Implementing enhanced dimensional stability with graphite nanotube hybrid socket

A method and structure for implementing enhanced dimensional stability with a graphite nanotube hybrid socket. A socket housing wall includes a plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers. The plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers distributing heat and providing enhanced dimensional stability. For example, the plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers more evenly distributes heat when the socket is undergoing solder reflow processes, thereby reducing strain.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the data processing field, and more particularly, to a method, and structures for implementing enhanced dimensional stability with a graphite nanotube hybrid socket.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

While nanotube may describe a tubular structure and nanofiber may describe a non-tubular structure, as used in the following specification and claims, the terms “graphite nanotube” and “graphite nanofiber” are used interchangeably herein and should be broadly understood to include both tubular and non-tubular graphite structures.

Land grid array (LGA) sockets and Hybrid LGA sockets (HLGA) are used in computer systems as a means of connecting the processor packages to a printed circuit card. The LGA sockets currently used in server and PC applications are attached to the printed circuit cards with individual free floating springs. The free floating springs are typically contained in a matrix material. A uniaxial load is generally required to mate the processor laminate to the printed circuit board. This type of attachment is expensive and requires tight control of registration.

An alternative to the LGA socket is the Hybrid LGA sockets (HLGA). In HLGA type of attachment, the top end of the spring proximate to a processor side is free to float while the other end of the spring is physically soldered to the printed circuit board. This reduces the cost of the socket and mitigates registration issues.

One major draw back of the HLGA socket design is the dimensional stability of the socket over larger package footprint, for example, greater than 50 mm. The HLGA socket design also results in higher solder strain due to larger specific heat and conductivity for the material currently used. As processor performance trends continue to drive higher speed signaling with an increased number of cores and footprint, the electrical performance for HLGA socket design will not be acceptable and a need exists to use HLGA sockets that use innovative material design to mitigate these issues.

A need exists for an effective mechanism for implementing enhanced dimensional stability with a socket design. It is desirable to provide a socket that has a generally simple configuration and that is generally inexpensive to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Principal aspects of the present invention are to provide a method, and structures for implementing enhanced dimensional stability with a graphite nanotube hybrid socket. Other important aspects of the present invention are to provide such method and structures substantially without negative effects and to overcome many of the disadvantages of prior art arrangements.

In brief, a method and structure for implementing enhanced dimensional stability with a graphite nanotube hybrid socket. A socket housing wall includes a plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers. The plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers distributing heat and providing enhanced dimensional stability. For example, the plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers more evenly distributes heat when the socket is undergoing solder reflow processes, thereby reducing strain.

In accordance with features of the invention, the plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers includes a plurality of vertically aligned graphite nanofibers (VAGNF). The plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers optionally also includes a plurality of horizontally aligned graphite nanofibers (HAGNF).

In accordance with features of the invention, socket housing wall including the aligned graphite nanofibers is formed of a durable, insulating material, such as a plastic or other polymer material.

In accordance with features of the invention, forming the socket housing wall including the aligned graphite nanofibers includes an extrusion process that includes, for example, flowing a set mixture of a resin and graphite nanofibers into a die and extruding the socket housing wall for providing the aligned graphite nanofibers in the socket housing wall.

In accordance with features of the invention, the socket includes a hybrid land grid array (LGA) socket housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with features of the invention, a method, and structure are provided for implementing enhanced dimensional stability with a graphite nanotube hybrid socket.

Having reference now to the drawings, inFIGS. 1,2, and3there is shown not to scale an example socket structure for implementing enhanced dimensional stability with a graphite nanotube hybrid socket generally designated by the reference character100in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1, the socket structure100includes a hybrid land grid array (LGA) housing generally designated by the reference character102surrounding a hybrid LGA104, and a housing insulation106.

Referring toFIG. 2, a cross-section view of the hybrid land grid array (LGA) housing102illustrates a socket housing wall200in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The socket housing wall200includes a plurality of plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers generally designated by the reference character202. The plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers202more evenly distribute heat when the socket is undergoing solder reflow processes, thereby reducing strain for providing enhanced dimensional stability.

In accordance with features of the invention, the plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers202includes a plurality of vertically aligned graphite nanofibers (VAGNF)202, as shown inFIG. 2. The socket housing wall200including the aligned graphite nanofibers is formed by an extrusion process includes, for example, flowing a set mixture of a resin, such as a polymer material and graphite nanofibers into a die and extruding the socket housing wall for providing the aligned graphite nanofibers in the socket housing wall202. For example, the set resin and GNF mixture maintains the GNF % in the mixture at about 30%.

FIG. 3illustrates the housing insulation106including an insulating member300, which is formed of a durable, insulating material, such as a plastic, ceramic, or the like.

In accordance with features of the invention, LGA housing102including socket housing wall200can be formed of a durable, insulating material, such as a plastic or other polymer material, ceramic, or the like with the plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers202. It should be understood that the socket housing wall200may include multiple layers of materials, such as one or more insulating layers including the plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers202, together with electrically conductive layers, structural support layers, stiffening layers, heat dissipation layers, and the like.

In accordance with features of the invention, the plurality of aligned graphite nanofibers includes a plurality of vertically aligned graphite nanofibers (VAGNF) and optionally also includes a plurality of horizontally aligned graphite nanofibers (HAGNF) as shown inFIG. 4.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is shown an LGA housing generally designated by the reference character400in accordance with a preferred embodiment. LGA housing400includes a socket housing wall segment402including a plurality of vertically aligned graphite nanofibers (VAGNF)404, and one or more socket housing wall segments406with two shown. Each socket housing wall segments406includes a plurality of horizontally aligned graphite nanofibers (HAGNF)408.

In accordance with features of the invention, the aligned graphite nanofibers202of hybrid socket100, and the vertically aligned graphite nanofibers (VAGNF)404and horizontally aligned graphite nanofibers (HAGNF)408of the LGA housing400provide a decreased temperature gradient, more evenly distribute heat when the socket is undergoing solder reflow processes, thereby reducing strain imparted to the solder and providing enhanced dimensional stability.