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Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Joe on January 23, 2007, 07:07:09 PM

Title: Heat sinking ICs
Post by: Joe on January 23, 2007, 07:07:09 PM

I plan on using a couple of L293E ICs for motor drivers. Everything I've read suggests heat sinking, and I can understand why, with all that current going though a little IC circuit. But how do you heat sink a DIP IC?

I have many guesses. On top? Sounds wrong. Plus the L293 documentation notes that there are 4 ground pins in the center (pins 5, 6, 15, and 16 in a 20 pin package) for heat sinking purposes. Where exactly do you put the heat sink and how is it attached?

Title: Re: Heat sinking ICs
Post by: Admin on January 24, 2007, 08:51:13 PM

i looked up the datasheet for the L293E here:
http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/L/2/9/3/L293E.shtml

on the first page it says 'use the four center pins to conduct heat to the printed circuit board' :P

this type of IC isnt designed for heatsinks, and instead uses the pins to get rid of heat