Re: Flash retention in uC at higher temps, experience?

On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:04:59 -0700, Joerg
<notthisjoergsch@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

>legg wrote:
>> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:31:00 -0700, Joerg
>> <notthisjoergsch@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>> 
>>> Tim Wescott wrote:
>>  
>>> It's not just this mailbox but also some MSP430 apps at a client. They

>>> predate my involvement there and we are pretty much stuck with that
for 
>>> a while. We are seeing a distinct pattern where those inside smaller 
>>> boxes fail more often than those in larger and more airy enclosures. 
>>> This stuff is used in the south where summers are quite toasty.
>> 
>> I suggest you paint your box or faceplate a different color.
>> 
>> Your aim should be to avoid producing temperatures that are not
>> neccessary in direct sunlight.
>>
>
>Not so easy on an existing product. But from experience it seems the 
>temps weren't all that different between a black box and an off-white 
>one. Maybe the off-white one crept up a little slower.

With all other variables constant, a reduced rate of rise means a
lower end-point of thermal burden. Light colours are preferable where
reflective surfaces are not possible.

Changing the material, or material grade to something that is not
clear/opaque to infrared can also have an effect. A paint overcoat
rather than internal pigment (~of plastic). Adding irregular surface
finish or stippling/ridging may also have a beneficial effect.

Failing that, a sacrificial face-plate on the most exposed surfaces,
decoupled physically from the case itself.

RL