Abstract:
A heating and heat dissipating multi-layer circuit board structure for keeping operating temperatures of electronic components is provided. The outer layer of the multi-layer printed circuit board is in contact with electronic components. The operating temperatures of electronic components are measured through by a temperature measuring circuit. When the operating temperature of at least one electronic component is lower than a default temperature, the heating circuits corresponding to the electronic components are enabled respectively to heat the electronic components through corresponding heat conduction elements. When the operating temperature of at least one electronic component is higher than another default temperature, the heating circuits corresponding to the electronic components are disabled to transfer the heat from the electronic components to the heat conduction elements automatically. Therefore, the structure achieves the goal of keeping the operating temperature of each electronic component in the corresponding environment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The invention relates to a multi-layer circuit board structure and, in particular, to a heating and heat dissipating multi-layer circuit board structure for maintaining the operating temperature of electronic components thereon. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    The industrial computer has a very broad range of applications. In other words, the industrial computer needs to have applications in different industrial environments. There is a difference in the electronic components of the industrial computer by their high and low power consumption. When an industrial computer is to be used in a high temperature environment, usual heat dissipating is sufficient for the operating temperature ranges of low-power electronic components because they generate less heat. For higher-power electronic components, they generate more heat and thus need a special heat dissipating design in order to satisfy the operating temperature ranges of high-power electronic components. 
         [0005]    When industrial computers are used in a low-temperature environment, as high-power electronic components generate more heat, they can generate sufficient heat to meet the requirement of the operating temperature range thereof. Electronic components, however, generate less heat. Thus, in a low-temperature environment, the low-power electronic components under normal use may go beyond its critical operating temperature. Such low-power electronic components working beyond its temperature specifications may malfunction, and even cause severe industrial computer crashes. 
         [0006]    In summary, the prior art always has the problem that electronic components used in high and low temperature environments may exceed their critical temperatures. It is necessary to improve the technology to solve this problem. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing, the invention provides a heating and heat dissipating multi-layer circuit board structure for keeping the operating temperatures of electronic components thereof. 
         [0008]    The heating and heat dissipating multi-layer circuit board structure for keeping the operating temperatures of electronic components includes: at least one electronic component and a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the electronic components are in touch with the outer surface of the multi-layer printed circuit board, at least two layers adjacent to the electronic components are provided with at least one heating circuit and at least one thermal conduction element at the place corresponding to each of the electronic components. 
         [0009]    The multi-layer PCB further includes: a temperature sensing circuit and a control circuit. The temperature sensing circuit is electrically connected with the heating circuit configured on the outer layer of the PCB or with the thermal conduction element. The temperature of one of the heating circuits or thermal conduction elements is detected to represent the operating temperature of the corresponding electronic component. The control circuit electrically connects to the heating circuits. When the operating temperature of the electronic component detected by the sensing circuit sensing is lower than a first preset value for the electronic component, the control circuit enables the heating circuit corresponding to the contact position of the electronic component. Through the condition of the thermal conduction element, the electronic component is then heated. The first preset value is set according to the corresponding one electronic component. When the operating temperature of the electronic component detected by the sensing circuit sensing is lower than a second preset value for the electronic component, the control circuit disables the heating circuit corresponding to the contact position of the electronic component. Through the condition of the thermal conduction element, the electronic component is then cooled. The second preset value is set according to the electronic component. 
         [0010]    The disclosed system and method are described above. They differ from the prior art in that the electronic components are in contact with the outer surface of the multi-layer PCB. At least two layers adjacent to the electronic components are configured with heating circuits and thermal conduction elements at positions corresponding to the contact positions of the electronic components. The temperature sensing circuit in the multi-layer PCB detects the operating temperatures of the electronic components. When the temperature sensing circuit detects that the operating temperature of the electronic component is lower than the first preset value, the control circuit thereon enables the heating circuit corresponding to the electronic component. Through the conduction of the thermal conduction element, the corresponding electronic component is heated. When the operating temperature of the electronic components is higher than the second preset value, the control circuit disables the heating circuit corresponding to the electronic component. The thermal conduction element then cools the corresponding electronic component. This can prevent the electronic component from exceeding its range of operating temperature, thereby increasing the stability and lifetime of the electronic components. 
         [0011]    Through the above techniques, the invention can maintain the operating temperatures of the electronic components in different temperature environments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below illustration only, and thus is not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the multi-layer PCB in the first embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a planar view of the fourth layer of the multi-layer PCB in the first embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a planar view of the third and second layers of the multi-layer PCB in the first embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a three-dimensional view of the second embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A  is a planar view of the first layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7B  is a planar view of the second layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7C  is a planar view of the third layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7D  is a planar view of the fourth layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7E  is a planar view of the fifth layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 7F  is a planar view of the sixth layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same references relate to the same elements. 
         [0026]    First, please refer to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 1  is a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2  is a side view of the multi-layer PCB in the first embodiment. 
         [0027]    In the first embodiment of the invention, the electronic component  21  is represented by a hard disk drive (HDD). The multi-layer PCB  10  is a four-layered PCB containing a first layer  11 , a second layer  12 , a third layer  13 , and a fourth layer  14 . The first layer  11  and the fourth layer  14  are the outer layers of the multi-layer PCB  10 . The second layer  12  and the third layer  13  are the inner layers of the multi-layer PCB  10 . 
         [0028]    The electronic component  21  is in contact with the surface of the fourth layer  14  of the multi-layer PCB  10  by attaching in conjunction with other fixation methods (e.g., screwing). The power of the multi-layer PCB  10  and the electronic component  21  is provided by an external power source (not shown). For example, a motherboard provides the power of the multi-layer PCB  10  and the electronic component  21 . Such a possibility is only an example, and should not be used to restrict the scope of the invention. 
         [0029]    Please simultaneously refer to  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIG. 3  is a planar view of the fourth layer of the multi-layer PCB according to the first embodiment. 
         [0030]    The electronic component  21  has a surface contact with the fourth layer  14  of the multi-layer PCB  10 . In the first embodiment, a heat conduction element  31  is provided at the position corresponding to the contact position of the electronic component  21  on the fourth layer  14 . Since the electronic component  21  is an HDD here, the heat conduction element  31  covers the entire fourth layer  14 . 
         [0031]    The heat conduction element  31  is made of the combination of metal, semiconductor and polymer with high thermal conductivities. For example, the heat conduction element  31  is a thick copper plate or an aluminum plate. These are only examples in the first embodiment, and should not be used to restrict the scope of the invention. 
         [0032]    Please refer simultaneously to  FIGS. 2 and 4 .  FIG. 4  is a planar view of the configurations of the third and second layers in the multi-layer PCB of the first embodiment. 
         [0033]    The electronic component  21  is in surface contact with the fourth layer  14  of the multi-layer printed circuit board  10 . Therefore, in the first embodiment, the heating circuit  32  is provided at the position of the electronic components  21  between the third layer  13  and the second layer  12 . Since the electronic component  21  is an HDD, the heating circuit  32  covers entirely the third layer  13  and the second layer  12 . 
         [0034]    Please refer again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The first layer  11  of the multi-layer PCB  10  is the substrate of the PCB, such as FR-1, FR-2, FR-3, FR-4, G-10, CEM-1, CEM-2 AIN, SIC, etc. The surface of the first layer  11  is provided with a temperature sensing circuit and a control circuit (not shown). The lines for the temperature sensing circuit and the control circuit are between the first layer  11 , the second layer  12 , the third layer  13 , and the fourth layer  14 . This part belongs to the prior art of multi-layer PCB technology, and is not repeated in details herein. The temperature sensing circuit is connected with the thermal conduction element  31  of the fourth layer  14 . (That is, the thermistor of the temperature sensing circuit is in contact with the thermal conduction element  31  on the fourth layer  14  to detect the temperature thereof) The control circuit then has an electrical connection with the heating circuit  32  configured on the second layer  12  and the third layer  13 . 
         [0035]    The temperature sensing circuit detects the temperature of the thermal conduction element  31  and takes it as the operating temperature of electronic component  21 . It is assumed here that the operating temperature of the electronic component  21  detected by the temperature sensing circuit is lower than a first preset value of the electronic component  21 . The control circuit then enables the heating circuit  32  between the second layer  12  and the third layer  13  corresponding to the contact position of the electronic component  21 . The thermal conduction element  31  on the fourth layer  14  corresponding to the contact position of the electronic component  21  provides thermal conduction to heat up the electronic component  21 . 
         [0036]    Now suppose that the operating temperature of electronic component  21  detected by the temperature sensing circuit is higher than a second preset value of the electronic component  21 . The control circuit disables the heating circuit  32  between the second layer  12  and the third layer  13  corresponding to the contact position of the electronic component  21 . The thermal conduction element  31  (see  FIG. 3 ) provides thermal conduction to cool the electronic component  21 . 
         [0037]    Please refer to  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  is a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6  is a side view of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment. 
         [0038]    In the second embodiment, the first electronic component  51 , the second electronic component  52 , and the third electronic component  53  are chips as an example. The multi-layer PCB  40  is a six-layered PCB. The multi-layer PCB  40  includes a first layer  41 , a second layer  42 , a third layer  43 , a fourth layer  44 , a fifth layer  45  and a sixth layer  46 . The first layer  41  and the sixth layer  46  are the outer layers of the multi-layer PCB  40 . The second layer  42 , the third layer  43 , the fourth layer  44 , and the fifth layer  45  are the inner layers of the multi-layer PCB  40 . 
         [0039]    The first electronic component  51  is welded to have surface contact with the first layer  41  of the multi-layer PCB  40 . The second electronic component  52  and the third electronic component  53  are welded to have surface contacts with the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40 . In the second embodiment, the multi-layer PCB  40  can be a motherboard or an extension board (e.g., display card, sound card, extension card, etc). 
         [0040]    Please simultaneously refer to  FIGS. 6 and 7A .  FIG. 7A  is a planar view of the configuration on the first layer of the multi-layer PCB. 
         [0041]    The first electronic component  51  and the first layer  41  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. The third electronic component  53  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. 
         [0042]    Therefore, a thermal conduction element  61  is provided on the first layer  41  adjacent to the first electronic element  51  at the position corresponding to the contact position of the first electronic element  51  and the first layer  41 . Another thermal conduction element  61  is provided on the first layer  41  adjacent to the third electronic element  53  at the position corresponding to the contact position of the third electronic element  53  and the first layer  41 . 
         [0043]    Please refer simultaneously to  FIGS. 6 and 7B .  FIG. 7B  is a planar view of the configuration on the second layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment. 
         [0044]    The first electronic component  51  and the first layer  41  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. The third electronic component  53  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. 
         [0045]    Therefore, in the second embodiment, a heating circuit  62  is provided on the second layer  42  adjacent to the first electronic component  51 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the second layer  42  and the first electronic component  51 . Another heating circuit  62  is provided on the second layer  42  adjacent to the third electronic component  53 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the second layer  42  and the third electronic component  53 . 
         [0046]    Please simultaneously refer to  FIGS. 6 and 7C .  FIG. 7C  is a planar view of the configuration on the third layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment. 
         [0047]    The first electronic component  51  and the first layer  41  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. The second electronic component  52  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. The third electronic component  53  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. 
         [0048]    Therefore, in the second embodiment, a thermal conduction element  61  is provided on the third layer  43  adjacent to the first electronic component  51 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the third layer  43  and the first electronic component  51 . A heating circuit  62  is provided on the third layer  43  adjacent to the third electronic component  53 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the third layer  43  and the third electronic component  53 . 
         [0049]    Please refer simultaneously to  FIGS. 6 and 7D .  FIG. 7D  is a planar view of the configuration on the fourth layer of the multi-layer PCB in the second embodiment. 
         [0050]    The second electronic component  52  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact; and the third electronic component  53  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. 
         [0051]    Therefore, in the second embodiment, a thermal conduction element  61  is provided on the fourth layer  44  adjacent to the second electronic component  52 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the fourth layer  44  and the second electronic component  52 . Moreover, a heating circuit  62  is provided on the fourth layer  44  adjacent to the third electronic component  53 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the fourth layer  44  and the third electronic component  53 . 
         [0052]    Please simultaneously refer to  FIGS. 6 and 7E .  FIG. 7E  is a planar view of the configuration on the fifth layer of the multi-layer PCB. 
         [0053]    The second electronic component  52  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact; and the third electronic component  53  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. 
         [0054]    Therefore, in the second embodiment, a thermal conduction element  61  is provided on the fifth layer  45  adjacent to the second electronic component  52 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the fifth layer  45  and the second electronic component  52 . Moreover, another thermal conduction element  61  is provided on the fifth layer  45  adjacent to the third electronic component  53 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the fifth layer  45  and the third electronic component  53 . 
         [0055]    Please simultaneously refer to  FIGS. 6 and 7F .  FIG. 7F  is a planar view of the configuration on the sixth layer of the multi-layer PCB. 
         [0056]    The second electronic component  52  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact; and the third electronic component  53  and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40  are in surface contact. 
         [0057]    Therefore, in the second embodiment, a heating circuit  62  is provided on the sixth layer  46  adjacent to the second electronic component  52 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the second electronic component  52  and the sixth layer  46 . A heating circuit  62  is provided on the sixth layer  46  adjacent to the third electronic component  53 , at the position corresponding to the contact position of the third electronic component  53  and the sixth layer  46 . 
         [0058]    The above-mentioned thermal conduction element  61  is made of the combination of metal, semiconductor, and polymer materials of high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conduction element  61  is a thick copper plate or aluminum plate. These are only examples in the first embodiment, and should not be used to restrict the scope of the invention. 
         [0059]    The above thermal conduction element  61  has different sizes according to the sizes of the first electronic component  51 , the second electronic component  52  and the third electronic component  53 . The heating circuit  62  also has different size ranges and circuit densities according to the corresponding electronic component  51 , second electronic component  52  and third electronic component  53 . 
         [0060]    Among the first layer  41 , the second layer  42 , third layer  43 , the fourth layer  44 , the fifth layer  45 , and the sixth layer  46  of the multi-layer PCB  40 , the one without being configured with a thermal conduction element  61  or heating circuit  62  can be the substrate of the PCB, such as FR-1, FR-2, FR-3, G-10, CEM-1, CEM-2 AIN, SIC, etc. It is further configured with a circuit. This is merely an example of the invention, and should not be used to restrict the scope of the invention. 
         [0061]    Please refer to  FIGS. 5 and 6  again. The surface(s) of the first layer  41  and/or the sixth layer  46  is configured with electronic components of the temperature sensing circuit and the control circuit (not shown). The lines for the temperature sensing circuit and the control circuit are provided between the first layer  41 , the second layer  42 , the third layer  43 , the fourth layer  44 , the fifth layer, and the sixth layer  46 . Such arrangements belong to the prior art of multilayer PCB technology, and are not detailed herein. 
         [0062]    The temperature sensing circuit is in connection with the thermal conduction element  61  configured corresponding to the contact position of the first electronic component  51  on the first layer  41  (that is, the thermistor of the temperature sensing circuit is in contact with the thermal conduction element  61  on the first layer  41  to measure the temperature thereof). The temperature sensing circuit electrically connects with the heating circuit  62  configured corresponding to the contact position of the second electronic component  52  on the sixth layer  46 . The temperature sensing circuit also electrically connects to the heating line  62  configured corresponding to the contact position of the third electronic component  53  on the sixth layer  46 . Moreover, the control circuit electrically connects to the heating circuits  62  configured on the second layer  42 , the third layer  43 , the fourth layer  44 , and the sixth layer  46 . 
         [0063]    The temperature sensing circuit detects the temperature of the thermal conduction element  61  configured corresponding to the contact position of the first electronic component  51  on the first layer  41  and uses the temperature as the operating temperature of the first electronic element  51 . The temperature sensing circuit detects the temperature of the heating circuit  62  configured corresponding to the contact position of the second electronic component  52  on the sixth layer  46  and uses the temperature as the operating temperature of the second electronic component  52 . The temperature sensing circuit detects the temperature of the heating circuit  62  configured corresponding to the contact position of the third electronic component  53  on the sixth layer  46  and uses the temperature as the operating temperature of the electronic component  53 . 
         [0064]    Suppose that the operating temperature of the second electronic component  52  measured by the temperature sensing circuit is lower than the first default value for the second electronic component  52 . The control circuit then enables the heating circuits  62  on the third layer  43  and the sixth layer  46  corresponding to the contact position of the second electronic component  52 . The thermal conduction elements  61  on the fourth layer  44  and the fifth layer  45  corresponding to the contact position of the second electronic component  52  transfer heat to heat up the second electronic component  52 . 
         [0065]    Suppose that the operating temperature of the third electronic component  53  measured by the temperature sensing circuit is higher than the second default value for the third electronic component  53 . The control circuit then disables the heating circuits  62  on the second layer  42 , the fourth layer  44 , and the sixth layer  46  corresponding to the contact position of the third electronic component  53 . The thermal conduction elements  61  configured on the first layer  41 , the third layer  43 , and the fifth layer  45  corresponding to the contact position of the third electronic component  53  provide heat transfer to cool down the third electronic element  53 . 
         [0066]    Suppose that the operating temperature of the first electronic component  51  measured by the temperature sensing circuit is between the first default and the second default value of the first electronic component  51 . The control circuit then controls the heating circuit  62  on the second layer  42  corresponding to the contact position of the first electronic component  51  to maintain its original state (that is, the heating circuit  62  remains enabled if it is already enabled or disabled if it is already disabled). With the heat conduction of the thermal conduction elements  61  on the first layer  41  and the third layer  43  corresponding to the contact position of the first electronic component  51 , the first electronic component  51  is either heated or cooled. 
         [0067]    The above-mentioned example should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, the first default value is set to be different for different electronic components. That is, the electronic component  21 , the first electronic component  51 , the second electronic component  52 , and the third electronic component  53  have different operating temperature values. The second default value is also set to be different for different electronic components. Thus, the electronic component  21 , the first electronic component  51 , the second electronic component  52 , and the third electronic component  53  have different operating temperature values. 
         [0068]    Therefore, the invention can maintain the electronic component  21 , the first electronic component  51 , the second electronic component  52 , and the third electronic component  53  at their respective normal operating temperatures, preventing them from working at overheated temperatures and causing errors. This ensures the stability of the electronic component  21 , the first electronic component  51 , the second electronic component  52 , and the third electronic component  53 , and increases the lifetime thereof. 
         [0069]    The second embodiment shows the relation between the thermal conduction elements  61  and the heating circuits  62  (see  FIG. 6 ). This is only an example, and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. The other configuration relation between the thermal conduction elements  61  and the heating circuits  62  should be included within the invention. 
         [0070]    In the above example, the electronic component is a hard disk drive as an example. The electronic component can also be a panel. Again, these are only examples and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. 
         [0071]    In summary, the invention differs from the prior art in that the electronic component is in touch with the outer surface of the multi-layer PCB. At least the two layers adjacent to the electronic component are configured with heating circuits and thermal conduction elements corresponding to the contact position of the electronic element. The temperature sensing circuit in the multi-layer PCB detects the operating temperature of the electronic component. When the operating temperature of the electronic component measured by the temperature sensing circuit is lower than the first default value, the control circuit in the multi-layer PCB enables the heating circuit corresponding to the electronic component. Through the heat transfer of the thermal conduction element, the corresponding electronic component is heated up. When the operating temperature of the electronic component measured by the temperature sensing circuit is higher than the second default value, the control circuit in the multi-layer PCB disables the heating circuit corresponding to the electronic component. Through the heat transfer of the thermal conduction element, the corresponding electronic component is cooled down. This mechanism prevents the electronic component from going beyond its own operating temperature range, thereby increasing the stability and lifetime of the electronic component. 
         [0072]    The disclosed technique solves the problem existing in the prior art that the temperatures of electronic components working in high-temperature environments and low-temperature environments may exceed their critical operating temperatures. The invention thus maintains the electronic components within their operating temperature ranges in different temperature environments. 
         [0073]    Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover all modifications that fall within the true scope of the invention.