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I am doing a system design presently which involves an OEM optical amplifier module (Dimensions: 220 x 250 x 60mm). It has got an operating temperature range from 0 deg. to 40 deg.C. However, my system is supposed to operate all the way from 60 deg.C down to -30 deg.C. The support personnel for the component informed that it can be ruggedized to make it operate in the required temperature range. Does anyone know how the ruggedization can be done?

Update
After testing the module, we have found that it can operate till 60 deg. C without any issues. Hence cooling mechanism at high temperatures is not required. All I need is a heating mechanism which can heat up the module when it goes to negative temperatures. Which type of heater will be best suited for this application? My system has a 28V DC input and I will have to heat up a face with 220mm x 250mm area.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Speculation but they might just mean you could design a heating / cooling system to keep it within those limits. \$\endgroup\$
    – PeterJ
    Commented Dec 12, 2013 at 11:46
  • \$\begingroup\$ @PeterJ I was also thinking about doing the same thing. But should I be designing the heating/cooling systems myself or will I get any pre-built ones? \$\endgroup\$
    – Avin
    Commented Dec 12, 2013 at 12:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ Never had to do anything similar myself but I'm not aware of any pre-built units. It might be worth adding some more details on the overall size / environment etc though so someone might be able to suggest what peltier and other solutions might be suitable. If it's a single chip I believe some small peltier devices are available that might do the job combined with a fan and a control system. \$\endgroup\$
    – PeterJ
    Commented Dec 12, 2013 at 12:10
  • \$\begingroup\$ Well if the "support personnel" said it can be ruggedized then why don't you just ask them? \$\endgroup\$
    – lyndon
    Commented Dec 12, 2013 at 12:45
  • \$\begingroup\$ It is not a chip, it is a module of dimensions 220 x 250 x 60mm. The system size has not been fixed as the design for the ruggedization element is yet to be understood. Anyways, I'll add the dimensions also in the above question. I did come across some Peltier solutions while googling, but I believe they can work only for 1 purpose - either heating or cooling. Can a single solution work for both heating and cooling? \$\endgroup\$
    – Avin
    Commented Dec 12, 2013 at 12:48

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We had to warm up an enclosure for this very reason. We ended up using a heater such as this one. There are many of these; try searching for "Enclosure Heaters". Most 24VDC heaters will run on 28V; make sure you check the spec sheets.

If the heater doesn't come with a thermostat, this one is good and relatively inexpensive. Set its trip point down to near-freezing.

As far as determining how much wattage you need, it depends on the area of exposed surface, the lowest ambient temp it may see, and the material of the enclosure. I believe that there are online calculators for this, although in my company the mechanical engineers figured out that part :)

Good luck!

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