Connector system and related method for connecting processing systems

Abstract

A connector system is disclosed. The connector system may include a support structure, a holder coupled to the support structure, an alignment adjustment structure disposed between the support structure and the holder, and an actuator. The holder may receive a first connector of a connection line. The alignment adjustment structure is compressible along a first axis and movable along a second axis different from the first axis. The actuator is configured to provide movement of the holder to connect the first connector to a second connector of a processing system, such as a system-on-wafer (SoW) assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 260,389, filed Aug. 18, 2021, entitled "ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to electronic assemblies and methods of manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0003] A system - on - wafer (SoW) assembly can include a SoW and a heat dissipation structure coupled to the SoW. A voltage regulation module (VRM) and a thermal interface material can be included between the heat dissipation structure and the SoW. A typical SoW can include multiple connections, and there can be technical challenges associated with connecting SoWs to each other in a narrow space.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a connector system is disclosed. The connector system can include a support structure, a holder coupled to the support structure, an alignment adjustment structure disposed between the support structure and the holder, and an actuator configured to provide movement of the holder to connect a first connector to a second connector of a processing system. The holder is configured to receive the first connector of a connection line. The alignment adjustment structure is compressible along a first axis and movable along a second axis different from the first axis.

[0005] In one embodiment, the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

[0006] In one embodiment, the alignment adjustment structure is movable along a plane parallel to the second axis.

[0007] In one embodiment, the connector system includes an array of holders, and an array of alignment adjustment structures, each including an alignment adjustment structure. Each alignment adjustment structure in the array of alignment adjustment structures is associated with each holder in the array of holders.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connector system further includes a second holder configured to receive a third connector of a second connection line. The second holder may be coupled to a support structure. An actuator may be configured to provide movement of the second holder to connect the second connector to a fourth connector of a processing system.

[0009] In one embodiment, the alignment adjustment structure includes a spring. The connector includes a fastener positioned in an opening in the frame supported by the support structure. Datum (reference) The structure may further include. The fasteners can connect the frame to the holder. The spring responds to being compressed along the first axis, Datum Structure Datum of Cancellation The fastener may be configured as follows: The fastener includes an inclined head portion and a shank portion. At least a portion of the frame opening may be shaped to accommodate the inclined head portion of the fastener. The fastener may include a stepped head portion and a shank portion. At least a portion of the frame opening may be shaped to accommodate the stepped head portion of the fastener.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connector system further includes alignment pins configured to provide alignment between a first connector and a second connector of the processing system with an alignment tolerance of approximately 1 millimeter. The alignment adjustment structure is configured to compensate for the alignment tolerance between the first connector and the second connector.

[0011] In one embodiment, the alignment adjustment structure includes a metal grid pattern.

[0012] In one embodiment, the alignment adjustment structure includes rubber.

[0013] In one embodiment, a multi-cabinet computing system is disclosed. The multi-cabinet computing system may include a first cabinet having a first plurality of processing systems, including a first processing system; a second cabinet having a second plurality of processing systems, including a second processing system; and a connector system configured to connect the first processing systems and the second processing systems by a plurality of connection lines. The connector system includes a connector holder configured to hold the connectors of the connection lines among the plurality of connection lines and coupled to a frame, and an alignment adjustment structure between the connector holder and the frame. The alignment adjustment structure is compressible along a first axis and movable along a plane oriented at a certain angle with respect to the first axis, thereby facilitating the alignment of the connected connectors with the connectors of the first processing systems.

[0014] The first processing system includes a system-on-wafer (SoW) assembly.

[0015] In one embodiment, the alignment adjustment structure includes a spring. The multi-cabinet computing system includes fasteners inserted into openings in a frame supported by a support structure. Datum The structure further includes: A fastener connects the frame to the holder. The spring responds to being compressed along the first axis, Datum Structure Datum of Cancellation The fastener may be configured as follows: The fastener includes an inclined head portion and a shank portion. At least a portion of the frame opening may be shaped to accommodate the inclined head portion of the fastener. The fastener may include a stepped head portion and a shank portion. At least a portion of the frame opening may be shaped to accommodate the stepped head portion of the fastener.

[0016] In one embodiment, the multi-cabinet computing system further includes alignment pins configured to provide alignment between the connector of the connection line and the connector of the first processing system with an alignment tolerance of approximately 1 millimeter. The alignment adjustment structure is configured to compensate for the alignment tolerance between the connector of the connection line and the connector of the first processing system.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first and second processing systems are included in a distributed processing system configured to perform neural network training.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for connecting a first computing system in a first cabinet and a second computing system in a second cabinet via a connecting line. The method may include providing a first connector system for holding a first connector of the connecting line, and acting the first connector system to connect the first connector of the connecting line to a second connector of the first computing system in the first cabinet. The first connector system includes a connector holder for holding the first connector of the connecting line and coupled to a frame, and an alignment adjustment structure between the connector holder and the frame. The actuation compresses the alignment adjustment structure along a first axis and moves the holder along a second axis different from the first axis.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method provides a second connector system for holding a third connector of a connection line, The invention further includes operating the second connector system to connect the third connector of the connection line to the fourth connector of the second computing system in the second cabinet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] Here, we will explain a specific implementation by referring to the following diagram, which is provided as an example rather than an limitation.

[0021] [Figure 1] Shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the processing system.

[0022] [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view of a part of a processing system according to an embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 3] It is a schematic perspective view of an interposer assembly.

[0024] [Figure 4] It is a top view showing a plurality of interposer assemblies arranged on a system-on-a-chip (SoW).

[0025] [Figure 5] It is a schematic perspective view of a connector (e.g., male connector) of a connection line coupled to a holder. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 8A] This shows the various steps involved in connecting the connectors of the connection lines to the corresponding connectors. [Figure 8B] This shows the various steps involved in connecting the connectors of the connection lines to the corresponding connectors. [Figure 8C] This shows the various steps involved in connecting the connectors of the connection lines to the corresponding connectors.

[0032] [Figure 8D] An example of a datum structure is shown. [Figure 8E] An example of a datum structure is shown.

[0033] [Figure 8F] Here is another example of a datum structure. [Figure 8G] Here is another example of a datum structure.

[0034] [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective view of the connector holder frame.

[0035] [Figure 10A] This shows the connector system and processing system before the connectors of the connection lines are connected to the connectors of the processing system.

[0036] [Figure 10B] This shows the connector system and processing system after the connectors of the connection lines have been connected to the connectors of the processing system.

[0037] [Figure 11A] A diagram of a flexi-shape is shown as an example of an alignment adjustment structure.

[0038] [Figure 11B] Another diagram of flexi-sha is shown.

[0039] [Figure 12A]This is a schematic perspective view of an elastic pyramid as an example of an alignment adjustment structure.

[0040] [Figure 12B] This is a schematic side view of an elastic cylinder as an example of an alignment adjustment structure.

[0041] [Figure 13A] Schematic perspective views of a first cabinet and a second cabinet having multiple connector systems are shown.

[0042] [Figure 13B] A magnified view of a portion of Figure 13A is shown.

[0043] [Figure 13C] These are schematic side views of the first and second cabinets.

[0044] [Figure 13D] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 13C, which shows the support rack. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The following detailed description of a particular embodiment presents various descriptions of that particular embodiment. However, the technological innovations described herein can be embodied in numerous different ways, for example, as defined and encompassed by the claims. In this description, drawings are referenced, and similar reference numbers and / or terms may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will be understood that the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, it will be understood that a particular embodiment may include more elements and / or subsets of elements shown in the drawings than those shown. Moreover, some embodiments may incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings.

[0046] A high-performance distributed processing system can include multiple processing systems in different cabinets connected to each other. Each cabinet can include an array of processing systems. Some techniques for connecting processing systems in different cabinets include having connectors on one side of the cabinet so that all connectors are accessible from one side of the cabinet. While such techniques can allow users to manually change connections and facilitate certain system maintenance, having all connections on one side of the cabinet can degrade the performance of the distributed processing system. For example, if all connectors are on one side of the cabinet, the connector lines between cabinets can add delay to the shortest physical path between processing systems in different cabinets.

[0047] Aspects of this disclosure relate to connector systems that enable short connections between processing systems in confined spaces. Such connector systems can facilitate connection and disconnection for maintenance in areas where there is insufficient space for a user to manually adjust the connections. The connector systems disclosed herein can facilitate connections between processing systems on multiple sides of a cabinet, enabling short connections between processing systems in different cabinets. This can reduce the length of connector lines and improve the performance of high-performance distributed computing applications. The connector systems disclosed herein can connect a relatively large number of connectors within small alignment tolerances. In the technology disclosed herein, connectors can be connected within mismatch tolerances that are about two orders of magnitude smaller than the variation tolerances between cabinets.

[0048] In multi-cabinet computing systems, tolerance variations of several tens of millimeters may occur between cabinets. To facilitate connections between connectors for connecting computing systems in different cabinets, an acceptable connector misalignment of approximately 0.1 millimeters may be present. The connector systems disclosed herein may include alignment structures that align connectors within a misalignment tolerance of approximately 0.1 millimeters, from an initial alignment misalignment of several tens of millimeters.

[0049] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to connector systems for connecting two or more systems, such as system-on-wafer (SoW) assemblies, to another system or to one or more other SoW assemblies. In some embodiments, the connector system can connect systems located in different cabinets. The connector system can enable connections between systems that are arranged across cabinet walls. The connectors of the systems may not be easily accessible to humans. The connector systems disclosed herein can enable connecting and disconnecting systems without a human being physically present at the connection point.

[0050] The connector system may include an alignment structure that facilitates the alignment of two connectors (e.g., a male connector with a female connector). A motor can drive the connector system. In some embodiments, the system may include a first alignment structure (e.g., alignment pins or holes) that roughly aligns the male and female connectors, and a second alignment structure that can provide precise alignment between the male and female connectors. The second alignment structure is three-dimensionally adjustable in alignment between the male and female connectors. For example, the second alignment structure may be able to float horizontally (e.g., along the xy-plane) and be compressible vertically (e.g., along the z-axis). The second alignment structure may be coupled to a holder that holds the connectors configured to connect to another connector.

[0051] A SoW assembly may include a SoW and a cooling system coupled to the SoW. The SoW may include an array of integrated circuit dies. The SoW assembly may include an array of electronic modules, such as a voltage regulation module (VRM), positioned between the SoW and the cooling system. A typical SoW assembly may include several connectors and disconnectors that may require maintenance to attach or detach individual components, such as wafers.

[0052] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the processing system 10. The processing system 10 is an exemplary processing system that can be connected by a connector system disclosed herein. The processing system 10 may include a system-on-wafer (SoW) assembly. The processing system 10 can have a high computation density and can dissipate the heat generated by the processing system 10. The processing system 10 can perform trillions of operations per second in a particular application. The processing system 10 is used in and / or can be specifically configured for high-performance computing and / or computationally intensive applications such as neural network training and / or processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Redundancy can be implemented in the processing system 10. In some applications, the processing system 10 can be used to generate data for autonomous driving systems such as those in vehicles (e.g., automobiles).

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a processing system 10 according to one embodiment. The processing system 10 shown in Figure 2 can share various components with the processing system 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the processing system 10 includes a cooling component 12, a SoW 14, a voltage regulation module (VRM) 16, and a cooling system 18. As shown in Figure 2, the processing system 10 includes a cooling component 12, a frame structure 15, a voltage regulation module (VRM) 16, and an interposer assembly 20.

[0055] The cooling component 12 can cool the SoW 14. The cooling component 12 can be any suitable component for dissipating heat, removing heat, or lowering the temperature of components of the processing system during operation. The cooling component 12 may include a heat spreader. Such a heat spreader may include a metal plate. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling component 12 may include a heat sink. The cooling component 12 may include any suitable material having desirable heat dissipation properties. In some cases, the cooling component 12 may include a cold plate through which a coolant flows for active cooling. A thermal interface material may be included between the cooling component 12 and the SoW 14 to reduce and / or minimize heat transfer resistance.

[0056] SoW14 can include an array of integrated circuit (IC) dies. The IC dies can be embedded in the molding material. SoW14 can have a high computation density. The IC dies may be semiconductor dies such as silicon dies. The array of IC dies can include any appropriate number of IC dies. For example, the array of IC dies can include 16 IC dies, 25 IC dies, 36 IC dies, or 49 IC dies. SoW14 can be, for example, an integrated fan-out (InFO) wafer. An InFO wafer can include multiple routing layers on the array of IC dies. For example, an InFO wafer can include 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10 routing layers in a particular application. The routing layers of an InFO wafer can provide signal connections between IC dies and / or to external components. SoW14 can have a relatively large diameter, such as in the range of 10 to 15 inches. As an example, SoW14 can have a diameter of 12 inches.

[0057] The frame structure 15 can contribute to the structural integrity of the processing system 10. The frame structure 15 can support the VRM 16 and hold the VRM 16 in place.

[0058] The VRM16 can be arranged such that each VRM is stacked with the IC die of the SoW14. In the processing system 10, the VRM16 is densely packed. Therefore, the VRM16 can consume a considerable amount of power. The VRM16 is configured to receive a direct current (DC) supply voltage and supply a lower output voltage to the corresponding IC die of the SoW14.

[0059] The cooling system 18 can provide active cooling to the VRM 16. The cooling system 18 may include metal having channels through which a heat transfer fluid flows. In the assembled processing system 10, the cooling system 18 can be bolted to the cooling component 12. This can provide structural support for the SoW 14 and / or reduce the possibility of failure of the SoW 14.

[0060] The cooling component 12 can be connected to the frame structure 15 by at least one fastener, such as one or more screws 21. The screws 21 can be provided through each hole 30 (see Figure 4) in the cooling component 12 and each hole 19 in the frame structure 15 to connect the cooling component 12 to the frame structure 15.

[0061] The cooling component 12 and / or the frame structure 15 may include an alignment structure for horizontally aligning the position of the cooling component 12 with respect to the frame structure 15.

[0062] The interposer assembly 20 may be positioned in the edge region of the processing system 10. In some embodiments, one or more arrays of interposer assemblies 20 may be arranged laterally around the VRM 16. For example, on each side of the processing system 10, interposer assemblies 20, each having two connectors, may be arranged laterally around the VRM 16. The interposer assembly 20 may have input / output connectors accessible through openings in the frame structure 15. As shown in the figure, a relatively high density of connectors can be achieved using the interposer assembly 20. The interposer assembly 20 can provide interface routing between the processing system 10 and another processing system or external device.

[0063] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the interposer assembly 20. The interposer assembly 20 may include a carrier 22, one or more connectors 24 coupled to the carrier 22, and one or more surface-mount components 26 attached to the carrier 22. The interposer assembly 20 may include a connector housing 25. In some embodiments, the connectors 24 may include female connectors, and the connector housing 25 may be configured to guide a male connector (not shown) to connect to the connectors 24. The interposer assembly 20 can provide interface routing between the processing system 10 and another processing system or external device. For example, an array of processing systems 10 may be connected to each other via the interposer assembly 20. In some embodiments, the connectors 24 may include high-speed connectors configured as input / output connectors for the processing system 10. Such connectors may have high throughput. In some cases, the connectors 24 may transmit differential pairs of signals. One or more surface-mount components 26 may include, for example, surface-mount capacitors, surface-mount inductors, or surface-mount capacitors and surface-mount inductors. The carrier 22 may include an interposer printed circuit board (PCB). The carrier 22 may have a region 28 configured to receive forces applied to the carrier 22. The region 28 of the carrier 22 does not have to contain electronic components.

[0064] Figure 4 is a top view showing multiple interposer assemblies 20 positioned on top of the SoW 14. The SoW 14 is positioned on top of the cooling component 12. The interposer assemblies 20 may be located in or near the edge region 14a of the SoW 14. Thus, the interposer assemblies 20 may be positioned along the periphery or periphery of the SoW 14. The SoW 14 may include integrated circuit dies (not shown in Figure 4) beneath the interposer assemblies 20. For example, as will be discussed later, a specific range of pressure may be applied to the integrated circuit dies to achieve sufficient thermal performance.

[0065] The cooling component 12 may include alignment holes 30. In some embodiments, the cooling component 12 may include alignment holes 30 at each corner of the cooling component 12.

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a connector 40 (e.g., a male connector) of a connection line coupled to a holder 42 (see Figures 6C and 7B). The connector 40 may be configured to align and connect with a connector 24 of an interposer assembly 20 (see Figures 3 and 4). For example, the connector 40 may be inserted into a connector housing 25 of an interposer assembly 20. The other end of the connector 40 may be connected to a connection line (see Figures 6C and 7B). In some embodiments, the connector 40 may remain connected to the holder 42 when the connector 40 is connected to the connector 24. In some other embodiments, the holder 42 may be configured so that the connector 40 is disconnected from the holder 42 when the connector 40 is connected to the connector 24.

[0067] Figure 6A is a schematic side view of the connector system 50 fixed to the cabinet bracket 52 in a first state. Figure 6B is a schematic side view of the connector system 50 fixed to the cabinet bracket 52 in a second state different from the first state. Figure 6C is a schematic perspective view of the connector system 50 in the second state having connection lines 48. The connector system 50 will be described with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C. The connector system 50 may include a connector holder frame 54 that can connect a plurality of holders 42. The connector system 50 may include at least one alignment pin 56 that can substantially align the connector 40 with the corresponding connector 24 of the interposer assembly 20 (see Figures 3 and 4). The connector system 50 may include a support structure 58 that supports the connector 40, the holder 42, the connector holder frame 54, and the alignment pin 56. An alignment adjustment structure 62 may be provided between the holder 42 and the connector holder frame 54. In some embodiments, the alignment adjustment structure 62 may include at least one spring.

[0068] Each holder 42 in the holder array of the connector system 50 can be independently coupled to its respective alignment adjustment structure 62. Each individual alignment adjustment structure 62 can independently compensate for different misalignments between connectors 24 and 40. This is advantageous when making several connections between connector pairs in the array, as it can address different misalignments between each connector pair.

[0069] One or more of the holders 42 in the holder array may be positioned such that each connector 40 held by one or more holders 42 is misaligned with the corresponding connector 24 of the interposer assembly 20, and this misalignment is corrected by the alignment adjustment structure 62. This correction may be applied differently across the array of alignment adjustment structures 62. The alignment adjustment structure 62 enables all connectors 40 held by the array of holders 42 to be properly connected to the corresponding connector 24.

[0070] The connector system 50 may include an actuator 59. In some embodiments, the actuator 59 may include an elevator as shown. The actuator 59 can provide linear motion of the support structure 58. The actuator 59 may include a motor 61, a shaft 64, and a guide structure 66. In some embodiments, the shaft 64 may include a lead screw, and the guide structure 66 may include a lead nut. For example, the lead nut may include a split nut. The motor 61 may provide rotational motion to the shaft 64, and the rotational motion can be converted into vertical linear motion by the lead screw and lead nut. In some embodiments, the lead screw and lead nut may be fitted with Acme threads or square threads. In the first state of the connector system 50 shown in Figure 6A, the support structure 58 is at a first height relative to the position of the cabinet bracket 52. In the second state of the connector system 50 shown in Figure 6B, the support structure 58 is at a second height higher than the first height relative to the position of the cabinet bracket 52.

[0071] Connector 40 is provided at one end of the connection line 48, and connector 40' is provided at the other end of the connection line 48. Connector 40' may be connected to another system that is the same as or substantially the same as the processing system 10, for example. In some embodiments, the connection line 48 may include multiple wires.

[0072] Figure 7A is a schematic side view of an alignment pin 56 coupled to a connector holder frame 54. The alignment pin 56 may be configured to be inserted into an alignment hole in a system (e.g., a processing system 10) to which the connector 40 is configured to be connected. Those skilled in the art will understand that the alignment pin 56 is an exemplary alignment structure for aligning a system with another system, and such an alignment structure may include an alignment hole or one or more other structures that can position the system in a specific position relative to the other system. In some embodiments, the alignment pin 56 may be configured to align the connector 40 with the corresponding connector 24 of the processing system 10 with an alignment tolerance in a horizontal plane (e.g., the xy plane). The alignment tolerance in the horizontal plane may be about one millimeter. For example, the alignment pin 56 can reduce cabinet variation by about an order of magnitude.

[0073] Figure 7B is a schematic side view of the connector 40 coupled to the holder 42. The connector 40 is located at the end of the connection line 48. The holder 42 is connected to the connector holder frame 54 via at least one fastener 60. The combination of the connector holder frame 54 and the fastener 60 is Datum The structure can be defined. In some embodiments, the fastener 60 may include a chamfered bolt. An alignment adjustment structure 62 may be provided between the holder 42 and the connector holder frame 54. In some embodiments, the alignment adjustment structure 62 may include at least one spring. Figure 7B shows a pair of springs 62a, 62b as an example of the alignment adjustment structure 62.

[0074] The alignment adjustment structure 62 can adjust the alignment between connectors 24 and 40 for connection to each other. The alignment adjustment structure 62 can enable more accurate, precise, and / or reliable alignment between connectors 24 and 40 compared to when only alignment pins 56 are used. In some embodiments, the alignment adjustment structure 62 is configured to compensate for misalignment between connectors 24 and 40 so that connectors 24 and 40 are aligned within an alignment tolerance. In some embodiments, the alignment adjustment structure 62 may be configured to align connector 40 with the corresponding connector 24 of the processing system 10 with an alignment tolerance in a horizontal plane (e.g., the xy plane) of about 0.1 mm. For example, the alignment adjustment structure 62 and alignment pins 56 together can reduce cabinet variation by about two orders of magnitude.

[0075] Figures 8A to 8C illustrate the various steps in connecting the connector 40 attached to the connection line 48 (see Figure 7B) to the corresponding connector 24. Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the connector 40 coupled to the connector holder frame 54 by a fastener 60. The combination of the connector holder frame 54 and the fastener 60 is: Datum The structure can be defined. An alignment adjustment structure 62 (for example, a spring 62a) is provided between the connector 40 and the connector holder frame 54.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8B, if the positions of connector 40 and connector 24 are misaligned, a part of connector 40 may collide with the connector housing 25 of connector 24. The spring 62a allows the fastener 60 to move vertically between the connector holder frame 54 and the fastener 60. Datum release (unlocking the datum)This causes the fastener 60 and connector 40 to move horizontally. The fastener 60 may include an inclined head portion 60a and a shank portion 60b. In some embodiments, the shank portion 60b may be narrower than the opening 54a of the connector holder frame 54 in which the shank portion 60b is positioned in order to allow horizontal movement.

[0077] The connector housing 25 can guide the connector 40 to connect to the connector 24. As shown in the figure, the connector housing 25 may include a guide structure 25a to facilitate positional adjustment between the corresponding connectors 24 and 40. The position of the connector 40 on the connection line 48 can be adjusted to align with the connector 24 of the processing system 10. Thus, the alignment adjustment structure 62 can float the connector 40 horizontally and compress it vertically, as shown in Figure 8C, to enable proper alignment between the corresponding connectors 24 and 40.

[0078] Figures 8D and 8E are shown below. Datum Examples of structures (e.g., connector holder frame 54 and fastener 60) are shown. The fastener 60 shown in Figure 8D has an inclined head portion 60a with an inclination angle of 45°. The fastener 60 shown in Figure 8E has an inclined head portion 60a with an inclination angle of x°, which is greater than 45°. In some embodiments, the opening 54a of the connector holder frame 54 may be shaped to fit the shape of the fastener 60. When the inclination angle of the inclined head portion 60a is greater, Datum The structure exhibits faster horizontal gaps compared to shallower angles. Cancellation by To provide.

[0079] Figures 8F and 8G are shown below. DatumAnother example of a structure (e.g., a connector holder frame 54 and a fastener 60) is shown. The fastener 60' shown in Figures 8F and 8G has a shank portion 60b and a stepped head portion 60c. The stepped head portion 60c can lock the horizontal movement of the connector 40 in the first state, as shown in Figure 8F. When a vertical downward force is applied to the connector 40, the stepped head portion 60c can move vertically accordingly, between the connector holder frame 54 and the fastener 60. Datum Removal This causes the connector 40 to move horizontally. The spring 62a is compressed when a downward force is applied to the connector 40. The spring 62a is biased to maintain an upward force sufficient to connect the connector 40 to the connector 24 (see Figure 8B).

[0080] The connector holder frame 54 and the fastener 60 are positioned between the connector holder frame 54 and the fastener 60 when there is vertical movement of the connector 40. Datum Removal It can have any other suitable shape to enable this.

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the connector holder frame 54. The connector holder frame 54 may have one or more openings 54a configured to receive fasteners 60. In some embodiments, there may be two openings 54a for each holder 42. One or more openings 54a and the connector frame 54 may be implemented according to any suitable principles and advantages described with reference to Figures 8A to 8E.

[0082] Figure 10A shows the connector system 50 and processing system 10 before the connector 40 of the connection line 48 is connected to the connector 24 of the processing system 10. Figure 10B shows the connector system 50 and processing system 10 after the connector 40 of the connection line 48 is connected to the connector 24 of the processing system 10. The connector system 50 utilizes alignment pins 56 and alignment adjustment structure 62.

[0083] Space on the interposer assembly 20 may be limited. As disclosed herein, special tools may be used to grasp connectors for insertion into connectors or sockets, or to release the latches of locking mechanisms for removing connectors. Such tools may allow multiple connectors to be removed and serviced in a single operation.

[0084] In various embodiments disclosed herein, individual components of a cabinet can be synchronized to facilitate group functionality. Control algorithms can also be incorporated to take into account the individual performance of the operation of each individual actuator. Each cabinet may include an individual controller. Alternatively, multiple cabinets may be controlled by a single component function or module.

[0085] Following coarse adjustment, fine adjustment can be achieved using alignment adjustment structures 62 (e.g., conical fasteners with springs). The spring force (e.g., of springs 62a, 62b) or elasticity can provide a greater force proportional to the misalignment error in the adjustment. In one example, pins that are not misaligned will not generate a large reaction force from the fine adjustment. In another example, pins that are more significantly misaligned will generate a greater force due to the pressure on the conical guide and spring. In one embodiment, conical fasteners can be associated with individual connectors. Such embodiments can facilitate the self-adjustment of individual connectors for unbalanced connections or uneven forces. Alternatively, the number of conical connectors can be selected based on the desired amount of self-adjustment. Spring-loaded conical connectors also provide an upward force to maintain the connection of the components.

[0086] An array of connectors 40 on a connection line 48 can be connected to a corresponding array of connectors 24 on a processing system 10. The principles and advantages disclosed herein can enable precise alignment and / or reliable connection between the connectors 40 and 24. In some embodiments, a first alignment structure (e.g., alignment pins 56) can generally align the connector 40 with the corresponding connector 24, and a second alignment structure (e.g., alignment adjustment structure 62) can provide more precise alignment. Without the alignment adjustment structure 62, if one or more connectors 40 are misaligned with respect to the corresponding connector 24, the misaligned connectors 40, 24 may not be connected. The alignment adjustment structure 62 allows the misaligned connectors 40 to adjust their position individually, thereby providing a connection between the misaligned connectors 40, 24 without shifting the other connectors 40.

[0087] The actuator 59 may include an actuator that is not back-driveable. A back-driveable actuator may be one that reverses the movement of the actuator when subjected to a force in the opposite direction to the direction of operation. When a back-driveable actuator is not powered or is in disabled mode, the actuator can move freely in any direction due to an external force. For example, the shaft of an electric motor that is not supplied with power can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise based on an external force (external torque). Various embodiments of the alignment adjustment structure 62 disclosed herein can be used in combination with a back-driveable actuator to enable sufficient force to be applied to the connector 40. In some embodiments, the actuator 59 can be configured as a back-driveable actuator by using a low-lead Acme threaded rod on the shaft 64 and a low-lead nut (e.g., a split nut) on the guide structure 66. In some embodiments, the actuator or actuator 59 may include a spring-loaded back-driveable actuator.

[0088] The alignment adjustment structure 62 can be described with reference to a spring, but the alignment adjustment structure 62 can be implemented in a variety of different ways. In further embodiments, as shown in Figures 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B, the alignment adjustment structure 62 may include an elastic rubber pyramid or a flexible arm cut into a metal cable holder, which can achieve the same or substantially similar function as the springs 62a, 62b. Figure 11A shows a diagram of a flexi 62c (e.g., a checkered structure) as an example of the alignment adjustment structure 62. Figure 11B shows a schematic plan view of the flexi 62c. Figure 12A is a schematic perspective view of an elastic pyramid 62d as an example of the alignment adjustment structure 62. Figure 12B is a schematic side view of an elastic cylinder as an example of the alignment adjustment structure 62. In some other embodiments, the alignment adjustment structure 62 may include any suitable structure and / or material that is compressible along the first axis and movable along a plane that is not parallel to the first axis (e.g., perpendicular to it), or along a second axis that is different from the first axis (e.g., perpendicular to it).

[0089] Various embodiments of the connector systems disclosed herein can be used to connect two or more systems in different cabinets. For example, the connector systems according to various embodiments disclosed herein can be used to provide a connection between a first system-on-wafer (SoW) assembly in a first cabinet and a second SoW assembly in a second cabinet via a connecting line. Each of these cabinets may contain an array of SoW assemblies within a common housing.

[0090] Figure 13A shows a schematic perspective view of a first cabinet 70 and a second cabinet 72 having multiple connector systems 50. Figure 13B shows an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 13A. Figure 13C is a schematic side view of the first and second cabinets 70, 72. Figure 13D is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 13C showing a support rack 74. Although not shown in Figures 13A to 13D for simplification, each of the first and second cabinets 70, 72 may include multiple SoW assemblies mounted thereon (e.g., the processing system 10 shown in Figure 1). The support rack 74 can support the SoW assemblies. In some embodiments, each of the first and second cabinets 70, 72 may include rows and columns of SoW assemblies. When SoW assemblies are installed, it may be impossible to access the connectors of the SoW assemblies by hand. The connector systems disclosed herein can connect and / or disconnect two or more SoW assemblies without a human being physically present at the connection point. Without the connector system 50, the first and second cabinets 70, 72 may need to be disassembled and / or moved to maintain connections between two or more SoW assemblies.

[0091] As shown in Figures 13A to 13D, the connector system 50 can provide a connection between the first SoW assembly of the first cabinet 70 and the second SoW assembly of the second cabinet 72 across the cabinet wall. The connector system 50 disclosed herein can enable maintenance of connections between two or more SoW assemblies without disassembling the first and second cabinets 70, 72.

[0092] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words such as “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” and “including” throughout the description and claims should be interpreted in a comprehensive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, “includes but not limited to.” As commonly used herein, the word “combined” refers to two or more elements that are directly connected or that can be connected by one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, the words “as specified herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar meaning, when used in this application, refer to the entire application and not to any particular part thereof. Where the context allows, the words in the above detailed description that use singular or plural numbers may also each contain plural or singular numbers. The word "or" in relation to a list of two or more items encompasses all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0093] Furthermore, the conditional language used herein, in particular "can," "could," "might," "may," "eg," "for example," and "such as," is generally intended to convey that a particular embodiment includes a particular feature, element, and / or state, but other embodiments do not, unless otherwise specified or understood in the context in which it is used. Accordingly, such conditional language is not generally intended to suggest that a feature, element, and / or state is required in any way in one or more embodiments.

[0094] The above description is based on reference to specific embodiments. However, the above illustrative description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form described. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. This will enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the technology and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for various applications.

[0095] While the present disclosure and embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications should be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector system, Support structure and A holder configured to receive a first connector of a connection line, wherein the holder is coupled to the support structure, An alignment adjustment structure that is compressible along a first axis and movable along a second axis different from the first axis, wherein the alignment adjustment structure is positioned between the support structure and the holder. An actuator configured to provide movement of the holder so as to connect the first connector to a second connector of the processing system, A connector system equipped with the following features.

2. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

3. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the alignment adjustment structure is movable along a plane parallel to the second axis.

4. The aforementioned connector system An array of holders including the aforementioned holder, The connector system according to claim 1, comprising an array of the alignment adjustment structures, wherein each alignment adjustment structure in the array of the alignment adjustment structures is associated with each holder in the array of the holders.

5. The connector system according to claim 1, further comprising a second holder configured to receive a third connector of a second connection line, wherein the second holder is coupled to the support structure, and the actuator is configured to provide movement of the second holder to connect the second connector to a fourth connector of the processing system.

6. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the alignment adjustment structure includes a spring.

7. The connector system according to claim 6, further comprising a datum structure including a fastener positioned in an opening of a frame supported by the support structure, wherein the fastener is configured to connect the frame to the holder and to release the datum of the datum structure in response to the spring being compressed along the first axis.

8. The connector system according to claim 7, wherein the fastener includes an inclined head portion and a shank portion, and at least a portion of the opening of the frame is shaped to accommodate the inclined head portion of the fastener.

9. The connector system according to claim 7, wherein the fastener includes a stepped head portion and a shank portion, and at least a portion of the opening of the frame is shaped to accommodate the stepped head portion of the fastener.

10. The connector system according to claim 1, further comprising alignment pins configured to provide alignment between the first connector and the second connector of the processing system with an alignment tolerance of approximately millimeters, wherein the alignment adjustment structure is configured to correct the alignment tolerance between the first connector and the second connector.

11. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the alignment adjustment structure comprises a metal grid pattern.

12. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the alignment adjustment structure comprises rubber.

13. A multi-cabinet computing system, A first cabinet including a first plurality of processing systems, including a first processing system, A second cabinet including a second set of processing systems, A connector system configured to connect the first processing system and the second processing system via a plurality of connection lines, wherein the connector system is A connector holder configured to hold the connector of one of the multiple connection lines and to be coupled to the frame, An alignment adjustment structure between the connector holder and the frame, wherein the alignment adjustment structure is compressible along a first axis and movable along a plane oriented at a certain angle with respect to the first axis, thereby facilitating the alignment of the connected connector and the connector of the first processing system; and a connector system comprising this alignment adjustment structure. A multi-cabinet computing system equipped with these features.

14. The multi-cabinet computing system according to claim 13, wherein the first processing system includes a system-on-wafer (SoW) assembly.

15. The multi-cabinet computing system according to claim 13, wherein the alignment adjustment structure includes a spring.

16. The multi-cabinet computing system according to claim 15, further comprising a datum structure including a fastener inserted into an opening in a frame supported by the support structure, wherein the fastener is configured to connect the frame to the holder and to release the datum of the datum structure in response to the spring being compressed along the first axis.

17. The multi-cabinet computing system according to claim 16, wherein the fastener comprises an inclined head portion and a shank portion, and at least a portion of the opening of the frame is shaped to accommodate the inclined head portion of the fastener.

18. The multi-cabinet computing system according to claim 16, wherein the fastener includes a stepped head portion and a shank portion, and at least a portion of the opening of the frame is shaped to accommodate the stepped head portion of the fastener.

19. The multi-cabinet computing system according to claim 13, further comprising an alignment pin configured to provide alignment between the connector of the connection line and the connector of the first processing system with an alignment tolerance of approximately millimeters, wherein the alignment adjustment structure is configured to correct the alignment tolerance between the connector of the connection line and the connector of the first processing system.

20. The multi-cabinet computing system according to claim 13, wherein the first and second processing systems are included in a distributed processing system configured to perform neural network training.

21. A method for connecting a first computing system in a first cabinet and a second computing system in a second cabinet via a connecting line, The steps include providing a first connector system that holds a first connector of the aforementioned connection line, The steps include: operating the first connector system to connect the first connector of the connection line to the second connector of the first computing system in the first cabinet; A method wherein the first connector system comprises a connector holder that holds the first connector of the connection line and is coupled to a frame, and an alignment adjustment structure between the connector holder and the frame, wherein the operation compresses the alignment adjustment structure along a first axis and moves the holder along a second axis different from the first axis.

22. The steps include providing a second connector system for holding a third connector of the aforementioned connection line, The method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of operating a second connector system to connect the third connector of the connection line to the fourth connector of the second computing system in the second cabinet.

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