Micro Thermoelectric Coolers for LiDAR

The laser transmitter inside Micro Thermoelectric Coolers for LiDAR generates heat during operation, while the surrounding temperature can vary significantly between different operating environments. If the laser temperature changes beyond its required operating range, the optical device may not maintain the required operating condition.

A Micro-TEC can be installed directly at the laser module to actively pump heat away from the temperature-sensitive component. Unlike a passive heat sink, it does not rely only on natural or forced heat dissipation.

For compact LiDAR assemblies, the main application value is localized temperature control. The cooler can be positioned close to the laser source without requiring a compressor, refrigerant circuit, or moving mechanical components.

Key Specifications

The actual cooling capacity, current, voltage, dimensions, and thermal performance depend on the selected Micro-TEC configuration and the heat load of the LiDAR component.

Compact Size for Space-Limited LiDAR Modules

Micro Thermoelectric Coolers for LiDAR has limited internal space because the laser, detector, optical components, electronic circuits, and heat dissipation structures are integrated into one assembly.

Our Micro-TECs can be manufactured in micro-sized configurations down to a few millimeters. This allows the cooler to be positioned close to the laser or other heat-sensitive component instead of occupying space as a separate refrigeration system.

For customized LiDAR assemblies, the product dimensions can be evaluated according to the available installation space, component position, mounting structure, and electrical interface.

Less Than 1 W Power Consumption

Power consumption is an important design parameter when the Micro-TEC is integrated into a vehicle LiDAR or other compact electronic system.

Our Micro Thermoelectric Coolers can operate at less than 1 watt in applicable configurations. The actual power requirement depends on the selected product design and the thermal load that needs to be controlled.

For engineering evaluation, customers should provide the target cooling temperature, heat load, available voltage, and installation dimensions so that the appropriate Micro-TEC configuration can be selected.

Solid-State Cooling Without Refrigerant

The Micro Thermoelectric Coolers for LiDAR uses semiconductor thermoelectric materials between ceramic substrates to transfer heat when electrical current is applied.

The component has:

● No compressor

● No refrigerant

● No mechanical moving parts

● Compact solid-state construction

● Direct electrical control

This structure is useful for LiDAR modules where the cooling component needs to be installed close to the laser and integrated into a limited mechanical space.

Active Heat Pumping for Laser Temperature Control

The Micro-TEC is used to control the temperature of the target component rather than simply lowering the temperature of the entire LiDAR housing.

When electrical power is applied, heat is transferred from the cold side to the hot side. The cold side is placed near the laser or other temperature-sensitive component, while the hot side must be connected to an effective heat dissipation path.

The thermal design therefore needs to consider both sides of the Micro-TEC:

Target Component → Micro-TEC Cold Side → Micro-TEC Hot Side → LiDAR Heat Dissipation Structure

If the hot side cannot remove the transferred heat effectively, the cooling performance of the entire system will be reduced.

Micro-TEC with Header for LiDAR Assembly

For LiDAR designs requiring a defined mechanical interface, we can provide Micro Thermoelectric Coolers with headers.

The header configuration can be evaluated according to:

● Available installation space

● Mounting structure

● Component position

● Electrical connection

● Assembly requirements

For non-standard structures, customers can provide an existing sample or engineering drawing. We evaluate the structure before sample production.

Customized Micro Thermoelectric Coolers

A standard Micro-TEC may not match the dimensions or thermal requirements of a specific LiDAR module. We support customized products based on customer samples or drawings.

The customization process can cover:

Dimensions → Electrical Parameters → Mounting Structure → Header Configuration → Thermal Requirements

Before mass production, samples are produced for customer confirmation. This allows the Micro-TEC to be checked against the actual LiDAR assembly before the production quantity is released.

Information Required for Micro-TEC Selection

For a new LiDAR cooling project, customers can provide the following information:

If some parameters are not yet available, an existing Micro-TEC sample or LiDAR assembly drawing can be used as the starting point for technical evaluation.

Installation and Thermal Interface

The thermal interface between the Micro-TEC and the laser module directly affects heat transfer.

The cold side should maintain sufficient contact with the target component, and an appropriate thermal interface material (TIM) can be used when required by the assembly design.

The hot side requires an effective heat dissipation path. A heat sink, housing, or other cooling structure should be designed to remove the heat transferred by the Micro-TEC.

The Micro-TEC must also be operated within its specified electrical parameters. The maximum IMAX current must not be exceeded, because excessive current can damage the thermoelectric semiconductor junction.

Manufacturing Capability

X-Meritan manufactures Micro Thermoelectric Coolers and also controls the preparation of upstream thermoelectric materials.

Our production capabilities cover:

● Thermoelectric material preparation

● Precision component processing

● Welding

● Assembly

● Micro-packaging

● Customized Micro-TEC production

This manufacturing structure supports projects that require non-standard Micro-TEC dimensions, mounting structures, or electrical configurations.

For customized LiDAR applications, the product can be developed from the material and component level rather than being limited to an existing standard cooler.

Micro Thermoelectric Cooler Development Process

For customized LiDAR cooling projects, we follow a sample-based development process:

Customer Drawing / Sample → Technical Evaluation → Product Design → Sample Production → Sample Confirmation → Mass Production

The sample confirmation stage allows the dimensions, mounting structure, electrical connection, and assembly compatibility to be checked before mass production.

Applications

Micro Thermoelectric Coolers can be used for temperature control of:

● LiDAR laser transmitters

● Temperature-sensitive optoelectronic components

● Compact optical modules

● Automotive LiDAR assemblies

● Other miniature electronic components requiring localized active cooling

Quality and Export Experience

X-Meritan has more than 10 years of experience in miniature semiconductor cooling and provides Micro-TEC products for international markets.

The company has obtained ISO and CE certifications and exports products to Europe, North America, South America, Southeast Asia, and other markets.

Our technical experience covers optical fiber communications, industrial medical equipment, smart automotive electronics, consumer electronics, and research applications.

FAQ

What information do you need to select a Micro-TEC for LiDAR?

The most useful information includes the component heat load, target temperature, available voltage, maximum current, installation dimensions, mounting structure, and hot-side heat dissipation method. A drawing or existing Micro-TEC sample can also be used for evaluation.

How small can the Micro-TEC be?

X-Meritan can manufacture Micro-TEC configurations down to a few millimeters, depending on the required structure and performance. The final dimensions need to be confirmed according to the application.

Can you make a Micro-TEC according to our LiDAR drawing?

Yes. We support customization based on customer drawings or samples. The product is sampled and confirmed before mass production.

Can you supply a Micro-TEC with a header?

Yes. Header configurations are available for applications that require a defined mounting or connection structure. The exact header design is confirmed according to the LiDAR assembly.

Can the Micro-TEC operate below 1 W?

Yes, applicable configurations can operate at less than 1 W. Actual power consumption depends on the Micro-TEC design, operating conditions, and thermal load.

What is the main installation concern?

The two most important points are cold-side thermal contact and hot-side heat dissipation. The cold side needs effective contact with the target component, while the hot side must have a sufficient path to remove the transferred heat.

Can the Micro-TEC be used continuously?

Continuous operation depends on the selected Micro-TEC configuration and its specified electrical and thermal operating conditions. The product should be operated within the specified voltage and current limits, and the hot side must be adequately cooled.

What happens if the IMAX current is exceeded?

Exceeding the specified IMAX current can cause excessive electrical and thermal stress and may damage the thermoelectric semiconductor junction. The Micro-TEC should therefore be operated within its specified electrical range.

X-Meritan provides Micro Thermoelectric Coolers for LiDAR with micro-sized structures, solid-state Peltier cooling, customized mounting configurations, and sample-based development.

For a new LiDAR cooling project, send us your drawing, sample, installation dimensions, heat load, target temperature, or existing Micro-TEC specification. We can evaluate the requirements and develop the corresponding Micro-TEC for sample confirmation before mass production.