2 ms·

Starlink dishes go into “thermal shutdown” once they hit 122° Fahrenheit

3 points by ryzvonusef 5y ago

ryzvonusef 5y ago
https://old.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/nzudxr/this_could_be_a_problem_only_noon_in_az/ https://old.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/nzudxr/this_could...
- ryzvonusef 5y ago
  https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kvkga/spacexs-satellite-internet-shuts-down-because-its-too-hot-in-arizona https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kvkga/spacexs-satellite-int... “The phased array assembly comprises a PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) adhered to an aluminum backplate which serves several purposes—acting as RF shielding, providing structural rigidity and, most relevantly, acting as a radiative thermal mass (heat sink) for the components on the PCBA,” Keiter said. Heat is funneled from the circuit board to the aluminum backplate using a foam-like thermal interface material (TIM). The backplate itself resides in a weather-sealed cavity containing a small amount of air. As this backplate heats up, the air surrounding it also heats, transferring thermal energy via the plastic enclosure to the outside environment, Keiter said. “Here's the problem: at some point, the rate at which the combined thermal energy being absorbed by Dishy's face and being dumped by the components into the backplate, the air surrounding it, and the enclosure exceeds the rate at which that that energy can be dissipated to the outside environment,” he noted. Electrical components like resistors, capacitors, and diodes are usually rated for operation within certain temperature ranges. According to the Dishy technical specifics obtained by Starlink beta users, Dishy’s optimal operating temperature is between -22°F to 104°F. Going beyond that in either direction will trigger what Keiter called “Dishy's self-protective instincts.” Obviously resolving issues like this is what betas are for, and Keiter sees three options Starlink could pursue before a broader commercial launch. Engineers could change Dishy’s mechanical design to achieve better heat rejection, change the dish’s electrical components to expand its thermal operating window, or develop a feature that allows Dishy’s components to operate at reduced power to create less heat. He noted the latter two options would likely be taller orders.

3 points by ryzvonusef 5y ago

https://old.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/nzudxr/this_could_be_a_problem_only_noon_in_az/ https://old.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/nzudxr/this_could...

ryzvonusef 5y ago
https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kvkga/spacexs-satellite-internet-shuts-down-because-its-too-hot-in-arizona https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kvkga/spacexs-satellite-int... “The phased array assembly comprises a PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) adhered to an aluminum backplate which serves several purposes—acting as RF shielding, providing structural rigidity and, most relevantly, acting as a radiative thermal mass (heat sink) for the components on the PCBA,” Keiter said. Heat is funneled from the circuit board to the aluminum backplate using a foam-like thermal interface material (TIM). The backplate itself resides in a weather-sealed cavity containing a small amount of air. As this backplate heats up, the air surrounding it also heats, transferring thermal energy via the plastic enclosure to the outside environment, Keiter said. “Here's the problem: at some point, the rate at which the combined thermal energy being absorbed by Dishy's face and being dumped by the components into the backplate, the air surrounding it, and the enclosure exceeds the rate at which that that energy can be dissipated to the outside environment,” he noted. Electrical components like resistors, capacitors, and diodes are usually rated for operation within certain temperature ranges. According to the Dishy technical specifics obtained by Starlink beta users, Dishy’s optimal operating temperature is between -22°F to 104°F. Going beyond that in either direction will trigger what Keiter called “Dishy's self-protective instincts.” Obviously resolving issues like this is what betas are for, and Keiter sees three options Starlink could pursue before a broader commercial launch. Engineers could change Dishy’s mechanical design to achieve better heat rejection, change the dish’s electrical components to expand its thermal operating window, or develop a feature that allows Dishy’s components to operate at reduced power to create less heat. He noted the latter two options would likely be taller orders.