Transfer function - zero in a thermal heater

In summary, a zero in a resistive heater can indicate an unintentional resonance in the system, possibly caused by inductance and capacitance or an improper design or defect in components.
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Hi

I am trying to characterize a microscale resistive heater. In my Bode plot there is decay that is less than -20dB/decade indicating that there is a zero in the system. Anyone having an idea of what physical meaning a zero in a resistive heater has?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
A zero in a resistive heater can indicate a resonance, or a frequency at which the system is amplifying signals rather than attenuating them. This can be caused by a combination of inductance and capacitance. If you are not intentionally using inductors or capacitors in your design, it may indicate an unintentional resonance in the system. It could also be caused by an improper design of the heater, or a defect in the components.
 

1. What is a transfer function in relation to a thermal heater?

A transfer function in a thermal heater refers to the mathematical relationship between the input and output signals of the heater. It describes how the heater responds to changes in temperature, and is often used to design and control the heater's performance.

2. What does it mean to have a "zero" in the transfer function of a thermal heater?

A "zero" in the transfer function of a thermal heater represents a point where the output signal is equal to zero, even when there is an input signal present. This indicates that the heater is not responding to changes in temperature, and can affect its overall performance.

3. How does a zero in the transfer function impact the heating efficiency of a thermal heater?

A zero in the transfer function can significantly affect the heating efficiency of a thermal heater. It can lead to instability in the system, causing the heater to overheat or underheat. This can result in uneven heating and affect the overall performance and lifespan of the heater.

4. Can a zero in the transfer function be eliminated or controlled?

Yes, a zero in the transfer function can be eliminated or controlled through proper design and tuning of the heater. This can be done by adjusting the heater's parameters, such as its input voltage or current, to ensure that the transfer function does not have any zeros.

5. Are there any benefits to having a zero in the transfer function of a thermal heater?

In some cases, having a zero in the transfer function of a thermal heater can be beneficial. It can help to reduce overshoot and undershoot in the heating process, resulting in a more stable and accurate temperature control. However, this is only true if the zero is controlled and does not lead to instability in the system.

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