The Right Approach: Get Ready for ISO 9001 Version 6
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation'
Driving Innovation: Depth Routing Processes—Achieving Unparalleled Precision in Complex PCBs
Thermoelectric Cooling Gets Fit for Micro Technology
November 26, 2018 | IFW DresdenEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Thermoelectric materials can convert heat into electricity or, vice versa, can be used as environmentally friendly cooling elements. In many processes in everyday life and in industry, energy losses occur in form of waste heat, which can be converted by thermoelectric generators into electrical energy. This also provides an additional power source in these systems.
Image Caption: Electron micrograph showing an array of micro-thermoelectric devices with a packing density of about 5,000 pieces per square centimeter. The free-standing design reduces thermo-mechanical stress in the component and thus enables very high cycle stability and durability. Photo: IFW Dresden
Another particularly attractive application of thermoelectric materials is the cooling of microelectronic components, for example in processors or for thermal management in organ implants. For this purpose, thermoelectric generators must be suitable for integration into modern microelectronic systems. In addition, the manufacturing process must be compatible into the established processes of chip production. All this has proven challenging, so that a broad application of micro thermoelectric devices has not been realized so far.
Now there is a promising new approach by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW). They introduced a crucial innovation in the deposition process of the thermoelectric bismuth tellurium compound. An additional gold electrolyte bath immediately after the layer deposition forms a protective gold layer on the thermoelectric elements. This interface significantly reduces the resistance between the thermoelectric material and the contact layer, which has a very positive effect on the efficiency and the functional stability in the long-term test. The micro-thermoelectric devices processed in this way offer a very fast cooling response times of only one millisecond and a high reliability of more than 10 million cycles and more than 30 days of stable cooling performance. The improvement of these figures represents a decisive step towards the broad application of thermoelectric components.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Fresh PCB Concepts: Designing for Success at the Rigid-flex Transition Area
08/28/2025 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsRigid-flex PCBs come in all shapes and sizes. Manufacturers typically use fire-retardant, grade 4 (FR-4) materials in the rigid section and flexible polyimide materials in the flex region. Because of the small size, some rigid-flex PCBs, like those for hearing aid devices, are among the most challenging to manufacture. However, regardless of its size, we should not neglect the transition area between the rigid and flexible material.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: How to Evaluate Supplier Capabilities Worldwide
08/20/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, the difference between a competitive edge and a catastrophic disruption often comes down to how well you vet your suppliers. Sourcing advanced PCBs, precision components, or materials for complex assemblies demands diligence, skepticism, and more than a little time on airplanes. Here’s how to do your due diligence when evaluating international suppliers and why cutting corners can cost you more than money.
Insulectro and Electroninks Sign North American Distribution Agreement
08/12/2025 | InsulectroElectroninks, a leader in metal organic decomposition (MOD) inks for additive manufacturing and advanced semiconductor packaging, today announced a strategic collaboration and distribution partnership with Insulectro, a premier distributor of materials used in printed electronics and advanced interconnect manufacturing.
Happy’s Tech Talk #41: Sustainability and Circularity for Electronics Manufacturing
08/13/2025 | Happy Holden -- Column: Happy’s Tech TalkI attended INEMI’s June 12 online seminar, “Sustainable Electronics Tech Topic Series: PCBs and Sustainability.” Dr. Maarten Cauwe of imec spoke on “Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Models for Assessing and Improving the Environmental Impact of PCB Assemblies,” and Jack Herring of Jiva Materials Ltd. spoke on “Transforming Electronics with Recyclable PCB Technology.” This column will review information and provide analysis from both presentations.
Dymax Renews Connecticut Headquarters Lease, Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Local Community
08/08/2025 | DymaxDymax, a global manufacturer of rapid light-curing materials and equipment, is pleased to announce the renewal and extension of its corporate lease at its 318 Industrial Lane, Torrington, headquarters.