TMDX654IDKEVM: requirement of a heatsink presence

Slava Prokopii

Intellectual 2076 points

Part Number: TMDX654IDKEVM
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: AM6548

Hello.

We are evaluating AM65xx processors for our next project.

For this purpose we've ordered TMDX654IDKEVM.

As we can see this board contains a heatsink for CPU.

The heatsink is incompatible with our end equipment dimensions.

We are not going to use GPU core of the device.

So the questions are:

1) is it allowed to use AM65xx processors without an external heatsink?

2) what is the maximum operation load level of AM65xx, when there is no requirement to use an external heatsink (in terms of CPU load or utilizing of internal modules)?

over 5 years ago

0 kcastille over 5 years ago

TI__Guru 54512 points

Slava,

To properly answer this question we suggest that you simulate the use of the device in your system using a tool like Flotherm and the AM65x SoC thermal model.

AM654x/DRA80xM Thermal Models

In general we do recommend using a heatsink. A typical system uses the chassis/box as a heatsink and designs the system such that the chassis touches the SoC using some sort of thermal interface material.

Regards,

Kyle

0 Slava Prokopii over 5 years ago in reply to kcastille

TI__Intellectual 2076 points

Hello Kyle.

Thank you for your suggestion.

Unfortunately, we do not use any external thermal simulation tools (like Flotherm).

Is there any way to calculate an expected heating of CPU, and the heatsink necessity as an outcome, if we know what the internal cores will be utilized in application?

Thank you.

0 kcastille over 5 years ago in reply to Slava Prokopii

TI__Guru 54512 points

Slava,

You can make rough calculations using thetaJA from the AM6548 data sheet, as summarized in this app note:

Regards,

Kyle

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TMDX654IDKEVM: requirement of a heatsink presence