[Elecraft] Purpose of Thermal Pad on Output Transistors

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

And in the KX1 they provide essential insulation like they do in the K2. =
As
Don explained, they are very important for efficient heat transfer in =
any
case.=20

Silicon grease can work when electrical insulation is not required, but
raises issues because it is toxic. It's harder to eat one of those pads
accidentally.=20

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
Hi

If you a asking about the pads on the K2 finals they insulate the =
collector
from grounding on the bottom of the case and the silicone material =
transfers
the heat from the transistor to the bottom of the case. If you are =
asking
about the pads in the KPA100 then transferring the heat is the only
function. The problem of not using the pads is at the level of machining
used in the transistor and the heatsink there will always be high and =
low
spots on the two surfaces. The pads fill in the spaces...

Don Brown
KD5NDB