INTEGRATED BRACKET FOR ENHANCED HEAT DISSIPATION

Example embodiments are directed to an input/output (IO) bracket that may be used in a solid-state drive (SSD), the IO bracket comprises a faceplate and at least one heat pipe coupled to the faceplate that extends horizontally from a surface of the faceplate. The at least one heat pipe is configured to be coupled to a controller of the SSD in order to transfer heat from the controller out of the SSD. By coupling the controller to the heat pipe instead of a main heatsink, the main heatsink can efficiently dissipate heat from remaining components of the SSD.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to Indian Patent Application Serial Number 202241049779, filed Aug. 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to input/output (IO) brackets for heat dissipation and more specifically to a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) IO bracket for enhanced heat dissipation.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a majority of enterprise Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) solid state drives (SSDs) have heatsink designs for heat transfer that are similar and designed for maximum SSD power. Because most datacenter infrastructures are designed for American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) A2 standard (e.g., thermal regions work efficiently for up to 35° C. Ambient; 10,000 feet altitude), these conventional heatsink designs are typically compliant with ASHRAE A2. Recently, datacenters are moving to ASHRAE A3 (e.g., thermal regions work efficiently for up to 40° C. Ambient; 10,000 ft altitude) and above to minimize cooling requirements and save energy cost thereby improving total cost of ownership (TOC). With these constraints, it is challenging to meet thermal limits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows describes systems, methods, techniques, and products that illustrate example embodiments of the present subject matter. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be evident, however, to those skilled in the art, that embodiments of the present subject matter may be practiced without some or other of these specific details. Examples merely typify possible variations. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, structures (e.g., structural components) are optional and may be combined or subdivided, and operations (e.g., in a procedure, algorithm, or other function) may vary in sequence or be combined or subdivided.

Example embodiments are directed to an IO bracket that improves overall system thermal performance by distributing controller heat to the IO bracket thus offloading or eliminating controller heat load from a main heatsink. In some cases, example embodiments are configured to completely offload or eliminate the controller heat load from the main heatsink. Disconnecting a high temperature controller from NAND (NOT AND) components helps for improving thermal throttling and assists with supporting a wide temperature range (e.g., support ASHRAE A3 standard). Example embodiments reduce effective heat load on the main or top heatsink as the controller heat is diverted towards the IO bracket and thereby reduces component NAND temperatures which improves heatsink efficiency. Further still, example embodiments support and/or meet thermal solution for higher power add on cards like PCIe and computer express link (CXL) devices. In some cases, example embodiments are able to handle high power dissipation >50 W with improved junction temperatures due to distributed heat load to the heatsink and the IO bracket. Thus, example embodiments provide IO brackets having the technical advantage of improving overall system thermal performance by distributing controller heat to the IO bracket thereby offloading or eliminating controller heat load from the main heatsink.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a conventional PCIe assembly100associated with a solid state drive (SSD). The SSD can be, for example, full-height, half-length or be half-height, half-length in various embodiments. In the present case, it is shown as half-height, half-length. The assembly100comprises a top heatsink102, a bottom cover104, and a faceplate106. The bottom cover104provides protection to any secondary-side components within the assembly100from physical damage. The faceplate106is a conventional IO bracket which is a dummy plate that does not have any connectivity and merely acts as a shield to protect input and outputs from being damaged while plugging in and out.

The top heatsink102is dedicated to the entire printed circuit board (PCB) and corresponding components. Thus, for example, the top heatsink102is responsible for transferring heat from various NAND devices/components108as well as from a controller110. Typically, the NAND devices108and the controller110are thermally connected to the top heatsink102in order for the top heatsink102to dissipate the heat therefrom. In these convention embodiments, the controller110can cause the NAND devices108to overheat such that the NAND devices108cannot function properly at higher temperatures.

In order to provide a more efficient heat transfer mechanism (e.g., ASHRAE A3 compliant), example embodiments integrate a new IO bracket that is designed to transfer heat from the controller, thus offloading the heat from the controller from the top heatsink.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a PCIe assembly200having an enhanced IO bracket206that functions as a heatsink, according to some example embodiments. In the embodiment shown inFIG.2, a top heatsink202is similar to the top heatsink102ofFIG.1. Similarly, a bottom cover204is similar to the bottom cover104ofFIG.1and NAND devices208are similar. As with conventional embodiments, the NAND devices208are thermally connected to the top heatsink202such that the top heatsink202transfers heat from the NAND devices208.

However, the enhanced IO bracket206comprises a different design. Specifically, the enhanced IO bracket206functions as a heat transfer element to one or more higher power components (e.g., a controller210) in order to decongest (e.g., reduce amount of heat that needs to be transferred using) the main or top heatsink202. Referring now toFIG.3, an exploded perspective view of the enhanced IO bracket206ofFIG.2is shown. The10bracket206comprises a faceplate302and a heat pipe construction or assembly304that includes two heat pipes306that extend horizontally from an interior-facing surface of the faceplate302and a controller plate308. The heat pipes306are configured to dissipate heat to an external surface of the faceplate302where ambient temperature can assist in cooling down the IO bracket206.

In example embodiments, the controller210is coupled (e.g., thermally connected) to the heat pipes306and disconnected from the top heatsink202. As a result, the top heatsink202can provide heat transfer capabilities exclusively to other components of the assembly200including the NAND devices208, thus increasing efficiency of the NAND devices208. By removing the heat from the controller210from the top heatsink202, the top heatsink202operates more efficiently for the NAND devices208so that performance can be optimized. Specifically, the moment that heat on the NAND devices208comes down, the performance of these NAND devices208drastically increases.

The controller plate308is a component of the heat pipe assembly304where ends of the heat pipes306are embedded. In one embodiment, the controller210is coupled to (e.g., thermally connected, touching) a surface of the controller plate308. For example, the controller can be coupled to a top or bottom surface of the controller plate308. In other embodiments, the controller210is coupled to the heat pipes306instead of the controller plate308.

In some embodiments, the faceplate302comprises a heatsink fin structure that includes a plurality of fins310configured to extend into an interior of the assembly200. In one embodiment, the plurality of fins310are horizontal fins that extend at least a portion of a length of the faceplate302. In an alternative embodiment, the fins310can be vertical fins that extend at least a portion of the height of the faceplate302. The use of the plurality of fins310can increase a rate of heat transfer from the assembly200by increasing the heat transfer area.

In some embodiments, a plurality of vents that provide ventilation are positioned between the fins310. In these embodiments, airflow is allowed to flow through the assembly200such that the airflow exits through the vents (not viewable), thus providing more heat dissipation capability and efficiency to the assembly200. The plurality of vents will be discussed in more detail below.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating an alternative perspective view of the PCIe assembly200having the enhanced IO bracket206, according to some example embodiments. Here, the assembly200is rotated to show an exterior surface of the IO bracket206as it is positioned with respect to the assembly200. In the view ofFIG.4(andFIG.5below), the vents402are visible. The vents402are positioned between the plurality of fins310and allow airflow to exit from the assembly200.

FIG.4also illustrates connecting members404of the heat pipe assembly304. The connecting members404attach the heat pipe assembly304(e.g., including the heat pipes306and controller plate308) to the faceplate302. The connecting members404will be discussed further below.

Referring now toFIG.5, an exploded view of the detailed perspective view ofFIG.4is shown whereby the plurality of vents402are more clearly illustrated. While the vents402are shown as small rectangular openings in the faceplate302, alternative embodiments can contemplate using other shapes or dimensions for the vents402. For example, horizontal support structures can be removed from the sides of the vents402resulting in the vents402being long horizontal openings between and on either side of the connecting members404. In some cases, the size and shape of the vents402may be dependent on the size (e.g., length, height) and orientation of the plurality of fins310(e.g., horizontal sides of the vents402match horizontal lengths of the fins310).

FIG.5also shows how the heat pipes306are embedded in the controller plate308. As discussed, the controller plate308may be in direct contact (e.g., thermally connected) to the controller210and transfer heat from the controller210via the heat pipes306out of the assembly200. In some embodiments, the controller plate308is optional.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating a further detailed perspective view of the enhanced IO bracket206, according to some example embodiments.FIG.6provides a more detailed view of the connecting members404of the heat pipe assembly304. As shown, the connecting members404are connected to one end of each heat pipe306(e.g., the ends that are opposite of the controller plate308) and extend vertically therefrom along the faceplate302to anchor the heat pipe assembly304to the faceplate302. In some embodiments, the plurality of horizontal fins310extend across the faceplate302such that they encompass portions of the connecting members404.

It is noted that the number of connecting members404is dependent on the number of heat pipes306. Thus, if only one heat pipe306is present in the heat pipe assembly304, then only a single connecting member404will be used to connect the heat pipe assembly304to the faceplate302.

WhileFIG.4toFIG.6illustrates one mechanism for connecting the heat pipes306to the faceplate302, alternative embodiments may contemplate a different design. For instance, the connecting members404may not extend fully to a top surface of the faceplate302(e.g., extend halfway vertical along the faceplate302). Alternatively, the heat pipes306can be directly connected to faceplate302without the use of the connecting members404. In another alternative example, the connecting members404can be connected to and extend horizontally along a portion of the faceplate302or be connect to and extend both vertically and horizontally along portions of the faceplate302.

Further still, while a width of the connecting members404are shown to be the same width/diameter as the heat pipe306, the connecting members404can be wider or narrower than the width/diameter of the heat pipe306.

While two heat pipes306are shown in the embodiment ofFIG.2throughFIG.6, it is contemplated that any number of heat pipes306may be used. For instance, a single heat pipe306can be connected to the controller210. Conversely, more than two heat pipes306can be used. The number of heat pipes306used will depend on design constraints (e.g., amount of room within the assembly200for the heat pipes306) and/or a heat load of the corresponding controller.

Further still, while the heat pipes306shown in the embodiment ofFIG.2throughFIG.6are of the same length and diameter (whereby diameter refers to a cross-sectional width and/or height of the heat pipe306), alternative embodiments may use different lengths and diameters. Here too, the diameter and length of the heat pipes306are dependent on design constraints and the heat load of the corresponding controller210. In various embodiments, having a diameter that is too large (e.g., configured to dissipate more heat than created by the corresponding controller210) is not optimal and could be costly (e.g., reducing a diameter can result in costs being reduced). Therefore, diameter can vary based on the heat load of the controller210.

In embodiments with more than one heat pipe306, the heat pipes306may have different diameters relative to each other. Because each heat pipe306can only carry a certain heat load, if the heat transfer amount is an odd number, the diameters of the heat pipes306can be different since having the heat pipes306be the same diameter would be excessive and thus potentially costly.

While the embodiments ofFIG.2throughFIG.6show heat pipes306having a rectangular cross-section, alternative embodiments can comprise heat pipes306of various cross-sectional shapes. For example, the heat pipes306can have a square or elliptical cross-section. The cross-sectional shape can be dependent on design constraints.

A material used to construct at least a portion of the IO bracket206(e.g., the faceplate302, the fins310of the fin structure) is dependent on heat loads and can vary. In various embodiments, portions of the IO bracket206can be constructed from aluminum, graphite, or copper. However, other materials can be contemplated based on heat transfer requirements.

While example embodiments discuss the use of the enhanced IO bracket in PCIe assemblies, the IO bracket206may be used with other expansion bus standards and standardized interfaces.

Example 1 is a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) assembly comprising a controller and NOT AND (NAND) devices; a top heatsink configured to transfer heat from the NAND devices coupled to the top heatsink; a bottom cover configured to provide protection to components within the PCIe assembly from physical damage; and an input/output bracket (IO bracket) positioned between the top heatsink and the bottom cover, the IO bracket including at least one heat pipe coupled to the controller, the IO bracket configured to transfer heat from the controller.

In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 can optionally include wherein the IO bracket further comprises a faceplate, the at least one heat pipe coupled to and extending horizontally from a surface of the faceplate.

In example 3, the subject matter of any of examples 1-2 can optionally include wherein the IO bracket further comprises a heatsink fin structure, the heatsink fin structure comprising a plurality of fins extending from the surface of the faceplate.

In example 4, the subject matter of any of examples 1-3 can optionally include wherein the IO bracket further comprises a plurality of vents positioned in the faceplate, the plurality of vents configured to allow airflow to flow through the PCIe assembly and out through the vents.

In example 5, the subject matter of any of examples 1-4 can optionally include wherein the plurality of vents are positioned between a plurality of fins that extend horizontally from the surface of the faceplate.

In example 6, the subject matter of any of examples 1-5 can optionally include wherein the at least one heat pipe is connected to the faceplate via one or more connecting members that are coupled along the faceplate.

In example 7, the subject matter of any of examples 1-6 can optionally include wherein the controller is disconnected from the top heatsink.

In example 8, the subject matter of any of examples 1-7 can optionally include wherein the at least one heat pipe comprises two heat pipes; and each of the two heat pipes has a different diameter.

In example 9, the subject matter of any of examples 1-8 can optionally include wherein the at least one heat pipe comprises two heat pipes; and the two heat pipes have a same diameter.

In example 10, the subject matter of any of examples 1-9 can optionally include wherein the controller is coupled to a surface of the at least one heat pipe or a controller plate.

In example 11, the subject matter of any of examples 1-10 can optionally include wherein the PCIe assembly is American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) A3 compliant.

Example 12 is an input/output (IO) bracket for use in a solid-state drive (SSD). The IO bracket comprises a faceplate; and at least one heat pipe coupled to the faceplate and extending horizontally from a surface of the faceplate, the at least one heat pipe configured to be coupled to a controller of the SSD and to transfer heat from the controller out of the SSD.

In example 13, the subject matter of example 12 can optionally include a heatsink fin structure, the heatsink fin structure comprising a plurality of fins extending from the surface of the faceplate.

In example 14, the subject matter of any of examples 12-13 can optionally include a plurality of vents positioned in the faceplate, the plurality of vents configured to allow airflow to exit the SSD.

In example 15, the subject matter of any of examples 12-14 can optionally include wherein the plurality of vents are positioned between a plurality of fins that extend from the surface of the faceplate.

In example 16, the subject matter of any of examples 12-15 can optionally include wherein the controller is disconnected from a top heatsink of the SSD, the top heatsink configured to transfer heat from NOT AND (NAND) devices of the SSD.

In example 17, the subject matter of any of examples 12-16 can optionally include wherein the at least one heat pipe comprises two heat pipes; and each of the two heat pipes has a different diameter.

In example 18, the subject matter of any of examples 12-17 can optionally include wherein the at least one heat pipe comprises two heat pipes; and the two heat pipes have a same diameter.

In example 19, the subject matter of any of examples 12-18 can optionally include wherein the controller is coupled to a surface of the at least one heat pipe.

In example 20, the subject matter of any of examples 12-19 can optionally include wherein the at least one heat pipe is connected to the faceplate via one or more connecting members that are coupled along the faceplate