Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB), includes a first plurality of layers, each having a plurality of signal traces disposed thereon, a second plurality of layers, each having a voltage plane disposed thereon, and a plurality of plated-through-hole vias disposed between a first surface of the multi-layer PCB and a second surface of the multi-layer PCB, wherein each plated-through-hole via includes a conductive barrel, wherein a first layer of the first plurality of layers includes a backdrill clearance region around a first plated-through-hole via in which no signal traces are disposed, and a first voltage plane on a first layer of the second plurality of layers is in contact with the conductive barrel of the first plated-through-hole via. In various embodiments, portions of the barrel of a plated-through-hole via are removed by, for example, backdrilling. Various embodiments advantageously provide improvements to signal-to-reference overlap, and to power plane current-carrying capacity.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB), includes a first plurality of layers, each having a plurality of signal traces disposed thereon, a second plurality of layers, each having a voltage plane disposed thereon, and a plurality of plated-through-hole vias disposed between a first surface of the multi-layer PCB and a second surface of the multi-layer PCB, wherein each plated-through-hole via includes a conductive barrel, wherein a first layer of the first plurality of layers includes a backdrill clearance region around a first plated-through-hole via in which no signal traces are disposed, and a first voltage plane on a first layer of the second plurality of layers is in contact with the conductive barrel of the first plated-through-hole via. In various embodiments, portions of the barrel of a plated-through-hole via are removed by, for example, backdrilling. Various embodiments advantageously provide improvements to signal-to-reference overlap, and to power plane current-carrying capacity.

Abstract: A printed circuit board for mounting electrical components thereupon include: a first side; a second side opposite the first side; electrical connection points disposed on the surface of an exterior edge of the printed circuit board; and wherein the exterior edge of the printed circuit board is between the first side and the second side. Further a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board for mounting electrical components thereupon includes the steps of disposing interconnect structures within the printed circuit board adjacent to at least one edge of the printed circuit board; and removing material from the printed circuit board edge to expose the interconnect structures such that the exposed interconnect structures correspond to a component connection footprint.

Abstract: A printed circuit board for mounting electrical components thereupon include: a first side; a second side opposite the first side; electrical connection points disposed on the surface of an exterior edge of the printed circuit board; and wherein the exterior edge of the printed circuit board is between the first side and the second side. Further a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board for mounting electrical components thereupon includes the steps of disposing interconnect structures within the printed circuit board adjacent to at least one edge of the printed circuit board; and removing material from the printed circuit board edge to expose the interconnect structures such that the exposed interconnect structures correspond to a component connection footprint.

Abstract: A modular heat sink assembly is disclosed. The heat sink assembly includes a main (larger) heat sink member having one or more voids through the member. The heat sink assembly also includes one or more additional (smaller) heat sink members that fit within the voids of the main heat sink member and are able to move (float) within the voids while thermally connected to main heat sink member. The thermal connection to the main heat sink member may be accomplished by incorporating heat pipes as a bridge between the heat sink members, so that heat spreading, and regulation thereof, occurs over the additional heat sink members and the main heat sink member.

Abstract: A modular heat sink assembly is disclosed. The heat sink assembly includes a main (larger) heat sink member having one or more voids through the member. The heat sink assembly also includes one or more additional (smaller) heat sink members that fit within the voids of the main heat sink member and are able to move (float) within the voids while thermally connected to main heat sink member. The thermal connection to the main heat sink member may be accomplished by incorporating heat pipes as a bridge between the heat sink members, so that heat spreading, and regulation thereof, occurs over the additional heat sink members and the main heat sink member.