Pluggable CPU Module With Vertical Power for Shorter Delivery Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical power arrangements in modern processors face challenges such as power loss and delay due to longer power delivery paths and require multiple reflow steps for component installation, which can lead to warpage of the board, especially when multiple components are installed.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained vertical power arrangement module that includes a microprocessor package and a voltage regulator with a direct electrical connection, allowing for a shorter power delivery path and easy installation/removal, using a pluggable design with a motherboard or PCBA featuring apertures and electronic communication interfaces for stable support and independent replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If voltage regulator and processor are installed separately on the board, then installation flexibility is maintained, but power delivery path length increases causing power loss and delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage regulator and processor into a single integrated module assembly, where the voltage regulator is mounted directly on the processor package. This merging eliminates the need for separate board installations while shortening the power delivery path, thereby reducing power loss and delay without increasing overall installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is positioned in a vertical arrangement directly above or below the processor package, transitioning from a traditional planar layout to a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change shortens the power delivery path while maintaining installation flexibility through the modular design.
2Reliability
If multiple voltage regulators and processors are installed on the same board, then power delivery performance improves, but board warpage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the voltage regulator with the processor package into a single module, the patent reduces the number of separate heavy components mounted on the board. This consolidation maintains power delivery reliability through direct coupling while minimizing board warpage by reducing the cumulative thermal and mechanical stress from multiple discrete installations.
3Ease of operation
If voltage regulator is located on the same side of the board as the processor, then installation is simpler, but power delivery path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator and processor are combined into a single integrated module that is installed as one unit on the board. This approach maintains installation simplicity while the internal direct connection between components minimizes power delivery path length, eliminating the trade-off between installation ease and power delivery speed.
4Reliability
If components are permanently bonded to the board, then connection reliability improves, but replacement and reconfiguration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a modular assembly where the voltage regulator and processor are pre-integrated but the entire module can be easily removed and replaced on the board. This segmentation allows for reliable operation during use while enabling simple replacement and reconfiguration, eliminating the need to permanently bond individual components to the board.
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable processor module includes a microprocessor package, a voltage regulator including a capacitor board, and contacts that each include a first side in contact with the microprocessor package and a second side in contact with the capacitor board. An assembly includes the pluggable processor module and a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) including a module aperture that is large enough to receive the power board and narrower than the capacitor board.