Intel Corporation
HYBRID THERMAL INTERFACE MATERIAL (TIM) WITH REDUCED 3D THERMAL RESISTANCE

Abstract:

A hybrid thermal interface material (TIM) suitable for an integrated circuit (IC) die package assembly. The hybrid TIM may include a heat-spreading material having a high planar thermal conductivity, and a supplemental material having a high perpendicular thermal conductivity at least partially filling through-holes within the heat-spreading material. The hybrid TIM may offer a reduced effective spreading and vertical thermal resistance. The heat-spreading material may have high compressibility (low bulk modulus or low hardness), such as a carbon-based (e.g., graphitic) material. The supplemental material may be of a suitable composition for filling the through-hole. The heat-spreading material, once compressed by a force applied through an IC die package assembly, may have a thickness substantially the same as that of the supplemental material such that both materials make contact with the IC die package and a thermal solution.