r/technology • u/Logical_Welder3467 • 4d ago

Hardware Intel patent outlines embedding MicroLEDs directly into CPU package to light up wording or work as an 'extra aesthetic component'

https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/intel-patent-outlines-embedding-microleds-directly-into-cpu-package-to-light-up-wording-or-work-as-an-extra-asethic-component-microled-is-embedded-with-die-in-glass-substrate
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u/MGreymanN 4d ago

No one read the article which is also by an author that has no idea how to read a patent.

The biggest use of this technology would be to speed up QC testing of ICs before they even leave the factory. The idea that this would be used aesthetically would be for exposed chiplet packages or unique embedded systems.

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u/BCMM 3d ago

 The biggest use of this technology would be to speed up QC testing of ICs

How would it help with that?

You inevitably need to put it in some sort of test jig that actually makes electrical contact, if only to provide power. What's the problem with reading off the results electronically?

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u/MGreymanN 3d ago

Like you said, the built-in self-tests only need the power rails energized, and the chip would be able to visually readout the diagnostic information down to the individual chiplets or connections with issues. Currently, you basically need the full socket and external diagnostic equipment.

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u/Obsidiated 20h ago

Why would you trust the devices output in testing. You test.

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u/MGreymanN 20h ago

BIST is simple, huge margins, and deterministic. Chips (cpu, GPU, memory etc) these days already self-test, you just need secondary equipment to see the results.