ASIC Assembly Load Washer Thickness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

High clamping loads required for large Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) can cause PCB and bolster plate deflection, leading to operational issues, necessitating a precise control of the load range to ensure reliable connection without excessive bowing.

Innovation Solution

Adjusting the thickness of a load washer based on the measured spring rate of the load plate to control the load applied by the attach hardware, ensuring the desired clamping force is achieved while minimizing deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high clamping load is applied to secure the ASIC to the circuit board, then reliable electrical contact is ensured, but PCB and bolster plate deflection occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidPCB and bolster plate deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the load washer thickness to precisely control the clamping load magnitude. By changing this physical parameter, the system achieves reliable electrical contact (400-700 pounds load) while preventing excessive deflection that would compromise PCB or socket integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The load washer serves as an intermediary element between the load screw and the load plate. This mediator component distributes and controls the force transmission, allowing precise load application without direct contact that would cause localized stress and deflection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the load range is minimized through hard stops or torque settings, then load control precision is improved, but assembly complexity and measurement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload control precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load washer thickness is selected based on predetermined spring rate measurements, allowing the assembly to self-regulate the load within the target range. The physical dimensions of the washer inherently limit the load screw's travel, providing self-contained load control without requiring complex external measurement or adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for accurate and consistent application of the target load, reducing load tolerance and avoiding PCB or bolster plate bowing, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the ASIC connection.

Implementation Method 1

a load screw is tightened to push the load plate and bolster plate apart causing the load plate to flex and generate the desired clamping force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7536781B2Method of assembling an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) assembly with attach hardware
Publication Date: 2009.05.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US7536781B2 patent drawing
  • US7536781B2 patent drawing
  • US7536781B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of assembling an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) assembly with attach hardware includes selecting a thickness of a load washer based on a target load to be applied by said attach hardware.