Abstract: An apparatus for cooling electronic devices/modules in a vehicle comprises a main ventilation duct mounted in the vehicle, and includes a blower for forcing air through the main duct. A bypass duct is provided in selective fluid communication with the main ventilation duct, and is adapted to carry electronic devices/modules to be cooled by air forced through the bypass duct. Inlet and outlet valves are provided for selectively varying the amount of air which passes through the bypass duct. The electronic devices may be positioned outside of the bypass duct, or inside the bypass duct if sealed.

Abstract: A footprint, and method for forming the footprint, of the type for mounting a surface mount component having a heatsink which defines a first registration edge thereon. The substrate pad is positioned on the substrate for registrated engagement with the heatsink. The substrate pad has an area substantially larger than the area of the heatsink to improve the dissipation of thermal energy. The substrate pad includes notches for defining registration edges which are juxtaposed with corresponding registration edges on the heatsink when the electronic component is in proper alignment with the substrate pad. Surface tension forces produced by melting solder interposed between the heatsink and the substrate pad act upon the registration edges to maintain proper alignment of the component with the substrate pad.

Abstract: A method for improving the reliability of solder joints is disclosed for use in reflow soldering. In the method, a predetermined amount of solder is applied to at least two solder pads on a circuit board and a component having at least two terminals is fixed in relation to the solder pads. The solder is melted so that the component floats to a predetermined height above the solder pads and, when solidified, the solder fillet formed at each terminal holds the component a predetermined height above the circuit board and forms a convex shape.