Sauna Evaluation V4.42 Exercises

This webpage provides tutorial exercises for learning about the Sauna software.

All of the exercises available on this page can be worked with the free Sauna V4.42 Evaluation Package. If you have not already done so, please use Sauna V4.42 Evaluation Package download, then follow the instructions to install. (If you have an older version of the Sauna Evaluation Package installed, please uninstall and get the V4.42 version.)

Sauna Quick Tours

If you are reasonably familiar with CAD or analysis software, you should start with the Sauna Quick Tours. There are four Sauna Quick Tours covering these subjects: (1) heat sinks and chip stackups, (2) circuit boards, (3) complete box models and (4) LED boards. Each of the quick tours takes 20-30 minutes to complete. If you are pressed for time, just work the first part of each quick tour. You can get a good feel for Sauna's capabilities after just 5 or 10 minutes.

You do not have to complete the Sauna Quick Tours in any particular order. For example, if you're only interested in circuit boards, start with Sauna Quick Tour #2.

Links are provided below for the Sauna Quick Tours in PDF format. The same files are available through the Start Menu after you install the Sauna Evaluation package.

Please be aware that the Sauna Quick Tours only provide an overview of the software features. For a detailed introduction, see the User Manual Exercises below. Also, if you find that the Sauna Quick Tours move too quickly, the user manual exercises go at a slower pace and provide numerous "hands-on" opportunities.

Sauna Quick Tour #1: Heat Sinks, Duty Cycles And Stackup Models (pdf file)

In the first Sauna Quick Tour, you will model these configurations:

Heat sink with standard device

Heat sink with standard device

Duty cycle analysis

Duty cycle analysis

Heat sink with custom stackups

Heat sink with custom stackups

 
Sauna Quick Tour #2: Circuit Board Modeling (pdf file)

In the second Sauna Quick Tour, you will see how Sauna can be used for both quick models and detailed studies of circuit boards:

Simple DPAK device model

Simple DPAK device model

DPAK device what-ifs

DPAK device what-ifs

Four layer board with multiple components

Four layer board with multiple components

 
Sauna Quick Tour #3: Basic Finned Box, Box With Board (pdf file)

With Sauna you can do a quick analysis of a box, or you can model in great detail (including internal convection and gray radiation analysis with automatic view factor calculation). These boxes are modeled:

Basic finned box

Basic finned box

Box with internal board

Box with internal board

 
Sauna Quick Tour #4: Modeling LED Boards

Sauna's library includes 40 standard LED packages, covering a wide range of automotive, industrial and consumer lighting applications (user-defined packages are also possible). You can easily experiment with different pad sizes, add or remove internal copper planes, test different via densities, and model boards bonded to heat sinks.

many LED components in library board bonded to heat sink

User Manual Exercises

You can use the Sauna Evaluation Package to work a number of the tutorials in the Sauna User Manual. The material is presented at a slower and more detailed pace than the Sauna Quick Tours. There are ample opportunities for you to enter commands on your own and test your knowledge.

In general, you should work the introductory exercises in order. There is just one exception. If you completed Sauna Quick Tour #1 (heat sinks) and are comfortable with the material, you can start with Introductory Exercise 2: Heat Sink What-If Modifications. Otherwise, start at the beginning with Introductory Exercise 1: A Simple Finned Heat Sink.

Here are the links to the introductory exercises:

Two intermediate exercises are available for Sauna Evaluation Package users:

One supplemental exercise is available:

  • Supplemental Exercise 1: Transient And Duty Cycle Modeling ("duty_cycle.pdf"). Sauna Quick Tour #1 and Introductory Exercise #1 provide a quick introduction to transient and duty cycle analysis. This exercise covers the subject in much more detail. One of the topics covered is duty cycle scripting, where you can describe power vs. time curves of almost any complexity. There is also an excellent discussion of high frequency thermal effects.

Uninstall Software

When you have finished evaluating Sauna, the software can be removed in the usual way. Use the Start Menu, followed by Control Panel. Then select "Uninstall a program".

Note that the uninstall program does not remove any model files (.smf files) or transient result files (.srf files). These must be removed manually.

If you have any questions about Sauna, please contact Technical Support (734-761-1956 or support@thermalsoftware.com).

Thank you for your interest in our products.



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