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.

Abstract: The connector portion of a flex connector may be integrated into a socket, by forming a complete cutout in the socket in which the connector is located, or by forming the socket with a portion having a reduced thickness relative to the rest of the socket, with the connector being positioned in this portion of reduced thickness between the socket and an MLB. Another flex connector may be formed vertically above the first flex connector, mounted to the top surface of the package and clamped in place by a heat sink on top of the stack. Providing both top and bottom flex connectors may multiply the number of available connections for a given footprint. A heatsink positioned on top of the stack may include a spring assembly on a bottom portion to engage specified portions of the stack with a predefined force to ensure correct loading.

Abstract: The connector portion of a flex connector may be integrated into a socket, by forming a complete cutout in the socket in which the connector is located, or by forming the socket with a portion having a reduced thickness relative to the rest of the socket, with the connector being positioned in this portion of reduced thickness between the socket and an MLB. Another flex connector may be formed vertically above the first flex connector, mounted to the top surface of the package and clamped in place by a heat sink on top of the stack. Providing both top and bottom flex connectors may multiply the number of available connections for a given footprint. A heatsink positioned on top of the stack may include a spring assembly on a bottom portion to engage specified portions of the stack with a predefined force to ensure correct loading.

Abstract: An integrated circuit assembly includes an integrated circuit package substrate and a conductive land pad disposed on a surface of the integrated circuit package substrate. The conductive land pad comprises a conductor portion, an isolated conductor portion, and an isolation portion disposed between the conductor portion and the isolated conductor portion. The isolated conductor portion may surround a first side of the conductor portion and a second side of the conductor portion. The isolated conductor portion may surround a portion of a perimeter of the conductor portion. The isolation portion may include a gap between the conductor portion and the isolated conductor portion. The gap may have a width smaller than a radius of an interconnect structure of a receiving structure.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods of electrically connecting a packaged integrated circuit to a circuit board are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a first frame to be mounted on the circuit board and having a first end. An insulating housing is adapted to be mounted on the circuit board and positioned in the first frame. A second frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame. The second frame includes two spaced-apart rail members and a cross member coupled to and between the rail members opposite the first end of the second frame. The rail members are operable to receive the packaged integrated circuit. The second frame has at least one engagement member to engage a first portion of the insulating housing when the second frame is pivoted toward the insulating housing. A third frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame to apply force to the packaged integrated circuit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit assembly includes an integrated circuit package substrate and a conductive land pad disposed on a surface of the integrated circuit package substrate. The conductive land pad comprises a conductor portion, an isolated conductor portion, and an isolation portion disposed between the conductor portion and the isolated conductor portion. The isolated conductor portion may surround a first side of the conductor portion and a second side of the conductor portion. The isolated conductor portion may surround a portion of a perimeter of the conductor portion. The isolation portion may include a gap between the conductor portion and the isolated conductor portion. The gap may have a width smaller than a radius of an interconnect structure of a receiving structure.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods of electrically connecting a packaged integrated circuit to a circuit board are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a first frame to be mounted on the circuit board and having a first end. An insulating housing is adapted to be mounted on the circuit board and positioned in the first frame. A second frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame. The second frame includes two spaced-apart rail members and a cross member coupled to and between the rail members opposite the first end of the second frame. The rail members are operable to receive the packaged integrated circuit. The second frame has at least one engagement member to engage a first portion of the insulating housing when the second frame is pivoted toward the insulating housing. A third frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame to apply force to the packaged integrated circuit.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods of electrically connecting a packaged integrated circuit to a circuit board are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a first frame to be mounted on the circuit board and having a first end. An insulating housing is adapted to be mounted on the circuit board and positioned in the first frame. A second frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame. The second frame includes two spaced-apart rail members and a cross member coupled to and between the rail members opposite the first end of the second frame. The rail members are operable to receive the packaged integrated circuit. The second frame has at least one engagement member to engage a first portion of the insulating housing when the second frame is pivoted toward the insulating housing. A third frame is pivotally coupled to the first frame to apply force to the packaged integrated circuit.

Abstract: Various circuit board sockets and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a socket that is operable to receive a circuit board. The socket includes a surface for seating a first portion of a circuit board, a floor and a first support structure projecting away from the floor to support a second portion of the circuit board. The support structure includes a plurality of nested frames. In another aspect, a socket with a with socket cover coupled to a socket housing is disclosed. The socket housing includes a support structure to support a portion of the socket cover.

Abstract: Various circuit board sockets and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a socket that is operable to receive a circuit board. The socket includes a surface for seating a first portion of a circuit board, a floor and a first support structure projecting away from the floor to support a second portion of the circuit board. The support structure includes a plurality of nested frames.

Abstract: Various circuit board sockets and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a socket that is operable to receive a circuit board. The socket includes a surface for seating a first portion of a circuit board, a floor and a first support structure projecting away from the floor to support a second portion of the circuit board. The support structure includes a plurality of nested frames. In another aspect, a socket with a with socket cover coupled to a socket housing is disclosed. The socket housing includes a support structure to support a portion of the socket cover.