In-Situ IC Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing with Fluid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) with increasingly finer gate spacing and high heat generation pose challenges in evaluating electromagnetic compatibility in an in-situ environment, as existing methods struggle to accurately measure electromagnetic fields without interfering with the IC's operation and thermal management.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electromagnetic test system using a fluid chamber and test probe setup that allows for in-situ measurement of electric and magnetic fields while maintaining proper thermal management, allowing the IC to operate within acceptable temperature ranges and ensuring non-interference with the fields produced by the IC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If large heatsinks or cooling systems are used to manage thermal energy, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic field measurement environment with thermal management functionality by integrating a controlled atmosphere chamber that simultaneously maintains electromagnetic compatibility and provides cooling through fluid circulation, eliminating the need for separate large heatsinks or cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled atmosphere chamber serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding for accurate field measurement, maintains thermal management through fluid circulation, and creates a stable testing environment, replacing multiple separate systems with a single multi-functional device
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field measurement equipment is placed close to the IC, then measurement precision is improved, but interference with the IC operation and electromagnetic fields increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled atmosphere chamber as an intermediary between the IC and the measurement environment. This chamber provides electromagnetic shielding and isolation, allowing precise measurement of electromagnetic fields while preventing interference with IC operation through the use of RF-absorbing materials and controlled atmospheric conditions
3Productivity
If the IC operates at higher power to compensate for thermal losses, then productivity is improved, but heat generation and thermal management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements thermal feedback control by circulating fluid through the chamber and monitoring temperature conditions, allowing the system to dynamically adjust cooling parameters based on real-time thermal measurements, enabling higher power operation without excessive heat accumulation
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
Enables comprehensive and accurate measurement of electromagnetic compatibility of ICs in real operating conditions, ensuring the fields produced are within acceptable ranges, thus ensuring proper operation and thermal management without disrupting the IC's electromagnetic emissions.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid flow is circulated through the fluid chamber to remove heat produced by operation of the integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
A test probe is inserted into a hole of the fluid chamber to measure electromagnetic fields produced by the integrated circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to evaluate electromagnetic characteristics of an integrated circuit. The device includes a fluid chamber, a first impeller, a second impeller, and a radio frequency measurement antenna. The fluid chamber is configured to receive the integrated circuit and to cool the integrated circuit. The first impeller is disposed within the fluid chamber and configured to distribute a first electromagnetic field produced by the integrated circuit within the fluid chamber along a first axis. The second impeller is within the fluid chamber and configured to distribute the first electromagnetic field produced by the integrated circuit within the fluid chamber along a second axis. The radio frequency measurement antenna is disposed proximate the fluid chamber and configured to measure an electric field and a magnetic field of the first electromagnetic field.