Abstract: The present invention is a family of memory modules. In one embodiment a memory module with granularity, upgradeability, and high throughput of at least 4.2 gigabytes per second using two channels of RAMBUS memory devices in a typical volume of just 2.2 inches by 1.1 inches by 0.39 inch. Each module includes an impedance-controlled substrate having contact pads, memory devices and other components, including optional driver line terminators, on its surfaces. The inclusion of spaced, multiple area array interconnections allows a row of memory devices to be serially mounted between each of the area array interconnections, thereby minimizing the interconnect lengths and facilitating matching of interconnect lengths. Short area array interconnections, including BGA, PGA, and LGA options or interchangeable alternative connectors provide interconnections between the modules and the rest of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic package for high speed, high performance semiconductors. It includes a plurality of devices, circuit members and short interconnections between the circuit members for maintaining high electrical performance. Suitable applications requiring high speed, impedance-controlled transmission line buses throughout the entire package include microprocessor and digital signal processor data buses, and high speed memory buses for products such as laptop and handheld computing and telecommunications devices. Circuit members include printed circuit boards and circuit modules, and may be formed from a wide variety of materials with unpacked or packed semiconductors attached directly to the circuit members. Through the use of clamps the package is at least factory reworkable and can be field separable. Thermal management structures may be included to maintain the high density devices within a reliable range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: An interconnection device is provided for temporary connection of a first electronic system to a second electronic system having a support substrate that includes an ordered array of conductive solder pads. A plurality of coil signal contacts are mounted to the conductive solder pads. Each one of the coil signal contacts comprises a central longitudinal axis, a top turn and a bottom turn that are arranged in spaced relation to one another. In this way, the bottom turn of one of the plurality of coil signal contacts is fastened to each of the conductive pads such that the top turns are spaced away from the support substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming a contact member cable. The cable is a longer version of a contact member and can then be cut into shorter, individual contact members, to meet the particular requirements for a specific connector application. The contact members can be used as the conductive elements for a family of land grid array connectors that provide, among other things, a low profile, uniform electrical and mechanical performance, and reworkability if a contact member is damaged. The connectors are intended to interconnect electrical circuit members such as printed circuit boards, circuit modules, or the like. Such circuit members may be used in information handling system (computer) or telecommunications environments.

Abstract: The present invention is a family of memory modules. In one embodiment a memory module with granularity, upgradability, and a capacity of two gigabytes uses 256 MB SDRAM or DDR SDRAM memory devices in CSPs in a volume of just 4.54 inches by 2.83 inches by 0.39 inch. Each module includes an impedance-controlled substrate having contact pads, memory devices, and other components, including optional driver line terminators, on its surfaces. The inclusion of spaced, multiple area array interconnections allows memory devices to be symmetrically mounted on each side of each of the area array interconnections, thereby reducing the interconnect lengths and facilitating the matching of interconnect lengths. Short area array interconnections, including BGA, PGA, and LGA options or interchangeable alternative connectors provide interconnections between the modules and the rest of the system. Thermal control structures may be included to maintain the memory devices within a reliable range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is a cost effective module that provides high performance, high density and highly reliability interconnections needed between the various circuit devices that form a functional system or a part of a larger system. It includes circuit members having high speed, impedance-controlled transmission line signal paths, short land grid array interconnections between circuit members and, optionally, driver line terminators built into one of the circuit members, for maintaining high electrical performance. Suitable applications include mainframe computers, workstations, telecommunications networks, or other electronic equipment. The circuit members may be formed on conventional printed circuit cards with unpacked or packed circuit devices attached directly to the circuit members. Thermal control structures may be included to maintain the circuit devices within a reliable range of operating temperatures. A clamp is also included.

Abstract: The present invention features a memory module for use in conjunction with high speed, impedance-controlled buses. Each memory card may be a conventional printed circuit card with memory chips attached directly thereto. Alternately, high density memory modules assembled from pluggable sub-modules may be used. These sub-modules may be temporarily assembled for testing and/or burn-in. Bus terminations mounted directly on the memory card or the memory module eliminate the need for bus exit connections, allowing the freed-up connection capacity to be used to address additional memory capacity on the module. An innovative pin-in-hole contact system is used both to connect sub-modules to the memory module and, optionally, to connect the memory module to a motherboard or similar structure. A thermal control structure may be placed in the memory module, cooling the increased number of memory chips to prevent excess heat build-up and ensure reliable memory operation.

Abstract: The present invention features an ultra high density, three-dimensional electronic circuit package suitable for constructing high capacity, high speed computer memory cards and the like. A demountable contact system allows easy test and/or burn-in. A memory card has a number of electrical receptacles adapted to receive a daughter card. The daughter card has memory devices attached to it and a corresponding number of electrical connectors placed along at least one edge, adapted to detachably mate with the electrical receptacles of the memory card. The demountable connectors allow easy rework of the module before optional, permanent solder attach. Bare dies or thin packages are mounted onto daughter cards, which in turn are mounted onto either a motherboard or memory card using pin/hole technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier with electrical shielding of individual contact elements, resulting in LGA interposer connectors with improved electrical performance. The carrier includes a plurality of openings, each of which may contain an individual contact element. The openings may be plated with conductive material, and may also be commoned to one or more reference voltages (e.g., ground) present on at least one conductive layer of the carrier. The carrier may be as simple as a single unified structure with a conductive layer on one outer surface, or much more complex, having many layers of dielectric and conductive material. The carrier may also provide improved retention of the individual contact elements. The process to assemble one embodiment of the carrier is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double-sided memory module with improved memory device density and improved manufacturability, and with optional bus terminations mounted directly on the memory module for use with high speed, impedance-controlled memory buses. It also allows the same memory devices to be used on both sides of the card, instead of requiring memory devices with mirrored I/O connections on a second side as on prior art double-sided memory cards. The memory module may be formed on a conventional printed circuit card using cost-effective printed circuit board line widths and spaces with unpacked or packed memory chips attached directly to the memory module, while maintaining good signal integrity. Using memory modules with bus terminations mounted directly on the module improves the signal quality and integrity even further and therefore enhances system performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical contact comprising a first member having spring properties and a second member wrapped around at least a portion of the first member wherein the second member has a greater electrical conductivity than the first member. In one embodiment, a conductor is wrapped around at least a portion of a spring. In another embodiment, the spring is formed into a coil or helix with a wire wrapped around at least a portion of the helical spring. In one form of this embodiment, the spring has a plurality of turns and the wire is wrapped around at least two of the turns. In another form of this embodiment, the spring has a plurality of turns and the wire is wrapped around all of the turns. An interposer connector is also provided having a frame including a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern and opening onto the top and bottom surfaces of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low profile, high density electronic package for high speed, high performance semiconductors, such as memory devices. It includes a plurality of modules having high speed, impedance-controlled transmission line buses, short interconnections between modules and, optionally, driver line terminators built into one of the modules, for maintaining high electrical performance. Suitable applications include microprocessor data buses and memory buses such as RAMBUS and DDR. The modules may be formed on conventional printed circuit cards with unpacked or packed memory chips attached directly to the memory module. Thermal control structures may be included to maintain the high density modules within a reliable range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier that provides improved retention to the individual contact elements resulting in LGA interposer connectors with improved manufacturability, reliability and more uniform mechanical and electrical performance. In one embodiment, the carrier, which includes upper and lower sections of dielectric material with an adhesive layer in between, includes a plurality of openings, each of which may contain an individual contact element. During assembly of the connector, once the contact elements are inserted, the adhesive layer is reflowed, thereby allowing the carrier to capture the location of the contact elements both with respect to each other as well as to the carrier. Alternately, the carrier may be implemented in a fashion that, while not including an adhesive layer to be reflowed, still provides improved retention of the individual contact elements. These embodiments may by easier to assemble, and less expensive to manufacture, especially in high volumes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier that provides improved retention to the individual contact elements resulting in LGA interposer connectors with improved manufacturability, reliability and more uniform mechanical and electrical performance. In one embodiment, the carrier, which includes upper and lower sections of dielectric material with an adhesive layer in between, includes a plurality of openings, each of which may contain an individual contact element. During assembly of the connector, once the contact elements are inserted, the adhesive layer is reflowed, thereby allowing the carrier to capture the location of the contact elements both with respect to each other as well as to the carrier. Alternately, the carrier may be implemented in a fashion that, while not including an adhesive layer to be reflowed, still provides improved retention of the individual contact elements. These embodiments may by easier to assemble, and less expensive to manufacture, especially in high volumes.

Abstract: An interposer for a land grid array includes a dielectric grid having an array of holes and a resilient, conductive button disposed in one or more of the holes. The button includes an insulating core, a conducting element wound around the insulating core, and an outer shell surrounding the conducting element. The characteristics of the conducting element and the buttons may be chosen such that the contact force and resistance, and compressibility or relaxability of the conductive buttons can be selected within wide limits. Contact areas between the shell and the conducting element urge a substantially corresponding displacement in both the conducting element and the shell when the button is under compression or relaxation. The interposer alternatively can include an insulating sheet and rather than conductive buttons contain conducting elements disposed therein having contact areas with the block.

Abstract: There is a memory module for use in conjunction with high speed, impedance-controlled buses. Each memory card may be a conventional printed circuit card with memory chips attached directly to the card. Alternately, high density memory modules assembled from pluggable sub-modules may be used. These sub-modules may be temporarily assembled for testing and/or burn-in. Bus terminations mounted directly on the memory card or the memory module eliminate the need for bus exit connections, allowing the freed up connection capacity to be used to address additional memory capacity on the module. An innovative pin-in-hole contact system is used both to connect sub-modules to the memory module and, optionally, to connect the memory module to a mother board or similar structure. A thermal control structure may be placed in the memory module to cool the increased number of memory chips to prevent excess heat build-up and ensure reliable memory operation.