LP2985-N datasheet(21/43 Pages) TI

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Thermal resistance (RθJA) is highly dependent on the heat-spreading capability built into the particular PCB

design, and therefore varies according to the total copper area, copper weight, and location of the planes.

The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance listed in the Thermal Information table is determined by the JEDEC

standard PCB and copper-spreading area, and is used as a relative measure of package thermal performance.

8.1.6 Estimating Junction Temperature

The JEDEC standard now recommends the use of psi (Ψ) thermal metrics to estimate the junction temperatures

of the linear regulator when in-circuit on a typical PCB board application. These metrics are not thermal

resistance parameters and instead offer a practical and relative way to estimate junction temperature. These

psi metrics are determined to be significantly independent of the copper area available for heat-spreading.

The Thermal Information table lists the primary thermal metrics, which are the junction-to-top characterization

parameter (ψJT) and junction-to-board characterization parameter (ψJB). These parameters provide two methods

for calculating the junction temperature (TJ), as described in the following equations. Use the junction-to-top

characterization parameter (ψJT) with the temperature at the center-top of device package (TT) to calculate

the junction temperature. Use the junction-to-board characterization parameter (ψJB) with the PCB surface

temperature 1 mm from the device package (TB) to calculate the junction temperature.

TJ = TT + ψJT × PD

(4)

where:

• PD is the dissipated power

• TT is the temperature at the center-top of the device package

TJ = TB + ψJB × PD

(5)

where:

• TB is the PCB surface temperature measured 1 mm from the device package and centered on the package

edge

For detailed information on the thermal metrics and how to use them, see the Semiconductor and IC Package

Thermal Metrics application note.

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LP2985-N

SNVS018Z – MARCH 2000 – REVISED MAY 2023

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LP2985-N Datasheet(PDF) 21 Page - Texas Instruments