Semiconductor Module Thermal Management via Segmented Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor modules face challenges in integrating semiconductor elements with high density and efficiently releasing heat, as existing technologies often lead to overheating due to heat transfer between elements.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor module design where a connector is positioned between the first semiconductor element and the second circuit board, allowing direct heat transfer to the circuit boards without passing through the second semiconductor element, thereby reducing heat flow and enabling efficient heat release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If semiconductor elements are integrated with high density, then the quantity of semiconductor elements increases, but heat release efficiency deteriorates due to heat transfer between elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of semiconductor elementsVSAvoidheat release efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple portions: a first portion sandwiched between the first semiconductor element and the first circuit board, and a second portion sandwiched between the first semiconductor element and the second circuit board. This segmentation allows heat to be divided and transferred to multiple heat dissipation paths simultaneously, improving overall heat release efficiency while maintaining high-density integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector acts as an intermediary component that facilitates direct heat transfer from the first semiconductor element to both circuit boards. By positioning the connector between the semiconductor element and circuit boards without passing through the second semiconductor element, it mediates the heat transfer path to prevent heat accumulation and improve thermal management in high-density configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If heat is transferred through the second semiconductor element, then the heat transfer path is simplified, but the second semiconductor element overheats due to excessive heat accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer path complexityVSAvoidsecond semiconductor element temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer function is extracted from the second semiconductor element by introducing a dedicated connector component. The connector's first portion is positioned between the first semiconductor element and the first circuit board, extracting the heat transfer function from the second semiconductor element and preventing heat accumulation that would cause overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves as an intermediary component that provides a dedicated heat transfer path between the first semiconductor element and the circuit boards. This intermediary structure allows heat to bypass the second semiconductor element, preventing thermal overload while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connector passes through the second semiconductor element, then the structural integration is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to thermal resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into distinct portions positioned between the first semiconductor element and each circuit board separately. This segmentation avoids passing through the second semiconductor element, eliminating the thermal resistance that would be introduced by traversing additional material layers, while still achieving structural integration through the multi-portion connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively suppresses overheating by allowing direct heat transfer from the first semiconductor element to both circuit boards, enhancing heat radiation and reducing the risk of the second semiconductor element being heated by the first.

Implementation Method 1

heat of the first semiconductor device is transferred directly to the second circuit board, without through the second semiconductor element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3208838B1Semiconductor module
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 SHINDENGEN ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • EP3208838B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3208838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3208838B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A first circuit board having thermal conductivity; a second circuit board having thermal conductivity and disposed opposing the first circuit board; a first semiconductor element joined to an opposing surface of the first circuit board opposing the second circuit board; a second semiconductor element joined to an opposing surface of the second circuit board opposing the first circuit board; and a connector electrically connecting the first semiconductor element and the second semiconductor element. The connector includes a portion which is sandwiched between the first semiconductor element and the second circuit board without through the second semiconductor element, and which is in contact with the first semiconductor element and the second circuit board.