Abstract: A surface mount grid array implemented on a PCB (printed circuit board) optimized for trace escape routing for the PCB. The surface mount grid array includes a plurality of connection blocks, with each connection block including an array of pins and an array of vias, wherein the pins and vias are configured to communicatively connect an integrated circuit device to a plurality of traces of the PCB. The connection blocks are disposed in a tiled arrangement, wherein the connection blocks implement a plurality of trace escape channels along connection block boundaries. The trace escape channels are configured for routing traces from inner pins of the surface mount grid array to a periphery of the surface mount grid array.

Abstract: A multi-chip electronic package which utilizes an organic, laminate chip carrier and a pair of semiconductor chips positioned on an upper surface of the carrier in a stacked orientation. The organic, laminate chip carrier is comprised of a plurality of conductive planes and dielectric layers and couples one or both of the chips to underlying conductors on the bottom surface thereof. The carrier may include a high-speed portion to assure high-frequency connection between the semiconductor chips and may also include an internal capacitor and/or thermally conductive member for enhanced operational capabilities. The first chip, e.g., an ASIC chip, is solder bonded to the carrier while the second chip, e.g., a memory chip, is secured to the first chip's upper surface and coupled to the carrier using a plurality of wirebond connections.

Abstract: A multilayered PCB including two multilayered portions, one of these able to electrically connect electronic components mounted on the PCB to assure high frequency connections therebetween. The PCB further includes a conventional PCB portion to reduce costs while assuring a structure having a satisfactory overall thickness for use in the PCB field. Coupling is also possible to the internal portion from these components. Methods of making these structures have also been provided.

Abstract: A substrate (300) for a package of high frequency semiconductor devices comprising a planar insulating substrate having a plurality of parallel, planar metal layers (301a, 301b, etc.) embedded in the insulator. The substrate further has at least one pair of parallel, metal-filled vias (302 and 303) traversing the substrate; the vias have a diameter and a distance from each other of at least this diameter. The metal in each via has a sheet-like extension (321a, 321b, etc.) in each of selected planes of said metal layers, resulting in an increased via-to-via capacitance so that the reflection of a high frequency signal is less than 10%.

Abstract: A BGA semiconductor device for high-speed operation and high pin counts has a base which is constituted by a core layer formed of wiring boards and surface layers provided on both sides of the core layer, and a semiconductor element mounted on the base. Through holes in a signal region of the core layer are disposed in an optimum through hole pattern in which power through holes and ground through holes are disposed adjacent to signal through holes.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) detector and a system having an ESD detector have been described herein.

Abstract: In a printed circuit board of the invention, a first signal wiring layer, a first ground layer, a second ground layer and a second signal wiring layer are laminated via an insulating material. A first signal wiring is formed on the first signal wiring layer and a second signal wiring is formed on the second signal wiring layer. The two signal wirings are connected via a first through hole. The conductive first ground layer and the conductive second ground layer are connected via a second through hole. The second through hole is insulated from the first through hole and formed so as to surround the first through hole.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of mounting a semiconductor device to a first side of a circuit board; and mounting at least one voltage regulator device to a second side of the circuit board, the second side opposite to the first side. The voltage regulator devices may be output filters, inductors, capacitors, and the like. In certain embodiments, the devices may be located directly underneath the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method for reducing electromagnetic radiation between devices in electrical communication, including processing signals within a first device in a manner tending to reduce EMR, and electromagnetically isolating the processed signals prior to communicating the signals to a subsequent device.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and techniques for replacing at least one processor in a multi-processor computer system with an interposer device that maintains at least some of the input/output (“I/O”) connectivity of the replaced processor or processors. Layers of the interposer device may be configured to match the corresponding layers of the motherboard to which the processors and interposer device are attached. According to some implementations of the invention, the power system of the motherboard is altered to allow a voltage regulator that powers a link between a processor and the interposer device to also power a link between the interposer device and an I/O device.

Abstract: There is described a multi-layer printed circuit board and a method of installing it. The circuit board includes a first signal layer formed on its obverse surface; a ground layer arranged at a position next to the first signal layer; an electronic power source layer arranged at a position next to the ground layer; and a second signal layer formed on its reverse surface. The first and second patterns are formed around peripheral areas of the first and second signal layers, respectively. The first ground pattern and the second ground pattern are electrically coupled to each other by plural through holes, and the multi-layer printed circuit board is installed on an electro-conductive housing in such a manner that a substantially whole area of the second ground pattern electrically contacts a mounting area of the electro-conductive housing, the mounting area being an electro-conductive area continuously coupled to the electro-conductive housing.

Abstract: A substrate is provided, which has a pattern of voltage supply vias extending through at least a portion of the substrate. Each of a plurality of the voltage supply vias is surrounded by four of the voltage supply vias of a same polarity in four orthogonal directions and by four voltage supply vias of an opposite polarity in four diagonal directions.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the number of layers in a multilayer signal routing device is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for reducing the number of layers in a multilayer signal routing device having a plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers for routing electrical signals to and from at least one electronic component mounted on a surface of the multilayer signal routing device. In such a case, the method comprises routing electrical signals on the plurality of electrically conductive signal path layers in the multilayer signal routing device for connection to and from a high density electrically conductive contact array package based at least in part upon at least one of an electrically conductive contact signal type characteristic and an electrically conductive contact signal direction characteristic.

Abstract: A compensating advanced feature patch panel that can include removable modular or fixed electronic components located directly on the patch panel which are separately or in combination capable of providing advanced features such as device detection and power insertion. The patch panel provides communications between an insulation displacement connector (IDC) at a PD/User end, and any standard interface type using unshielded twisted pair cables, such as an RJ45 connector at a switch end at performance levels of at least category 3, 5, 5e, 6 and/or higher (e.g. 6e or 7) and equivalent performance levels by compensating for the active electronics used in providing advanced features. Compensation is achieved in part through the separation and isolation of active and communication circuit elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit board having a differential signal pad pair consisting of a first signal pad and a second signal pad. The first signal pad has (i) a signal via extending therethrough for electrically connecting the first signal pad to a first transmission line of a differential signal path located within the circuit board and (ii) a contact section for receiving a first contact element of a connector. The second signal pad has (i) a signal via extending therethrough for electrically connecting the second signal pad to a second transmission line of the differential signal path and (ii) a contact section for receiving a second contact element of the connector. The distance between the signal via in the first signal pad and the signal via in the second signal pad is greater than the distance between the contact section of the first signal pad and contact section of the second signal pad.

Abstract: A circuit board includes multiple signal layers, in which signal lines are routed, and power reference plane layers, in which power reference planes (e.g., power supply voltage or ground) are provided. Vias are passed through at least one signal layer and at least one power reference plane layer, or alternatively, vias are passed through at least two power reference plane layers. In one arrangement, a first clearance is defined around the via at the signal layer and a second clearance is defined around the via at the power reference plane layer. The second clearance is larger in size than the first clearance to match or tailor the impedance of the via as closely as possible with the impedance of the signal line that the via is electrically connected to.

Abstract: A compensating advanced feature patch panel that can include removable modular or fixed electronic components located directly on the patch panel which are separately or in combination capable of providing advanced features such as device detection and power insertion. The patch panel provides communications between an insulation displacement connector (IDC) at a PD/User end, and any standard interface type using unshielded twisted pair cables, such as an RJ45 connector at a switch end at performance levels of at least category 3, 5, 5e, 6 and/or higher (e.g. 6e or 7) and equivalent performance levels as required by compensating for the active electronics used in providing advanced features through the use of inductive, capacitive and reactive circuit elements to compensate for advanced feature electronics.

Abstract: A multi-chip electronic package which utilizes an organic, laminate chip carrier and a plurality of semiconductor chips positioned on an upper surface of the carrier. The organic, laminate chip carrier is comprised of a plurality of conductive planes and dielectric layers and couples the chips to underlying conductors on the bottom surface thereof. The carrier may include a high-speed portion to assure high-frequency connection between the semiconductor chips and may also include an internal capacitor and/or thermally conductive member for enhanced operational capabilities.

Abstract: An information handling system, e.g., computer, server or mainframe, which includes a multi-chip electronic package utilizing an organic, laminate chip carrier and a plurality of semiconductor chips positioned on an upper surface of the carrier. The organic, laminate chip carrier is comprised of a plurality of conductive planes and dielectric layers and couples the chips to underlying conductors on the bottom surface thereof. The carrier may include a high-speed portion to assure high-frequency connection between the semiconductor chips and may also include an internal capacitor and/or thermally conductive member for enhanced operational capabilities of the final system product.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) routes signal traces on internal signal layer(s) and includes power planes on the two outermost layers. The outer layers are maintained at the same non-ground voltage level, and are electrically connected by a series of vias that circumscribe signal traces on the internal layer(s). With a preferred maximum spacing of one-tenth the wavelength of electromagnetic energy generated by the signal traces, the vias, together with the outer power planes, contain electromagnetic energy within the PCB. One or more of the outer planes may include a second power plane area maintained at a different voltage. The two power plane areas are connected by decoupling capacitors, located proximate underlying signal traces that traverse the two power plane areas.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board includes at least a ground plane for providing a ground level, at least a signal plane having a plurality of trace regions for transmitting signals, at least a power plane region having a plurality of power blocks for individually providing a plurality of voltage levels, and at least a via for electrically connecting the trace regions with the power plane region or the ground plane. Two adjacent power blocks with different voltage levels are separated by an insulating line. The insulating line has a plurality of first insulating sectors, and a plurality of second insulating sectors for connecting two adjacent first insulating sectors when an included angle of the adjacent first insulating sectors is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A circuitized substrate including a plurality of conductive and dielectric layers and also a plurality of conductive thru-holes therein for passing high speed signals, e.g., from one component to another mounted on the substrate. The substrate utilizes a signal routing pattern which uses the maximum length of each of the thru-holes wherever possible to thereby substantially eliminate signal loss (noise) due to thru-hole “stub” resonance. A multilayered circuitized substrate assembly using more than one circuitized substrate, an electrical assembly using a circuitized substrate and one or more electrical components, a method of making the circuitized substrate and an information handling system incorporating one or more circuitized substrate assemblies and attached components are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-chip electronic package which utilizes an organic, laminate chip carrier and a pair of semiconductor chips positioned on an upper surface of the carrier in a stacked orientation. The organic, laminate chip carrier is comprised of a plurality of conductive planes and dielectric layers and couples one or both of the chips to underlying conductors on the bottom surface thereof. The carrier may include a high-speed portion to assure high-frequency connection between the semiconductor chips and may also include an internal capacitor and/or thermally conductive member for enhanced operational capabilities. The first chip, e.g., an ASIC chip, is solder bonded to the carrier while the second chip, e.g., a memory chip, is secured to the first chip's upper surface and coupled to the carrier using a plurality of wirebond connections.

Abstract: Techniques and structures are disclosed for providing interface and radio frequency (RF) network between a microelectronic device and an antenna.

Abstract: A microwave coupler is constructed in a multilayer, vertically-connected stripline architecture provided in the form of a microwave integrated circuit that has a homogeneous, multilayer structure. Such a coupler has a vertically-connected stripline structure in which multiple sets of stripline layers are separated by interstitial groundplanes, and wherein more than one set of layers has a segment of coupled stripline. A typical implementation operates at frequencies from approximately 0.5 to 6 GHz, although other frequencies are achievable.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package comprises a set of bond fingers for connecting wire bonds from the chip, the bond fingers being placed overlapping on a transverse axis from the chip and extending inwardly and outwardly from vias positioned at different positions along the transverse axis, so that wire bonds connected to adjacent fingers have the same length.

Abstract: The disclosed board fabrication techniques and design features enable the construction of a reliable, high-layer-count, and economical backplane for routers and the like that require a large number of signaling paths across the backplane at speeds of 2.5 Gbps or greater, as well as distribution of significant amounts of power to router components. The disclosed techniques and features allow relatively thick (e.g., three- or four-ounce copper) power distribution planes to be combined with large numbers of high-speed signaling layers in a common backplane. Using traditional techniques, such a construction would not be possible because of the number of layers required and the thickness of the power distribution layers. The disclosed embodiments use novel layer arrangements, material selection, processing techniques, and panel features to produce the desired high-speed layers and low-noise high-power distribution layers in a single mechanically stable board.

Abstract: A printed wiring board is provided which can be applied even to circuit boards operating at high speed, and which can suppress electromagnetic wave radiation, and which can suppress a deterioration in density of mounting. At the printed wiring board, a first signal wire layer, a first ground layer having a first power source wire, a second ground layer having a second power source wire, and a second signal wire layer, are laminated. The first ground layer and the second ground layer are interlayer connected by many via holes. Return current, of signal current flowing through a signal wire, flows in the first ground layer, and a path of the return current is cut midway therealong at a position of the first power source wire. However, the return current is detoured by the via hole to the second ground layer, and flows thereat.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a signal layer and a supply voltage plane layer. The signal layer includes traces to communicate signals that are not associated with regulated supply voltages. The supply voltage plane is embedded in the signal layer to supply power to multiple supply voltage pins of a component that is mounted to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may also include a supply voltage plane layer to communicate a supply voltage. A ground plane may be embedded in the supply voltage plane layer to provide ground connections to multiple pins of the component.

Abstract: A technique has been developed whereby crosstalk induced in a first electrical connection by current flow at an adjacent second electrical connection is at least partially cancelled by an opposing crosstalk signal induced at an inductive coupling between electrical traces extending from or toward the first and second electrical connections, respectively. Crosstalk cancellation is provided by orienting the electrical traces such that current flow through the second electrical connection and respective electrical trace induces an opposing crosstalk signal at the inductive coupling. In some configurations, an inductive coupling between electrical traces includes essentially parallel portions of the traces and an aperture in a voltage plane. In some configurations, cancellation of crosstalk induced by multiple adjacent electrical connection is provided. Crosstalk inducing electrical connections include pins, solder bumps, leads, wires, edge connectors, etc.

Abstract: Systems for power delivery, signal transfer, package design, thermal management, and electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) control are provided to support an integrated circuit (“IC”). The power delivery system includes a power supply, a voltage regulator module and a decoupling capacitance in the form of discrete and/or integral capacitors. The voltage regulator module and decoupling capacitance are located in a connector that may be formed as a cover, socket or a frame for the IC. The power delivery system delivers power to the IC along top, bottom or sides of the IC. The signal transfer system couples signals from the IC to one or more circuits on a circuit board. The package design system for the IC permits signals and/or power to be coupled to selected sides of the IC at connections outside, flush with, recessed or inside the IC package.

Abstract: A chip package for reduced EMI. In one embodiment, a chip package includes a semiconductor chip mounted on a substrate. First and second horizontal conductors may be present within the substrate. The semiconductor chip is coupled to the first and second horizontal conductors by a first and second pluralities of vertical conductors, respectively. The silicon chip may receive power via the first horizontal conductor and the first plurality of vertical conductors. The first and second horizontal conductors are connected to external connectors by third and fourth pluralities of vertical conductors, respectively. One or more capacitors may be electrically coupled between the first and second horizontal conductors.

Abstract: A resistor-capacitor network for terminating transmission lines. The network includes a core of dielectric material. Capacitors are formed within the core from spaced apart electrode plates. Terminals extend from the electrode plates to a top surface of the core. The electrode plates are oriented perpendicular to the top surface. Ball pads are located on the top surface. Resistors are located on the top surface and are connected between the ball pads and terminals. Conductive spheres are attached to the ball pads.

Abstract: A circuit board includes an assembly having first and second power reference plane layers, and an insulator layer between the first and second power reference plane layers. Discrete decoupling capacitors are further provided with the assembly. Additional layers are provided above and below the assembly.

Abstract: A data processing system including a control chip, a central processing unit and a printed circuit board is provided. In the data processing system, the printed circuit board not only supports the control chip and the central processing unit, but also serves as an interface for transferring signals between the control chip and the central processing unit. Critical signals can be transmitted from the central processing unit to the control chip via the printed circuit with a better return path.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having a dielectric layer is disclosed. At least one signal trace is disposed adjacent a first surface of the dielectric layer in a first signal area. A reference plane is disposed adjacent a second surface of the dielectric layer in a first reference area positioned opposite the first signal area. The reference plane is configured to carry a reference potential for signals on the signal trace. At least one other signal trace is disposed adjacent the second surface of the dielectric layer in a second signal area and coupled to the signal trace in said first signal area. A second reference plane is disposed adjacent the first surface of the first dielectric layer in a second reference area positioned opposite the second signal area. The second reference plane is configured to carry the reference potential for signals on the other signal trace.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection apparatus for a circuit board is described. The electrostatic discharge protection apparatus has a nonconductive layer and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is used to dissipate electric charges accumulated on the pointed ends of the circuit board, and thus improves the electrostatic discharge protection ability of the circuit board.

Abstract: A modified connector footprint on a PWB includes a row of ground vias disposed outside a standard connector footprint that do not mate to pins in the connector. The extra ground vias provide additional shielding and reduce cross-talk in the connector/PWB interface.

Abstract: A semiconductor device package includes multiple built-up layers of metal sandwiching non-conductive layers. The metal layers have grids of degassing holes arranged in rows and columns. The rows and columns are locatable via a first coordinate system. Signal traces are embedded within the non-conductive layers such that the signal traces are also sandwiched between the metal layers with degassing holes. The signal traces generally run at zero degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees relative to a second coordinate system. The first coordinate system is rotated relative to the second coordinate system to lower impedance variations of different traces. Impedance variations decrease due to the decreased variation in the number of degassing holes passed over or under by a trace. The grid of degassing holes on one metal layer can be offset in two dimensions relative to the degassing holes on another layer.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for mounting surface mount (SMT) components in a printed circuit board (PCB) add an aperture, i.e., an etched well, to the PCB to effectuate direct connection of high speed signals to the SMT components. The method eliminates the need of via and may be applied to any SMT components, such as inductors, resistors, capacitors, chips, and other components. In addition, since signal traces are shielded (not exposed to air), undesired side-effects, such as Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and Cross Talk, and the like, may be reduced significantly. The method also ensures tighter signal impedance control and better propagation delay control. Additionally, faulty components may be replaced and/or repaired.

Abstract: A multilayered PCB including two multilayered portions, one of these able to electrically connect electronic components mounted on the PCB to assure high frequency connections therebetween. The PCB further includes a conventional PCB portion to reduce costs while assuring a structure having a satisfactory overall thickness for use in the PCB field. Coupling is also possible to the internal portion from these components. Methods of making these structures have also been provided.

Abstract: A circuit card that includes a single ground plane connectable to a chassis-ground and a logic device having a ground pin connected to the single ground plane. The connection between the ground pin and the single ground plane provides a direct path between the logic device and the chassis-ground. A power supply is connected to an input pin of the logic device for providing a logic voltage to the logic device. The power supply is connectable to a battery.

Abstract: In a printed circuit board which has two layers with wiring patterns formed thereon and on which components of a booster circuit that boosts a voltage of an input power are mounted, within a plurality of wiring patterns which connect the input terminal of the input power to the terminal of a component to which the input power is supplied, patterns formed on the two layers are connected by a through hole formed near the input terminal and the terminal of the component. Accordingly, in the patterns to which a relatively large current flows upon receiving the input power, currents flowing to the patterns formed on the two layers are almost uniformed. For this reason, loss due to the wiring resistance in the patterns can be reduced.

Abstract: A layer allocating apparatus for a multi-layer circuit board is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the layer allocating apparatus arranged from top to bottom as a component layer, a ground layer, a power layer, and a solder layer. The powerlayer is sliced into a plurality of reference ground areas each is located at somewhere to correspond to signal layout areas of the solder layer, so as to allow signal lines of the component layer and solder layer to take reference to the reference ground areas on the adjacent power layer. The power layer also includes a plurality of power layers each provides different operating voltages, and electrically couples with corresponding power layouts of the solder layer and component layer through vias, thereby enlarging the total area of power planes, so as to provide a table power source and attenuate the ground/bounce effect.

Abstract: In a printed circuit board of the invention, a first signal wiring layer, a first ground layer, a second ground layer and a second signal wiring layer are laminated via an insulating material. A first signal wiring is formed on the first signal wiring layer and a second signal wiring is formed on the second signal wiring layer. The two signal wirings are connected via a first through hole. The conductive first ground layer and the conductive second ground layer are connected via a second through hole. The second through hole is insulated from the first through hole and formed so as to surround the first through hole.

Abstract: A multilayer printed wiring board of the present invention includes, e.g., an electrical insulating layer, a plurality of wiring layers arranged alternately with the electrical insulating layer, and a plurality of conductors passing through the electrical insulating layer in its thickness direction for electrically connecting the wiring layers. A plating layer is formed so as to cover the side of the electrical insulating layer and electrically connected to ground wiring. The impedance of a signal transmission conductor arranged in the edge portion of the electrical insulating layer is controlled by a ground conductor arranged opposite to the plating layer with this signal transmission conductor sandwiched between them and the plating layer.

Abstract: A method and system for improving power distribution and/or current measurement on a printed circuit board is disclosed. According to the invention, a first power plane adapted for current measurement includes a first segment to which a current source is connected and a second segment to which other devices may be connected, forming the current load. A third segment is used to measure the current between the first segment and the second segment through two vias that link two points of the third segment to, preferably, two pads of the external layer. In a preferred embodiment, vias are connected to the first segment so that current flow in the third segment is linear, to improve and simplify current determination. The resistivity between the pair of vias may be computed or estimated using calibrated currents.

Abstract: A multilayer PCB has first and second signal transmission lines and first and second ground layers. A signal via is connected between the first and second transmission lines. Ground vias extending parallel to the signal via are connected between the first and second ground layers. The end of the first ground layer protrudes with respect to the second ground layer and extends nearer to the signal via than the second ground layer. Thus, it is possible to stabilize the characteristic impedance of the first transmission line.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) routes signal traces on internal signal layer(s) and includes power planes on the two outermost layers. The outer layers are maintained at the same non-ground voltage level, and are electrically connected by a series of vias that circumscribe signal traces on the internal layer(s). With a preferred maximum spacing of one-tenth the wavelength of electromagnetic energy generated by the signal traces, the vias, together with the outer power planes, contain electromagnetic energy within the PCB. One or more of the outer planes may include a second power plane area maintained at a different voltage. The two power plane areas are connected by decoupling capacitors, located proximate underlying signal traces that traverse the two power plane areas.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing power to an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, a power laminate may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). The integrated circuit for which power is to be distributed may be electrically coupled to the PCB. The power laminate may include one or more power planes and one or more reference (i.e. ground) planes, with each pair of power/reference planes separated by a dielectric layer. The power laminate may also include a connector or other means for receiving power from an external power source. The power laminate may be electrically coupled to the integrated circuit, thereby enabling it to provide power to the integrated circuit. The power laminate may also include a voltage regulator circuit, and a plurality of decoupling capacitors.