03. Electronics Packaging and Thermal Management

In recent years, the development of automotive CASE technology has led to a greater number of electronic devices being mounted in vehicles than in the past. These in-vehicle electronic devices are often subjected to high temperatures, such as those found inside a car under the blazing sun or in the engine compartment, exposing them to thermally harsh environments. Until now, automotive component manufacturers have addressed these issues by using automotive ICs and other components with high heat resistance. However, next-generation communication modules and other advanced components are not guaranteed to withstand high temperatures, making the thermal design of these components increasingly important. In particular, various sensors that monitor the exterior of the vehicle are mounted in locations exposed to solar radiation, where the ambient temperature can exceed 100°C. Currently, there are few studies on the effects of solar radiation on electronic equipment, with most research focusing on the impact of solar radiation on the vehicle's interior and the health and comfort of passengers. There is no clear standard for solar radiation testing of electronic equipment; IEC60721-2-4 provides only a guideline for the peak value of the global solar radiation (GSR). This paper reports on how solar radiation affects the temperature of electronic equipment using thermal analysis. It also examines the factors causing discrepancies between experimental results and thermal analysis, and proposes countermeasures.