SmartHeat eliminates external sensors and controllers, building their functions right into a compact thin-film heater. Temperature is regulated at the molecular level, eliminating bulk, cost, and points of failure. A SmartHeat thin-film heater can vary its heat output, not just from minute to minute but from point to point on its surface, and it cannot overheat. SmartHeat heaters can endure physical punishment that would destroy a conventional heater, they require no programming, and they simplify end-device assembly. SmartHeat heaters are stable in operation, safe to use, and simple to deploy.