The Effects of Heat on Electronic Components

Abstract

Regardless of the cause of overheating, the general and primary effect of overheating on an electronic component is damage. In this paper, the effects of excessive levels heat on different types of electronic components are explored and discussed. Take note that included in this discussion are the causes of overheating to better understand and appreciate the overheating phenomenon as it applies to electronic components, as well as electronic assemblies and electronic devices. Through a review of literature, especially studies and engineering reference materials, this paper found out that at the micro-level, overheating causes material degradation on or in a specific electronic component. This degradation is further caused by cracks, expansion, and other structural deformation. Note that this degradation is also caused by different changes in the physical and chemical properties of a specific material due to exposure to high levels of heat. At macro-level, the effects of overheating center on systems failure due to degradation of different constituents and components, cause-effect loop, and neighboring-effect. Both micro-level and macro-level effects of overheating on electronic components increase the health and safety risk of an entire electronic assembly and electronic device. Hence, through a review of literature, this paper also discusses the techniques or processes for preventing overheating or reducing the negative effects of excessive levels of heat.