Abstract: A memory expansion module with stacked memory packages. A memory module is implemented using stacked memory packages. Each of the stacked memory packages contains multiple memory chips, typically DRAMs (dynamic random access memory). The memory may be organized into multiple banks, wherein a given memory chip within a stacked memory package is part of one bank, while another memory chip in the same package is part of another bank. The memory module also includes a clock driver chip and a storage unit. The storage unit is configured to store module identification information, such as a serial number. The storage unit is also configured to store information correlating electrical contact pads on the module with individual signal pins on the stacked memory packages. This may allow an error to be quickly traced to a specific pin on a stacked memory package when an error is detected on the memory bus by an error correction subsystem.

Abstract: A memory module for expanding memory of a computer. The memory module comprises a printed circuit board including a connector edge having a plurality of contact pads configured to convey data signals, power and ground to and from said printed circuit board. The power and ground contact pads alternate along said connector edge with no more than four adjacent data signal contact pads without intervening power or ground contact pads. A plurality of memory devices mounted on the printed circuit board. A clock driver is coupled to each of the plurality of memory devices and is configured to receive a differential clock signal and to produce at least one single-ended clock signal for clocking the plurality of memory devices. The clock driver includes a phase-locked loop for phase-locking the at least one single-ended clock signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package with heat slug is disclosed. The heat slug is thermally coupled to one or more semiconductor die using a single layer of high conductivity adhesive. The assembly process of this invention includes the steps of initially attaching a temporary heat slug to the back side of a package body, to which one or more semiconductor die are attached. The semiconductor die are then electrically connected to the package body and encapsulated to maintain fixed positions within the package cavity. The temporary heat slug is then moved and a final heat slug is attached to the package body and the back side of the one or more semiconductor dies utilizing a single layer of high conductivity adhesive. The package is compact, has reduced complexity, and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: An enclosure contains, among other components, hard drive cartridges, graphics or other option cards, power supply and a CPU and its support chips. The total power in the whole enclosure is about 325W and the CPU consumes about 30W of this total. For design purposes the components are closely positioned and hence heat dissipation is an important problem. Plural fans, as hereinafter disclosed, are used to circulate air. For the hard drive cartridges a fan snapped into a sidewall of the enclosure draws air from apertures in the bottom through the cartridge and into a plenum. For the CPU, an impingement fan discharges air directly downward on a heat sink positioned over the chip and into the plenum. Bulk flow fans discharge air from air intake vents in side walls of the enclosure as well as air discharged from the hard drive and CPU through an internal wall into a separate sub-enclosure for the power supply and thence to the exterior.