Systems Modeling Question (First order thermal circuit)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a thermal circuit model for a computer CPU, specifically focusing on reducing it to two lumped capacitances and resistances. Participants seek to understand the implications of this simplification and how it relates to the original circuit design.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about simplifying the thermal circuit and requests assistance with the equations involved.
  • Another participant provides a simplified version of the circuit but does not clarify the reasoning behind it, leading to further questions.
  • A participant attempts to visualize the circuit in terms of an electrical analogy but is uncertain about its accuracy.
  • There is a suggestion that if only the thermal profile at one location is needed, equivalent circuits could be used for simplification.
  • One participant asserts that the proposed circuit is not equivalent to the original, noting that the capacitances connect to ground rather than across the resistances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the equivalence of the simplified circuit and the original. Multiple competing views regarding the simplification process and its validity remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the simplification process, and there are unresolved questions about the accuracy of the circuit analogies being used.

KingDaniel
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Homework Statement


I have a problem with understanding the thermal circuit I attached to this thread. Please help. It's a Thermal circuit of a computer CPU that needs to be simplified to have just 2 lumped capacitances and resitances. How would one go about doing that? along with the equations?

IMG_0454.JPG
 
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This is what they simplified it to but I don't understand it:

IMG_0455.JPG
 
I tried to picture it like this but I'm not sure if it's right:

IMG_0456.JPG
 
KingDaniel said:

Homework Statement


I have a problem with understanding the thermal circuit I attached to this thread. Please help. It's a Thermal circuit of a computer CPU that needs to be simplified to have just 2 lumped capacitances and resitances. How would one go about doing that? along with the equations?

View attachment 86866
that is as simple as you are going to get it without losing data. Why are you trying to simplify it?

If you only need the thermal profile at one location you can use equivalent circuits to simplify i guess.
 
@donpacino , okay, but is my circuit the same as their version of the circuit? Cause I'm trying to comprehend it in terms of an electrical circuit analogy but their drawing just looks weird...
 
your circuit is not equivalent. If you look, the capacitances go to ground, not across the resistances.
 

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