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I'd like to use TI's DRV8432 motor controller (because it's the only >6A, integrated dual motor controller I can find). The trouble is, it requires a heatsink mounted on top of the IC. See this picture from its datasheet

enter image description here

I've never encountered a package like this before. I'm not sure how to find a mechanically compatible top-mount heatsink, or how it would be secured in place. So I need some design guidance for heatsinks like that.

I've noticed adhesive-backed heatsinks online, but I'm not sure if those are the standard way to solve the problem or if there's something better. (I'm baking the PCBs myself in a toaster oven, so I'm not constrained by manufacturing concerns, though I would like to know the manufacturable way to solve this.) I'd appreciate any help or links.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Their eval board for that part is probably a good place to start for how to mount a heat-sink. \$\endgroup\$
    – Connor Wolf
    Oct 18, 2016 at 23:27
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    \$\begingroup\$ That picture looks like it has a ledge that could be clipped onto. Never saw an IC package like that before, though. Interesting. \$\endgroup\$
    – jonk
    Oct 18, 2016 at 23:30
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    \$\begingroup\$ In general, the heat sink is screwed to the PCB immediately to the edges of the part. \$\endgroup\$
    – Connor Wolf
    Oct 18, 2016 at 23:30
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    \$\begingroup\$ Follow Connor Wolf's link, and you'll get both layout and parts list which will let you provide a compatible heat sink. Also remember to get some thermal compound. \$\endgroup\$
    – WhatRoughBeast
    Oct 18, 2016 at 23:54
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    \$\begingroup\$ Contact TI and ask about the heatsink. Always contact the vendors about stuff like this. The whole purpose of eval kits is to assist sales. They don't know if you are in your garage or are part of a company. They will help you. \$\endgroup\$
    – mkeith
    Oct 20, 2016 at 5:46

2 Answers 2

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  • 1st is the datasheet calls it a HTSSOP chip
  • 2nd google HTSSOP
  • 3rd find all the heatsinks others are using

e.g. https://e2e.ti.com/support/amplifiers/audio_amplifiers/f/6/t/338242 enter image description here enter image description here enter image description here enter image description here

Dell used this sink for their Pentiums (custom) enter image description here

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks, but for the DRV8432, it calls the package HSSOP not HTSSOP. I haven't been able to find other people heatsinking the HSSOP package. It looks like your pictures are of adhesive-backed heatsinks, which I could probably use, but this is for a moving robot so I'd prefer a more positive mechanical attachment. \$\endgroup\$
    – Luke
    Oct 19, 2016 at 1:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ Or maybe I'm wrong -- are there heatsinks like this that can be reflow soldered to the top of the device? If so that would be easy. \$\endgroup\$
    – Luke
    Oct 19, 2016 at 1:35
  • \$\begingroup\$ sorry I just found that from my TI link Heatsink for TPA3116D2 HTSSOP package \$\endgroup\$
    – Tony Stewart EE75
    Oct 19, 2016 at 1:35
  • \$\begingroup\$ not likely reflowed to a heatsink but my link shows the reference to the soldered clips shown in photo \$\endgroup\$
    – Tony Stewart EE75
    Oct 19, 2016 at 1:36
  • \$\begingroup\$ HTSSOP = (Heat-Sink TSSOP). it is not an HSSOP \$\endgroup\$
    – Tony Stewart EE75
    Oct 19, 2016 at 1:44
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Thanks everyone. TI got back to me on their forum: https://e2e.ti.com/support/applications/motor_drivers/f/38/t/486539

Basically they recommend using Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Epoxy to glue down a generic extruded-aluminum heatsink such as this: http://www1.futureelectronics.com/doc/AAVID%20THERMALLOY/652453B01299G.pdf

plus metal spacers to give the GND -> heatsink connection that is recommended by the DRV8432 datasheet.

For completeness: based on my internet search, it looks like the other heatsink options are:

2) Find a heatsink designed to clip to that specific package (those don't seem to exist for TI's unusual HSSOP package, but they're available for more standard packages.)

3) Buy a heatsink that mounts to holes in the PCB, using some sort of clip or spring-loaded push pins. Those seem to be around $40 apiece.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Alpha provide pin based heatsinks with thermal interfaces and push-pin mounting clips. alphanovatech.com \$\endgroup\$
    – Ian H
    Nov 16, 2016 at 5:29

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