RTL-SDR Heat Dissipation as seen by a Thermal Camera

The RTL-SDR is known to get quite hot during operation and when it gets too hot reception of frequencies over 1.2 GHz can be degraded. Marko Cebokli wrote into us at RTL-SDR.com to show us some thermal imaging pictures that he has made of the RTL-SDR PCB. The images clearly show that the hottest part of the PCB is the R820T chip. The RTL2832U chip stays cool and the only other hot component on the PCB is the voltage regulator. In the post Marko also explains his conclusions on why the reception fails at frequencies over 1.2 GHz when it gets too hot.

The images show that the top of the R820T chip reaches a temperature of 85 degrees Celsius after just 10 minutes of operation. The underside of the chip reaches 68.9 degrees Celsius. Marko writes that these temperatures may be even higher when the RTL-SDR is placed inside the plastic case.

In general the RTL-SDR runs fine at these temperatures, but cooling the R820T chip will improve performance when tuning into signals that are higher than 1.2 GHz, for example with L-band satellites. Other RTL-SDR enthusiasts have cooled their RTL-SDR’s with thermal pads, heatsinks, fans and oil.

The RTL-SDR PCB seen with a thermal camera
The RTL-SDR PCB seen with a thermal camera
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TooManySecrets

Cooling it down would have ather advantages, dissipation especially in newer chips can experience thermal runaway. I did some tests on mine and have some Peltiers on order.
Interestingly some regulators seem to be worse than others possibly a poor quality issue and thats one of the first things I changed on my unit.

jerrybeomsoo

RTL SDR is a great SDR. Nice performance with a small size and great heating function when listening outside at winter.

steveeeb

Just thought id share my experience, I sit my rtl dongles in front of the airconditioner vent here at home. vent temp is around 4 degrees. No heat problems with my rtl stick thats for sure.

Mario

Interesting information, Marko, that’s about 185F, didn’t realize how hot these chips get. The thermal imaging is super. Thanks for the post.