US 10,854,586 B1 · Multi-chip module hybrid integrated circuit with multiple power zones that provide cold spare support

Abstract

A multi-chip module hybrid integrated circuit (MCM-HIC) provides cold spare support to an apparatus comprising a plurality of ICs and/or other circuits that are not cold spare compliant. At least one core IC and at least one cold spare chiplet are installed on an interconnecting substrate having a plurality of power zones to which power can be applied and withdrawn as needed. When powered, the cold spare chiplets serve as mediators and interfaces between the non cold spare compliant circuits. When the cold spare chiplets are at least partly unpowered, they protect all interconnected circuits, and ensure that interconnected circuits that remain powered are not hindered by unpowered interconnected circuits. Cold spare chiplets can extend across boundaries between power zones. External circuits can be exclusively interfaced to a subset of the power zones. Separate power circuits within a power zone can be sequenced during application and withdrawal of power.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A multi-chip module hybrid integrated circuit (MCM-HIC) configured to support cold spare of an apparatus that includes a plurality of circuits that are not cold spare compliant, the MCM-HIC comprising:

an interconnecting substrate that is divided into a plurality of power zones, said plurality of power zones including a first power zone and a second power zone, wherein power can be applied to and withdrawn from the first power zone independently of the second power zone;
at least one core IC installed on the substrate;
and
at least one cold spare chiplet installed on the substrate, at least partly on the first power zone, the cold spare chiplet being configured, when not fully powered, to present a defined impedance, voltage, and/or logic level to at least one of its input or output signal lines;
whereby when power is withdrawn from the first power zone, and consequently at least partially withdrawn from the at least one cold spare chiplet, all circuits among the plurality of circuits that are at least partly unpowered are protected by the at least one cold spare chiplet from damage, while also being prevented by the at least one cold spare chiplet from hindering operation of any other circuits among the plurality of circuits that remain in operation.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-chip module hybrid integrated circuit with multiple power zones that provide cold spare support

Life of this patent

Multi-chip module hybrid integrated circuit with multiple power zones that provide cold spare support

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23