Semiconductor module

A semiconductor module may include a heat-transferring part connecting at least one of a control device, a buffer semiconductor device, and a memory device to a connector. The heat-transferring part may be configured to have a thermal conductivity higher than the substrate. Accordingly, during the operation of the semiconductor module, the connector can have a temperature lower than the devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0120535 filed on Oct. 29, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0110641, filed Sep. 13, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a semiconductor device, and in particular, to a solid state drive module.

Recently, large-capacity digital media storages, such as solid state drives (SSDs), have been introduced. A solid state drive can provide superior read and write performance compared to a hard disk drive. Further, since the solid state drive can be operated with low power, it can be effectively applied to realize low power consuming digital devices, such as notebook computers. However, as speed and capacity of solid state drives increase, there is an increasing demand for solid state drives with improved heat-dissipation property.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide a semiconductor module which may have an improved heat-dissipation property and high reliability.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor module including a substrate, a control device, a buffer semiconductor device, and a first memory device mounted on a bottom surface of the substrate, a lower heat-transferring part contacting the control device, and a connector provided on a side surface of the substrate and contacting the lower heat-transferring part.

The lower heat-transferring part may have thermal conductivity higher than the substrate.

The lower heat-transferring part may include a lower thermal path, and a lower pad provided between the lower thermal path and the connector and between the lower thermal path and the control device.

The lower heat-transferring part may extend to cover the buffer semiconductor device, and the pad may extend between the buffer semiconductor device and the connector.

The lower heat-transferring part may extend to cover the first memory device, and the pad may extend between the first memory device and the connector.

The semiconductor module may further include interconnection lines contacting the substrate and the connector. The interconnection lines may include a power/signal interconnection line spaced apart from the lower heat-transferring part, and a ground interconnection line being in contact with the lower heat-transferring part.

The semiconductor module may further include a passive device pad on a top surface of the substrate, a passive device on the passive device pad, a thermoelectric pad on the passive device, and a case being in contact with the thermoelectric pad and surrounding the substrate, the passive device pad, the passive device, and the thermoelectric pad.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor module including a substrate, a control device, a buffer semiconductor device, and a first memory device mounted on a bottom surface of the substrate, a second memory device mounted on a top surface of the substrate, an upper heat-transferring part provided on the top surface of the substrate and contacting the second memory device, and a connector provided on a side surface of the substrate and contacting the upper heat-transferring part.

The upper heat-transferring part may have thermal conductivity higher than the substrate.

The semiconductor module may further include a lower heat-transferring part configured to be in contact with at least one of the connector, the control device, the buffer semiconductor device, or the first memory device.

The upper heat-transferring part may extend along the side surface of the substrate and may contact to the lower heat-transferring part, and the substrate may be enclosed by the upper and lower heat-transferring parts.

The upper heat-transferring part may have a top surface facing the substrate and having a groove, zigzag, or uneven shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that the drawings are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of methods, structure and/or materials utilized in certain exemplary embodiments and to supplement the written description provided below. These drawings are not, however, to scale and may not precisely reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the range of values or properties encompassed by exemplary embodiments. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements, and thus their description will be omitted.

FIG. 1is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1, a semiconductor module1may include a connector200, which is connected to a substrate100, and a control device300, a buffer semiconductor device400, a first memory device500, a second memory device550, and an upper heat-transferring part610that are provided on or under the substrate100. The control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, and the second memory device550may be electrically connected to the substrate100through bonding wires, solder balls, flip-chip bonding elements, bumps, conductive vias (e.g., though-silicon via (TSV)), and/or any combination thereof.

The substrate100may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate100may have a bottom surface100b, a top surface100aopposite the bottom surface100b, and a first side surface100cconnecting edges of the top and bottom surfaces100aand100b. The substrate100may be a structure containing ceramics, silicon, and/or glass.

The control device300may be mounted on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100. The control device300may be configured to control data transmission to the first memory device500and/or the second memory device550. The control device300may be provided in the form of a semiconductor die or a semiconductor package.

The buffer semiconductor device400may be mounted on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100. The buffer semiconductor device400may be configured to temporarily store data to be stored in the first memory device500and/or the second memory device550or store data read out from the first memory device500and/or the second memory device550. The buffer semiconductor device400may include one or more semiconductor die or package. The buffer semiconductor device400may include a random-accessible volatile memory device, such as a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) or a static random-access memory (SRAM).

The first memory device500may be mounted on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100. The first memory device500may be a data storage including one or more semiconductor packages. The first memory device500may include at least one nonvolatile memory devices, such as NAND FLASH memory devices, phase-changeable random access memory (PRAM) devices, resistive RAM (RRAM) devices, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) devices, or magnetic RAM (MRAM) devices.

The second memory device550may be mounted on the top surface100aof the substrate100. The second memory device550may be a memory device similar to the first memory device500.

The connector200may be provided on the first side surface100cof the substrate100. The connector200may be a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) connector or a serial-attached SCSI (SAS) connector. The connector200may allow the semiconductor module1to be connected to an external device. During the operation of the semiconductor module1, a temperature of the connector200may be lower than temperatures of the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, and the second memory device550. The connector200may be in contact with the upper heat-transferring part610.

The upper heat-transferring part610may be disposed on the top surface100aof the substrate100to be in contact with the second memory device550. The upper heat-transferring part610may include an upper thermal path611and an upper pad615. The upper heat-transferring part610may be configured to have a higher thermal conductivity than that of air (of about 0.029 W/mK) and the substrate100. For example, the upper thermal path611may include a highly-conductive material, such as metal or graphite. In other exemplary embodiments, the upper thermal path611may include a heat pipe or a thermal electric cooler (TEC). During the operation of the semiconductor module1, heat generated in the second memory device550may be dissipated to the connector200through the upper heat-transferring part610. Further, heat generated in the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, and the first memory device500may be dissipated to the connector200through the substrate100and the upper heat-transferring part610.

The upper thermal path611may have various shapes. For example, the upper thermal path611may be shaped like a bar or a plate or have a curved shape. The upper thermal path611may extend to cover at least one of top surfaces of the connector200and the second memory device550. The upper thermal path611may include a first surface611aand a second surface611bfacing each other. The second surface611bof the upper thermal path611may be adjacent to the top surface100aof the substrate100. The second surface611bof the upper thermal path611may be flat. The first surface611aof the upper thermal path611may be exposed to the outside. In exemplary embodiments, the upper thermal path611may serve as an outer case of the semiconductor module1and protect the semiconductor module1against an external stress.

FIGS. 2A through 2Care sectional views illustrating examples of an upper thermal path according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the first surface611aof the upper thermal path611may be formed to have a groove-shaped or rectangular saw-tooth shaped structure. Referring toFIG. 2B, the first surface611aof the upper thermal path611may be formed to have a zigzag-shaped or triangular saw-tooth shaped structure. Referring toFIG. 2C, the first surface611aof the upper thermal path611may be formed to have an uneven or concavo-convex structure. A portion of the heat transmitted to the upper thermal path611may be exhausted to the outside through the first surface611a. Due to the uneven structure of the first surface611ashown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, the upper thermal path611can have an increased surface area in contact with the outer air. Accordingly, the semiconductor module1can have improved heat-dissipation.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the upper pad615may include portions interposed between the upper thermal path611and the connector200, between the upper thermal path611and the second memory device550, and between the upper thermal path611and the top surface100aof the substrate100. The upper pad615may include a thermal interface material (TIM). The upper pad615provided between the upper thermal path611and the substrate100may include an insulating material. The upper pad615may be configured to relieve an impact exerted to the semiconductor module1when the semiconductor module1is connected to an external device.

FIG. 3is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 3, a semiconductor module2may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the upper heat-transferring part610, and a case700.

The case700may be provided to enclose the semiconductor module2and protect the semiconductor module2against an external stress. In certain embodiments, a portion of the case700may be omitted. The case700may include a metallic material and/or a polymer.

The upper heat-transferring part610may be disposed on the top surface100aof the substrate100and between the connector200and the second memory device550. The upper heat-transferring part610may include the upper thermal path611, an upper supplementary thermal path613, and the upper pad615. The first surface611aand the second surface611bof the upper thermal path611may be flat. The upper supplementary thermal path613may be interposed between the upper thermal path611and the case700. The upper thermal path611may be connected to the case700through the upper supplementary thermal path613. The upper supplementary thermal path613may have a top surface613aand a bottom surface613bthat are flat. The upper supplementary thermal path613may include substantially the same or similar material as the upper thermal path611. During the operation of the semiconductor module2, heat generated in the second memory device550may be transferred to the connector200through the upper heat-transferring part610and the case700. A portion of the heat transmitted to the upper heat-transferring part610may be exhausted to the outside through the case700, and this makes it possible to further improve heat dissipation of the semiconductor module1. In other exemplary embodiments, the upper supplementary thermal path613may be omitted, and the upper thermal path611may be in contact with the case700.

FIG. 4is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 4, a semiconductor module3may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, a lower heat-transferring part620, and the case700.

The lower heat-transferring part620may be provided below the bottom surface100bof the substrate100to be in contact with the connector200and the control device300. The lower heat-transferring part620may include a lower thermal path621, a lower supplementary thermal path623, and an upper pad625. In exemplary embodiments, the lower thermal path621may extend to cover a bottom surface of the connector200. The lower thermal path621may have various shapes. For example, the lower thermal path621may be shaped like a bar or a plate or have a curved shape. The lower supplementary thermal path623may be provided between the lower thermal path621and the case700. In other exemplary embodiments, the lower supplementary thermal path623may be omitted, and the lower thermal path621may be in contact with the case700. In still other exemplary embodiments, the lower supplementary thermal path623and the case700may be omitted, and in this case, a second surface621bof the lower thermal path621may be exposed to the outside. Similar to a first surface611aof the upper thermal path611described with reference toFIGS. 2A through 2C, the second surface621bmay have the uneven (e.g., groove-shaped, concavo-convex, or zigzag) structure. In this case, the lower thermal path621may serve as a case. The upper pad625may be interposed between the lower thermal path621and the connector200and between the lower thermal path621and the control device300. The upper pad625may include a thermal interface material (TIM) or an insulating material.

During the operation of the semiconductor module2, a temperature of the connector200may be lower than that of the control device300. Heat generated in the control device300may be transferred or dissipated to the connector200through the lower heat-transferring part620. Heat generated in the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, and the second memory device550may be transferred to the lower heat-transferring part620through the substrate100. A portion of the heat transferred to the lower thermal path621may be transferred or dissipated to the case700through the lower supplementary thermal path623.

FIG. 5is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 5, a semiconductor module4may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, and the case700.

The lower heat-transferring part620may be provided below the bottom surface100bof the substrate100to be in contact with the connector200, the control device300, and the buffer semiconductor device400. During the operation of the semiconductor module4, heat generated in the control device300and the buffer semiconductor device400may be transferred to the connector200through the lower heat-transferring part620. The lower pad625may be provided between the lower thermal path621and the connector200, between the lower thermal path621and the control device300, and between the lower thermal path621and the buffer semiconductor device400. In other exemplary embodiments, the lower heat-transferring part620may not be in contact with the control device300.

The case700may be in contact with the lower heat-transferring part620. In other exemplary embodiments, the case700and the lower supplementary thermal path623may be omitted, and in this case, the second surface621bof the lower thermal path621may be exposed to the outside and have the uneven (e.g., groove-shaped, concavo-convex, or zigzag) structure as described above with reference toFIGS. 2A through 2C. Here, the lower thermal path621may serve as a case.

FIG. 6is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 6, a semiconductor module5may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, and the case700.

The lower heat-transferring part620may be provided below the bottom surface100bof the substrate100to be in contact with both of the connector200and the first memory device500. During the operation of the semiconductor module5, heat generated in the first memory device500may be transferred to the connector200through the lower heat-transferring part620. The lower heat-transferring part620may include the lower thermal path621, the lower supplementary thermal path623, and the lower pad625. The lower thermal path621may be provided between the memory device500and the connector200. In other exemplary embodiments, the lower supplementary thermal path623may be omitted, and the lower thermal path621may be in contact with the case700. In still other exemplary embodiments, the lower supplementary thermal path623and the case700may be omitted. In this case, the lower thermal path621may serve as a case. The lower heat-transferring part620may be in contact with the control device300, thereby transferring heat generated in the control device300to the connector200. The lower heat-transferring part620may be in contact with the buffer semiconductor400. Heat generated in the buffer semiconductor400may be transferred to the connector200through the lower heat-transferring part620. The lower pad625may be provided between the lower thermal path621and the connector200, between the lower thermal path621and the control device300, and between the lower thermal path621and the buffer semiconductor400.

FIG. 7is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 7, a semiconductor module6may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, the upper heat-transferring part610, and the case700. The lower heat-transferring part620may be configured to have the same or similar features as the lower heat-transferring part620ofFIG. 4. For example, the lower heat-transferring part620may be in contact with both of the control device300and the connector200. The upper heat-transferring part610may be configured to have the same or similar features as that described with reference toFIG. 1orFIG. 3. For example, the upper heat-transferring part610may be disposed on the top surface100aof the substrate100to be in contact with both of the connector200and the second memory device550.

The case700may be in contact with both of the lower heat-transferring part620and the upper heat-transferring part610. The case700may be provided on the top surface100a, the bottom surface100b, and a second side surface100dof the substrate100to surround the substrate100. The second side surface100dmay be a surface facing the first side surface100c.

FIG. 8is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 8, a semiconductor module7may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, the upper heat-transferring part610, and the case700.

The upper heat-transferring part610may be configured to have the same or similar features as the upper heat-transferring part610ofFIG. 3. The lower heat-transferring part620may be configured to have the same or similar features as that ofFIG. 5. For example, the lower heat-transferring part620may be provided below the bottom surface100bof the substrate100to be in contact with the connector200, the control device300, and the buffer semiconductor device400.

FIG. 9is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 9, a semiconductor module8may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, the upper heat-transferring part610, and the case700.

The lower heat-transferring part620may be configured to have the same or similar features as the lower heat-transferring part620ofFIG. 6. For example, the lower heat-transferring part620may be disposed on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100and between the connector200and the first memory device500. The lower heat-transferring part620may be in contact with at least one of the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, or the first memory device500. The upper heat-transferring part610may be configured to have the same or similar features as that ofFIG. 1orFIG. 3.

FIG. 10is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 10, a semiconductor module9may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, and the upper heat-transferring part610.

The lower heat-transferring part620may include the lower thermal path621and the lower pad625. The upper heat-transferring part610may include the upper thermal path611and the upper pad615. The lower thermal path621and the upper thermal path611may be provided to surround the substrate100, thereby serving as a case. For example, the lower thermal path621may be provided on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100and be further extended to cover the second side surface100dof the substrate100. In other exemplary embodiments, the upper thermal path611may be provided on the top surface100aof the substrate100and include a portion extending along the second side surface100dof the substrate100. The lower thermal path621may be connected to the upper thermal path611. The second surface621bof the lower thermal path621and the first surface611aof the upper thermal path611may be exposed to the outside. The second surface621bof the lower thermal path621and the first surface611aof the upper thermal path611may have the uneven (e.g., groove-shaped, concavo-convex, or zigzag) structure described with reference toFIGS. 2A through 2C. Accordingly, the lower and upper thermal paths621and611may have an increased surface area to be in contact with an outer air. During the operation of the semiconductor module9, heat generated in the devices300,400,500, and550may be transferred or dissipated to the connector200or the outer air through the heat-transferring parts610and620.

FIG. 11is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 11, a semiconductor module10may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the lower heat-transferring part620, the case700, a passive device800, a passive device pad810, and a thermoelectric pad820. In exemplary embodiments, the semiconductor module10may be a large memory capacity module (e.g., having 200 GB or more). The lower heat-transferring part620may be configured to have the same or similar features as those described with reference toFIGS. 4 through 6.

The passive device800may be provided on the top surface100aof the substrate100. The passive device800may include a super capacitor. The passive device800may be electrically connected to the substrate100. The passive device800may be configured to supply emergency power to the electric components of the semiconductor module10, when power is interrupted, thereby preventing data from being lost. The passive device pad810may be interposed between the substrate100and the passive device800. For example, the passive device pad810may include a thermal interface material (TIM). The passive device pad810may absorb an impact or shock, which may be exerted to the passive device800. The thermoelectric pad820may be provided between the passive device800and the case700. The thermoelectric pad820may include thermal interface material (TIM). During the operation of the semiconductor module10, heat generated in the passive device800may be transferred or dissipated to the case700through thermoelectric pad820. Further, thermoelectric pad820may absorb an impact or shock, which may be exerted to the passive device800.

The following Table 1 shows a result of a simulation performed to show how temperatures of the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, and the passive device800are dependent on the heat-transferring parts610and620, during operation of the semiconductor module10. A semiconductor module according to a comparative example did not include the lower heat-transferring part620and the upper heat-transferring part610, while semiconductor modules according to experimental examples 1-3 included the lower heat-transferring part620. Semiconductor modules according to experimental examples 4 and 5 further included the upper heat-transferring part610provided on the top surface100aof the substrate100.

Referring to the Table 1, during operation of the semiconductor modules, temperatures of the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, and the passive device800were lower for the experimental examples 1 to 5 than for the comparative example. This shows that the presence of the lower heat-transferring part620provided in the semiconductor module can improve heat dissipation of the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, and the passive device800. In addition, the simulation results of the experimental examples 4 and 5 show that heat dissipation of the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, and the passive device800can be further improved when the upper heat-transferring part610is provided in the semiconductor module.

FIG. 12is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 12, a semiconductor module11may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, the upper heat-transferring part610, and the case700. The lower heat-transferring part620may be configured to have the same or similar features as those ofFIGS. 4 through 6. In other exemplary embodiments, the upper heat-transferring part610or the case700may be omitted.

Interconnection lines150may be provided on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100. The connector200may be electrically connected to the substrate100via the interconnection lines150. Heat generated in the devices300,400,500, and550may be transferred to the lower heat-transferring part620through the substrate100and interconnection lines150. Interconnection line pad157may be interposed between the lower heat-transferring part620and the interconnection lines150. The interconnection line pad157may include an electrically insulating thermal interface material (TIM). The interconnection line pad157may be in contact with at least one of the interconnection lines150. In other exemplary embodiments, the interconnection line pad157may not be provided.

FIGS. 13 and 14are plan views illustrating interconnection lines according to exemplary embodiments. For example,FIGS. 13 and 14show the interconnection lines seen in the D2direction.

Referring toFIG. 13in conjunction withFIG. 12, the interconnection line pads157may be provided on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100to cover a ground interconnection line151. The ground interconnection line151may be connected to the lower heat-transferring part620via the interconnection line pad157. Accordingly, heat generated in the devices300,400,500, and550may be easily transferred or dissipated to the lower heat-transferring part620through the ground interconnection line151and the interconnection line pad157. The interconnection line pad157may not be connected to a power/signal interconnection line153.

Referring toFIG. 14in conjunction withFIG. 12, the interconnection line pad157may be provided to cover the ground interconnection line151and the power/signal interconnection line153. The ground interconnection line151and the power/signal interconnection line153may be connected to the lower heat-transferring part620via the interconnection line pad157. This makes it possible to improve heat-dissipation of the devices300,400,500, and550. The interconnection line pad157may be interposed between the interconnection lines150. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent electric short circuits from occurring between the interconnection lines150.

FIG. 15Ais an enlarged sectional view illustrating a ground interconnection line according to another exemplary embodiment, andFIG. 15Bis an enlarged sectional view illustrating a power/signal interconnection line according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 15Ain conjunction withFIG. 12, the interconnection lines150may be provided on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100. The connector200may be electrically connected to the substrate100via the interconnection lines150. The ground interconnection line151may be in contact with the lower heat-transferring part620. Heat generated in the devices300,400,500, and550may be transferred to the lower heat-transferring part620through the substrate100and the ground interconnection line151. Here, unlike the embodiments ofFIGS. 13 and 14, the interconnection line pad157may not be provided. Since the ground interconnection line151is in direct contact with the lower heat-transferring part620, it is possible to suppress an electro-magnetic interference (EMI) from occurring in the semiconductor module and thereby improve electrical characteristics of the semiconductor module11.

Referring toFIG. 15Bin conjunction withFIG. 12, the lower heat-transferring part620may be formed to have a recessed portion620r. The recessed portion620rmay be formed below the power/signal interconnection line153. Due to the presence of the recessed portion620r, the lower heat-transferring part620can be spaced apart from the power/signal interconnection line153. Accordingly, the power/signal interconnection line153can be electrically separated or cut from the lower heat-transferring part620. In exemplary embodiments, the interconnection line pad157may not be provided. In other exemplary embodiments, the lower heat-transferring part620or the lower thermal path621may be spaced apart from the side surface of the connector200.

FIG. 16is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 16, a semiconductor module12may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, and the upper heat-transferring part610. The lower heat-transferring part620and the upper heat-transferring part610may be provided to enclose the substrate100and serve as a case.

The connector200may include a top surface200a, a bottom surface200b, a first side surface200c, and a second side surface200dfacing the first side surface200c. The first side surface200cmay face the substrate100. An upper groove201may be provided in an upper portion of the first side surface200c, and a lower groove203may be provided in a lower portion of the first side surface200c. For example, each of the upper groove201and the lower groove203in the first side surface200cmay be formed to have a shape recessed toward the second side surface200d.

The lower heat-transferring part620may be in contact with the bottom surface200band lower portions of the first and second side surfaces200cand200dof the connector200. The lower pad625may be provided on the bottom surface100bof the substrate100to be in contact with the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, and the first memory device500. The lower pad625may be interposed between the lower thermal path621and the connector200. For example, the lower pad625may be provided to cover the bottom surface200band the lower portions of the first and second side surfaces200cand200dof the connector200. The lower heat-transferring part620may include a hook-shaped lower fastening portion627. The lower fastening portion627may extend toward the lower groove203of the connector200and be jointed to the connector200. Due to the presence of the lower fastening portion627, the lower heat-transferring part627can be robustly jointed or connected to the connector200. Further, this leads to an increase in contact area between the lower heat-transferring part620and the connector200, and thus, heat generated in the devices300,400, and500can be more effectively transferred to the connector200through the lower heat-transferring part620.

The upper heat-transferring part610may be in contact with an upper portion of the first side surface200c, the top surface200a, and the second side surface200dof the connector200. The upper pad615may be provided on the substrate100. The upper pad615may be provided to cover the upper portion of the first side surface200c, the top surface200a, or the second side surface200dof the connector200. The upper heat-transferring part610may include a hook-shaped upper fastening portion617. The upper fastening portion617may extend toward, for example, the upper groove201of the connector200. Due to the presence of the upper fastening portion617, the upper heat-transferring part610can be robustly jointed or connected to the connector200. Further, this makes it possible to increase a contact area between the upper heat-transferring part610and the connector200, and thus, heat transferred to the lower heat-transferring part620can be more effectively dissipated or transferred to the connector200.

In other exemplary embodiments, one of the lower and upper fastening portions627and617may be omitted.

FIG. 17is a sectional view illustrating a semiconductor module according to another exemplary embodiment.FIG. 18is a sectional view of the semiconductor module ofFIG. 17, which is seen in a D1direction. For the sake of brevity, the elements and features of this example that are similar to those previously shown and described will not be described in much further detail.

Referring toFIG. 17, a semiconductor module13may include the substrate100, the connector200, the control device300, the buffer semiconductor device400, the first memory device500, the second memory device550, the lower heat-transferring part620, the upper heat-transferring part610, and the case700. In other exemplary embodiments, the semiconductor module13may not include the lower heat-transferring part620or the upper heat-transferring part610.

The connector200may include the first side surface200c, the second side surface200dfacing the first side surface200c, a third side surface200e, and a fourth side surface200ffacing the third side surface200e.

The case700may include first, second, third, and fourth cases701,703,705, and707. The case700may be shaped like a latch. For example, the first case701may partially cover the top surface200aof the connector200and protrude from the top surface200a. The second case703may cover partially the bottom surface200bof the connector200and protrude from the bottom surface200b. The third case705may cover the third side surface200eof the connector200and extend to cover a portion of the top surface200aand a portion of the bottom surface200b. The fourth case707may cover the fourth side surface200fof the connector200and extend to cover a portion of the top surface200aand a portion of the bottom surface200b.

The upper heat-transferring part610may be provided on the top surface200aof the connector200to be in contact with exposed portions of the top surface200aof the connector200and the first, third, and fourth cases701,705, and707. In other exemplary embodiments, the upper pad615may not be provided on the top surface200aof the connector200. The lower heat-transferring part620may be provided on the bottom surface200bof the connector200to be in contact with exposed portions of the bottom surface200bof the connector200and the second, third, and fourth cases703,705, and707. In other exemplary embodiments, the lower pad625may not be provided on the bottom surface200bof the connector200. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the heat-transferring parts610and620can be in contact with the case700with an increased contact area. The connector200can be robustly joined to not only the case700but also the upper heat-transferring part610and the lower heat-transferring part620.

According to exemplary embodiments, a semiconductor module may include a heat-transferring part connecting at least one of a control device, a buffer semiconductor device, and memory devices to a connector. Accordingly, during operation of the semiconductor module, a temperature of the connector can be lower than that of the at least one device connected to the heat-transferring part. The heat-transferring part may be configured to have a thermal conductivity higher than air. Heat generated in the devices of the semiconductor module can be easily transferred or dissipated to the connector through the heat-transferring part. Accordingly, it is possible to improve heat-dissipation and reliability of the semiconductor module.