conditions. In addition to air flow rate and heat dissipation through the heatsink, temperatures of the inlet air and the pedestal surface may be measured to verify the heatsink performance in terms of the thermal resistance. The thermal resistance of a heatsink is typically measured by machining a groove or boring a small hole parallel to the pedestal surface and attaching a thermocouple near a center of the pedestal surface. This allows the pedestal surface to be measured without disturbing the thermal interface. Unfortunately, such a measurement technique is very time consuming, resource intensive, and destructive to the heatsink. Furthermore, changes in heatsink manufacturing processes, heatsink suppliers, and/or the like may require frequent heatsink testing and verification to ensure that the changes provide a heatsink with a reliable performance. Thus, current techniques for measuring a thermal resistance of a heatsink consume computing resources (e.g., processing resources, memory resources, communication resources, and/or the like), machine resources, and/or the like associated with destroying heatsinks being tested until the thermal resistance satisfies a threshold thermal resistance, machining heatsinks and attaching thermocouples to measure the thermal resistances, and/or the like.

Some implementations described herein relate to a test system for evaluating thermal performance of a heatsink. For example, the test system may include a test fixture that includes a probe assembly with a thermocouple probe configured to removably contact a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink, and measure a surface temperature of the heatsink. The test fixture may include an insulator housing configured to house the probe assembly and a heater block, and to insulate the probe assembly from the heater block. The heater block may be provided within the insulator housing and may include one or more heaters configured to provide heat to the heatsink via the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink. The test fixture may include a mounting block connected to the insulator housing and configured to connect to the heatsink. The test system may include a computing device configured to provide power to the one or more heaters to cause the one or more heaters to provide heat to the heatsink via the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink. The computing device may be configured to receive a temperature reading from the thermocouple probe, and to calculate a thermal resistance of the heatsink based on the temperature reading.

In this way, a test system may be provided for evaluating thermal performance of a heatsink. For example, the test system may include a test fixture with a heater block and an insulator housing configured to support and thermally insulate the heater block. Heaters may be provided in the heater block. The test fixture may include a probe assembly with a thermocouple probe provided through a center portion of the heater block and engaging a pedestal surface of a heatsink to be tested when the heatsink is attached to the test fixture. The heatsink may be mounted to an insulator top of the insulator housing. The test fixture may be easy to reset between tests without damaging the heatsink, thermocouples, or any other part of the test fixture. Thus, the test system provides a non-destructive way to test the thermal performance of the heatsink and conserves computing resources, machine resources, and/or the like associated with destroying heatsinks being tested until the thermal resistance satisfies a threshold thermal resistance, machining heatsinks and attaching thermocouples to measure the thermal resistances, and/or the like.

<FIG> are diagrams of an example <NUM> associated with a test system <NUM> for evaluating thermal performance of a heatsink <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the test system <NUM> includes a test fixture <NUM> and a computing device <NUM>. Further details of the test fixture <NUM>, the computing device <NUM>, and the heatsink <NUM> are provided elsewhere herein.

As shown in <FIG>, the test fixture <NUM> may include an insulator bottom <NUM>, an insulator housing <NUM>, an insulator top <NUM>, and a mounting block <NUM> connected to the heatsink <NUM> being tested. The heatsink <NUM> may include a passive heat exchanger that transfers heat generated by an electronic device or a mechanical device to a fluid medium (e.g., air or a liquid coolant), where the heat is dissipated away from the device, thereby allowing regulation of a temperature of the device. Further details of the heatsink <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>. The insulator bottom <NUM> may connect to the insulator housing <NUM>. The insulator housing <NUM> may connect to the insulator top <NUM> and may include openings for receive heater power cables for heaters provided in the test fixture <NUM>. The mounting block <NUM> may connect to the insulator top <NUM> and may retain the heatsink <NUM> for testing. Further details of the insulator bottom <NUM>, the insulator housing <NUM>, the insulator top <NUM>, and the mounting block <NUM> are provided elsewhere herein.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the test fixture <NUM> and the heatsink <NUM>. As shown, the test fixture <NUM> may include the insulator bottom <NUM>, the insulator housing <NUM>, the insulator top <NUM>, the mounting block <NUM>, a heater block <NUM>, heaters <NUM>, and a probe assembly <NUM> with a thermocouple probe <NUM>.

The insulator bottom <NUM> may be configured to receive and retain a bottom portion of the probe assembly <NUM> and to thermally insulate the bottom portion of the probe assembly <NUM> from the heater block <NUM>. The insulator bottom <NUM> may be made from a variety of materials, such as polystyrene, polyurethane, a fiberglass-epoxy laminate material, and/or the like. The insulator bottom <NUM> may be sized and shaped depending on the size and shape of the heatsink <NUM> being tested. For example, the size of the insulator bottom <NUM> may increase as the size of the heatsink <NUM> increases, and the size of the insulator bottom <NUM> may decrease as the size of the heatsink <NUM> decreases. As further shown in <FIG>, a plurality of connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, and/or the like) may be utilized to connect the insulator bottom <NUM> to the insulator housing <NUM>. Further details of the insulator bottom <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>.

The insulator housing <NUM> may be configured to receive and retain a top portion of the probe assembly <NUM> and a base portion of the heater block <NUM>. The insulator housing may also be configured to thermally insulate the top portion of the probe assembly <NUM> from the heater block <NUM>. The insulator housing <NUM> may be made from a variety of materials, such as polystyrene, polyurethane, a fiberglass-epoxy laminate material, and/or the like. The insulator housing <NUM> may be sized and shaped depending on the size and shape of the heatsink <NUM> being tested. For example, the size of the insulator housing <NUM> may increase as the size of the heatsink <NUM> increases, and the size of the insulator housing <NUM> may decrease as the size of the heatsink <NUM> decreases. Further details of the insulator housing <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>.

The insulator top <NUM> may be configured to receive and retain a top portion of the heater block <NUM> and to connect to the mounting block <NUM>. The insulator top <NUM> may be configured to thermally insulate the mounting block <NUM> from the heater block <NUM>. The insulator top <NUM> may be made from a variety of materials, such as polystyrene, polyurethane, a fiberglass-epoxy laminate material, and/or the like. The insulator top <NUM> may be sized and shaped depending on the size and shape of the heatsink <NUM> being tested. For example, the size of the insulator top <NUM> may increase as the size of the heatsink <NUM> increases, and the size of the insulator top <NUM> may decrease as the size of the heatsink <NUM> decreases. As further shown in <FIG>, a plurality of connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, and/or the like) may be utilized to connect the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM> to the insulator housing <NUM>. Further details of the insulator top <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>.

The mounting block <NUM> may connect to the insulator top <NUM> via a connection mechanism (e.g., glue, screws, bolts, and/or the like). The mounting block <NUM> may be configured to receive and retain the heatsink <NUM>. The mounting block <NUM> may be made from a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel, and/or the like. The mounting block <NUM> may be sized and shaped depending on the size and shape of the heatsink <NUM> being tested. For example, the size of the mounting block <NUM> may increase as the size of the heatsink <NUM> increases, and the size of the mounting block <NUM> may decrease as the size of the heatsink <NUM> decreases. As further shown in <FIG>, a plurality of connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, springs and/or the like) may be utilized to connect the heatsink <NUM> to the mounting block <NUM>. Further details of the mounting block <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>.

The heater block <NUM> may be configured to provide heat to the heatsink <NUM> via a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink <NUM>. A base portion of the heater block <NUM> may be received and retained in an opening of the insulator housing <NUM>, and a top portion of the heater block <NUM> may be received and retained through an opening provided through the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM>. The top portion of the heater block <NUM> may contact and provide heat to the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink <NUM>. The heater block <NUM> may be made from a variety of materials, such as copper, tungsten, aluminum, and/or the like. The heater block <NUM> may be sized and shaped depending on the size and shape of the heatsink <NUM> being tested. For example, the size of the heater block <NUM> may increase as the size of the heatsink <NUM> increases, and the size of the heater block <NUM> may decrease as the size of the heatsink <NUM> decreases. As further shown in <FIG>, the base portion of the heater block <NUM> may include openings for receiving and retaining the heaters <NUM>. Further details of the heater block <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>.

The heaters <NUM> may be configured to provide heat to the heater block <NUM> when power is provided to the heaters <NUM> via the heater power cables. In some implementations, the heaters <NUM> may be provided in openings of the heater block <NUM> and may heat the heater block <NUM> from within the openings. In some implementations, each of the heaters <NUM> may include a cartridge heater, which is a tube-shaped, industrial heating element that can be inserted into drilled holes. In such implementations, each of the heaters <NUM> may include a resistance coil wound around a ceramic core that is surrounded by a dielectric material and encased in a metal sheath. Powered heat may be transferred through the resistance coil to the metal sheath. The metal sheath may transfer the heat to an inside of the heater block <NUM>.

The probe assembly <NUM> may include a base portion with an opening for receiving the thermocouple probe <NUM>, and a spring-loaded collet assembly connected to the thermocouple probe <NUM> via the opening of the base portion and configured to cause the thermocouple probe <NUM> to removably contact a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink <NUM>. The probe assembly <NUM> may also include a thermocouple cable connected to the thermocouple probe <NUM> and configured to communicate the surface temperature of the heatsink <NUM>. A bottom portion of the probe assembly <NUM> may be received and retained in an opening of the insulator bottom <NUM>, and the base portion of the probe assembly <NUM> (e.g., and a portion of the thermocouple probe <NUM>) may be received and retained in an opening of the insulator housing <NUM>. The probe assembly <NUM> may be made from a variety of materials, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum), a plastic, and/or the like. The probe assembly <NUM> may be sized and shaped depending on the size and shape of the heatsink <NUM> being tested. For example, the size of the probe assembly <NUM> may increase as the size of the heatsink <NUM> increases, and the size of the probe assembly <NUM> may decrease as the size of the heatsink <NUM> decreases. Further details of the probe assembly <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>.

The thermocouple probe <NUM> may be configured to removably contact a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink <NUM>, and measure a surface temperature of the heatsink <NUM>. The thermocouple probe <NUM> may include a rod through which a thermocouple and the thermocouple cable (e.g., connected to the thermocouple) is provided. A portion of the rod may be provided through an opening provided in the heater block <NUM> so that the thermocouple may removably contact the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink <NUM>. The thermocouple may include an electrical device with dissimilar electrical conductors forming an electrical junction. The thermocouple may generate a temperature-dependent voltage as a result of the Seebeck effect, and this voltage may provide a measurement of temperature. Further details of the thermocouple probe <NUM> are provided below in connection with <FIG>.

<FIG> is a side view of the heatsink <NUM> to be tested by the test system <NUM>. The heatsink <NUM> may be formed from a variety of materials, such as an aluminum alloy, copper, and/or the like. The heatsink <NUM> may include a variety of sizes and shapes that depend upon a size and a shape of a device or a component to be cooled by the heatsink <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the heatsink <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> that supports a plurality of fins <NUM>, and a pedestal <NUM> that supports the base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may include a plate on which the fins <NUM> are formed. Each fin <NUM> may include a flat plate configured to receive heat flowing in one end and to dissipate the heat into a surrounding fluid. As heat flows through the fin <NUM>, a combination of a thermal resistance of the heatsink <NUM> impeding the flow and the heat lost due to convection, the temperature of the fin <NUM> and, therefore, the heat transfer to the fluid, may decrease from the base portion <NUM> to the end of the fin <NUM>. The pedestal <NUM> may be formed with the base portion <NUM> and may include the portion of the heatsink <NUM> that contacts a device or a component to be cooled by the heatsink <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM>. As shown, openings may be provided through the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM>. The openings may receive the connectors (as shown in <FIG>) that connect the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM> to the insulator housing <NUM>. Another opening may be provided through the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM>. The other opening may be sized and shaped to receive and retain the top portion of the heater block <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, connectors may connect to and extend away from the mounting block <NUM>. The connectors shown in <FIG> may receive the connectors shown in <FIG> so that the heatsink <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM> may be connected.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the heater block <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM>. As shown, the heater block <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> and a top portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> may be received and retained in an opening of the insulator housing <NUM>, and the top portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> may be received and retained through the opening provided through the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The top portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> may contact and provide heat to the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>. Openings may be provided in the base portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM>. The openings may receive and retain the heaters <NUM> and may enable the heaters <NUM> to heat the heater block <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, another opening may be provided through the base portion <NUM> and the top portion of the heater block <NUM>. The other opening may receive and retain a portion of thermocouple probe <NUM> and enable the top of the thermocouple probe <NUM> to removably contact the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM> and to measure the surface temperature of the heatsink <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the insulator housing <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM>. As shown, the insulator housing <NUM> may include a body portion. The body portion may include an opening to receive and retain the base portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM>. The body portion may also include openings through which the heaters <NUM> may be provided to the openings of the base portion of the heater block <NUM>. The body portion may include other openings that may receive the connectors that connect the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM> to the insulator housing <NUM>. In some implementations, the insulator housing <NUM> may insulate the probe assembly <NUM> from the heater block <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the probe assembly <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM>. As shown, the probe assembly <NUM> may include the thermocouple probe <NUM> and a base portion <NUM> with an opening for receiving the thermocouple probe <NUM>. The probe assembly <NUM> may include a spring-loaded collet assembly <NUM> connected to the thermocouple probe <NUM> via the opening of the base portion <NUM> and configured to cause the thermocouple probe <NUM> to removably contact the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>. For example, the spring-loaded collet assembly <NUM> may force a tip of the thermocouple probe <NUM> to extend slightly above a top surface of the top portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> so that the thermocouple probe <NUM> may contact the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the probe assembly <NUM> may include a thermocouple cable connected to the thermocouple probe <NUM> and configured to communicate the surface temperature of the heatsink <NUM>, measured by the thermocouple probe <NUM>, to the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the thermocouple probe <NUM> may include a thermocouple and a two-hole ceramic rod through which the thermocouple is provided and connected to the thermocouple cable. The thermocouple may measure the surface temperature of the heatsink <NUM>. The surface temperature of the heatsink, as measured by the thermocouple, may provide a measure of a thermal resistance of the heatsink <NUM>. A portion of the thermocouple probe <NUM> may be configured to pass through the opening of a heater block <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a perspective view of the insulator bottom <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM>. As shown, openings may be provided through the insulator bottom <NUM>. The openings may receive the connectors (as shown in <FIG>) that connect the insulator bottom <NUM> to the insulator housing <NUM>. Another opening may be provided in the insulator bottom <NUM>. The other opening may be sized and shaped to receive and retain a bottom portion of the probe assembly <NUM> and to thermally insulate the bottom portion of the probe assembly <NUM> from the heater block <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view, taken along line A-A shown in <FIG>, of the test fixture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the insulator bottom <NUM> may connect to the insulator housing <NUM> and may receive and retain the bottom portion of the probe assembly <NUM>. The insulator housing <NUM> may receive and retain the top portion of the probe assembly <NUM> and the thermocouple probe <NUM>, and may receive and retain the base portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM>. A portion of the thermocouple probe <NUM> may be provided through the opening provided through the heater block <NUM>. As further shown, the insulator top <NUM> and the mounting block <NUM> may connect to the insulator housing <NUM> and may receive and retain the top portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM>. The mounting block <NUM> may connect the heatsink to the test fixture <NUM>. As shown in the exploded view of <FIG>, the top portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> may contact and heat the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>. The tip of the thermocouple probe <NUM> may extend slightly above the top surface of the top portion <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> so that the thermocouple probe <NUM> may contact the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM> and measure a surface temperature of the heatsink <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may communicate with the thermocouple probe <NUM> via the thermocouple cable and may communicate with an air temperature sensor the measures a temperature of the air around the heatsink. In order to measure a thermal resistance of the heatsink <NUM>, the heatsink <NUM> may be connected to the mounting block <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM> via the connectors. When the heatsink <NUM> is connected to the mounting block <NUM>, the thermocouple probe <NUM> of the probe assembly <NUM> may contact the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may provide power to the heaters <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> to cause the heaters <NUM> to provide heat to the heatsink <NUM> via the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>. While the heat is provided to the heatsink <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> may receive a temperature reading from the thermocouple probe <NUM>, and may receive an air temperature reading from the air temperature sensor associated with the heatsink <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may calculate the thermal resistance of the heatsink <NUM> based on the temperature reading, the air temperature reading, and the power provided to the heaters <NUM>. In some implementations, if Ts is the temperature reading from the thermocouple probe <NUM>, Ta is the air temperature reading, and Q is the power provided to the heaters <NUM>, the computing may calculate the thermal resistance (Rsa) of the heatsink <NUM> as follows: <MAT>.

In this way, the test system <NUM> may be provided for evaluating thermal performance of the heatsink <NUM>. For example, the test system <NUM> may include the test fixture <NUM> with the heater block <NUM> and the insulator housing <NUM> configured to support and thermally insulate the heater block <NUM>. The heaters <NUM> may be provided in the heater block <NUM>. The test fixture <NUM> may include the probe assembly <NUM> with the thermocouple probe <NUM> provided through a center portion of the heater block <NUM> and engaging the pedestal <NUM> surface of the heatsink <NUM> to be tested when the heatsink <NUM> is attached to the test fixture <NUM>. The heatsink <NUM> may be mounted to the insulator top <NUM> of the insulator housing <NUM>. The test fixture <NUM> may be easy to reset between tests without damaging the heatsink <NUM>, thermocouples, or any other part of the test fixture <NUM>. Thus, the test system <NUM> provides a non-destructive way to test the thermal performance of the heatsink <NUM> and conserves computing resources, machine resources, and/or the like associated with destroying heatsinks <NUM> being tested until the thermal resistance satisfies a threshold thermal resistance, machining heatsinks <NUM> and attaching thermocouples to measure the thermal resistances, and/or the like.

Furthermore, the test system <NUM> provides an opportunity to test several heatsink samples, during all stages of a heatsink lifecycle. This may enable detection of any heatsink issues associated with mass production of heatsinks, changes in manufacturing processes or changes in suppliers, and/or the like. Thus, the test system <NUM> may provide improved quality and process control of heatsinks.

<FIG> is a diagram of an example thermal management system <NUM> of the test system <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the thermal management system <NUM> may include the heaters <NUM>, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller <NUM>, an alternating current (AC) solid state relay <NUM>, a terminal block <NUM>, and a variable AC transformer <NUM>. Devices of the thermal management system <NUM> may interconnect via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. In some implementations, the thermal management system <NUM> may be controlled by the computing device <NUM>.

The PID controller <NUM> includes a control loop mechanism that employs feedback for continuously modulated control. The PID controller <NUM> may continuously calculate an error value as a difference between a desired setpoint and a measured process variable, and may apply a correction based on proportional, integral, and derivative terms. In some implementations, the PID controller <NUM> may be set to a maximum temperature limit to prevent thermal runaway and to maintain a constant heat flux. Alternatively, the PID controller <NUM> may be utilized to maintain a fixed temperature.

The AC solid state relay <NUM> includes an electronic switching device that switches on or off when an external AC voltage is applied across control terminals of the device. The AC solid state relay <NUM> may include a sensor that responds to an input (e.g., a control signal), a solid-state electronic switching device that switches power to load circuitry, and a coupling mechanism to enable the control signal to activate the switching device without mechanical parts. In some implementations, a power input to the heaters <NUM> may be switched on or off by the AC solid state relay <NUM> via the PID controller <NUM>.

The terminal block <NUM> may include terminals (e.g., for connecting to wires) arranged with several screws along two or more strips. The terminal block <NUM> may create a bus bar for power distribution and may also include a master input connector.

The variable AC transformer <NUM> includes a device that produces differing levels of AC output voltage from a single AC input voltage. The variable AC transformer <NUM> may provide users with an efficient, trouble-free way to change voltage in a short amount of time. In some implementations, an output of the heaters <NUM> may be set by the variable AC transformer <NUM> by controlling a maximum voltage provided to the heaters <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of the thermal management system <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the thermal management system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram of example components that may be included in a device <NUM>, which may correspond to the computing device <NUM> and/or the thermal management system <NUM>. In some implementations, the computing device <NUM> and/or the thermal management system <NUM> may include one or more devices <NUM> and/or one or more components of the device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> may include a bus <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input component <NUM>, an output component <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM>.

The bus <NUM> includes one or more components that enable wired and/or wireless communication among the components of the device <NUM>. The bus <NUM> may couple together two or more components of <FIG>, such as via operative coupling, communicative coupling, electronic coupling, and/or electric coupling. The processor <NUM> includes a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, and/or another type of processing component. The processor <NUM> is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some implementations, the processor <NUM> includes one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform one or more operations or processes described elsewhere herein.

The memory <NUM> includes volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. For example, the memory <NUM> may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, and/or another type of memory (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory). The memory <NUM> may include internal memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, or a hard disk drive) and/or removable memory (e.g., removable via a universal serial bus connection). The memory <NUM> may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory <NUM> stores information, instructions, and/or software (e.g., one or more software applications) related to the operation of the device <NUM>. In some implementations, the memory <NUM> includes one or more memories that are coupled to one or more processors (e.g., the processor <NUM>), such as via the bus <NUM>.

The input component <NUM> enables the device <NUM> to receive input, such as user input and/or sensed input. For example, the input component <NUM> may include a touch screen, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a microphone, a switch, a sensor, a global positioning system sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or an actuator. The output component <NUM> enables the device <NUM> to provide output, such as via a display, a speaker, and/or a light-emitting diode. The communication interface <NUM> enables the device <NUM> to communicate with other devices via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. For example, the communication interface <NUM> may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a modem, a network interface card, and/or an antenna.

The device <NUM> may perform one or more operations or processes described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., the memory <NUM>) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions or code) for execution by the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may execute the set of instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some implementations, execution of the set of instructions, by one or more processors <NUM>, causes the one or more processors <NUM> and/or the device <NUM> to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some implementations, hardwired circuitry may be used instead of or in combination with the instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor <NUM> may be configured to perform one or more operations or processes described herein.

The device <NUM> may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the device <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an example process <NUM> for utilizing a test system for evaluating thermal performance of a heatsink. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of <FIG> may be performed via a test system (e.g., the test system <NUM>). In some implementations, one or more process blocks of <FIG> may be performed via another device or a group of devices separate from or including the test system. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more process blocks of <FIG> may be performed via one or more components of the device <NUM>, such as the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the input component <NUM>, the output component <NUM>, and/or the communication interface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, process <NUM> may include connecting a heatsink to a mounting block of a test fixture (block <NUM>). For example, the heatsink <NUM> may be connected to the mounting block <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM>, as described above.

As further shown in <FIG>, process <NUM> may include contacting a bottom surface of a pedestal of the heatsink with a thermocouple probe of a probe assembly of the test fixture (block <NUM>). For example, the thermocouple probe <NUM> of the probe assembly <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM> may contact a bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>, as described above.

As further shown in <FIG>, process <NUM> may include providing power to heaters of a heater block of the test fixture to cause the heaters to provide heat to the heatsink via the bottom surface of the pedestal of the heatsink, wherein the thermocouple probe is configured to pass through an opening of the heater block (block <NUM>). For example, the computing device <NUM> may provide power to the heaters <NUM> of the heater block <NUM> of the test fixture <NUM> to cause the heaters <NUM> to provide heat to the heatsink <NUM> via the bottom surface of the pedestal <NUM> of the heatsink <NUM>, as described above. In some implementations, the thermocouple probe <NUM> is configured to pass through an opening of the heater block <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, process <NUM> may include receiving a temperature reading from the thermocouple probe (block <NUM>). For example, the computing device <NUM> may receive a temperature reading from the thermocouple probe <NUM>, as described above.

As further shown in <FIG>, process <NUM> may include receiving an air temperature reading from an air temperature sensor associated with the heatsink (block <NUM>). For example, the computing device <NUM> may receive an air temperature reading from an air temperature sensor associated with the heatsink <NUM>, as described above.

As further shown in <FIG>, process <NUM> may include calculating a thermal resistance of the heatsink based on the temperature reading, the air temperature reading, and the power provided to the heaters (block <NUM>). For example, the computing device <NUM> may calculate a thermal resistance of the heatsink <NUM> based on the temperature reading, the air temperature reading, and the power provided to the heaters <NUM>, as described above.

Claim 1:
A test fixture (<NUM>) for a heatsink (<NUM>), the test fixture (<NUM>) comprising:
a probe assembly (<NUM>) with a thermocouple probe (<NUM>) configured to:
removably contact a bottom surface of a pedestal (<NUM>) of the heatsink (<NUM>) to be tested when the heatsink (<NUM>) is attached to the test fixture (<NUM>), and
measure a surface temperature of the heatsink (<NUM>);
an insulator housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to:
house the probe assembly (<NUM>) and a heater block (<NUM>), and
thermally insulate the probe assembly (<NUM>) from the heater block (<NUM>);
the heater block (<NUM>) provided within the insulator housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to provide heat to the heatsink (<NUM>) via the bottom surface of the pedestal (<NUM>) of the heatsink (<NUM>); and
a mounting block (<NUM>) connected to the insulator housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to connect to the heatsink (<NUM>).