Microprocessor Cooling (Chapter 7) Consider a microprocessor dissipating 50 W with dimensions 2-cm x 2-cm square and 0.5-cm high (see figure). In order to cool the microprocessor, it is necessary to mount it to a device called a heat sink, which serves two purposes. First, it distributes the heat from the relatively small microprocessor to a larger area; second, it provides extended heat transfer area in the form of fins. A small fan then can be used to provide forced-air cooling. The main constraints to the design of a heat sink are cost and size. For laptop computers, fan power is also an important consideration. Develop a heat-sink design that will maintain the microprocessor at 90°C or less and suggest ways to optimize the cooling system.
