PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12046534-B2
Application Number: US-202217653633-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Structural and thermal management of an integrated circuit

Abstract:
This application relates to modifications and enhancements to assemblies used with integrated circuits. In the described embodiments, multiple thermal components (e.g., vapor chambers, fin stacks, heat pipes) can be used to provide a dual-sided thermal energy extraction solution for a circuit board and an integrated circuit located on the circuit board. The thermal components can provide thermal energy dissipation capabilities for additional heat-generating components on the circuit board. Additionally, multiple plates can provide a compression force used to maintain contact between the integrated circuit and the circuit board, and in particular, between contact pads of the integrated circuit and pins, or springs, of a socket located on the circuit board.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a circuit board; 
 an integrated circuit located on the circuit board; 
 a first plate; 
 a second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate provide a force that maintains a coupling between the integrated circuit and the circuit board; 
 a thermal component coupled with the first plate; 
 a module located within the thermal component, the module comprises a holder and a biasing component; and 
 a heat pipe that passes through the first plate and into the thermal component. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a socket electrically connected to the circuit board, wherein the coupling comprises a mechanical coupling and an electrical coupling between the integrated circuit and the socket. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the integrated circuit and the circuit board are positioned between the first plate and the second plate, and 
 the force comprises a compression force. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first thermal component thermally coupled to the integrated circuit; and 
 a second thermal component thermally coupled to the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the first thermal component comprises a vapor chamber, and the second thermal component comprises a fin stack. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 4 , further comprising a voltage regulator, wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, 
 the integrated circuit is located on the first surface, 
 the voltage regulator is located on the second surface, and 
 the second thermal component is thermally coupled to the voltage regulator. 
 
     
     
       7. An electronic device, comprising:
 a first thermal component, comprising:
 a holder, and 
 a biasing component; 
 
 a circuit board comprising a socket; 
 an integrated circuit electrically coupled with the socket, the integrated circuit thermally coupled with the first thermal component; 
 a plurality of plates coupled with the holder by a fastener, the plurality of plates providing a compression force, based on the fastener and the biasing component, to the integrated circuit and the circuit board; and 
 a second thermal component thermally coupled to the circuit board, the second thermal component comprises a heat pipe that passes through a plate of the plurality of plates and into the first thermal component. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the first thermal component comprises a fin stack. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of plates comprises:
 a first plate; and 
 a second plate, wherein the circuit board and the integrated circuit are positioned between the first plate and the second plate. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first plate is carried by the first thermal component. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , further comprising a third thermal component positioned between the first thermal component and the first plate. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the second plate comprises an opening, and the fastener is positioned in the opening. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 7 , further comprising a voltage regulator, wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, 
 the integrated circuit is located on the first surface, 
 the voltage regulator located on the second surface, and 
 the second thermal component is thermally coupled to the voltage regulator. 
 
     
     
       14. An assembly comprising:
 a first fin stack, comprising:
 a holder, 
 a fastener, and 
 a biasing component that surrounds the holder; 
 
 a circuit board comprising a socket configured to carry an integrated circuit such that the first fin stack is thermally coupled to the integrated circuit; 
 a second fin stack thermally coupled to the circuit board; 
 a plurality of plates configured to provide a compression force, based on the fastener and the biasing component, to the integrated circuit and the circuit board; and 
 a heat pipe that passes through a plate of the plurality of plates and into the first fin stack. 
 
     
     
       15. The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of plates comprises:
 a first plate; and 
 a second plate, wherein the circuit board and the integrated circuit are positioned between the first plate and the second plate. 
 
     
     
       16. The assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a first vapor chamber thermally coupled to the integrated circuit; and 
 a second vapor chamber thermally coupled to the second fin stack. 
 
     
     
       17. The assembly of  claim 16 , further comprising a voltage regulator carried by the circuit board, wherein the second vapor chamber is thermally coupled to the voltage regulator. 
     
     
       18. The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, 
 the integrated circuit is located on the first surface, and 
 the voltage regulator located on the second surface. 
 
     
     
       19. The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the plurality of plates comprise a first plate and a second plate, and 
 the first vapor chamber is positioned between the first plate and the integrated circuit.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to management of an integrated circuit on a circuit board. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to maintaining contact between an integrated circuit and a circuit board under both increased bending moments and increased thermal needs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in portable computing devices offer enhanced performance. This includes, for example, integrated circuits operating at higher operating frequencies (i.e., faster processing speeds). However, by operating at a higher frequency, an integrated circuit may generate additional thermal energy. In order to limit performance of and/or prevent damage to the integrated circuit, thermal energy should be substantially extracted and drawn away from the integrated circuit and a circuit board to which the integrated circuit is connected. 
     Additionally, in order to increase the number of operations, an integrated circuit may increase in terms of the overall size/footprint. As a result, additional contacts, or pads, may be added to the integrated circuit, which may lead to additional challenges in maintaining electrical connections between respective contacts on the integrated circuit and pins on a socket. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to maintaining electrical contact between an integrated circuit and a circuit board while accounting for bending moments and thermal energy dissipation needs. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a housing that defines an internal volume. The electronic device may further include components located in the internal volume. The components may include a circuit board. The components may further include an integrated circuit located on the circuit board. The components may further include a first plate. The components may further include a second plate. In some embodiments, the first plate and the second plate provide a force that maintains a coupling between the integrated circuit and the circuit board. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a first thermal component. The first thermal component may include a holder. The first thermal component may further include a biasing component. In this regard, the holder and the bias component may not act specifically as thermal components but may be carried within the first thermal component. The electronic device may further include a circuit board that includes a socket. The electronic device may further include an integrated circuit electrically coupled with the socket. The integrated circuit may be thermally coupled with the first thermal component. The electronic device may further include a second thermal component thermally coupled to the circuit board. The electronic device may further include a plurality of plates coupled with the holder by a fastener. The plurality of plates may provide a compression force, based on the fastener and the biasing component, to the integrated circuit and the circuit board. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an assembly for an integrated circuit is described. The assembly may include a first fin stack. The first fin stack may include a holder. The first fin stack may further include a biasing component. The assembly may further include a circuit board that includes a socket that carries the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be thermally coupled with the first fin stack. The assembly may further include a second fin stack thermally coupled to the circuit board. The assembly may further include a plurality of plates coupled with the holder by a fastener, the plurality of plates providing a compression force, based on the fastener and the biasing component, to the integrated circuit and the circuit board. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an exploded view of several components for use in the electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an exploded view of additional components used with the components shown in  FIG.  2   , in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the components of assembly assembled together, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate alternate embodiments of electronic devices that may include internal components described herein; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a flowchart showing a method for supporting an integrated circuit, in accordance with some described embodiments; and 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     This application is directed to modifications and enhancements to address structural and thermal needs for heat-generating components (e.g., integrated circuits) in electronic devices. Electronic devices described herein may refer to desktop computing devices, laptop computing devices, mobile wireless communication devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computing devices), and display devices (e.g., computing devices with displays, standalone displays), as non-limiting examples. During operation, an integrated circuit (e.g., system on chip, or SOC) in an electronic device generates thermal energy (i.e., heat). Additionally, electrical and mechanical connections between the integrated circuit and a socket, located on a circuit board, should be maintained to ensure proper operation of the integrated circuit. 
     In order to address thermal issues, electronic devices described herein may include multiple thermal components surrounding the integrated circuit and the circuit board. In this detailed description and in the claims, a “thermal component” may refer to a device designed to absorb or extract thermal energy from a heat-generating component. For example, a thermal component may include a thermal extraction component, a heat transport component, or a thermally conductive component, as non-limiting examples. Examples of thermal extraction components and heat transfer components include a vapor chamber and a heat pipe. Examples of thermally conductive components include a metal, or metal alloy, that relies on its intrinsic properties (i.e., relatively high thermal conductivity) to absorb thermal energy. Copper is an exemplary metal used with a thermally conductive component. Additional examples of thermal components include heat sinks that absorb thermal energy and allow a fluid (e.g., air) to pass through its surfaces. A fin stack is an example of a heat sink. 
     In some embodiments, a vapor chamber is thermally coupled to the integrated circuit by way of contact with the integrated circuit, or a lid/cover of the integrated circuit. Additionally, in some embodiments, a vapor chamber is thermally coupled to the circuit board and at least some components positioned on the circuit board (e.g., voltage regulators). Collectively, the thermal components (i.e., vapor chambers) can surround the integrated circuit and the circuit board, thus providing a dual-sided thermal energy extraction solution to multiple areas of the combined integrated circuit and circuit board. 
     Additional thermal components can be used. For example, in some embodiments, one or more heat pipes are thermally coupled to one of the vapor chambers. Further, a fin stack can be integrated and used as a heat sink for the heat pipe(s). Also, an additional fin stack can be integrated and used as a heat sink for the additional vapor chamber. 
     In order to address structural issues, electronic devices described herein may also include one or more plates, or structural stages, used to provide a force to the integrated circuit and the circuit board. For example, in some embodiments, a plate is position over one of the vapor chambers, and an additional plate is positioned below the circuit board. External forces applied to each of the plates can direct the plates toward each other, thereby providing a compression force to the integrated circuit and the circuit board. In this regard, a thermal component (e.g., the fin stack) that is thermally coupled to the vapor chamber includes multiple modules, with each module including a biasing component (e.g., spring) and a holder (e.g., a nut, including a threaded nut). Further, when fasteners (used to secure one of the plates) are each coupled with a respective holder (e.g., through a threaded engagement), the resulting compression force provided by the fasteners and the springs provides an increased contact force between the integrated circuit and the circuit board such that the contacts on the integrated circuit engage respective pins (or springs) on the socket that carries the integrated circuit. A “compression force” described in the detailed description and in the claims may not individually compress the integrated circuit or the circuit board, but rather prevent separation between the integrated circuit and the circuit board, thus minimizing the overall volume of the integrated circuit and the circuit board. However, the compression force described herein may bend the pins/springs located on the socket. Also, by integrating the modules with the fin stack, the airflow blockage is minimized, thereby allowing airflow over and around the circuit board and the components carried by the circuit board. 
     The plates are made from one or more materials that include a relatively high modulus. For example, the plates may include steel plates. As a result, the plates generally resist bending/bowing due to external forces provided by fasteners at the corners and/or edges of the plates. The high-modulus properties prevent bending due to higher compression forces provided by the combination of spring forces provided by the biasing components and/or additional tightening between the fasteners and the biasing components (e.g., clockwise rotation of the fastener). By maintaining flat, or planar, surfaces, the plates provide a consistent force with even pressure to the integrated circuit and the circuit board, which prevents the integrated circuit and the circuit board from bending/bowing. As a result, the integrated circuit remains flat (or at least substantially flat) and its contacts remain engaged with respective pins on the socket. Further, the plates and thermal components can be used with relatively larger integrated circuits that require larger sockets with additional pins. Accordingly, larger integrated circuits, which may carry out additional operations and provide more advanced computing capabilities (e.g., faster processing speeds), can be used based on the advantages described herein. 
     Also, when the circuit board includes multiple surfaces (i.e., opposing surfaces of the circuit board) that carry components, the thermal components and the plates can provide thermal energy extraction and compression forces between the additional components and the circuit board. For example, in some embodiments, the circuit board carries voltage regulators on a surface opposite the surface that carries the integrated circuit. At least one of the vapor chambers can extract thermal energy generated by the voltage regulators and the plates can provide a compression force, if needed, to maintain contact (i.e., electrical and mechanical) between the voltage regulators and the circuit board. Alternatively, one of the plates may include indentations having a shape corresponding to a combined shape of the voltage regulators, thereby accommodating and providing space for the voltage regulators, thus minimizing the compression force to the voltage regulators. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   ; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 . Electronic device  100  may include a desktop computing device, including a personal desktop computing device. However, in other embodiments, electronic device  100  may take the form of various computing devices, such as a laptop computing device, a mobile wireless communication device, a tablet computing device, or a display device, as non-limiting examples. 
     Electronic device  100  includes a housing  102 , or enclosure, that provides an internal volume (or storage location) for several internal components of electronic device  100 . As non-limiting examples, housing  102  may store a central processing unit (“CPU”), graphics processing unit (“GPU”), additional processing circuitry, memory circuitry, wired and wireless communication components, and flexible circuitry to connect at least some of the components. Housing  102  may include a metal housing, composed of aluminum, stainless steel, or a metal alloy. Housing  102  may alternatively be formed from one or more non-metals. As shown, housing  102  includes a surface  104   a  that provides an area for several input/output (“I/O”) ports. For example, electronic device  100  includes an I/O port  106   a  and an I/O port  106   b . Each of I/O ports  106   a  and  106   b  may include a particular I/O port, such as Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), solid state drive (“SSD”) port, Ethernet, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (“HDMI”) port, or a power input port, as non-limiting examples. Although I/O ports  106   a  and  106   b  are shown as a discrete number, I/O ports  106   a  and  106   b  may represent several additional I/O ports. Further, housing  102  includes a surface  104   b  that provides an area for I/O ports  108 . I/O ports  108  may each include any type of port previously described for I/O ports  106   a  and  106   b.    
       FIG.  2    illustrates an exploded view of several components for use in electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The components shown and described in  FIG.  2    may be located within housing  102  of electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). For example, at least some of the components are thermal components used to cool heat-generating components on a circuit board, such as integrated circuits, voltage regulators, and other components located on the circuit board. Also, at least some components are used to provide a force used to maintain electrical and mechanical contact between an integrated circuit and a circuit board. These features will be shown and described in further detail below. 
     As shown, the components include a thermal component  110   a . In some embodiments, thermal component  110   a  includes a fin stack. Also, the components include a thermal component  110   b . In some embodiments, thermal component  110   b  includes a vapor chamber. Thermal component  110   b  may include several pipes. For example, thermal component  110   b  includes a pipe  112   a , a pipe  112   b , a pipe  112   c , a pipe  112   d , and a pipe  112   e . Pipes  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d , and  112   e  may act as heat pipes. In this manner, pipes  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d , and  112   e  are designed to carry thermal energy received by thermal component  110   b  and transport the thermal energy to thermal component  110   a . As shown, pipes  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d , and  112   e  are integrated with thermal component  110   b  to form a single-piece structure. However, in other embodiments, pipes  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d , and  112   e  are separate structures connected to thermal component  110   b.    
     Additionally, the components include a plate  114   a . Plate  114   a  is designed to provide, in conjunction with another plate, a force that maintains contact (i.e., electrical and mechanical contact) between an integrated circuit and a circuit board. This will be shown and described below. Plate  114   a  may include a stiff material (or materials), giving plate  114   a  a relatively high modulus. For example, plate  114   a  may include steel. Plate  114   a  includes several openings, or through holes, each designed to receive a respective pipe of pipes  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d , and  112   e . In this manner, each of pipes  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d , and  112   e  pass through a respective opening of plate  114   a  and into one or more openings in layers (shown as dotted lines) disposed in thermal component  110   a . As an example of an assemble configuration, an arrow  118  shows the path of pipe  112   a  through an opening of plate  114   a , and further in the direction of openings (not labeled) of thermal component  110   a . Also, the assembled configuration further places plate  114   a  between thermal components  110   a  and  110   b . Further, plate  114   a  and thermal component  110   b  may be secured together by solder or thermally conductive adhesives, as non-limiting examples. 
     In order to secure additional components, plate  114   a  includes several posts. For example, plate  114   a  includes a post  116   a , a post  116   b , a post  116   c , and a post  116   d . Posts  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c , and  116   d  can secure components, such as a circuit board, a socket, and/or an additional thermal component. This will be shown and described below. Additionally, several modules may be used to secure components. For example, a module  120   a , a module  120   b , a module  120   c , and a module  120   d  are shown. When assembled, modules  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  can be disposed, or otherwise positioned, on plate  114   a , and be disposed within thermal component  110   a.    
     As shown in the enlarged view, module  120   a  includes a holder  122   a , which can be used as a nut (including a threaded nut). Holder  122   a  is designed to receive (e.g., by threaded engagement) a fastener (not shown in  FIG.  2   ). Additionally, module  120   a  include a biasing component  124   a , which may take the form of a spring. When holder  122   a  secures a fastener, biasing component  124   a  may compress and provide a counterforce, based on its spring constant, to plate  114   a . It should be noted that modules  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  may include any features and components shown and described for module  120   a.    
       FIG.  3    illustrates an exploded view of additional components used with the components shown in  FIG.  2   , in accordance with some described embodiments. The components shown in  FIG.  2    are combined to define a sub-assembly  130 . Sub-assembly  130  and other components shown in  FIG.  3    may combine to form an assembly  140  of additional components. For example, assembly  140  may include an integrated circuit  142 . In some embodiments, integrated circuit  142  includes an SOC used to integrate several components of electronic device  100 . Accordingly, integrated circuit  142  may serve as a CPU, as a non-limiting example. However, integrated circuit  142  may take the form of other processing circuit(s) in other embodiments. When assembled, thermal component  110   b  is thermally coupled to integrated circuit  142  by, for example, contact between thermal component  110   b  and integrated circuit  142 , or by contact between thermal component  110   b  and a lid of integrated circuit  142 . Assembly  140  further includes a circuit board  144 , which may take the form of a printed circuit board (as a non-limiting example). Circuit board  144  includes a socket  146  with several pins (shown, not labeled), or springs. Socket  146  may define a land grid array (“LGA”). 
     Referring again to integrated circuit  142 , integrated circuit  142  may include a surface  148  (shown as dotted lines) that faces socket  146 . Surface  148  represents a location that carries several, discrete electrically conductive (i.e., metal-based) contact pads designed to make electrical and mechanical contact with a respective pin of socket  146  when integrated circuit  142  is positioned in socket  146 . The electrical contact between the contact pads and the pins places integrated circuit  142  in electrical communication with circuit board  144 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, integrated circuit  142  defines a pin grid array (“PGA”) and as a result, socket  146  includes several openings for each of the pins of the PGA. 
     Circuit board  144  may carry additional components on a surface opposite to the surface on which socket  146  lies. For example, voltage regulators  150  may be positioned on, and electrically coupled to, circuit board  144 . Voltage regulators  150  are designed to control voltage to components, such as integrated circuit  142 . In order to electrically couple with voltage regulators  150 , circuit board  144  may include a power distribution network (“PDN”) that includes interconnects between voltage regulators  150  and integrated circuit  142 . While a discrete number of voltage regulators  150  is shown, voltage regulators  150  may include one or more voltage regulators. 
     Assembly  140  may further include a plate  114   b . When assembly  140  is assembled, plates  114   a  and  114   b  provide a force, collectively, that maintains contact between integrated circuit  142  and circuit board  144 , and in particular, between contact pads of integrated circuit  142  and pins of socket  146 . 
     Assembly  140  may further include a thermal component  110   c . In some embodiments, thermal component  110   c  includes a vapor chamber. Thermal component  110   c  can be thermally coupled to circuit board  144  and at least some components carried by circuit board  144 . Accordingly, thermal component  110   c  can extract thermal energy from circuit board  144  and at least some components carried by circuit board  144 . Also, assembly  140  may further include a thermal component  110   d . In some embodiments, thermal component  110   c  includes a fin stack. Thermal component  110   d  can be thermally coupled to thermal component  110   c , and accordingly, can dissipate thermal energy from thermal component  110   c . Thermal components  110   c  and  110   d  may be secured together by solder or thermally conductive adhesives, as non-limiting examples. 
     To align and/or secure several components together, each of posts  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c  (shown in  FIG.  2   ), and  116   d  pass through a respective opening, or through hole, of circuit board  144 , plate  114   b , and thermal component  110   c . As an example, an arrow  154  shows the path of post  116   a  through respective openings (not labeled) of circuit board  144 , plate  114   b , and thermal component  110   c , where a securing element (e.g., nut) can be secured to post  116   a.    
     To further secure several components together, assembly  140  may further include fasteners. For example, assembly  140  may include a fastener  152   a , a fastener  152   b , a fastener  152   c , and a fastener  152   d . Each of fasteners  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , and  152   d  passes through respective openings, or through holes, of circuit board  144 , socket  146 , plate  114   b , and thermal component  110   c . Also, each of fasteners  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , and  152   d  are designed to secure within modules  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d , respectively. In this regard,  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  modules include a holder (see holder  122   a , in  FIG.  2   ) designed to engage one of fasteners  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , and  152   d  by, for example, a threaded engagement. In this manner, fasteners  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , and  152   d  may include threaded fasteners. As an example, an arrow  156  shows the path of fastener  152   d  through respective openings (not labeled) of thermal component  110   c , plate  114   b , circuit board  144 , socket  146 , and subsequently into module  120   d.    
       FIG.  4    illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the components of assembly  140  assembled together, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, fasteners  152   a  and  152   b  are secured with modules  120   a  and  120   b , respectively, and in particular, with holders  122   a  and  122   b , respectively. Based on this secured engagement between the aforementioned fasteners and holders, biasing components  124   a  and  124   b , located in modules  120   a  and  120   b , respectively, compress. However, based on their tendency to return to their uncompressed form, biasing components  124   a  and  124   b  provide a counterforce that is applied to plate  114   a , causing plate  114   a  to apply a force to thermal component  110   a . At least some of this force is transferred to integrated circuit  142 . As shown in the enlarged view, an arrow  162   a  indicates a primary direction of force provided by biasing components  124   a  and  124   b  to integrated circuit  142  by way of plate  114   a . Moreover, fasteners  152   a  and  152   b  provide a force to plate  114   b , at least some of which is transferred to circuit board  144 . The force can be adjusted (i.e., increased or decreased) by rotating fasteners  152   a  and  152   b  in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to adjust the engagement with holders  122   a  and  122   b , respectively. An arrow  162   b  indicates a primary direction of force provided by fasteners  152   a  and  152   b  to circuit board  144 . Based on the direction of arrows  162   a  and  162   b , it can be seen that the forces are directed toward each other. Accordingly, plates  114   a  and plates  114   b  collectively provide a compression force that maintains contact between integrated circuit  142  and socket  146 , and in particular, between the contact pads and pins of integrated circuit  142  and socket  146 , respectively (described in  FIG.  3   ). Fasteners  152   c  and  152   d  can be secured with modules  120   c  and  120   d , respectively, both shown in  FIG.  3   , in a similar manner. 
     Based on their respective properties (i.e., material makeup, thickness, as non-limiting examples), plates  114   a  and  114   b  are designed to withstand bending moments and bowing from external forces and stresses. In this regard, when an external force is applied to plates  114   a  and  114   b , plates  114   a  and  114   b  remain flat (or at least substantially flat) and provide a generally even force with consistent pressure across their respective bodies. As a result, the contact pads and pins of integrated circuit  142  and socket  146 , respectively, remain in electrical and mechanical contact. 
     The assembled configuration of assembly  140  further illustrates the thermal relationships. For examples, pipes  112   a  and  112   b  (representative of additional pipes) are thermally coupled to thermal component  110   b , which is thermally coupled to integrated circuit  142 . As a result, pipes  112   a  and  112   b  can transport thermal energy generated by integrated circuit  142  and received/extracted by thermal component  110   b  to thermal component  110   a , where the transported thermal energy can be distributed throughout thermal component  110   a . Additionally, thermal component  110   c  is thermally coupled to circuit board  144 , and may be thermally coupled to at least some other components on circuit board  144  (e.g., voltage regulators  150 , shown in  FIG.  3   ). As a result, thermal component  110   c  can receive/extract thermal energy generated by at least voltage regulators  150  and transport the thermal energy to thermal component  110   d , where the transported thermal energy can be distributed throughout thermal component  110   d.    
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate alternate embodiments of electronic devices that may include internal components described herein.  FIG.  5 A  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  200  that can take the form of a standalone display or a desktop computer with a display. As shown, electronic device  200  includes a housing  202  and a display  204  coupled to housing  202 . Housing  202  can define an internal volume to carry one or more components described herein for electronic devices. Also, although not shown, electronic device  200  may work in conjunction (wired or wireless) with accessories, such as a mouse and a keyboard. Although not shown, electronic device  200  may further include one or more I/O features (e.g., buttons, switches, ports). 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  300  that can take the form of a mobile wireless communication device (e.g., smartphone) or a tablet computing device. As shown, electronic device  300  includes a housing  302  and a display  304  coupled to housing  302 . Housing  302  can define an internal volume to carry one or more components described herein for electronic devices. Although not shown, electronic device  300  may further include one or more I/O features (e.g., buttons, switches, docks/ports) and display  304  may include a capacitive touch input display. 
       FIG.  5 C  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  400  that can take the form of a laptop computing device. As shown, electronic device  400  includes a housing  402  that includes a display housing  404  and a base portion  406  rotationally coupled to display housing  404 . Also, display housing  404  carries a display  408 , and base portion  406  includes a track pad  410  and a keyboard  412 , both of which can be used as inputs. Housing  402  can define an internal volume to carry one or more components described herein for electronic devices. Although not shown, electronic device  400  may further include one or more I/O features (e.g., buttons, switches, docks/ports). 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a flowchart  500  showing a method for supporting an integrated circuit, in accordance with some described embodiments. Flowchart  500  shows and describes several steps used to form, for example, an assembly described herein. Also, electronic devices described herein may incorporate an assembly formed by flowchart  500 . Further, it should be noted that some, but not all, steps of flowchart  500  may be used to form an assembly. Accordingly, some steps may be optional. 
     In step  502 , a circuit board is positioned between a first plate and a second plate. The circuit board carries the integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the circuit board includes a socket that includes several pins, each of which makes electrical and mechanical contact with respective contact pads on the integrated circuit. 
     In step  504 , a first external force is provided to the first plate. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners are coupled to one or more modules, respectively. Further, each module includes a biasing component such that when the fastener(s) is/are coupled to the module(s), the biasing component(s) provide the first external force to the first plate. 
     In step  506 , a second external force is provided to the second plate. In some embodiments, the resultant coupling between the fastener(s) is/are coupled to the module(s) can provide the second force to the second plate. For example, the fastener(s) can couple with the second plate and provide the second external force. The first external force and the second external force provided to the first plate and the second plate, respectively, causes the integrated circuit to remain electrically and mechanically coupled with the circuit board. In particular, the first external force and the second external force cause each of the contact pads of the integrated circuit to remain in physical contact with a respective pin on the socket, thereby maintaining an electrical and mechanical coupling between the integrated circuit and the circuit board. 
     Although not explicitly shown, flowchart  500  may include steps to provide additional functions and features. For example, some additional steps may include incorporating one or more thermal components, such as vapor chambers, heat pipes, fin stacks, as non-limiting examples. Further, the one or more thermal components may be located on both sides of the combination of the integrated circuit and the circuit board. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  600 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The details shown for electronic device  600  can be used to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  7    shows components that can be included in electronic devices described herein. As shown in  FIG.  7   , electronic device  600  can include a processor  602  that represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of electronic device  600 . Electronic device  600  can also include a user input device  608  that allows a user of electronic device  600  to interact with electronic device  600 . For example, user input device  608  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, and so on. Still further, electronic device  600  can include a display  610  that can be controlled by processor  602  (e.g., via a graphics component) to display information to the user. A data bus  616  can facilitate data transfer between at least a storage device  640 , processor  602 , and a controller  613 . Controller  613  can be used to interface with and control different equipment through an equipment control bus  614 . Electronic device  600  can also include a network/bus interface  611  that couples to a data link  612 . In the case of a wireless connection, network/bus interface  611  can include a wireless transceiver. 
     As noted above, electronic device  600  also includes storage device  640 , which may include a single disk or a collection of disks (e.g., hard drives). In some embodiments, storage device  640  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Electronic device  600  can also include a Random-Access Memory (RAM)  620  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  622 . ROM  622  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. RAM  620  can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of applications executing on electronic device  600 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The non-transitory computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220304
Publication Date: 20240723
Grant Date: 20240723
Priority Date: 20220304
Inventors: TRIVETT, Simon J.
DEGNER, BRETT W.
HARDIKAR, MAHESH S.
LECLERC, MICHAEL E.
PRATHER, ERIC R.
RYAN, KEVIN J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K1/0203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/2039", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10515", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/182", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/183", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/4006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2023/4087", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0204", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1427", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/427", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/4093", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/427", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/4006", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10515", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/2039", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/4093", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 87844072