Quectel EM12G cooling

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56387f
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Quectel EM12G cooling

Post by 56387f »

I got for myself a new toy - Quectel EM12G to replace SW MC7455 in WE826-T2 (just out of curiosity). All went well, but I have a question about cooling the modem (under the load (3CA, 80 down/30 up) it runs about 60 degrees Celsius).
To install EM12 into WE826-T2 I used a proper adapter and the original thermal pad (I think this is what it is) now is under the adapter. At the same time, EM12 has a polished copper square at the bottom, which I suppose, can/should be using for cooling down:
20201218_164755.jpg
Should/can I put some sort of passive radiator (probably another square piece of thin cooper pad) between EM12 and the adapter to help the modem to dissipate the heat?

On the other hand, I already bought a regulated 5V USB 40x40 fan
20201218_202655.jpg
which I plan to install on the top of WE826 (but it would require drilling some holes in the case - doable but in my case, wifi pigtails are soldered to the board
20201205_234530.jpg
and deattaching the case from the board would require some efforts).

PS: Forgot to ask: I can see that wifi SMA connectors, kind of, isolated from the case with 2 plastic washers, while 4G SMA connectors are not. Personally I don't see any point in those washers because I am pretty much sure all SMA connectors do have physical connection with/to the case (if one seriously wants isolate the connectors from the case, it should be done differently). So, what is the point in using those plastic washers anyway?
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56387f
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Re: Quectel EM12G cooling

Post by 56387f »

Yes, according to Quectel this is where a radiator goes:
em12_colling.jpg
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Didneywhorl
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Re: Quectel EM12G cooling

Post by Didneywhorl »

Honestly. I ran an EM20G in the Hot Texas Summer heat, outdoors all summer. No heat sink. Was fine.

I would go with a heat sink on the chip cover, on top, and call it good. If you plan on setting it in a hot space, I would remove the case and mount the unit in a plastic case, or on a mounting board.
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