Heatsink Clip Load Metrology
Thermal and Mechanical Design Guidelines 45
A.3 Test Procedure Examples
The following procedure is for a generic z-clip solution using the clip force time0
measurement machine at room temperature:
1. Install anchors onto top plate. Anchor can be secured using epoxy or glue.
2. Fasten top plate onto the clip force measurement machine. Place package
simulator on top of the preload cell as well.
3. Place the heatsink (remove any TIM material) on top of the package simulator.
Power on the clip force measurement machine.
4. Install the z-clip and record down the measured preload. Make sure measurement
is taken after the reading stabilized. Remove the z-clip and repeat 2 times (in
total 3 times) to ensure consistency.
5. Repeat step4 for remaining clip samples. Recommended minimum samples are
10 z-clip samples.
Figure 19. Top Plate and Package Simulator Fasten onto Clip Force Measurement
Machine