Steadlands is proud to represent Sheetak across EMEA, bringing advanced thermoelectric cooling technology to engineers and businesses looking for precise, reliable thermal management solutions.
As electronic, optical and sensing technologies continue to become smaller and more powerful, managing heat within increasingly compact assemblies is becoming more challenging. Traditional cooling technologies are not always suitable where space is limited and highly accurate temperature control is required.
Sheetak’s µCENTUM™ Micro Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) provide a compact, solid-state solution for applications where thermal performance, size and precision are critical.
With miniature footprints starting at just 3.6 × 4.7 mm, the µCENTUM™ range provides engineers with high-performance Peltier cooling in applications where conventional thermal management solutions may be difficult to integrate. Sheetak’s current range includes the MC-08, MC-18, MC-24 and MC-36 micro TECs.
What are Micro Thermoelectric Coolers?
Thermoelectric coolers use the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of a semiconductor module to the other when an electrical current is applied.
Unlike conventional refrigeration systems, thermoelectric coolers have no moving parts or refrigerants. This makes them particularly attractive for applications requiring compact, reliable and vibration-free thermal management.
The µCENTUM™ micro TEC range takes this technology down to an extremely small form factor, allowing precise thermal control to be incorporated directly into compact optical, electronic and sensing systems. Sheetak specifies temperature differentials of up to approximately 82°C, depending on the operating conditions and module.
µCENTUM™ Micro TEC Range
Sheetak currently offers four µCENTUM™ micro thermoelectric cooler models:
Model Dimensions Qmax* ΔTmax*
MC-08 3.6 × 4.7 × 1.45 mm 1.22–1.42 W up to 81.6°C
MC-18 6 × 5 × 1.45 mm 2.75–3.18 W up to 81.6°C
MC-24 7.4 × 5 × 1.45 mm 3.66–4.25 W up to 81.6°C
MC-36 5 × 10.2 × 1.45 mm 5.49–6.37 W up to 81.6°C
*Performance varies according to hot-side temperature and operating conditions.
This range gives engineers the flexibility to select a micro TEC according to the available installation space and required cooling capacity.
MC-08 – Ultra-Compact Thermal Control
The MC-08 is the smallest member of the µCENTUM™ family, measuring just 3.6 × 4.7 × 1.45 mm.
Despite its extremely small footprint, it can provide more than 1 W of cooling capacity and a maximum temperature differential of over 80°C under specified conditions.
This makes it particularly suitable for applications such as optical transceivers, LiDAR modules, infrared sensors, photodetectors and laser diodes.
MC-18 – Compact Performance
The MC-18 measures 6 × 5 × 1.45 mm, providing increased cooling capacity while retaining the compact profile required for space-constrained designs.
It is designed for applications where stable thermal conditions are important for optical and photonic performance.
MC-24 – Higher Cooling Capacity in a Small Footprint
The MC-24 measures 7.4 × 5 × 1.45 mm and provides up to approximately 4.25 W of cooling capacity at a 50°C hot-side temperature under Sheetak’s specified conditions.
Its compact design makes it suitable for demanding photonics and optoelectronic applications where temperature stability can be critical to performance.
MC-36 – Maximum Cooling Capacity in the µCENTUM™ Range
The MC-36 provides the highest cooling capacity within the current µCENTUM™ MC series.
With dimensions of 5 × 10.2 × 1.45 mm, it can provide more than 6 W of cooling capacity under specified conditions, making it suitable for higher-power photonic and optoelectronic systems.
Key Benefits of Sheetak µCENTUM™ Micro TECs
The µCENTUM™ range has been developed for applications where traditional cooling solutions are simply too large or lack the required precision.
Key benefits include:
Ultra-compact dimensions for space-constrained designs
Temperature differentials up to approximately 82°C
Precise temperature control
Fast thermal response
Solid-state construction
No moving parts
No refrigerants
Low-profile construction
Reliable, maintenance-free operation
Suitable for highly integrated optical and electronic assemblies
The absence of moving parts also means that thermoelectric cooling can provide silent and vibration-free operation, which can be particularly valuable in sensitive optical and precision instrumentation applications.
Applications for Micro Thermoelectric Coolers
Sheetak’s µCENTUM™ micro TECs are designed for applications where precise thermal management is required within a very small footprint.
Potential applications include:
Photonics & Optical Communications
Temperature stability can be essential for maintaining consistent performance in optical systems. µCENTUM™ devices can be integrated into optical transceivers and other compact photonic assemblies.
Laser Diodes
Laser performance can be affected by temperature changes. Micro TECs can provide localised thermal control to help maintain stable operating conditions.
Photodetectors & Imaging Sensors
Sensitive detectors can benefit from controlled operating temperatures. Sheetak identifies photodetectors, imaging sensors and IR sensing applications as key applications for its micro TEC technology.
LiDAR
The compact dimensions and precise thermal control offered by micro TECs make them suitable for thermal management within tightly integrated LiDAR systems.
Medical & Scientific Instrumentation
Compact thermoelectric cooling can also be used in laboratory, life-science and analytical equipment where controlled temperatures are required in small assemblies.
Why Choose Thermoelectric Cooling?
For engineers working on compact electronic and optical systems, thermoelectric cooling offers several advantages over mechanical cooling technologies.
Because a TEC moves heat rather than relying on a refrigeration cycle, it can be integrated directly into an assembly and controlled electrically. Its solid-state construction also means there are no compressors, pumps or other moving components.
However, correct system design remains important. A thermoelectric cooler transfers heat to its hot side, meaning that effective heat dissipation is essential for achieving the required performance. Sheetak highlights the importance of appropriate heat rejection when designing TEC systems.
Sheetak – Advanced Thermoelectric Technology
Sheetak designs and manufactures thermoelectric devices and thermal management solutions from its facility in Austin, Texas.
Its portfolio includes thermoelectric coolers, generators and assemblies for applications requiring precise and reliable thermal management. Sheetak’s products are used across demanding technology sectors including photonics, electronics, sensors and other high-performance applications.
Steadlands – Sheetak EMEA Representatives
Steadlands is proud to represent Sheetak across EMEA, supporting customers looking for advanced thermoelectric cooling and thermal management solutions.
If you are developing a product that requires compact, precise and reliable thermal control, the Sheetak µCENTUM™ range could provide a suitable solution.
Our team can help you identify the appropriate TEC for your application and put you in contact with Sheetak for technical and project support.
Contact Steadlands
Jimmy Craik
Steadlands – Sheetak EMEA Representative
Email: [email protected]
For more information on Sheetak µCENTUM™ Micro Thermoelectric Coolers, visit the Sheetak µCENTUM™ product range.
Looking for a compact thermoelectric cooling solution? Contact Steadlands today to discuss your application.