Patent Description:
As the performance demanded of electronic devices rapidly increases, heat generated during operation of the electronic devices also increases. The performance of such devices may be throttled down when excessive heat is generated. To prevent degradation of the performance of an electronic device due to heat generated therein, excessive heat may be dissipated to the outside by attaching a heat spreader to elements of the electronic device that are prone to overheating, such as microprocessors. Such heat spreaders may include a material with excellent heat conduction.

<CIT> describes an assembly including a first thermal transfer element configured for partial thermal communication between a first PCB and a second PCB through the first and second surfaces, where the first thermal transfer element is shaped to include a partially thermally insulating air gap located between the first and the second PCB, and where the first thermal transfer element is in thermal communication with a drive housing. <CIT> Al describes a solid state drive (SSD) apparatus including a case including an air tunnel disposed between an inner plate and an upper wall and an accommodation space between the inner plate and a lower wall. <CIT> describes a semiconductor storage device including a housing, a first board, a heat generating component, an electronic component, and a thermal-conductive sheet.

According to a first aspect there is provided a solid state drive apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

A solid state drive apparatus includes a casing including a top plate, a bottom plate, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. A first substrate is disposed inside the casing. At least one first semiconductor chip is mounted on the first substrate. A second substrate is disposed inside the casing. At least one second semiconductor chip is mounted on the second substrate. A heat dissipation structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and includes a lower heat dissipation panel contacting the at least one first semiconductor chip. An upper heat dissipation panel contacts the at least one semiconductor chip. An air passage is provided between the lower heat dissipation panel and the upper heat dissipation panel and extends from the first sidewall of the casing to the second sidewall.

A data storage apparatus includes a rack including a socket. A solid state drive apparatus is mounted on the rack. A cooling fan is disposed adjacent to the rack and is configured to force an air flow. The solid state drive apparatus includes a casing including a top plate, a bottom plate, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. A first substrate is disposed inside the casing. An external connector is connected to the first substrate and inserted into the socket. At least one first semiconductor chip is mounted on the first substrate. A second substrate is disposed inside the casing. At least one second semiconductor chip is mounted on the second substrate. A heat dissipation structure includes a lower heat dissipation panel contacting the at least one first semiconductor chip. An upper heat dissipation panel contacts the at least one second semiconductor chip. An air passage is provided between the lower heat dissipation panel and the upper heat dissipation panel and extends from the first sidewall of the casing to the second sidewall.

In describing embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for sake of clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a solid state drive apparatus <NUM> according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> along a line X-X' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> along a line Y-Y' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a plan view of a heat dissipation structure <NUM> of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> includes a casing <NUM>, the heat dissipation structure <NUM>, a first substrate <NUM>, at least one first semiconductor chip <NUM>, a second substrate <NUM>, at least one second semiconductor chip <NUM>, and an external connector <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> may form the exterior of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>. The casing <NUM> may have a <NUM>-dimensional shape including an accommodation space (e.g., a cavity) in which various parts are accommodated. The casing <NUM> includes a top plate <NUM> having a flat panel-like shape, a bottom plate <NUM> having a flat panel-like shape, and sidewalls extending between the top plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>. In example embodiments, the casing <NUM> may have a cuboidal shape. The top plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> may face each other, a first sidewall 113S1 and a second sidewall 113S2 of the casing <NUM> may face each other, and a third sidewall 113S3 and a fourth sidewall 113S4 of the casing <NUM> may face each other. The third sidewall 113S3 and the fourth sidewall 113S4 may extend between the first sidewall 113S1 and the second sidewall 113S2. However, the shape of the casing <NUM> is not necessarily limited to the above-stated example, and the casing <NUM> may have a polygonal column-like shape (e.g., a pentagonal column-like shape or a hexagonal column-like shape) or a cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, a direction from the third sidewall 113S3 toward the fourth sidewall 113S4 will be defined as a first direction (X direction), a direction from the second sidewall 113S2 toward the first sidewall 113S1 will be defined as a second direction (Y direction), and a direction from the bottom plate <NUM> toward the top plate <NUM> will be defined as a third direction (Z direction).

The casing <NUM> may include an upper casing 110U and a lower casing <NUM> that are detachably coupled to each other. The upper casing 110U may be coupled to the lower casing <NUM> and may together form an accommodation space. The upper casing 110U may include the top plate <NUM> and at least a portion of sidewalls of the casing <NUM>, and the lower casing <NUM> may include the bottom plate <NUM> and at least a portion of the sidewalls of the casing <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> may include a material with high heat conductivity to be suitable for drawing heat generated by parts provided inside the casing <NUM>, e.g., the first semiconductor chip <NUM> and/or the second semiconductor chip <NUM>, and dissipating the drawn heat to the outside of the casing <NUM>. For example, the heat conductivity of the casing <NUM> may be at least <NUM> W/mK. The casing <NUM> may include a single material or may include a combination of different materials. The casing <NUM> may include a metal, a carbon-based material, a polymer, or a combination thereof. For example, the casing <NUM> may include copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), stainless steel, or a clad metal including one or more of the aforementioned metals. Alternatively, the casing <NUM> may include, for example, graphite, graphene, carbon fibers, a carbon nanotube composite, etc. Alternatively, the casing <NUM> may include, for example, an epoxy resin, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc..

The heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be mounted to the casing <NUM>. The heat dissipation structure <NUM> is disposed between the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. To fix the heat dissipation structure <NUM> inside the casing <NUM>, a supporting structure for supporting the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be provided inside the casing <NUM>. For example, the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be coupled to the casing <NUM> via a coupling means like a screw or clamp. Alternatively, the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be configured to be contacted and supported by a boss structure extending from an inner wall of the casing <NUM>.

The heat dissipation structure <NUM> may extend substantially in parallel with either one of the top plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> inside the casing <NUM>. The heat dissipation structure <NUM> extends from the first sidewall 113S1 to the second sidewall 113S2. A first end portion 120E1 of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be inserted into a first attachment groove provided in the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM>, and a second end portion 120E2 of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be inserted into a second attachment groove provided in the second sidewall 113S2 of the casing <NUM>. For example, the first end portion 120E1 of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> protrudes from the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM>, and the second end portion 120E2 of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> protrudes from the second sidewall 113S2 of the casing <NUM>. The heat dissipation structure <NUM> may divide the accommodation space of the casing <NUM> into a lower accommodation space <NUM> between the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and an upper accommodation space <NUM> between the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the top plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>.

The heat dissipation structure <NUM> includes an inlet 127i through which the air flows in, an outlet 127o through which the air flows out, and an air passage <NUM> extending between the inlet 127i and the outlet 127o. The air passage <NUM> is a passage in which the air flows, such as a pipe, tube, or conduit, and may extend in the direction in which the heat dissipation structure <NUM> extends. The air passage <NUM> extends from the inlet 127i to the outlet 127o in a straight direction, thereby guiding the air introduced into the air passage <NUM> in the straight direction. The inlet 127i is formed in the second end portion 120E2 of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> adjacent to the second sidewall 113S2 of the casing <NUM>, and the outlet 127o is formed in the first end portion 120E1 of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> adjacent to the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM>. In this case, the air passage <NUM> extends in the second direction (Y direction), and an air flow in the second direction (Y direction) may be formed inside the air passage <NUM>.

A cooling fan configured to force the air to flow is disposed outside of the casing <NUM>, and the cooling fan may form an air flow mostly in the second direction (Y direction) around the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>. Due to the operation of the cooling fan, the air introduced through the inlet 127i of the air passage <NUM> flows in the second direction (Y direction) along the air passage <NUM> and flows out of the air passage <NUM> through the outlet 127o of the air passage <NUM>. While the air is flowing along the air passage <NUM>, heat of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> may be removed through heat exchange between the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the air.

In example embodiments, the heat dissipation structure <NUM> includes a lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and an upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> facing each other. The lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be disposed to face the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be disposed to face the top plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. The lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may have substantially the same planar area as each other. The lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may have shapes that are symmetric with respect to each other. The upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may extend from the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM> to the second sidewall 113S2. The upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may each have a flat panel-like shape. The upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may each have a rectangular shape in a view from above. The center portion of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the center portion of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction (Z direction) and form the air passage <NUM>.

The upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may each include a material with excellent heat conductivity. For example, the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may each include a material having heat conductivity equal to or higher than <NUM> W/mK. For example, the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may each include Cu, gold (Au), tungsten (W), and/or Al.

A width of the air passage <NUM> in the first direction (X direction) may be constant along its entire length in the second direction (Y direction). The width of the air passage <NUM> in the first direction (X direction) may be similar to a length of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> in the first direction (X direction) and a length of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> in the first direction (X direction). A length of the air passage <NUM> in the second direction (Y direction) may be substantially identical to a length of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> in the second direction (Y direction) and a length of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> in the second direction (Y direction). A height <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction) may be substantially identical to a distance between the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction). As shown in <FIG>, the width of the air passage <NUM> in the first direction (X direction) may be greater than the height <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction).

In example embodiments, the height <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> may range from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of a height <NUM> of the casing <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction). In example embodiments, when the height <NUM> of the casing <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction) is about <NUM>, the height <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> may range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The first substrate <NUM> may be disposed in the lower accommodation space <NUM> between the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, and the at least one first semiconductor chip <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM>. In example embodiments, the at least one first semiconductor chip <NUM> may include a first upper semiconductor chip 141U mounted to the top surface of the first substrate <NUM> facing the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and a first lower semiconductor chip <NUM> mounted on the bottom surface of the first substrate <NUM> facing the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>.

The first substrate <NUM> may be a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, the first substrate <NUM> may be a double-sided PCB or a multi-layer PCB. For example, the first substrate <NUM> may include a base layer and one or more interconnect layers provided on the top surface and the bottom surface of the base layer. The base layer may include phenol resin, epoxy resin, and/or polyimide. The interconnect layers may include a conductive material, e.g., Al, Cu, nickel (Ni), or W. First semiconductor chips <NUM> and electronic parts mounted on the first substrate <NUM> may be electrically connected to one another through the interconnect layers of the first substrate <NUM>.

The external connector <NUM> may be coupled to a first edge of the first substrate <NUM> adjacent to the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM>. The external connector <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through a groove formed in the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM>. The external connector <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into a socket of an external device to electrically connect the external device to the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>. Through the external connector <NUM>, the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> may transmit/receive electric signals to/from the external device and receive power needed for operation from the external device.

The second substrate <NUM> may be disposed in the upper accommodation space <NUM> between the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the top plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. The at least one second semiconductor chip <NUM> may be mounted on the second substrate <NUM>. In example embodiments, the at least one second semiconductor chip <NUM> may include a second upper semiconductor chip 143U mounted on the top surface of the second substrate <NUM> facing the top plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and a second lower semiconductor chip <NUM> mounted on the bottom surface of the second substrate <NUM> facing the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. The second substrate <NUM> may be a PCB. Second semiconductor chips <NUM> and electronic parts mounted on the second substrate <NUM> may be electrically connected to one another through interconnect layers of the second substrate <NUM>.

The first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other through a connection substrate <NUM>. The connection substrate <NUM> may extend between an edge of the first substrate <NUM> and an edge of the second substrate <NUM>. The connection substrate <NUM> may extend to surround a side of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. The connection substrate <NUM> may include a flexible PCB, for example.

The at least one first semiconductor chip <NUM> and the at least one second semiconductor chip <NUM> may each include a controller chip, a first memory semiconductor chip, and a second memory semiconductor chip.

The controller chip may control the first memory semiconductor chip and the second memory semiconductor chip. A control circuit may be embedded in the controller chip. The control circuit of the controller chip may be configured to control accesses to data stored in the first memory semiconductor chip and the second memory semiconductor chip. The control circuit of the controller chip may be configured to control write/read operations regarding a flash memory or the like according to control instructions from an external host. The control circuit of the controller chip may be implemented as a separate control semiconductor chip like an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or may be part of semiconductor chip performing a different function. The control circuit of the controller chip may be configured to, for example, be automatically executed by an operating system of an external host when the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> is connected to the external host. The control circuit of the controller chip may provide a standard protocol like parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA), serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), a SCSI standard, or PCI express (PCIe). Also, the control circuit of the controller chip may be configured to perform wear leveling, garbage collection, bad block management, and error correcting code for driving a non-volatile memory device. In this case, the control circuit of the controller chip may include a script for the automatic execution and an application program that may be executed by the external host.

The first memory semiconductor chip may be a non-volatile memory device. The non-volatile memory device may be, but is not limited to being, flash memory, phase change random access memory (PRAM), resistive RAM (RAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and magnetic RAM (MRAM). The flash memory may be, for example, a NAND flash memory. The flash memory may be, for example, a V-NAND flash memory. The non-volatile memory device may include one semiconductor die or may include a stack of a plurality of semiconductor dies.

The second memory semiconductor chip may be a volatile memory device. The volatile memory device may be, but is not limited to being, dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). The volatile memory device may provide a cache function for storing data frequently used when the external host accesses the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>, thereby scaling an access time and data transfer performance in correspondence to processing performance of the external host connected to the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>.

Also, a resistor, a capacitor, an inductor, a switch, a temperature sensor, a DC-DC converter, an active device, and/or a passive device may be further mounted on the first substrate <NUM> and/or the second substrate <NUM>.

A thermal interface material (TIM) may be arranged between the first upper semiconductor chip 141U and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>, between the first lower semiconductor chip <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, between the second upper semiconductor chip 143U and the top plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, and between the second lower semiconductor chip <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. The TIM may include a thermal paste, a thermal adhesive, a gap filler, and/or a thermal conductive pad.

In example embodiments, a first TIM <NUM> may be disposed between the first upper semiconductor chip 141U and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> to strengthen physical coupling and thermal coupling between the first upper semiconductor chip 141U and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM>. Heat generated by the first upper semiconductor chip 141U may be conducted through the first TIM <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM>.

In example embodiments, a second TIM <NUM> may be disposed between the first lower semiconductor chip <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> to strengthen physical coupling and thermal coupling between the first lower semiconductor chip <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. Heat generated by the first lower semiconductor chip <NUM> may be conducted through the second TIM <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>.

In example embodiments, a third TIM <NUM> may be disposed between the second lower semiconductor chip <NUM> and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> to strengthen physical coupling and thermal coupling between the second lower semiconductor chip <NUM> and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. Heat generated by the second lower semiconductor chip <NUM> may be conducted through the third TIM <NUM> and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM>.

In example embodiments, a fourth TIM <NUM> may be disposed between the second upper semiconductor chip 143U and the top plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> to strengthen physical coupling and thermal coupling between the second upper semiconductor chip 143U and the top plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. Heat generated by the second upper semiconductor chip 143U may be conducted through the fourth TIM <NUM> and the top plate <NUM>.

In example embodiments, the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be isolated from the space provided between outer surfaces of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the casing <NUM>. For example, the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be isolated from the lower accommodation space <NUM> and the upper accommodation space <NUM> of the casing <NUM> by the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM>. For example, the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> might not communicate with the lower accommodation space <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and might not communicate with the upper accommodation space <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. Because the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> is isolated from the lower accommodation space <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, foreign materials like dust introduced with the air may be prevented from entering the lower accommodation space <NUM>. In the same regard, because the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> is isolated from the upper accommodation space <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, foreign materials introduced with the air may be prevented from entering the upper accommodation space <NUM>.

In example embodiments, when the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> each have two edges extending in parallel with the second direction (Y direction), two edges of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be adhered to two edges of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM>. The lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a first edge 121E1 adjacent to the third sidewall 113S3 of the casing <NUM> and a second edge 121E2 adjacent to the fourth sidewall 113S4 of the casing <NUM>, and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a first edge 123E1 adjacent to the third sidewall 113S3 of the casing <NUM> and a second edge 123E2 adjacent to the fourth sidewall 113S4 of the casing <NUM>. At this time, the first edge 121E1 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be coupled to the first edge 123E1 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM>, and the second edge 121E2 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be coupled to the second edge 123E2 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM>. An edge of lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and an edge of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> adjacent to the second sidewall 113S2 may be partially spaced apart from each other to form the inlet 127i. An edge of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and an edge of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> adjacent to the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM> may be partially spaced apart from each other to form the outlet 127o.

In example embodiments, the first edge 121E1 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a sloped portion 191a extending outwardly along an upward slope and a first lower adhering portion 191b extending further outward from the sloped portion 191a, whereas the first edge 123E1 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a sloped portion 193a extending outwardly along a downward slope and a first upper adhering portion 193b extending further outward from the sloped portion 193a. The first upper adhering portion 193b of the first edge 123E1 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be adhered to the first lower adhering portion 191b of the first edge 121E1 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM>. The first edge 123E1 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the first edge 121E1 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> contact each other across an entirety of the direction in which the air passage <NUM> extends, thereby preventing the air inside the air passage <NUM> from being leaked in a direction toward the third sidewall 113S3 of the casing <NUM> from the air passage <NUM>.

In example embodiments, the second edge 121E2 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a sloped portion 191c extending outwardly along an upward slope and a second lower adhering portion 191d extending further outward from the sloped portion 191c, whereas the second edge 123E2 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a sloped portion 193c extending outwardly along a downward slope and a second upper adhering portion 193d extending further outward from the sloped portion 193c. The second upper adhering portion 193d of the second edge 123E2 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may be adhered to the second lower adhering portion 191d of the second edge 121E2 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM>. The second edge 123E2 of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the second edge 121E2 of the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> contact each other across an entirety of the direction in which the air passage <NUM> extends, thereby preventing the air inside the air passage <NUM> from being leaked in a direction toward the fourth sidewall 113S4 of the casing <NUM> from the air passage <NUM>.

As the performance of electronic devices like a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and a storage increases, adequate heat dissipation becomes increasingly important. One way in which heat is managed in such devices is to throttle performance as heat builds up. Thus, full utilization of the performance of such electronic devices hinges on there being adequate heat dissipation. The performance of an electronic device increases as input/output (I/O) speeds increase. However, on the other hand, a thermal issue occurs due to higher power consumption, and the thermal issue may deteriorate the reliability of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>.

According to example embodiments of the inventive concept, the heat dissipation structure <NUM> is provided inside the casing <NUM> of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>. Heat generated by parts inside the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> may be cooled through a conduction heat transfer and a convective heat transfer via the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. Therefore, the heat dissipation efficiency of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> including the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be increased, thereby maximizing performance utilization and increasing the reliability of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a solid state drive apparatus 10a according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. Hereinafter, the solid state drive apparatus 10a shown in <FIG> will be described based on differences from the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. To the extent that various elements are not described, these elements may be understood to be at least similar to corresponding elements that have been described elsewhere in the instant specification.

Referring to <FIG>, a height of an air passage 125a may vary according to a location of the air passage 125a in the second direction (Y direction).

The air passage 125a may include a first segment <NUM> extending a predetermined distance from the inlet 127i of the air passage 125a toward the outlet 127o, a second segment <NUM> extending a predetermined distance from the outlet 127o of the air passage 125a toward the inlet 127i, and a third segment <NUM> extending between the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM>. In example embodiments, at least one of a height <NUM> of the first segment <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction), a height <NUM> of the second segment <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction), and a height of the third segment <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction) may be different from the others.

In example embodiments, the height <NUM> of the first segment <NUM> of the air passage 125a may be greater than the height <NUM> of the second segment <NUM> of the air passage 125a and the height of the third segment <NUM> of the air passage 125a. In example embodiments, the height <NUM> of the first segment <NUM> of the air passage 125a may be from about <NUM> times to about <NUM> times the height <NUM> of the second segment <NUM> of the air passage 125a.

Because the height <NUM> of the first segment <NUM> of the air passage 125a is greater than the height <NUM> of the second segment <NUM> of the air passage 125a, the size or the area of the inlet 127i of the air passage 125a may be larger than the size or the area of the outlet 127o of the air passage 125a. In this case, the flux of the air flowing into the air passage 125a may increase, thereby increasing the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation structure 120a.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a solid state drive apparatus 10b according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a plan view of a heat dissipation structure 120b included in the solid state drive apparatus 10b of <FIG>. Hereinafter, the heat dissipation structure 120b and the solid state drive apparatus 10b shown in <FIG> and <FIG> will be described based on differences from the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. To the extent that various elements are not described, these elements may be understood to be at least similar to corresponding elements that have been described elsewhere in the instant specification.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, at least one of the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a vent hole. Through the vent hole, the space provided between outer surfaces of the heat dissipation structure 120b and the casing <NUM> may communicate with the air passage <NUM> formed inside the heat dissipation structure 120b.

In example embodiments, the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a first vent hole 121V through which the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure 120b communicates with the lower accommodation space <NUM>. The lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include one or a plurality of first vent holes 121V. While the air introduced into the air passage <NUM> is flowing in the second direction (Y direction) at a high speed, heated air inside the lower accommodation space <NUM> may flow into the air passage <NUM> through the first vent hole 121V. The heated air inside the lower accommodation space <NUM> flows into the air passage <NUM> through the first vent hole 121V and exits through the outlet 127o of the air passage <NUM> together with the air introduced through the inlet 127i of the air passage <NUM>, and thus, heat dissipation efficiency regarding the lower accommodation space <NUM> and parts accommodated in the lower accommodation space <NUM> may be increased.

In example embodiments, the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include a second vent hole 123V through which the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure 120b communicates with the upper accommodation space <NUM>. The upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> may include one or a plurality of second vent holes 123V. While the air introduced into the air passage <NUM> is flowing in the second direction (Y direction) at a high speed, heated air inside the upper accommodation space <NUM> may flow into the air passage <NUM> through the second vent hole 123V. The heated air inside the upper accommodation space <NUM> flows into the air passage <NUM> through the second vent hole 123V and exits through the outlet 127o of the air passage <NUM> together with the air introduced through the inlet 127i of the air passage <NUM>, and thus, heat dissipation efficiency regarding the upper accommodation space <NUM> and parts accommodated in the upper accommodation space <NUM> may be increased.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a solid state drive apparatus 10c according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a plan view of a heat dissipation structure 120c included in the solid state drive apparatus 10c of <FIG>. Hereinafter, the heat dissipation structure 120c and the solid state drive apparatus 10c shown in <FIG> and <FIG> will be described based on differences from the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. To the extent that various elements are not described, these elements may be understood to be at least similar to corresponding elements that have been described elsewhere in the instant specification.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat dissipation structure 120c may include at least one isolation wall <NUM>.

The at least one isolation wall <NUM> may extend in the third direction (Z direction) between the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM>. The at least one isolation wall <NUM> may extend substantially in the second direction (Y direction) from the first end portion (120E1 of <FIG>) of the heat dissipation structure 120c at which the outlet (127o of <FIG>) is formed to the second end portion (120E2 of <FIG>) of the heat dissipation structure 120c at which the inlet (127i of <FIG>) is formed. The at least one isolation wall <NUM> may be connected to the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> across its entirety. The at least one isolation wall <NUM> may be connected to the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> across its entirety. The heat dissipation structure 120c may include one isolation wall <NUM> or may include a plurality of isolation walls <NUM> spaced apart from one another in the first direction (X direction). Because the heat dissipation structure 120c includes the at least one isolation wall <NUM>, the heat dissipation structure 120c may include a plurality of air passages <NUM> isolated from each other by the at least one isolation wall <NUM>.

The isolation wall <NUM> may contribute to formation of an air flow in the second direction (Y direction) inside the air passage <NUM> and may suppress formation of an eddy current that interferes with heat transfer between the upper heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the air and heat transfer between the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM> and the air.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation structure 120d according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. Hereinafter, the heat dissipation structure 120d shown in <FIG> will be described based on differences from the heat dissipation structure <NUM> of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. To the extent that various elements are not described, these elements may be understood to be at least similar to corresponding elements that have been described elsewhere in the instant specification.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one of a lower heat dissipation panel 121a and an upper heat dissipation panel 123a of the heat dissipation structure 120d may have a vapor chamber structure.

In example embodiments, the lower heat dissipation panel 121a may include a first outer plate <NUM> contacting the first semiconductor chip (<NUM> of <FIG>), a first inner plate <NUM> contacting the air passage <NUM>, and a first vapor channel <NUM> provided between the first outer plate <NUM> and the first inner plate <NUM>. The first vapor channel <NUM> may be a space provided between the first outer plate <NUM> and the first inner plate <NUM>, such that a working fluid flows therein. The first outer plate <NUM> and the first inner plate <NUM> may each include a metal, for example. For example, the first outer plate <NUM> and the first inner plate <NUM> may each include Al, Ni, titanium (Ti), magnesium (Mg), or a combination thereof. For example, the working fluid may flow into the first vapor channel <NUM> through an inlet formed in the lower heat dissipation panel 121a and may penetrate into the first vapor channel <NUM> by the capillary pressure. The working fluid may be a liquid (such as water, or some other liquid coolant).

In example embodiments, the upper heat dissipation panel 123a may include a second outer plate <NUM> contacting the second semiconductor chip (<NUM> of <FIG>), a second inner plate <NUM> contacting the air passage <NUM>, and a second vapor channel <NUM> provided between the second outer plate <NUM> and the second inner plate <NUM>. The second vapor channel <NUM> may be a space provided between the second outer plate <NUM> and the second inner plate <NUM>, such that a working fluid flows therein. The second outer plate <NUM> and the second inner plate <NUM> may each include a metal, for example. For example, the second outer plate <NUM> and the second inner plate <NUM> may each include Al, Ni, Ti, Mg, or a combination thereof. For example, the working fluid may flow into the second vapor channel <NUM> through an inlet formed in the upper heat dissipation panel 123a and may penetrate into the second vapor channel <NUM> by the capillary pressure.

When heat is applied to the first outer plate <NUM> and the second outer plate <NUM>, working fluids in the first vapor channel <NUM> and the second vapor channel <NUM> absorb the heat and are evaporated, and vapor formed as the working fluids are evaporated may be condensed by the first inner plate <NUM> and the second inner plate <NUM> having relatively low temperatures through heat conduction with the air flowing in the air passage <NUM>. Through the phase change of the working fluids, parts around the heat dissipation structure 120d may be cooled.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a solid state drive apparatus 10d according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. Hereinafter, the solid state drive apparatus 10d shown in <FIG> will be described based on differences from the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. To the extent that various elements are not described, these elements may be understood to be at least similar to corresponding elements that have been described elsewhere in the instant specification.

Referring to <FIG>, the solid state drive apparatus 10d may include a first blowing fan <NUM> provided inside the casing <NUM>. At least a portion of the first blowing fan <NUM> may be accommodated inside the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. For example, a portion of the first blowing fan <NUM> may be located inside the air passage <NUM> through a hole formed in the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM>. The first blowing fan <NUM> may be configured to inject the air into the air passage <NUM> by drawing air in through the inlet 127i. The first blowing fan <NUM> may be configured to force an air flow inside the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. For example, the first blowing fan <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM> and may be configured to receive power and a control signal needed to be driven through the first substrate <NUM>. One first blowing fan <NUM> or a plurality of first blowing fans <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM>.

The first blowing fan <NUM> may be driven to form an air flow from the inlet 127i toward the outlet 127o inside the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. The first blowing fan <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the inlet 127i of the air passage <NUM> and may be configured to blow the air in the second direction (Y direction). The first blowing fan <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM>, such that a direction in which the first blowing fan <NUM> blows the air is substantially parallel to the second direction (Y direction) in which the air passage <NUM> extends. When the first blowing fan <NUM> is driven, the flowing speed of the air flowing in the second direction (Y direction) inside the air passage <NUM> increases, and thus, heat transfer efficiency between the air flowing in the air passage <NUM> and the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be increased.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a solid state drive apparatus 10e according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. Hereinafter, the solid state drive apparatus 10e shown in <FIG> will be described based on differences from the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. To the extent that various elements are not described, these elements may be understood to be at least similar to corresponding elements that have been described elsewhere in the instant specification.

Referring to <FIG>, the solid state drive apparatus 10e may include a second blowing fan <NUM> provided inside the casing <NUM>. At least a portion of the second blowing fan <NUM> may be accommodated inside the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. The second blowing fan <NUM> may be configured to inject the air into the air passage <NUM> through a hole formed in the lower heat dissipation panel <NUM>. The second blowing fan <NUM> may be configured to force an air flow inside the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM>. For example, the second blowing fan <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM> and may be configured to receive power and a control signal needed to be driven through the first substrate <NUM>. One second blowing fan <NUM> or a plurality of second blowing fans <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM>.

The second blowing fan <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the inlet 127i of the air passage <NUM> and may be configured to blow the air in third direction (Z direction). For example, the second blowing fan <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM>, such that a direction in which the second blowing fan <NUM> blows the air is identical to a direction from the bottom plate <NUM> of the casing <NUM> toward the top plate <NUM>. When the second blowing fan <NUM> is driven, the flowing speed of the air inside the air passage <NUM> increases, and thus, heat transfer efficiency between the air flowing in the air passage <NUM> and the heat dissipation structure <NUM> may be increased.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a solid state drive apparatus 10f according to example embodiments of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the solid state drive apparatus 10f along a line X1-X1' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the solid state drive apparatus 10f along a line Y1-Y1' of <FIG>. Hereinafter, the solid state drive apparatus 10f shown in <FIG> will be described based on differences from the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. To the extent that various elements are not described, these elements may be understood to be at least similar to corresponding elements that have been described elsewhere in the instant specification.

Referring to <FIG>, an air passage 125b of a heat dissipation structure 120e may extend from the third sidewall 113S3 of the casing <NUM> to the fourth sidewall 113S4 in the first direction (X direction) and may be configured to guide an air flow in the first direction (X direction).

The inlet 127i of the air passage 125b may be formed at a first end portion of the heat dissipation structure 120e adjacent to the third sidewall 113S3 of the casing <NUM>, whereas the outlet 127o of the air passage 125b may be formed at a second end portion of the heat dissipation structure 120e adjacent to the fourth sidewall 113S4 of the casing <NUM>. The first end portion and the second end portion of the heat dissipation structure 120e may be exposed through the third sidewall 113S3 and the fourth sidewall 113S4 of the casing <NUM>, respectively, and the external connector <NUM> may be exposed through the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM>.

In example embodiments, a lower heat dissipation panel 121b may include a third edge 121E3 adjacent to the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM> and a fourth edge 121E4 adjacent to the second sidewall 113S2 of the casing <NUM>, and an upper heat dissipation panel 123b may include a third edge 123E3 adjacent to the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM> and a fourth edge 123E4 adjacent to the second sidewall 113S2 of the casing <NUM>. The third edge 121E3 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b may be coupled to the third edge 123E3 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b, and the fourth edge 121E4 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b may be coupled to the fourth edge 123E4 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b.

In example embodiments, the third edge 121E3 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b may include a sloped portion 192a extending outwardly along an upward slope and a third lower adhering portion 192b extending further outward from the sloped portion 192a, whereas the third edge 123E3 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b may include a sloped portion 194a extending outwardly along a downward slope and a third upper adhering portion 194b extending further outward from the sloped portion 194a. The third upper adhering portion 194b of the third edge 123E3 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b may be adhered to the third lower adhering portion 192b of the third edge 121E3 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b. The third edge 123E3 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b and the third edge 121E3 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b continuously contact each other in the direction in which the air passage 125b extends, thereby preventing the air inside the air passage 125b from being leaked in a direction toward the first sidewall 113S1 of the casing <NUM> from the air passage 125b.

In example embodiments, the fourth edge 121E4 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b may include a sloped portion 192c extending outwardly along an upward slope and a fourth lower adhering portion 192d extending further outward from the sloped portion 192c, whereas the fourth edge 123E4 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b may include a sloped portion 194c extending outwardly along a downward slope and a fourth upper adhering portion 194d extending further outward from the sloped portion 194c. The fourth upper adhering portion 194d of the fourth edge 123E4 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b may be adhered to the fourth lower adhering portion 192d of the fourth edge 121E4 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b. The fourth edge 123E4 of the upper heat dissipation panel 123b and the fourth edge 121E4 of the lower heat dissipation panel 121b continuously contact each other in the direction in which the air passage 125b extends, thereby preventing the air inside the air passage 125b from being leaked in a direction toward the second sidewall 113S2 of the casing <NUM> from the air passage 125b.

For example, when an air flow in the first direction (X direction) is formed around the solid state drive apparatus 10f by a cooling fan provided outside the casing <NUM>, the air introduced through the inlet 127i of the air passage 125b flows in the first direction (X direction) in which the air passage 125b extends and exits from the air passage 125b through the outlet 127o of the air passage 125b. While the air is flowing in the air passage 125b, heat dissipation regarding the solid state drive apparatus 10f may occur through heat exchange between the heat dissipation structure 120c and the air.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram showing a data storage apparatus <NUM> according to example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the data storage apparatus <NUM> may be a storage apparatus such as a direct attached storage (DAS), a network attached storage (NAS), or a storage area network (SAN). The data storage apparatus <NUM> may include a rack <NUM> on which the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> is mounted and a cooling fan <NUM> disposed adjacent to the rack <NUM>. The rack <NUM> and the cooling fan <NUM> may be arranged on a supporting substrate <NUM> like a PCB. Also, the data storage apparatus <NUM> may further include a power supply <NUM> for supplying power needed to drive the data storage apparatus <NUM> and a processing unit like a CPU for controlling driving of the data storage apparatus <NUM>.

The rack <NUM> may include a plurality of sockets <NUM> spaced apart from one another in the third direction (Z direction), and the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> may be inserted into each of the sockets <NUM>. For example, the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> may be slid in the second direction (Y direction) and coupled to a socket <NUM> provided inside the rack <NUM>. When the external connector <NUM> of the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> is coupled to the socket <NUM>, the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> and the socket <NUM> may be physically and electrically connected.

The cooling fan <NUM> may provide a forced convection environment inside the data storage apparatus <NUM>. For example, the cooling fan <NUM> may form an air flow flowing in the second direction (Y direction) inside the data storage apparatus <NUM>. For example, the cooling fan <NUM> may be a suction fan. In example embodiments, the solid state drive apparatus <NUM> may be accommodated inside the rack <NUM>, such that a direction of the air flow formed by the cooling fan <NUM> is parallel to a direction in which the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> extends. The air sucked by the cooling fan <NUM> may flow in the air passage <NUM> of the heat dissipation structure <NUM> and cool the solid state drive apparatus <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A solid state drive apparatus, comprising:
a casing (<NUM>) comprising a top plate, a bottom plate, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall;
a first substrate (<NUM>) provided within the casing (<NUM>);
at least one first semiconductor chip (<NUM>) mounted on the first substrate (<NUM>);
a second substrate (<NUM>) provided within the casing (<NUM>);
at least one second semiconductor chip (<NUM>) mounted on the second substrate (<NUM>); and
a heat dissipation structure (<NUM>) disposed between the first substrate (<NUM>) and the second substrate (<NUM>), the heat dissipation structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a lower heat dissipation panel (<NUM>) contacting the at least one first semiconductor chip (<NUM>);
an upper heat dissipation panel (<NUM>) contacting the at least one second semiconductor chip (<NUM>); and
an air passage (<NUM>) disposed between the lower heat dissipation panel (<NUM>) and the upper heat dissipation panel (<NUM>) and extending from the first sidewall of the casing (<NUM>) to the second sidewall of the casing (<NUM>),
wherein the heat dissipation structure (<NUM>) comprises a first end portion exposed through the first sidewall of the casing (<NUM>) and a second end portion exposed through the second sidewall of the casing (<NUM>), and the air passage (<NUM>) extends from an outlet (127o) formed at the first end portion of the heat dissipation structure (<NUM>) to an inlet (127i) formed in the second end portion of the heat dissipation structure (<NUM>), and
wherein the outlet (127o) of the air passage (<NUM>) and the inlet (127i) of the air passage (<NUM>) are exposed to an outside of the casing (<NUM>), and the air passage (<NUM>) is configured to guide a flow of air from the inlet (127i) of the air passage (<NUM>) to the outlet (127o) of the air passage (<NUM>).