Advanced Thermal Testing Facility 

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Advanced Thermal Testing Facility 

Heatscape’s thermal lab is where the validation of design and simulations take place. Our thermal lab has been expanded in recent years to include our custom-built Thermal Test Vehicles (TTV) for accurate chip-level temperature measurement. In addition, our wind tunnel can be utilized to characterize the flow and pressure drop of anything from a simple fan all the way to a complete networking chassis. Our FLIR thermal camera also allows us to quickly and accurately measure the surface temperature of heatsinks and other hotspots. Other capabilities include airflow measurement devices, simple fabrication, force measurement, etc.

Wind Tunnel

Modular Wind-Tunnel capable of characterizing heatsinks and validating CFD results.

Wind Tunnel

Thermal Camera

Thermal Camera used to validate heat spreading characteristics of Heatsink Solutions.

Thermal Camera

Thermal Testing

IR Camera Imaging showing the effectiveness of heatpipes in spreading heat from a source to a remote heatsink.

Thermal Testing
Wind Tunnel Wind Tunnel
Thermal Camera Thermal Camera
Thermal Testing Thermal Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an advanced thermal testing facility?

An advanced thermal testing facility is a specialized lab where cooling solutions are physically tested to verify performance, reliability, and safety. It simulates real-world operating conditions to ensure thermal designs perform as expected. These facilities use controlled environments and precision instruments to validate designs before production, reducing risk and improving overall product quality.

What types of tests are performed in a thermal testing lab?

A thermal testing lab performs airflow measurement, temperature mapping, pressure drop analysis, and heat dissipation testing. Engineers analyze how heat moves through components and systems under real conditions. These tests help validate cooling efficiency, identify design limitations, and ensure the system meets thermal performance requirements before deployment.

How does a wind tunnel help in thermal testing?

A wind tunnel is used to measure airflow behavior and pressure characteristics across heatsinks and complete systems. It allows engineers to test how air moves through complex geometries and validate CFD simulation results. This ensures proper airflow distribution, improves cooling efficiency, and helps optimize system design for real operating environments.

What role do thermal cameras play in testing?

Thermal cameras capture real-time surface temperatures and provide visual heat maps of components during operation. They help identify hotspots, uneven heat distribution, and cooling inefficiencies quickly. This visual data allows engineers to diagnose issues, validate design performance, and make targeted improvements to enhance overall thermal management.

Can thermal testing validate simulation results like CFD?

Yes, thermal testing is used to validate CFD simulation results by comparing predicted data with actual performance measurements. This ensures that airflow and heat transfer models are accurate. Validation helps refine simulation models, improve design confidence, and ensure the cooling solution performs reliably in real-world conditions.

Are thermal test vehicles (TTVs) used in the testing process?

Yes, thermal test vehicles (TTVs) are commonly used to simulate real chip heat loads during testing. They allow engineers to replicate actual power conditions and measure temperature accurately at the component level. TTVs enable early validation of cooling solutions even before production hardware is available, accelerating development timelines.

Why is thermal testing critical before product launch?

Thermal testing is critical because it identifies performance issues, validates cooling effectiveness, and ensures system reliability before launch. It helps prevent overheating, component failure, and costly redesigns after production. By confirming performance under real conditions, thermal testing improves product durability, safety, and long-term operational stability.

What is a heatsink calculator?

A heatsink calculator helps estimate thermal performance by analyzing heat dissipation, airflow, and material properties to determine optimal cooling solutions.