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A Heatwave is Coming for the Smartphone Industry; Is Micro-Cooling the Solution?

Smartphones are experiencing an unprecedented heat problem. As mobile devices become more powerful, their processors generate more heat, creating a significant challenge for manufacturers. XMEMs Labds could have a solution with the XMC-2400 micro-cooling system.

Integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into smartphones is intensifying the issue. High-performance AI requires substantial computing power, which in turn, generates excessive heat. The problem is exacerbated by the trend toward slimmer, more compact devices, which offer little space for traditional cooling methods.

Micro-Cooling Breakthrough with XMC-2400

In response to this growing concern, xMEMS Labs has introduced a groundbreaking solution: the XMC-2400. Measuring just 9.26 x 7.6 x 1.08 millimeters and weighing less than 150 milligrams, it represents a significant leap forward in smartphone cooling technology.

The XMC-2400’s design is both compact and efficient. It utilizes solid-state semiconductor technology to provide active cooling in a form factor that can fit into even the slimmest of devices. This capability is crucial as the demand for high-performance, AI-driven applications in mobile devices continues to rise.

A Solution to the Industry’s Heating Crisis

Traditional passive cooling methods, which rely on heat dissipation through materials or device surfaces, are no longer sufficient. As smartphones become thinner and more packed with processing power, these methods fail to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The XMC-2400 offers a viable alternative by incorporating an active cooling mechanism within the device.

xMEMS’ CEO and Co-Founder Joseph Jiang emphasized the significance of this advancement. “Our revolutionary µCooling ‘fan-on-a-chip’ design comes at a critical time in mobile computing,” Jiang said. “Thermal management in ultramobile devices, which are beginning to run even more processor-intensive AI applications, is a massive challenge for manufacturers and consumers. Until XMC-2400, there’s been no active-cooling solution because the devices are so small and thin.”

Performance and Reliability

The XMC-2400 can move up to 39 cubic centimeters of air per second, providing substantial cooling efficiency. This performance comes through 1,000Pa of back pressure for maintaining device stability and performance under heavy loads. The all-silicon design ensures high reliability and part-to-part uniformity, with an IP58 rating indicating strong resistance to dust and water.

The chip’s active cooling function addresses the heat generated by AI-intensive applications, making it a promising solution for future smartphones, tablets, and other advanced mobile devices. Its integration into mobile devices can potentially enhance user experience by preventing overheating and maintaining optimal performance.

The company plans to begin sampling the XMC-2400 to manufacturers in early 2025. The company’s previous success with its MEMS micro speakers, which saw over half a million units shipped in the first six months of 2024, highlights its ability to bring innovative technology to market efficiently.

“The introduction of µCooling technology is set to redefine how we manage thermal issues in ultra-thin mobile devices,” Jiang continued.