Integrated Fan Heatsink (Fansink) Assembly
Here are the steps to attach the reference fansink thermal solution to the Intel Joule compute module. This solution is required for workloads above 4 watts, such as video recording, image processing, or heavy computational loads. Currently, Gumstix* is retailing the fansink solution. Or, you can create your own with this downloadable design package, provided under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0* (unported) license, also included in the zip file.
Materials Required
- Intel® Joule™ development kit
- Metal heatsink with location for cooling fan
- Thermal transfer material (between the heatsink and module thermal plate)
- Connector/pins required to connect fan to chosen power source
- Fansink shroud--also known as a cover
- Four M1.6 x 8mm screws to secure heatsink to the Intel® Joule™ development kit

Fansink Installation
- Remove any installed thermal solution from the development kit.
- Remove (up to) 4 screws securing the module to the development board.
- Inspect the thermal plate and board-mounted nuts for damage.
- Place thermal transfer material between the fansink and the module.
- Align the fansink upon the module respecting to the mounting hole locations.
- Place four (metal) M1.6 x 8mm screws in position and tighten in a star pattern and torque no more than 0.1 newton-meter.Note: The screws provide an important grounding connections between the PCB, the module, and the fansink. They must be free of contamination and conductive.
- Align the fan and the shroud as shown; airflow is downward onto the heatsink. Press until the fan snaps into place.
- Rotate the fan/shroud assembly and align it over the heatsink. Press until it snaps into position.CAUTION:The fan wires need to exit clear of the fan and shroud, straddling the fins as shown below.
- Connect the fan power wires to the fan header on the Intel® Joule™ development kit. As an alternative, the cooling fan can be powered from connector J13, where pin 1 is ground and pin 2 is positive 5V DC, as shown below.Note: The 5V DC bus is energized whenever them module activates the voltage regulators on the expansion board. You are responsible for ensuring all loads on the Intel® Joule™ expansion board don't exceed the available current.
- The installation is now complete.
