Thermal Interface Material (TIM)
Definition
Material placed between heat-generating components and heat sinks to improve thermal conductivity by filling microscopic air gaps. Common types include thermal paste, pads, and phase-change materials.
Why It Matters
- Dramatically reduces thermal resistance at interfaces
- Essential for effective conduction cooling
- Different materials have different thermal conductivity and application methods
- Improper application creates hot spots and thermal bottlenecks
Common Pitfalls
- Using too much or too little TIM (optimal is thin layer)
- Not considering TIM compression and assembly tolerance
- Ignoring TIM degradation over thermal cycles
- Using electrically conductive TIM without insulation where needed