Detailed explanation and application guide of power resistor temperature rise calculation formula

Release time: 2025-06-15 Editor:admin Reading volume:0Second-rate

Electronic circuit design and electrical engineering, powerresistanceThe temperature rise is an important parameter. Excessive temperature rise will not only affect the performance of the resistor, but may also lead to equipment failure and even safety hazards. Therefore, accurately calculating the temperature rise of the power resistor is of great significance to ensure the stable operation of the circuit and extend the life of the components. This article will introduce the calculation formula of power resistor temperature rise in detail, and analyze the relevant core content step by step to help engineers and technicians master the key skills of temperature rise calculation.

1. Basic concept of temperature rise of power resistor

The temperature rise of the power resistor refers to the increase in the internal temperature of the resistor relative to the ambient temperature due to the heat generated by the passage of current when the resistor is working. The temperature rise value is usually expressed by ΔT, and the unit is degrees Celsius (℃). Understanding the temperature rise can help determine whether the resistor is within its rated operating temperature range and avoid damage due to overheating.

2. Calculation formula for temperature rise of power resistor

The temperature rise calculation formula of the power resistor is usually expressed as:

ΔT = P × RθJA

Among them, ΔT is the temperature rise (℃), P is the resistance power (W), and RθJA is the thermal resistance from junction to environment (℃/W).

This formula shows that the temperature rise is proportional to the power and thermal resistance. The greater the power or the higher the thermal resistance, the more obvious the temperature rise will be.

3. Calculation of analytical power P

Power P is the rate at which the electrical energy consumed by the resistor is converted into heat energy. According to Ohm's law, power can be calculated in the following way:

P = I² × R or P = V² / R

Among them, I is the current (A), V is the voltage (V), and R is the resistance value (Ω). Accurate calculation of power is the basis for temperature rise calculation.

4. Understanding and measuring thermal resistance RθJA

Thermal resistance RθJA (junction-to-ambient thermal resistance) represents the thermal resistance value between the internal node of the resistor and the environment, and the unit is ℃/W. It reflects the heat dissipation ability of the resistor. The smaller the value, the better the heat dissipation performance. Thermal resistance is usually provided by the manufacturer or can be measured experimentally.

5. Effect of ambient temperature on temperature rise

The actual working environment temperature T_amb will affect the absolute temperature of the power resistor. The junction temperature T_j of the resistor can be calculated by the following formula:

T_j = T_with + ΔT

Therefore, at high ambient temperatures, even if the temperature rise is the same, the junction temperature of the resistor is higher, and special attention needs to be paid to the design margin.

6. Temperature rise calculation under various heat dissipation conditions

Power resistors have various heat dissipation conditions, such as natural convection, forced air cooling or installation on a radiator. Different heat dissipation methods correspond to different thermal resistance values, which in turn affect the temperature rise. For example, the RθJA value will decrease during forced air cooling, and the temperature rise will decrease accordingly.

7. Temperature rise safety margin in practical applications

In order to ensure the reliable operation of the resistor, a safety margin must be left in the design. Usually, the maximum junction temperature of the resistor is specified by the manufacturer, and the design temperature rise should be controlled within 70%-80% of this range. Excessive temperature rise will accelerate the aging of the resistor and even burn it out.

8. Case study of temperature rise calculation

For example: a 5Ω resistor, current is 2A, ambient temperature is 25℃, thermal resistance is 40℃/W.

Calculated power: P = I² × R = 2² × 5 = 20W

Calculate temperature rise: ΔT = P × RθJA = 20 × 40 = 800℃

Junction temperature: T_j = 25 + 800 = 825°C, which is obviously beyond the safe range and needs to be optimized.

9. Common methods to optimize the temperature rise of power resistors

Choose resistive devices with lower thermal resistance

Increase the cooling area or use a radiator

Use air cooling or liquid cooling to enhance heat dissipation

Reduce the resistor power or use multiple resistors to share the load.

The calculation of the temperature rise of power resistors is a link that cannot be ignored in electronic design. By understanding the temperature rise calculation formula ΔT = P × RθJA and related parameters, you can effectively evaluate the thermal performance of the resistor during operation and avoid damage caused by excessive temperature rise. Reasonable selection of components and heat dissipation solutions based on the actual application environment and heat dissipation conditions is the key to ensuring stable operation of the circuit and extending the life of the equipment. I hope the detailed explanation in this article can provide valuable reference for your design.