Gen-3 Thermal Management Technology: Role of Microchannels and Nanostructures in an Embedded Cooling Paradigm

Abstract

The thermal management challenges facing electronic system developers and the need, as well as challenges, associated with the development of a Gen-3 embedded cooling paradigm are examined. We argue that the inherent limitations of the prevailing “remote cooling” technology have resulted in commercial and military electronic systems that are thermally-limited, performing well below the inherent electrical capability of the device technology they exploit. To overcome these limitations and remove a significant barrier to continued Moore's law progression in electronic components and systems, DARPA is pursuing the aggressive development of thermal management “embedded” in the chip, substrate, and/or package to directly cool the heat generation sites. The options and challenges associated with the development of this “Gen-3” thermal management technology are described.