Intel Corporation

Thomas J Wong

Peter A Davison

Ketan R Shah

Neal E Ulen

Michael T Crocker

David Shia

Mike MacGregor

Rolf A Konstad

David A Jones

Joseph S Alina

Ishfaqur Raza

Joe Benefield

The present invention provides an improved heat sink retention assembly, such that the heat sink is physically supported by a base rather than by an integrated circuit. Traditional heat sinks have an alignment feature that physically aligns and supports the heat sink by contact of the feature with an integrated circuit, and that transfers force applied to the heat sink to the integrated circuit. This transferred force may be seen as shear stress at the pins of integrated circuits such as pin-grid arrays, and may damage the integrity of the integrated circuit or its connection to an external circuit. The present invention provides alignment and support features remote from contact with the integrated circuit, and therefore provides support for the heat sink in a manner that does not place substantial stress on the integrated circuit.

Integrated circuit heat sink support and retention mechanism

A heat sink retention frame is disposed about an electronic package, and a heat sink is disposed within the heat sink retention frame above the electronic package. A clip is mounted across a lateral edge surface of the heat sink and fastened to the heat sink retention frame. The clip can help hold the heat sink in place during normal operation and can retain the heat sink in the retention frame during mechanical shocks.

Securing heat sinks

An assembly is disclosed including a printed circuit board, a single piece heat sink retention frame secured to the printed circuit board, the frame comprising four structural members surrounding an aperture, an integrated circuit chip secured to the printed circuit board and positioned within the aperture and a heat sink secured to the frame, the heat sink positioned above the integrated circuit chip and at least partially within the aperture.

Heat sink retention frame

A heat sink for a microprocessor includes a thermally conductive base having a plurality of substantially parallel, arcuate fin structures extending outwardly in a vertical direction from the thermally conductive base. The plurality of substantially parallel fin structures have a high fin density to enhance heat dissipation from the heat sink. In one embodiment, a shroud encloses the fin structures and is attached to the thermally conductive base via latches that fit into a pair of grooves in the bottom surface of the thermally conductive base. A fan is attached to the shroud to direct a convection medium through the plurality of substantially parallel fin structures. Also described is a method of fabricating a heat sink assembly.

Heat sink assembly for an integrated circuit

A heat sink retention module provides physical support for a heat sink while providing an electrical ground path for the heat sink. The retention module includes a ground strip that maintains an electrical contact with the heat sink while contacting a circuit board ground connection. In one embodiment, the ground strip includes upwardly extending spring members that contact the heat sink. In another embodiment, the ground strip includes a Faraday Cage formed from downwardly extending tabs. The retention module can be used in conjunction with an electrically conductive heat sink to provide a ground plane over an integrated circuit to shield the circuit from electromagnetic interference.

Processor EMI shielding

An integrated circuit system has an increased reliability when subjected to stress and vibration. The system includes heat sink retention clips that provide support to the retention system when an upward force is applied to a heat sink. An EMI shield can be provided that provides peripheral shielding for the circuit package thermally coupled to the heat sink.

Heat sink retention components and system

A fastener for an electronic assembly. The fastener may have a spring arm that extends from a stem. The fastener can attach a cover to a heat sink of an electronic assembly. The stem may be inserted into a boss of the cover. The spring arm may exert a force onto the heat sink to press the sink into an integrated circuit package of the assembly.

Heat sink clip for an electronic assembly

An electronic assembly which includes a heat sink that is attached to a substrate by a clip. The assembly includes an integrated circuit package that is mounted to the substrate. The clip has an arm which extends around an edge of the substrate and attaches the heat sink to the substrate. The clip also presses the heat sink into the package. Attaching the heat sink directly to the package may reduce the flatness requirements of the sink and the cost of producing the assembly.

Wrap around clip for an electronic cartridge

A cover for a substrate of an electronic assembly. The cover may include a snap-in pin that can be inserted through an opening of the substrate. The cover may also have a barbed pin that exerts a force onto the substrate. The force secures the pin to the substrate. The snap-in pin and barbed pin may extend from a panel portion of the cover which covers one side of the substrate. The entire cover may be constructed as a relatively inexpensive plastic injection molded part.

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Thomas J Wong