Visible to Intel only — GUID: pnp1492619179476
Ixiasoft
Visible to Intel only — GUID: pnp1492619179476
Ixiasoft
4.2. Airflow
You must also consider blocked airflow. The following figure shows a device blocking the airflow from the FPGA, significantly reducing the airflow seen at the FPGA. The airflow from the fan also has to cool board components and other devices before reaching the FPGA.
If you are using a custom heat sink, you do not need to enter the airflow directly into the EPE spreadsheet but it is required to enter the θSA value for the heat sink with the knowledge of what the airflow is at the device. Most heat sinks have fins located above the heat sink to facilitate airflow. The following figure shows the FPGA with a heat sink.
When placing the heat sink on the FPGA, the direction of the fins must correspond with the direction of the airflow. A top view shows the correct orientation of the fins.
These considerations can influence the airflow at the device. When entering information into the EPE spreadsheet, you have to consider these implications to get an accurate airflow value at the FPGA.