Patent Grant
9329646
1. Field
Various features relate to a multi-layer heat dissipating apparatus for an electronic device.
2. Background
Electronic devices include internal components that generate heat. Some of these internal components include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or memory. Some of the internal components can generate a lot of heat. Specifically, high performance CPU and/or GPU of an electronic device can generate a lot of heat, especially when performing data intensive operations (e.g., games, processing video).
To counter or dissipate the heat generated by the CPU and/or GPU, an electronic device may include a heat dissipating device, such as a heat spreader.
As further shown in
Therefore, there is a need for an improved method and design for efficiently dissipating heat from an electronic device (e.g., mobile device), while at the same time keeping the temperature of the outer surface of the electronic device within a threshold that is acceptable to a user of the electronic device.
Various apparatus and methods described herein provide a multi-layer heat dissipating apparatus for an electronic device.
A first example provides a multi-layer heat dissipating device that includes a first heat spreader layer, a first support structure, and a second heat spreader layer. The first heat spreader layer includes a first spreader surface and a second spreader surface. The first support structure includes a first support surface and a second support surface. The first support surface of the first support structure is coupled to the second spreader surface of the first heat spreader. The second heat spreader layer includes a third spreader surface and a fourth spreader surface. The third spreader surface of the second heat spreader layer is coupled to the second support surface of the first support structure. According to an aspect, the first heat spreader layer has a first thermal conductivity, and the first support structure has a second thermal conductivity that is less than the first thermal conductivity.
According to one aspect, the first support structure comprises a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
According to an aspect, wherein the first support structure is coupled to the first heat spreader layer through a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
According to one aspect, the multi-layer heat dissipating device further includes (i) a second support structure comprising a third support surface and a fourth support surface, wherein the third support surface of the second support structure is coupled to the fourth spreader surface of the second heat spreader, and (ii) a third heat spreader layer comprising a fifth spreader surface and a sixth spreader surface, wherein the fifth spreader surface of the third heat spreader layer is coupled to the fourth support surface of the second support structure. In some implementations, the first support structure has a first size, and the second support structure has a second size that is greater than the first size. In some implementations, the second heat spreader layer has a third thermal conductivity, and the second support structure has a fourth thermal conductivity that is less than the third thermal conductivity.
According to an aspect, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer is coupled to a heat generating region and/or a region configured to generate heat.
According to one aspect, the first heat spreader layer includes a first set of fins.
According to an aspect, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer is coupled to at least one heat generating component and/or component configured to generate heat when active.
According to one aspect, the first heat spreader layer, the first support structure, and the second heat spreader layer are coupled together so as to form and encapsulate a gap in the multi-layer heat dissipating device.
According to an aspect, the first heat spreader layer is coupled to the heat generating component through a thermal interface material.
According to one aspect, the second surface of the second heat spreader layer is coupled to an inner portion of a first surface of an electronic device.
According to an aspect, the multi-layer heat dissipating device is incorporated into at least one of a music player, a video player, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a communications device, a mobile device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a fixed location terminal, a tablet computer, and/or a laptop computer.
A second example provides an apparatus that includes (i) a first heat spreading means for dissipating heat, (ii) a first supporting means coupled to the first heat spreading means, and (iii) a second heat spreading means for dissipating heat, wherein the second heat spreading means is coupled to the first supporting means.
According to an aspect, the first heat spreading means has a first thermal conductivity, and the first supporting means has a second thermal conductivity that is less than the first thermal conductivity.
According to one aspect, the first supporting means is coupled to the first heat spreading means through a thermally conductive adhesive means.
According to an aspect, the apparatus includes (i) a second supporting means coupled to the second heat spreading means, (ii) and a third heat spreading means for dissipating heat, wherein the third heat spreading means is coupled to the second supporting means.
According to one aspect, the first heat spreading means is coupled to a heat generating region and/or a region configured to generate heat. In some implementations, the region configured to generate heat includes an integrated package.
According to an aspect, the second heat spreading means is coupled to an inner portion of a first surface of an electronic device.
According to one aspect, the apparatus is incorporated into at least one of a music player, a video player, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a communications device, a mobile device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a fixed location terminal, a tablet computer, and/or a laptop computer.
A third example provides a device that includes a region configured to generate heat. The region includes an integrated device. The device includes a first heat spreader layer that includes a first spreader surface and a second spreader surface, wherein the first spreader surface of the first heat spreader layer is coupled to the region.
The device includes a first support structure that includes a first support surface and a second support surface, where the first support surface of the first support structure is coupled to the second spreader surface of the first heat spreader. The device includes a second heat spreader layer that includes a third spreader surface and a fourth spreader surface, where the third spreader surface of the second heat spreader layer is coupled to the second support surface of the first support structure.
According to an aspect, the device further includes an electronic device surface, where the electronic device surface is coupled to the fourth spreader surface of the second heat spreader.
According to one aspect, the device further includes a second support structure that includes a third support surface and a fourth support surface, where the third support surface of the second support structure is coupled to the fourth spreader surface of the second heat spreader. The device further includes a third heat spreader layer comprising a fifth spreader surface and a sixth spreader surface, where the fifth spreader surface of the third heat spreader layer is coupled to the fourth support surface of the second support structure. The device also includes an electronic device surface, where the electronic device surface is coupled to the sixth spreader surface of the third heat spreader.
According to an aspect, the first heat spreader layer has a first thermal conductivity, and the first support structure has a second thermal conductivity that is less than the first thermal conductivity.
According to one aspect, the first spreader surface of the first heat spreader layer is coupled to the integrated device.
According to an aspect, the region includes a printed circuit board (PCB).
According to one aspect, the device is incorporated into at least one of a music player, a video player, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a communications device, a mobile device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a fixed location terminal, a tablet computer, and/or a laptop computer.
Various features, nature and advantages may become apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.
In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the aspects may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may or may not be shown in block diagrams in order to avoid obscuring the aspects in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the aspects of the disclosure.
Overview
Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain to a multi-layer heat dissipating device that includes a first heat spreader layer, a first support structure, and a second heat spreader layer. The first heat spreader layer includes a first spreader surface and a second spreader surface. The first support structure includes a first support surface and a second support surface. The first support surface of the first support structure is coupled to the second spreader surface of the first heat spreader. The second heat spreader layer includes a third spreader surface and a fourth spreader surface. The third spreader surface of the second heat spreader layer is coupled to the second support surface of the first support structure. In some implementations, the first support structure is a thermally conductive adhesive layer. In some implementations, the first heat spreader layer has a first thermal conductivity, and the first support structure has a second thermal conductivity that is less than the first thermal conductivity. In some implementations, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer is coupled to a heat generating region and/or a region configured to generate heat. In some implementations, the heat generating region and/or region configured to generate heat includes one of at least an integrated package, a die, a die package, a system-on-chip (SoC) and/or a printed circuit board (PCB). In some implementations, the second surface of the second heat spreader layer is coupled to an inner portion of a first surface of an electronic device (e.g., mobile device).
Exemplary Multi-Layer Heat Dissipating Device
In particular,
Referring back to
The PCB 420 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The integrated device 422 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 430 includes a first heat spreader layer 432, a first support structure 433, and a second heat spreader layer 434. The first heat spreader 432 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 433 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 434 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 432 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 433. The second surface of the first support structure 433 is coupled to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 434. In some implementations, the first support structure 433 is a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
As shown in
As further shown in
As such, the multi-layer heat dissipating device 430, as shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 430 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (and/or adhesive materials) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure. Examples of thermal conductivity values will be further described below.
A support structure that has a low thermal conductivity provides greater thermal conductivity resistance than a heat spreader layer with a high thermal conductivity. This thermal conductivity resistance in the support structure encourages or forces the heat to substantially escape or dissipate through the heat spreader layer. Thus, heat from a heat generating region and/or region configured to generate heat substantially and laterally dissipates through the heat spreader layer. In some implementations, the support structure with the low thermal conductivity, in essence provides a vertical thermal resistance to the heat, which substantially shields the surface of the electronic device from the heat that is being generated from the heat generating region and/or region configured to generate heat (e.g., region comprising integrated circuit).
In addition, in some implementations, there are gaps (e.g., air gaps, vacuum) between the heat spreader layers, which further helps in reducing the vertical heat transfer in the multi-layer heat dissipating device. In some implementations, the gap is located within a region or volume surrounded by the first heat spreader layer 432, the support structure 433, and the second heat spreader layer 434.
Different implementations may use the same or different materials for the first heat spreader layer 432, the first support structure 433, and the second spreader layer 434. For example, the first heat spreader layer 432, the first support structure 433, and the second spreader layer 434 may be made of a material that includes one of at least metal, carbon, graphite and/or aluminum. In some implementations, the first heat spreader layer 432 has a first thermal conductivity value, the first support structure 433 has a second thermal conductivity value, and the second heat spreader layer 434 has a third thermal conductivity value. A particular thermal conductivity value of a particular material quantifies how well or how poorly a particular material conducts heat.
In some implementations, the material, the shape, and/or the thermal conductivity value of the first support structure 433 is chosen, such that heat from the heat generating region and/or region configured to generate heat (e.g., region that includes the integrated device 422) is primarily dissipated through the first heat spreader layer 432. In some implementations, the first support structure 433 is configured to provide thermal resistance (e.g., vertical thermal resistance of the heat dissipating device) of heat from the heat generating region and/or region configured to generate heat, which would cause more heat to dissipate through the first heat spreader layer 432 (e.g., more heat to dissipate laterally).
This approach of providing vertical thermal resistance is opposite and counterintuitive to conventional approaches of minimizing vertical thermal resistance in a heat dissipating device. In some implementations, the second thermal conductivity of the first support structure 433 is less than the first thermal conductivity of the first heat spreader layer 432. It should be noted that heat may still dissipate through the second heat spreader layer 434 and the back side surface 406, but not as much without the first support structure 433. Examples of different shapes for support structures are further described and illustrated in
In some implementations, the first support structure 433 is coupled to the first heat spreader layer 432 through an adhesive material (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive layer). Similarly, in some implementations, the first support structure 433 is coupled to the second heat spreader 434 through an adhesive material (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive layer). Different implementations may use different materials for the first support structure 433 and/or the adhesive material. Examples of materials for the first support structure 433 and/or the adhesive material (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive layer) include an epoxy or porous material (e.g., material with air gaps).
In some implementations, the first support structure 433 and/or the adhesive material are configured to provide mechanical support for the multi-layer heat dissipating device 430 while minimizing the amount of heat conduction in the vertical direction of the heat dissipating device 430 and maximizing heat conduction in the lateral direction of the heat dissipating device 430. The use of one or more adhesive materials to couple a support structure to a heat spreader layer is not limited to the multi-layer heat dissipating device 430 of
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 430 has a first dimension, a second dimension, and a third dimension. In some implementations, the first dimension is a height of the multi-layer heat dissipating device, which may be along a Z-direction. In some implementations, the Z-direction is a vertical direction. In some implementations, a vertical direction is a direction along the multi-layer heat dissipating device 430 that traverses (e.g., perpendicularly) the heat spreader layer(s) and the support structure. In some implementations, a vertical direction is a direction that is perpendicular or orthogonal to a surface of the heat spreader having the biggest surface area. In some implementations, the vertical direction is perpendicular or orthogonal to the top surface of an integrated device (e.g., die, chip), and/or printed circuit board (PCB).
In some implementations, the second dimension is a length of the multi-layer heat dissipating device, which may be along a Y-direction. In some implementations, the Y-direction is a lateral direction. In some implementations, the second dimension is a radius of the multi-layer heat dissipating device, which may be along a Y-direction.
In some implementations, the third dimension is a width of the multi-layer heat dissipating device, which may be along an X-direction. In some implementations, the X-direction is a lateral direction.
Examples of X, Y, Z dimensions and/or directions for a multi-layer heat dissipating devices are shown in at least
In summary,
Exemplary Materials and Thermal Conductivity Values
Different implementations may use materials with different thermal conductivity values for the support structures, the heat spreader layers, the thermal interface layers and/or the adhesive materials (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive layers).
In some implementations, the support structures (e.g., first support structure 433) are made of a material with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, at least one of the support structures (e.g., first support structure 433) has a thermal conductivity value of about 0.3 watts per meter kelvin (W/m·k) or less. In some implementations, a low thermal conductivity value is about 0.3 watts per meter kelvin (W/m·k) or less.
In some implementations, at least one of the heat spreader layer is made of a material that includes one of at least metal, carbon, graphite and/or aluminum. In some implementations, at least one of the heat spreader layers is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, at least one of the heat spreader layer has a thermal conductivity value of about 300 W/m·k or higher. In some implementations, at least one of the heat spreader layer has a thermal conductivity value of about 500 W/m·k or higher (e.g., graphite). In some implementations, a high thermal conductivity value is about 300 W/m·k or higher.
In some implementations, a thermal interface layer is a material used to couple a heat spreader layer and an integrated device. Examples of thermal interfaces layers include solder, epoxy, metal filled attach, etc. . . . . In some implementations, at least one of the thermal interface layers has a thermal conductivity value of about 1.5 W/m·k or less. In some implementations, at least one of the thermal interface layers has a thermal conductivity value of between about 0.7-1.5 W/m·k.
In some implementations, an adhesive material (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive layer) is a material used to couple a heat spreader layer and a support structure. In some implementations, at least one of the thermal interface layers has a thermal conductivity value that is about equal or greater than the thermal conductivity value of the support structure. In some implementations, at least one of the thermal interface layers has a thermal conductivity value that is about equal or less than the thermal conductivity value of the thermal interface layer.
It should be noted that the above thermal conductivity values are merely examples, and the materials used in a multi-layer heat dissipating device are not limited to materials that have these thermal conductivity values.
Exemplary Multi-Layer Heat Dissipating Device
In some implementations, the multi-layer heat dissipating device 530 of
As shown in
In some implementations, the integrated device 522 is part of a heat generating component, a heat generating region, and/or a region configured to generate heat in the electronic device 500. In some implementations, the PCB 520 is part of a heat generating component, a heat generating region and/or region configured to generate heat in the electronic device 500.
The PCB 520 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The integrated device 522 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 530 includes a first heat spreader layer 532, a first support structure 533, and a second heat spreader layer 534.
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 530 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (and/or adhesive materials) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
In the example of
In summary,
The PCB 602 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The integrated device 604 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 600 includes a first heat spreader layer 606, a first support structure 607, and a second heat spreader layer 608. The first heat spreader 606 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 607 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 608 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 606 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 607. The second surface of the first support structure 607 is coupled to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 608. In some implementations, the first support structure 607 is an adhesive layer (e.g., a thermally conductive adhesive layer).
In some implementations, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer 606 is coupled to the integrated device 604 (e.g., second surface of the integrated device 604) through a thermal interface material (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive). In some implementations, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer 606 is coupled to a heat generating region and/or a region configured to generate heat that includes the integrated device 604.
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 600 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 606) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 607) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
The PCB 702 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The integrated device 704 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 700 includes a first heat spreader layer 706, a first support structure 707, and a second heat spreader layer 708. The first heat spreader 706 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 707 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 708 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 706 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 707. The second surface of the first support structure 707 is configured to couple to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 708.
As shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 700 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 706) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 707) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
The PCB 802 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first integrated device 803 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second integrated device 805 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 800 includes a first heat spreader layer 806, a first support structure 807, and a second heat spreader layer 808. The first heat spreader 806 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 807 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 808 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 806 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 807. The second surface of the first support structure 807 is coupled to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 808. In some implementations, the first support structure 807 is an adhesive layer (e.g., a thermally conductive adhesive layer).
In some implementations, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer 806 is coupled to the first integrated device 803 (e.g., second surface of the integrated device 803) through a thermal interface material (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive). In some implementations, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer 806 is coupled to the second integrated device 805 (e.g., second surface of the second integrated device 805) through a thermal interface material (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive). In some implementations, the first surface of the first heat spreader layer 806 is coupled to a heat generating region that includes at least the first integrated device 803 and/or the second integrated device 805. In some implementations, the first integrated device 803 is a central processing unit (CPU) and the second integrated device 805 is a graphical processing unit (GPU).
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 800 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 806) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 807) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
The PCB 902 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first integrated device 903 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second integrated device 905 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 900 includes a first heat spreader layer 906, a first support structure 907, and a second heat spreader layer 908. The first heat spreader 906 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 907 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 908 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 906 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 907. The second surface of the first support structure 907 is configured to couple to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 908.
As shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 900 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 906) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 907) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
Exemplary Shapes for Support Structures
As described above, different implementations of a multi-layer heat dissipating device may have support structures with different sizes, shapes and/or configurations.
In some implementations, the support structures 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and/or 1400 are a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
Exemplary Multi-Layer Heat Dissipating Device
In some implementations, a heat dissipating device may have more than two heat spreader layers.
In particular,
Referring back to
The PCB 1520 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The integrated device 1522 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 1530 includes a first heat spreader layer 1532, a first support structure 1533, a second heat spreader layer 1534, a second support structure 1535, and a third heat spreader layer 1536. The first heat spreader 1532 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 1533 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 1534 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second support structure 1535 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The third heat spreader layer 1536 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 1532 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 1533. The second surface of the first support structure 1533 is coupled to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 1534. The second surface of the second heat spreader layer 1534 is coupled to the first surface of the second support structure 1535. The second surface of the second support structure 1535 is coupled to a first surface of the third heat spreader layer 1536. In some implementations, the first support structure 1533 and/or the second support structure 1535 is a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
As shown in
As further shown in
As such, the multi-layer heat dissipating device 1530, as shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 1500 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 1532) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 1533) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
Different implementations may use the same or different materials for the first heat spreader layer 1532, the first support structure 1533, the second heat spreader layer 1534, the second support structure 1535, and the third heat spreader layer 1536. For example, in some implementations, the first heat spreader layer 1532, the first support structure 1533, the second heat spreader layer 1534, the second support structure 1535, and/or the third heat spreader layer 1536 may be made of a material that includes one of at least metal and/or aluminum. In some implementations, the first heat spreader layer 1532 has a first thermal conductivity value, the first support structure 1533 has a second thermal conductivity value, the second heat spreader layer 1534 has a third thermal conductivity value, the second support structure 1535 has a fourth thermal conductivity value, and the third heat spreader layer 1536 has a fifth thermal conductivity value. A particular thermal conductivity value of a particular material quantifies how well or how poorly a particular material conducts heat.
In some implementations, the material, the shape, and/or the thermal conductivity value of the first support structure 1533 and/or the second support structure 1535 is chosen, such that heat from the heat generating region (e.g., region that includes the integrated device 1522) is primarily (or mostly) dissipated through the first heat spreader layer 1532 and/or the second heat spreader layer 1534. In some implementations, the first support structure 1533 is configured to provide thermal resistance (e.g., vertical thermal resistance of the heat dissipating device) of heat from the heat generating region, which would cause more heat to dissipate through the first heat spreader layer 1532 (e.g., heat to dissipate laterally). This approach of providing vertical thermal resistance is opposite and counterintuitive to conventional approaches of minimizing vertical thermal resistance in a heat dissipating device. In some implementations, the second thermal conductivity of the first support structure 1533 is less than the first thermal conductivity of the first heat spreader layer 1532.
In some implementations, the second support structure 1535 is configured to provide thermal resistance (e.g., vertical thermal resistance of the heat dissipating device) of heat from the heat generating region, which would cause more heat to dissipate through the second heat spreader layer 1534. In some implementations, the fourth thermal conductivity of the second support structure 1535 is less than the third thermal conductivity of the second heat spreader layer 1534.
It should be noted that heat may still dissipate through the third heat spreader layer 1536 and the back side surface 1506, but not as much without the first support structure 1533 and/or the second support structure 1535. Examples of different shapes for support structures were previously described and illustrated in
In summary,
Exemplary Multi-Layer Heat Dissipating Device
In some implementations, the multi-layer heat dissipating device 1630 of
In some implementations, the integrated device 1622 is part of a heat generating component, a heat generating region, and/or a region configured to generate heat in the electronic device 1600. In some implementations, the PCB 1620 is part of a heat generating component, a heat generating region, and/or a region configured to generate heat in the electronic device 1600.
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 1630 includes a first heat spreader layer 1632, a first support structure 1633, a second heat spreader layer 1634, a second support structure 1635, and a third heat spreader layer 1636. In some implementations, the first support structure 1633 and/or the second support structure 1635 is a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 1630 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (and/or adhesive materials) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
In summary,
The PCB 1702 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The integrated device 1704 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 1700 includes a first heat spreader layer 1706, a first support structure 1707, a second heat spreader layer 1708, a second support structure 1709, and a third heat spreader layer 1710. The first heat spreader 1706 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 1707 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 1708 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second support structure 1709 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The third heat spreader layer 1710 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 1706 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 1707. The second surface of the first support structure 1707 is coupled to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 1708. The second surface of the second heat spreader layer 1708 is coupled to the first surface of the second support structure 1709. The second surface of the second support structure 1709 is coupled to a first surface of the third heat spreader layer 1710. In some implementations, the first support structure 1707 and/or the second support structure 1709 is a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
As shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 1700 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 1706) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 1707) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
The PCB 1802 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The integrated device 1804 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 1800 includes a first heat spreader layer 1806, a first support structure 1807, a second heat spreader layer 1808, a second support structure 1809, and a third heat spreader layer 1810. The first heat spreader 1806 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 1807 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 1808 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second support structure 1809 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The third heat spreader layer 1810 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 1806 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 1807. The second surface of the first support structure 1807 is configured to couple to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 1808. The second surface of the second heat spreader layer 1808 is coupled to the first surface of the second support structure 1809. The second surface of the second support structure 1809 is configured to couple to the first surface of the third heat spreader layer 1810.
As shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 1800 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 1806) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 1807) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
Exemplary Multi-Layer Heat Dissipating Device
The PCB 1902 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first integrated device 1903 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 1900 includes a first heat spreader layer 1906, a first support structure 1907, a second heat spreader layer 1908, a second support structure 1909, and a third heat spreader layer 1910. The first heat spreader 1906 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 1907 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 1908 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second support structure 1909 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The third heat spreader layer 1910 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 1906 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 1907. The second surface of the first support structure 1907 is coupled to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 1908. The second surface of the second heat spreader layer 1908 is coupled to the first surface of the second support structure 1909. The second surface of the second support structure 1909 is coupled to a first surface of the third heat spreader layer 1910. In some implementations, the first support structure 1907 and/or the second support structure 1909 is a thermally conductive adhesive layer.
As shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 1900 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 1906) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 1907) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
The PCB 2002 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first integrated device 2003 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. As shown in
The multi-layer heat dissipating device 2000 includes a first heat spreader layer 2006, a first support structure 2007, a second heat spreader layer 2008, a second support structure 2009, and a third heat spreader layer 2010. The first heat spreader 2006 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The first support structure 2007 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second heat spreader layer 2008 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The second support structure 2009 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The third heat spreader layer 2010 has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface.
The second surface of the first heat spreader layer 2006 is coupled to the first surface of the first support structure 2007. The second surface of the first support structure 2007 is configured to couple to the first surface of the second heat spreader layer 2008. The second surface of the second heat spreader layer 2008 is coupled to the first surface of the second support structure 2009. The second surface of the second support structure 2009 is configured to couple to the first surface of the third heat spreader layer 2010.
As shown in
In some implementations, the heat dissipating device 2000 is configured in such a way as to maximize lateral heat dissipation and minimize vertical heat dissipation (or at least reduce vertical heat dissipation), which would reduce the likelihood of hotspot peak temperatures on the surface of the electronic device. In some implementations, this can be achieved by having at least one heat spreader layer (e.g., heat spreader layer 2006) with a high thermal conductivity value coupled to a support structure (e.g., support structure 2007) with a low thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, the materials for the heat spreader layer and the support structure are chosen to maximize the difference between the high thermal conductivity value of the heat spreader layer and the low thermal conductivity value of the support structure.
Exemplary Method for Fabricating a Multi-Layer Heat Dissipating Device
As shown in
The method provides (at 2115) a second heat spreader layer on the first support structure. In some implementations, providing the second heat spreader layer includes fabricating/manufacturing and coupling (e.g., placing) the second heat spreader layer on the first support structure. In some implementations, an adhesive layer (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive) is used to couple the second heat spreader layer to the first support structure. In some implementations, the second heat spreader layer is a high thermal conductivity heat spreader layer.
The method further provides (at 2120) a second support structure on the second heat spreader layer. In some implementations, providing the second support structure includes fabricating/manufacturing and coupling (e.g., placing) the second support structure on the second heat spreader layer. In some implementations, the second support structure is greater (e.g., wider, longer, bigger circumference, bigger perimeter) than the first support structure. In some implementations, an adhesive layer (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive) is used to couple the second support structure to the second heat spreader layer. In some implementations, the second support structure is a thermally conductive adhesive layer. In some implementations, the second support structure is a low thermal conductivity support structure.
The method provides (at 2125) a third heat spreader layer on the second support structure. In some implementations, providing the third heat spreader layer includes fabricating/manufacturing and coupling (e.g., placing) the third heat spreader layer on the second support structure. In some implementations, an adhesive layer (e.g., thermally conductive adhesive) is used to couple the third heat spreader layer to the second support structure. In some implementations, the third heat spreader layer is a high thermal conductivity heat spreader layer.
In some implementations, the first heat spreader layer, the first support structure, the second heat spreader layer, the second support structure, and the third heat spreader layer form a multi-layer heat dissipating device that can be implemented in an electronic device.
In some implementations, the method may further couple (at 2130) the first heat spreader layer of the multi-layer heat dissipating device to heat generating components, a heat generating region and/or region configured to generate heat. In some implementations, the heat generating components includes an integrated device (e.g., die, die package) and/or printed circuit board (PCB). In some implementations, the heat generating region includes an integrated device (e.g., die, die package) and/or printed circuit board (PCB).
Temperature Profiles of Electronic Device
Thus,
Exemplary Multi-Layer Heat Dissipating Device
In the present disclosure, numerous configurations, embodiments and implementations of a multi-layer heat dissipating device are described. In some implementations, other configurations of a multi-layer heat dissipating device may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.
In some implementations, in a pyramid configuration, the size of the first heat spreader layer 2506 is greater than the size of the second heat spreader layer 2508. The second heat spreader layer 2508 is greater than the third heat spreader layer 2510.
In some implementations, a multi-layer heat dissipating device may have an inverted pyramid structure. In such a configuration, the size a first heat spreader layer may be less than the size of the second heat spreader layer. In some implementations, the size of the second heat spreader layer may be less than the size of a third heat spreader layer.
In some implementations, at least one of the heat spreader layers has a high thermal conductivity value. In some implementations, at least one of the support structures has a low thermal conductivity value.
The present disclosure illustrates a heat spreader layer as having a square shape. However, different implementations may have different shapes. For example, in some implementations, one or more heat spreader layers may have a rectangular shape, an oval shape, and/or a circular shape.
In addition, a heat spreader layer may have similar or different thicknesses. That is, a first heat spreader layer may have a first thickness, a second heat spreader layer may have a second thickness that may be the same or different to the first thickness.
In some implementations, a heat spreader layer may include a set of fins.
The present disclosure illustrates many different apparatuses (e.g., multi-layer heat dissipating device) that includes a first heat spreading means, a first supporting means, a second heat spreading means, a second supporting means, and a third heat spreading means. Different implementations may use different configurations of the heat spreading means and the supporting means. A heat spreading means may include a heat spreader layer, a heat spreader structure, a fin, a heat sink, and/or a first structure (e.g., heat exchanger) that moves heat between a heat source and a second structure (e.g., secondary heat exchanger) whose surface area and/or geometry is more favorable than the source.
Exemplary Electronic Devices
One or more of the components, steps, features, and/or functions illustrated in
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another-even if they do not directly physically touch each other.
Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed.
The term “region configured to generate heat” is intended to mean a region that includes one or more component, circuit, and/or module that is configured to generate heat and/or capable of generating heat when active, on, or performing an electric operation. A component that is off and not producing any heat when off may be considered a component configured to generate heat if the component generates heat when the component is on (e.g., running). In some implementations, the “region configured to generate heat” is intended to mean a “component configured to generate heat.”
The various features of the disclosure described herein can be implemented in different systems without departing from the disclosure. It should be noted that the foregoing aspects of the disclosure are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. The description of the aspects of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. As such, the present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
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