An RF amplifier assembly employing a finned heat sink and a heat pipe
enhanced aluminum pallet is disclosed. The hybrid heat pipe enhanced
aluminum pallet reduces the spreading thermal conduction resistance
associated with the conduction of localized energy from RF amplifier
devices when compared to a copper pallet. The localized energy
concentration of RF amplifier devices is spread along the length of the
heat pipe increasing the overall efficiency of the heat sink coupled to
the pallet and accommodating non-uniform heat loading. This reduces the
junction temperature of the devices, which leads to higher mean time
before failure and higher output levels. The pipes are formed and
embedded into the pallet so as to pass under different areas of interest
and extend to the under-utilized regions.