Public learning track
Thermal Design, Safe Operating Limits, and Component Protection
11th Grade · Technology · UK A-Level
10 lessons
Goal
Model thermal resistance networks, size heatsinks and PCB copper pours, analyze Safe Operating Areas, and design thermal and overcurrent protection circuits.
Featured Diagrams
Thermal Resistance Concepts and Junction Temperature
10 lessons
0 of 10 done
- 1Thermal Resistance Concepts and Junction TemperatureUp nextStart
- 2Heatsink Sizing and Thermal Path CalculationsPremiumNot started yet
- 3Derating Curves and Ambient Temperature LimitsNot started yet
- 4Safe Operating Area (SOA) in Power TransistorsNot started yet
- 5Thermal Runaway Mechanisms in Semiconductor DevicesNot started yet
- 6Power Amplifier Quiescent and Load DissipationNot started yet
- 7Fuse Selection and I²t Energy RatingsNot started yet
- 8PTC and NTC Thermistors for Overcurrent and Inrush ProtectionNot started yet
- 9PCB Thermal Vias and Copper Pour HeatsinkingNot started yet
- 10Practical Thermal Testing and Temperature MeasurementNot started yet
Standards Covered
- ELEC-5.1General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Electronics · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11the relationship between energy, power and time: t P=VI = I2R=
- ELEC-5.2General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Electronics · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11the power relationships: R
Curriculum Framework
11th Grade · Technology · UK A-Level
1
9 lessons
Fundamentals of Electrical Power and Energy in DC Circuits
Master foundational derivations and calculations for electrical work, energy, and steady-state power dissipation across basic resistive networks.
2
8 lessons
Applied Power Analysis, Measurement, and Dynamic Circuit Calculations
Apply power equations to real-world circuit scenarios, including measurement loading, time-varying signals, PCB thermal dissipation, and multi-branch power balance.
3
7 lessons
Component Power Dissipation and Loss Calculations
Calculate static and dynamic electrical power dissipation across standard passive components, transistors, diodes, and voltage regulators to ensure proper power ratings.
4
10 lessons
Thermal Design, Safe Operating Limits, and Component Protection
Model thermal resistance networks, size heatsinks and PCB copper pours, analyze Safe Operating Areas, and design thermal and overcurrent protection circuits.
5
8 lessons
Power Supplies, Battery Systems, and Energy Efficiency
Master the fundamental principles and calculations of electrical energy storage, power converter efficiency, and battery life estimation for electronic systems.
6
8 lessons
Power Dissipation, Load Drivers, and System Power Diagnostics
Analyse parasitic energy losses across drivers and inductive loads, build comprehensive system power budgets, and diagnose power drain faults.