Patents by Inventor Michael F. McAllister

Michael F. McAllister has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8929086
    Abstract: A MCM system board uses a stiffener arrangement to enhance mechanical, thermo and electrical properties by incorporating an LGA compression connector in a computer system. The present designs of large scale computing systems (LSCS) in IBM use a MCM that is attached to a system board and held together by a stiffening frame. Due to the nature of the manufacturing of the system board, there can be significant gaps formed in the mounting area of the MCM between the board and the stiffener. A method is described that not only fills the void, it also, in addition promotes thermo conduction of excess heat away from the MCM and at the same time promotes enhanced electrical properties of the LGA connections of the MCM to the system board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Harald Pross, Gerhard H. Ruehle, Wolfgang A. Scholz, Gerhard Schoor
  • Patent number: 8785289
    Abstract: A capacitor in a semiconductor substrate employs a conductive through-substrate via (TSV) as an inner electrode and a columnar doped semiconductor region as an outer electrode. The capacitor provides a large decoupling capacitance in a small area, and does not impact circuit density or a Si3D structural design. Additional conductive TSV's can be provided in the semiconductor substrate to provide electrical connection for power supplies and signal transmission therethrough. The capacitor has a lower inductance than a conventional array of capacitors having comparable capacitance, thereby enabling reduction of high frequency noise in the power supply system of stacked semiconductor chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tae Hong Kim, Michael F. McAllister, Michael J. Shapiro, Edmund J. Sprogis
  • Publication number: 20130344675
    Abstract: A capacitor in a semiconductor substrate employs a conductive through-substrate via (TSV) as an inner electrode and a columnar doped semiconductor region as an outer electrode. The capacitor provides a large decoupling capacitance in a small area, and does not impact circuit density or a Si3D structural design. Additional conductive TSV's can be provided in the semiconductor substrate to provide electrical connection for power supplies and signal transmission therethrough. The capacitor has a lower inductance than a conventional array of capacitors having comparable capacitance, thereby enabling reduction of high frequency noise in the power supply system of stacked semiconductor chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tae Hong Kim, Michael F. McAllister, Michael J. Shapiro, Edmund J. Sprogis
  • Patent number: 8558345
    Abstract: A capacitor in a semiconductor substrate employs a conductive through-substrate via (TSV) as an inner electrode and a columnar doped semiconductor region as an outer electrode. The capacitor provides a large decoupling capacitance in a small area, and does not impact circuit density or a Si3D structural design. Additional conductive TSV's can be provided in the semiconductor substrate to provide electrical connection for power supplies and signal transmission therethrough. The capacitor has a lower inductance than a conventional array of capacitors having comparable capacitance, thereby enabling reduction of high frequency noise in the power supply system of stacked semiconductor chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tae Hong Kim, Edmund J. Sprogis, Michael F. McAllister, Michael J. Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20110108948
    Abstract: A capacitor in a semiconductor substrate employs a conductive through-substrate via (TSV) as an inner electrode and a columnar doped semiconductor region as an outer electrode. The capacitor provides a large decoupling capacitance in a small area, and does not impact circuit density or a Si3D structural design. Additional conductive TSV's can be provided in the semiconductor substrate to provide electrical connection for power supplies and signal transmission therethrough. The capacitor has a lower inductance than a conventional array of capacitors having comparable capacitance, thereby enabling reduction of high frequency noise in the power supply system of stacked semiconductor chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tae Hong Kim, Edmund J. Sprogis, Michael F. McAllister, Michael J. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7930820
    Abstract: A MCM system board uses a stiffener arrangement to enhance mechanical, thermo and electrical properties by incorporating an LGA compression connector in a computer system. The present designs of large scale computing systems (LSCS) in IBM use a MCM that is attached to a system board and held together by a stiffening frame. Due to the nature of the manufacturing of the system board, there can be significant gaps formed in the mounting area of the MCM between the board and the stiffener. A method is described that not only fills the void, it also, in addition promotes thermo conduction of excess heat away from the MCM and at the same time promotes enhanced electrical properties of the LGA connections of the MCM to the system board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Harald Pross, Gerhard H. Ruehle, Wolfgang A. Scholz, Gerhard Schoor
  • Patent number: 7543373
    Abstract: A MCM system board uses a stiffener arrangement to enhance mechanical, thermo and electrical properties by incorporating an LGA compression connector in a computer system. The present designs of large scale computing systems (LSCS) in IBM use a MCM that is attached to a system board and held together by a stiffening frame. Due to the nature of the manufacturing of the system board, there can be significant gaps formed in the mounting area of the MCM between the board and the stiffener. A method is described that not only fills the void, it also, in addition promotes thermo conduction of excess heat away from the MCM and at the same time promotes enhanced electrical properties of the LGA connections of the MCM to the system board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Harald Pross, Gerhard H. Ruehle, Wolfgang A. Scholz, Gerhard Schoor
  • Patent number: 7363688
    Abstract: A Land Grid Array structure is enhanced with a flex film interposer that not only provides a Land Grid Array (LGA) electrical connection between a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) and the next level of integration such as a system board, but also provides a reliable means to implement desired Engineering Change (EC) capability as well as a means for decoupling power to ground structure to minimize switching activity effects on the System. The invention as described can be implemented for EC repair, for Capacitive Decoupling or both, using a removable and restorable engineering change plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7344919
    Abstract: A MCM system board uses a stiffener arrangement to enhance mechanical, thermo and electrical properties by incorporating an LGA compression connector in a computer system. The present designs of large scale computing systems (LSCS) in IBM use a MCM that is attached to a system board and held together by a stiffening frame. Due to the nature of the manufacturing of the system board, there can be significant gaps formed in the mounting area of the MCM between the board and the stiffener. A method is described that not only fills the void, it also, in addition promotes thermo conduction of excess heat away from the MCM and at the same time promotes enhanced electrical properties of the LGA connections of the MCM to the system board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Harald Pross, Gerhard H. Ruehle, Wolfgang A. Scholz, Gerhard Schoor
  • Patent number: 7077660
    Abstract: A Land Grid Array structure is enhanced with a flex film interposer that not only provides a Land Grid Array (LGA) electrical connection between a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) and the next level of integration such as a system board, but also provides a reliable means to implement desired Engineering Change (EC) capability as well as a means for decoupling power to ground structure to minimize switching activity effects on the System. The invention as described can be implemented for EC repair, for Capacitive Decoupling or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 6954984
    Abstract: A Land Grid Array structure is enhanced with a flex film interposer that not only provides a Land Grid Array (LGA) electrical connection between a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) and the next level of integration such as a system board, but also provides a reliable means to implement desired Engineering Change (EC) capability as well as a means for decoupling power to ground structure to minimize switching activity effects on the System. The invention as described can be implemented for EC repair, for Capacitive Decoupling or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20040159915
    Abstract: A Land Grid Array structure is enhanced with a flex film interposer that not only provides a Land Grid Array (LGA) electrical connection between a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) and the next level of integration such as a system board, but also provides a reliable means to implement desired Engineering Change (EC) capability as well as a means for decoupling power to ground structure to minimize switching activity effects on the System. The invention as described can be implemented for EC repair, for Capacitive Decoupling or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20040016114
    Abstract: A Land Grid Array structure is enhanced with a flex film interposer that not only provides a Land Grid Array (LGA) electrical connection between a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) and the next level of integration such as a system board, but also provides a reliable means to implement desired Engineering Change (EC) capability as well as a means for decoupling power to ground structure to minimize switching activity effects on the System. The invention as described can be implemented for EC repair, for Capacitive Decoupling or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 6605953
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of interconnecting with a system board is presented. A system board having a metal stiffener mounted thereon is provided with an opening in the stiffener to provide access to an area of interest on the system board. A probe test assembly is positioned a the opening and secured to the stiffener when testing is desired to provide access to the pins of the device under test (e.g., a Multi Chip Module (MCM) on the system board). Alternatively, a system enhancement device, such as an MCM or Single Chip Module (SCM) having additional Central Processing Units (CPU's) or other features, may be installed on the system board at the opening in the stiffener to enhance the function of the system board. Another alternate includes an interface assembly positioned at the opening in the stiffener. A cover is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener at all other times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Klaus K. Kempter, Charles F. Pells, Stephan R. Richter, Gerhard Ruehle
  • Patent number: 6549024
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of interconnecting with a system board is presented. A system board having a metal stiffener mounted thereon is provided with an opening in the stiffener to provide access to an area of interest on the system board. A probe test assembly is positioned a the opening and secured to the stiffener when testing is desired to provide access to the pins of the device under test (e.g., a Multi Chip Module (MCM) on the system board). Alternatively, a system enhancement device, such as an MCM or Single Chip Module (SCM) having additional Central Processing Units (CPU's) or other features, may be installed on the system board at the opening in the stiffener to enhance the function of the system board. Another alternate includes an interface assembly positioned at the opening in the stiffener. A cover is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener at all other times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Klaus K. Kempter, Charles F. Pells, Stephan R. Richter, Gerhard Ruehle
  • Patent number: 6538460
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of interconnecting with a system board is presented. A system board having a metal stiffener mounted thereon is provided with an opening in the stiffener to provide access to an area of interest on the system board. A probe test assembly is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener when testing is desired to provide access to the pins of the device under test (e.g., a Multi Chip Module (MCM) on the system board). Alternatively, a system enhancement device, such as a MCM or Single Chip Module (SCM) having additional Central Processing Units (CPU's) or other features, may be installed on the system board at the opening in the stiffener to enhance the function of the system board. Another alternate includes an interface assembly positioned at the opening in the stiffener. A cover is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener at all other times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Klaus K. Kempter, Charles F. Pells, Stephan R. Richter, Gerhard Ruehle
  • Patent number: 6529023
    Abstract: A counterbalancing arrangement for use with a compressive land grid array connector system provides a counterbalancing load element at a side of a system circuit board opposite a back side holding an integrated circuit chip substrate via the connector system. In a first aspect, the counterbalancing load element is a probe template and spacer element providing measurement across to the integrated circuiting. In another aspect, the counterbalancing load element is a mirror image integrated circuit land grid array connector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wiren D. Becker, Michael F. McAllister, Gerhard Ruehle
  • Publication number: 20020186002
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of interconnecting with a system board is presented. A system board having a metal stiffener mounted thereon is provided with an opening in the stiffener to provide access to an area of interest on the system board. A probe test assembly is positioned a the opening and secured to the stiffener when testing is desired to provide access to the pins of the device under test (e.g., a Multi Chip Module (MCM) on the system board). Alternatively, a system enhancement device, such as an MCM or Single Chip Module (SCM) having additional Central Processing Units (CPU's) or other features, may be installed on the system board at the opening in the stiffener to enhance the function of the system board. Another alternate includes an interface assembly positioned at the opening in the stiffener. A cover is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener at all other times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Klaus K. Kempter, Charles F. Pells, Stephan R. Richter, Gerhard Ruehle
  • Publication number: 20020180422
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of interconnecting with a system board is presented. A system board having a metal stiffener mounted thereon is provided with an opening in the stiffener to provide access to an area of interest on the system board. A probe test assembly is positioned a the opening and secured to the stiffener when testing is desired to provide access to the pins of the device under test (e.g., a Multi Chip Module (MCM) on the system board). Alternatively, a system enhancement device, such as an MCM or Single Chip Module (SCM) having additional Central Processing Units (CPU's) or other features, may be installed on the system board at the opening in the stiffener to enhance the function of the system board. Another alternate includes an interface assembly positioned at the opening in the stiffener. A cover is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener at all other times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. McAllister, Klaus K. Kempter, Charles F. Pells, Stephen R. Richter, Gerhard Ruehle
  • Publication number: 20020171442
    Abstract: A counterbalancing arrangement for use with a compressive land grid array connector system provides a counterbalancing load element at a side of a system circuit board opposite a back side holding an integrated circuit chip substrate via the connector system. In a first aspect, the counterbalancing load element is a probe template and spacer element providing measurement across to the integrated circuiting. In another aspect, the counterbalancing load element is a mirror image integrated circuit land grid array connector system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Wiren D. Becker, Michael F. McAllister, Gerhard Ruehle