{"id":1488,"date":"2026-04-16T11:21:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T11:21:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/?p=1488"},"modified":"2026-04-16T11:21:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T11:21:42","slug":"automotive-etc-thermal-pad-selection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/automotive-etc-thermal-pad-selection\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Thermal Pad for Automotive ETC Devices?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) devices sit in an awkward engineering space. They are compact, often sealed, exposed to sunlight through windshields, and expected to operate reliably for years with minimal maintenance. Inside, however, they behave like any other embedded electronic system: they generate heat\u2014and that heat must go somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1010\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-8.png\" alt=\"automotive-etc-thermal-pad-selection\" class=\"wp-image-1441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-8.png 1010w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-8-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-8-768x509.png 768w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-8-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-8-600x398.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1010px) 100vw, 1010px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s where thermal pads quietly do their job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the <em>right<\/em> thermal pad for automotive ETC devices isn\u2019t about picking the highest thermal conductivity on a datasheet. It\u2019s a balancing act between thermal performance, mechanical compliance, environmental resistance, and long-term reliability. And in automotive environments, that balance becomes more demanding than most engineers expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s break it down in a practical, engineering-first way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Role of Thermal Pads in ETC Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At a basic level, <a href=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/what-is-a-thermal-pad\/\">W\u00e4rmeleitpads<\/a> are a type of <a href=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/understanding-thermal-interface-material\/\">W\u00e4rmeleitmaterial<\/a>. Their job is simple: fill microscopic air gaps between a heat source (like a chip or module) and a heat sink or enclosure, allowing heat to transfer efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Air is a terrible conductor of heat. Even surfaces that appear smooth are full of microscopic irregularities. Without a thermal interface material, those gaps trap air and significantly increase <a href=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/what-is-thermal-resistance\/\">W\u00e4rmewiderstand<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thermal pads solve this by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conforming to uneven surfaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing a consistent thermal path<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrically insulating components (in most cases)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simplifying assembly compared to greases or pastes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For ETC devices, thermal pads often bridge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MCU or RF modules \u2192 aluminum housing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power ICs \u2192 internal heat spreaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PCB hotspots \u2192 enclosure walls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And because ETC units are compact with limited airflow, passive heat conduction is often the <em>only<\/em> cooling mechanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Automotive ETC Applications Are Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designing for automotive electronics is not the same as designing for consumer electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ETC devices must survive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wide temperature ranges (typically <strong>-40\u00b0C to +85\u00b0C or higher<\/strong>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermal cycling over thousands of cycles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vibration and mechanical shock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UV exposure and confined enclosures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern automotive electronics can even face ranges from <strong>-40\u00b0C to 150\u00b0C<\/strong> depending on placement and conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, mismatches in material expansion (CTE differences) create stress at interfaces. Over time, this can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pump-out (material displacement)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cracking or drying<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased thermal resistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why thermal pad selection isn\u2019t just about initial performance\u2014it\u2019s about <em>stability over years<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Factors When Choosing a Thermal Pad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1013\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-20.png\" alt=\"Key Factors When Choosing a Thermal Pad\" class=\"wp-image-1453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-20.png 1013w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-20-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-20-768x503.png 768w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-20-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-20-600x393.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1013px) 100vw, 1013px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">W\u00e4rmeleitf\u00e4higkeit (W\/m\u00b7K)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s start with the obvious one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/thermal-conductivity-guide\/\">W\u00e4rmeleitf\u00e4higkeit<\/a> determines how well heat moves through the material. Typical thermal pads range from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1\u20133 W\/m\u00b7K<\/strong> \u2192 basic applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>3\u20136 W\/m\u00b7K<\/strong> \u2192 general electronics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>6\u201312+ W\/m\u00b7K<\/strong> \u2192 high-performance automotive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In automotive systems, a practical baseline is often <strong>\u2265 5 W\/m\u00b7K<\/strong>, with higher values preferred for dense designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, conductivity alone is misleading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What really matters is <strong>thermal impedance<\/strong>, which includes thickness and contact quality. Even a high-conductivity pad performs poorly if it\u2019s too thick or poorly compressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thickness Selection (Gap Filling vs Performance)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where many designs go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thermal pads exist to <em>fill gaps<\/em>. But thicker pads increase thermal resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So you\u2019re always balancing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thicker pad \u2192 better gap filling, worse heat transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thinner pad \u2192 better heat transfer, less tolerance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A practical rule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Measure the actual gap (including tolerances)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose the <strong>thinnest <\/strong><strong>Block<\/strong><strong> that still ensures full contact under compression<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thermal pads are designed to compress\u2014often 10\u201350%\u2014to improve contact and reduce resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compressibility and Hardness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In ETC devices, components are rarely perfectly aligned. Heights vary across the PCB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good thermal pad must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compress easily (low hardness, e.g., Shore 00\u201350)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recover after thermal cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid excessive mechanical stress on components<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highly rigid pads can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Damage solder joints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create uneven pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce long-term reliability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flexible silicone-based pads are commonly preferred because they absorb mechanical stress and tolerate mismatch in expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Betriebstemperaturbereich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is non-negotiable in automotive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your thermal pad must remain stable across:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cold start conditions (below -40\u00b0C)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High cabin temperatures (often >85\u00b0C under sunlight)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High-quality pads can withstand up to <strong>200\u00b0C<\/strong> in some cases, ensuring headroom beyond typical operating conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But temperature rating alone isn\u2019t enough. You also need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No hardening at low temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No excessive softening or bleed at high temperatures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elektrische Isolierung<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most ETC devices include RF circuits and sensitive electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thermal pads often serve a dual role:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heat transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrical isolation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many pads are inherently dielectric, which prevents short circuits between components and metal housings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always verify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breakdown voltage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Durchschlagfestigkeit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Especially if the pad sits between power components and grounded enclosures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long-Term Reliability (Thermal Cycling &amp; Aging)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where automotive-grade materials separate themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, poor-quality thermal pads may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dry out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crack<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lose elasticity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>W\u00e4rmewiderstand erh\u00f6hen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automotive TIMs are engineered to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Resist thermal cycling fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain flexibility over years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prevent \u201cpump-out\u201d or migration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Durability under repeated thermal stress is a core requirement in automotive electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Material Type: Silicone vs Silicone-Free vs PCM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all thermal pads are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Silicone-Based Pads<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most common<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excellent flexibility and conformability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good for vibration environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential issue: siloxane outgassing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Silicone-Free Pads<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No contamination risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better for optical or sensitive electronics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slightly less flexible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase Change Materials (PCM)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Solid at room temperature, soften during operation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve surface contact dynamically<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower thermal resistance during operation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PCM pads are increasingly used where performance margins are tight, as they \u201cwet\u201d surfaces when heated and reduce interface resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assembly and Manufacturing Considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engineers sometimes overlook this\u2014but production teams don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thermal pads are preferred in ETC manufacturing because they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pre-cut and clean<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to automate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistent in thickness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less messy than grease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also reduce assembly errors and improve repeatability, which matters in high-volume automotive production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Practical Selection Workflow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1006\" height=\"636\" src=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-7.png\" alt=\"A Practical Selection Workflow\" class=\"wp-image-1413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-7.png 1006w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-7-300x190.png 300w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-7-768x486.png 768w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-7-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/haktak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-7-600x379.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1006px) 100vw, 1006px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s simplify everything into a real-world process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Define thermal requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Power dissipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maximum allowable temperature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Measure the gap<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Include tolerance stack-up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Choose thickness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As thin as possible, but sufficient for full contact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Select conductivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start with 3\u20136 W\/m\u00b7K, increase if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 5: Verify mechanical properties<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compression rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>H\u00e4rte<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 6: Validate environmental specs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Temperature range<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aging resistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automotive reliability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 7: Prototype and test<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thermal imaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cycling tests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because in thermal design, simulations help\u2014but testing tells the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">H\u00e4ufige Fehler, die man vermeiden sollte<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even experienced engineers fall into these traps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choosing conductivity over everything else<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 12 W\/m\u00b7K pad won\u2019t help if it doesn\u2019t compress properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ignoring thickness tolerance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Too thin = poor contact. Too thick = thermal penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Overlooking aging behavior<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initial performance \u2260 long-term reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Using consumer-grade materials in automotive designs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automotive conditions are harsher\u2014always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Forgetting mechanical stress<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thermal solutions can fail mechanically, not just thermally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where ETC Devices Benefit Most from Good Thermal Pad Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In ETC systems, thermal pads improve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>RF module stability (temperature affects signal performance)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MCU lifespan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery performance (if integrated)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overall system reliability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Better thermal management doesn\u2019t just prevent overheating\u2014it stabilizes performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fazit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing a thermal pad for automotive ETC devices is less about finding the \u201cbest\u201d material and more about finding the <em>right fit for the system<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re balancing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>W\u00e4rmeleitf\u00e4higkeit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thickness and compression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental durability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elektrische Isolierung<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term reliability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And in automotive environments, reliability always wins over theoretical performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A well-chosen thermal pad won\u2019t just improve heat dissipation\u2014it will quietly extend the life of the entire device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What thermal conductivity is recommended for ETC devices?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically 3\u20136 W\/m\u00b7K is sufficient, but higher may be needed for compact designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do I choose the right thickness?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Measure the gap and select the thinnest pad that ensures full compression and contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are silicone pads safe for automotive electronics?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, but consider silicone-free options if outgassing is a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can I use thermal paste instead of a pad?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can, but pads are cleaner, easier to assemble, and more consistent in production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the biggest failure risk for thermal pads?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long-term degradation from thermal cycling and mechanical stress.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) devices sit in an awkward engineering space. They are compact, often sealed, exposed to sunlight through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1441,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1488","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-haktak-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1488"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1488\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1489,"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1488\/revisions\/1489"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/haktak.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}