Memory Subsystem TCM Cooling for Sustained Data Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory sub-systems face challenges in efficiently managing data throughput and heat dissipation, particularly when the internal temperature of memory devices or controllers exceeds 85 degrees Celsius, leading to throttling of data throughput and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a thermally conductive material (TCM) that is physically and thermally coupled to memory components, acting as a heat sink to dissipate heat while maintaining compliance with height restrictions on printed circuit boards, thereby controlling data throughput based on temperature thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data throughput is increased in memory sub-systems, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing throttling and reduced performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidoperating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A thermally conductive material (TCM) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the memory components and the heat sink. The TCM fills voids and improves thermal contact, enabling more efficient heat transfer from the memory sub-system components to the heat dissipation structure, thereby allowing sustained high data throughput without excessive temperature rise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing a material with high thermal conductivity (TCM) into the thermal pathway. This parameter change enhances the overall heat transfer coefficient, allowing the system to dissipate heat more effectively and maintain lower operating temperatures during high-performance operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If heat dissipation structures are added to memory sub-systems, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermally conductive material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a thermal interface material for heat dissipation, a filler to eliminate voids in the packaging structure, and a structural element that maintains component spacing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving temperature control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If thermally conductive material is deposited on PCB, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoiddeposition precision
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thermally conductive material is applied selectively at specific locations on the PCB where thermal interface is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire board. This localized application approach allows for targeted heat dissipation enhancement while reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to full-coverage deposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively maintains the operating temperature of memory systems at a lower level, prolonging the time before data throughput throttling occurs, thus improving the efficiency and performance of memory sub-systems while reducing physical resource consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a thermally conductive material (TCM) that is physically and thermally coupled to memory components, acting as a heat sink to dissipate heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4495736A1Improved data throughput using tcm
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP4495736A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4495736A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4495736A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure configure a memory sub-system processor to use a thermally conductive material (TCM) to improve thermal energy storage and heat dissipation to improve a data transfer rate. The TCM surrounds the set of memory components and the processing device and is configured to dissipate heat from the processing device and the set of memory components.