Variable Mount Voltage Regulator Card for Motherboard Space and Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulators on motherboards occupy valuable space, generate heat, and pose reliability issues due to inadequate cooling, require complex pin configurations, and have limited upgradeability as microprocessor power ratings increase, leading to rapid obsolescence.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator card is electrically coupled to a semiconductor chip and a heat sink, but not positioned within the stack of the heat sink and microprocessor package, allowing for independent placement and easy upgrading, while utilizing a heat sink with separate sides for heat transfer to the chip and cooling fan, thereby alleviating thermal loading and freeing up motherboard space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage regulator is placed on the motherboard, then the voltage regulation function is provided, but valuable motherboard space is occupied and heat is transferred to the motherboard creating reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is extracted from the motherboard and placed on a separate card that interfaces with the microprocessor package. This extraction removes the heat-generating component from the motherboard, improving reliability while freeing up valuable motherboard space for other components.
2Reliability
If the voltage regulator module is inserted into the stack between the microprocessor lid and heat sink, then electrical connection is achieved, but precise alignment is required and heat overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator card is extracted from the tight stack configuration and positioned separately, eliminating the need for precise vertical and horizontal alignment between the regulator and microprocessor package while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the card interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate card serves as an intermediary between the voltage regulator and the microprocessor package, providing electrical connection without requiring the regulator to be physically inserted into the stack. This intermediary approach simplifies alignment requirements.
3Power
If conventional microprocessors use many pins for power and ground pathways, then adequate power delivery is achieved, but the cost of the microprocessor socket increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power and ground pathways are segmented from the traditional multi-pin socket approach. Instead of requiring hundreds of pins, the voltage regulator card consolidates these pathways into fewer, more efficient connection points, reducing socket complexity while maintaining adequate power delivery capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the voltage regulator is integrated onto the motherboard, then manufacturing is simplified, but upgradeability is limited as microprocessor power ratings increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is made dynamic and replaceable through the card interface design. As microprocessor power ratings increase over time, the voltage regulator card can be upgraded to provide higher power output, maintaining adaptability while preserving manufacturing simplicity through standardized card interfaces.
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 configuration allows for efficient heat dissipation, easy maintenance and upgrading of the voltage regulator, and optimal use of motherboard space, reducing thermal issues and enhancing the lifespan of components.
Implementation Method 1
The semiconductor chip has a conductive heat transfer pathway to the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink with separate sides for heat transfer to the chip and cooling fan
Data Source
AI summary
Various integrated circuit voltage regulation apparatus and methods of assembling the same are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that has a stack that includes a heat sink and a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip has a conductive heat transfer pathway to the heat sink. A voltage regulator member is electrically coupled to the semiconductor chip and coupled to the heat sink, but is not positioned in the stack.