Abstract: A socket may comprise an array of first contacts and a set of second contacts having a greater conductive cross-sectional area than the first contacts. The set of second contacts may also have a greater conductive area efficiency than the array of first contacts, with conductive area efficiency defined as a total conductive cross-sectional area divided by a total occupied area. The array of first contacts may electrically couple signal pads of a land grid array (LGA) component with a plurality of signal lines in a printed circuit board (PCB). The set of second contacts may electrically couple power delivery land pads of the LGA component with power and ground planes of the PCB.

Abstract: A system to package high performance microelectronic devices, such as processors, responds to component transients. In one embodiment, the system includes a decoupling capacitor that is disposed between a Vcc electrical bump and a Vss electrical bump. The decoupling capacitor has Vcc and Vss terminals. The Vcc and Vss terminals share electrical pads with the Vcc electrical bump and the Vss electrical bump. A simple current loop is created that improves the power delivery for the system.

Abstract: An enhanced joint thickness lead used for surface mounting electronic devices to a substrate, wherein a portion of the enhanced joint thickness lead that is substantially parallel to the substance. The enhanced joint thickness lead includes an arcuate structure, which provides an enhanced joint thickness for the solder used to connect the lead to the substrate. The enhanced joint thickness of the solder results in a more robust attachment of the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving AC coupling between adjacent signal traces and between plane splits and signals spanning plane splits on circuit boards. A circuit board includes adjacent conductive means and an oxide means interposed there between. The oxide means is a copper oxide, e.g., cupric or cuprous oxide. In one embodiment, the adjacent conductive means are adjacent voltage reference planes with a split interposed between the conductive means. The copper oxide fills the split. In another embodiment, the adjacent conductive means are differential signal traces. The copper oxide fills a gap between the differential signal traces. The copper oxide is a non-conductive material with an increased dielectric constant as compared to other common dielectric materials used as fillers. The increased dielectric constant increases capacitance, in turn, increasing AC coupling.

Abstract: A conventional land grid array (LGA) socket assembly uses the same socket contact in the power delivery area and the signal delivery area. Using low current socket contacts in the power delivery area may create self-heating and limit power delivery from a printed circuit board (PCB) to an IC package mounted in the socket. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an LGA socket assembly that has a separate power delivery contact, which includes contact pins and contacts pads that are ganged using a cross beam to form a comb-shaped contact. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an LGA socket assembly has a shorter channel in the power delivery area than in known LGA socket assemblies. In still another embodiment, an LGA socket assembly has a shorter channel in the power delivery area in the signal delivery area.

Abstract: Solder bumps are created on a substrate of an electronic assembly having lengths that are longer than the widths. The solder bumps are created by locating solder balls of power or ground connections close to one another so that, upon reflow, the solder balls combine. Signal solder balls however remain separated. Capacitors are created by locating power solder bumps adjacent ground solder bumps and extending parallel to one another.

Abstract: An electrically modifiable label. In some embodiments, an electrically modifiable label may be applied to or form a part of products that have configurable or otherwise dynamic characteristics. That is, characteristics or desirability that vary over time or characteristics that may be selected or determined at or after advanced stages of manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A system to package high performance microelectronic devices, such as processors, responds to component transients. In one embodiment, the system includes a decoupling capacitor that is disposed between a Vcc electrical bump and a Vss electrical bump. The decoupling capacitor has Vcc and Vss terminals. The Vcc and Vss terminals share electrical pads with the Vcc electrical bump and the Vss electrical bump. A simple current loop is created that improves the power delivery for the system.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate with integrated circuit devices on its front side and a high thermal conductivity layer such as diamond on its back side, with components such as capacitors embedded in the high thermal conductivity layer and coupled to the front side integrated circuits with vias through the substrate.

Abstract: An electrically modifiable label. In some embodiments, an electrically modifiable label may be applied to or form a part of products that have configurable or otherwise dynamic characteristics. That is, characteristics or desirability that vary over time or characteristics that may be selected or determined at or after advanced stages of manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings is a process and a package for facilitating cooling and grounding of a semiconductor die using carbon nanotubes in a thermal interface layer between the die and a thermal management aid. The embodiments that are disclosed have the carbon nanotubes positioned and sized to utilize their high thermal and electrical conductance to facilitate the flow of heat and current to the thermal management aid. One embodiment disclosed has the carbon nanotubes mixed with a paste matrix before being applied. Another disclosed embodiment has the carbon nanotubes grown on the surface of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a heat sink body including a number of fins and a cavity for holding a phase change material and a number of particles to enhance the mixing of the phase change material during the operation of the heat sink. In operation, the body of the heat sink conducts thermal energy to the phase change material. The energy is absorbed during the phase change of the phase change material. After absorbing energy and changing to a liquid state, the phase change material continues to dissipate energy by convection. The convection currents in the cavity are directed by the shape of the cavity surfaces and enhanced by the particles intermixed with the phase change material.

Abstract: A system to package high performance microelectronic devices, such as processors, responds to component transients. In one embodiment, the system includes a decoupling capacitor that is disposed between a Vcc electrical bump and a Vss electrical bump. The decoupling capacitor has Vcc and Vss terminals. The Vcc and Vss terminals share electrical pads with the Vcc electrical bump and the Vss electrical bump. A simple current loop is created that improves the power delivery for the system.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate with integrated circuit devices on its front side and a high thermal conductivity layer such as diamond on its back side, with components such as capacitors embedded in the high thermal conductivity layer and coupled to the front side integrated circuits with vias through the substrate.

Abstract: A socket may comprise an array of first contacts and a set of second contacts having a greater conductive cross-sectional area than the first contacts. The set of second contacts may also have a greater conductive area efficiency than the array of first contacts, with conductive area efficiency defined as a total conductive cross-sectional area divided by a total occupied area. The array of first contacts may electrically couple signal pads of a land grid array (LGA) component with a plurality of signal lines in a printed circuit board (PCB). The set of second contacts may electrically couple power delivery land pads of the LGA component with power and ground planes of the PCB.

Abstract: A socket may comprise an array of first contacts and a set of second contacts having a greater conductive cross-sectional area than the first contacts. The set of second contacts may also have a greater conductive area efficiency than the array of first contacts, with conductive area efficiency defined as a total conductive cross-sectional area divided by a total occupied area. The array of first contacts may electrically couple signal pads of a land grid array (LGA) component with a plurality of signal lines in a printed circuit board (PCB). The set of second contacts may electrically couple power delivery land pads of the LGA component with power and ground planes of the PCB.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate with integrated circuit devices on its front side and a high thermal conductivity layer such as diamond on its back side, with components such as capacitors embedded in the high thermal conductivity layer and coupled to the front side integrated circuits with vias through the substrate.

Abstract: A electronic assembly is disclosed and claimed. The electronic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A plurality of power connections are coupled between the first substrate and the second substrate and a multiplicity of signal connections separate from the plurality of power connections are also coupled between the first substrate and the second substrate. Each of the plurality of power connections have a substantially different size and shape compared to each of the multiplicity of signal connections.

Abstract: Photon emissions from a backside of a silicon device or integrated circuit are detected. The photon emissions can be used for a technique to read output information from the silicon device, as the photon emissions from part of an output signal path for the silicon device. The emitted photons pass through openings of a mask positioned over the backside of the silicon device, and are detected by a photodetector array. Electrical signals are generated from the detected photons, and can be converted to optical signals for subsequent transmission from optical transmitters coupled to the photodetector.

Abstract: The heat sink is described which is used to cool an electronic component of a computer. The heat sink is constructed from a metal sheet which is bent so as to have a horizontal thermally conductive plate and four walls extending upwardly from the plate and jointly define an enclosure. Openings are formed in the walls through which air can flow by natural convection.