Integrated Device Step Heat Sink With EMI Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is an ongoing need to improve the performance of heat dissipating devices, particularly in integrated devices with electromagnetic interference shielding, to enhance heat dissipation and reduce surface temperature increases.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a substrate with integrated devices, a frame surrounding the devices, a step heat sink, a shield, and a heat pipe, where the step heat sink and shield provide electromagnetic interference shielding while dissipating heat effectively, and the heat pipe aids in phase transition heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a traditional heat sink is used, then heat dissipation is provided, but the surface temperature increases rapidly and EMI shielding is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface temperatureVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heat sink and EMI shield into a single integrated component. The heat sink includes a base portion coupled to the integrated device and a shield portion extending from the base, forming a unified structure that simultaneously provides thermal management and electromagnetic interference shielding. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat sink and EMI shield components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat sink is designed to perform multiple functions: it dissipates heat from the integrated device through its thermally conductive structure while simultaneously providing EMI shielding through its electrically conductive shield portion. This multi-functional design addresses both thermal management and electromagnetic compatibility requirements in a single component.

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

2Temperature

If heat dissipation performance is improved, then junction temperature is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejunction temperatureVSAvoidheat sink structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat sink is divided into distinct functional portions: a base portion for thermal coupling with the integrated device and a shield portion for EMI protection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration, reducing complexity compared to using multiple separate components.

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

The assembly effectively reduces the junction temperature of integrated devices and slows the rate of surface temperature increase, improving comfort and performance by enhancing heat dissipation and spreading heat over a larger area.

Implementation Method 1

a heat pipe coupled to the step heat sink... the heat pipe aids in phase transition heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition heat dissipation: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The step heat sink is configured to dissipate heat away from the integrated device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Implementation Method 3

a shield coupled to the frame such that the shield is located between the frame and the step heat sink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4045996B1Integrated device coupled to a step heat sink configured to provide shielding
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4045996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4045996B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4045996B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An assembly comprising a substrate, a first integrated device coupled to the substrate, a second integrated device coupled to the substrate, a frame coupled to the substrate such that the frame at least partially surrounds the first integrated device and the second integrated device, and a step heat sink coupled to the frame, such that the step heat sink is located over the first integrated device and the second integrated device. The assembly may further include a shield coupled to the frame such that the shield is located between the frame and the step heat sink. The shield may include a step shield. The assembly may further include a heat pipe coupled to the step heat sink.