Powertrain system with wireless communication nodes and integrated RF shielded guide layer

Abstract

A closed electrical device, such as a battery pack for an electric powertrain system, includes a housing having a tray and a cover. The tray and the cover collectively define a housing cavity. A radio frequency (RF) receiving node is located within the cavity. A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) includes an RF transmitting node. One or more PCBAs are spaced apart from each other within the cavity. An RF shielding guide layer is positioned between the PCBAs and the cover such that the RF shielding guide layer covers the PCBAs without covering the RF transmitting node. The battery pack and the electric powertrain system include the RF shielding guide layer.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) may be equipped with integrated circuits with radio frequency (RF) capabilities and suitable receiver and / or transmitter antennas to enable wireless communication between the PCBA and one or more additional devices.

[0002] Electrical components traditionally communicate with each other via the transmission of electronic signals on copper wires or other physical conductors. Instead of direct hardwired setups, modern wireless systems use broadcast radio frequency (RF) signals to transmit information. The RF spectrum is divided into several bands, each defined for a specific purpose. Typically, frequencies of 3-30 Hz (“Extremely Low Frequency / ELF”) fall at the lower end of the RF spectrum, while frequencies of 300 GHz (“Extremely High Frequency / EFF”) fall at the opposite extreme. Within this range, numerous long-range to very short-range wireless communications are implemented, including but not limited to short-range technologies such as Bluetooth at 2.45 GHz and Near Field Communication (NFC) at 13.56 MHz.

[0003] The evolution of various wireless technologies has benefited countless applications. For example, in high-voltage propulsion battery packs, individual electrochemical cell units are connected together and securely housed within a battery casing. In this configuration, a cell sensing board (CSB) can be attached to the cell and used to measure cell voltage, current, temperature, and other battery performance values. The CSB can be equipped with RF circuitry, allowing the measured battery performance values ​​to be wirelessly transmitted as radio signals to the battery controller. When this occurs wirelessly, RF-enabled battery packs can reduce or eliminate physical transmission conductor hardware and the typically associated package size and weight. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The electrical device according to this disclosure includes a housing defining an enclosed cavity comprising a thin layer of material performing radio frequency (RF) shielding and guiding functions, as described below. This insert layer, referred to hereinafter as an "RF shielding and guiding" layer due to its dual function, is constructed and positioned within the housing to facilitate the efficient use of multiple RF transmitters within the housing cavity. The housing includes a tray and a cover. For illustrative purposes, the electrical device is illustrated herein as a propulsion battery pack in which multiple battery cells (which may but not necessarily be grouped into separate battery modules) are supported by a tray and contained within the aforementioned housing cavity. Other possible embodiments of the electrical device will be conceived by those skilled in the art, such as security or other monitoring systems, alarm circuits, signal relay stations, etc.; therefore, the representative propulsion battery pack is merely one possible implementation of this teaching.

[0005] As recognized herein, RF signal fidelity can sometimes degrade in certain operating environments due to signal interference, close proximity of competing transmitters, and other factors, including potential malicious acts such as hacking or interference. Furthermore, packaging constraints often dictate a given design, such as a "pancake" type battery pack for low-profile integration with a vehicle chassis (e.g., below the ground panel). Particularly challenging RF environments exist when an electrical housing contains multiple RF transmitting nodes that communicate with RF receiving nodes located somewhere within the housing cavity. As understood in the art, delicate electrical components are typically housed within such housings to prevent the ingress of moisture, dirt, and debris. The housing also helps protect the user from unintentional contact with the multiple electrical components housed within the housing cavity. RF signal transmission within such housings can be further complicated by the presence of sharp corners or signal-impeding structural features. Therefore, the RF shielding guide layer of the present invention aims to improve the overall fidelity of RF signals in such challenging RF environments and to make the overall construction more resistant to acts such as interference or hacking.

[0006] In a representative embodiment, the cover and tray together define a housing cavity within which the RF receiving node is located. The electrical device also includes multiple printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), each of which may further include a corresponding RF transmitting node, such as a transmitting antenna. The RF transmitting node may be located near one of the sidewalls, on top of the PCBA or module, or at other suitable locations. In some embodiments, the PCBAs, as contemplated herein, are spaced apart from each other by a first plurality of gaps within the housing cavity. The outer edges of the PCBAs are spaced apart from the sidewalls by a second plurality of gaps, for example, in a grid-like manner in a non-limiting embodiment.

[0007] The electrical equipment also includes an RF shielding guide layer. This RF shielding guide layer is positioned between the PCBA and the cover, such that it covers the PCBA but not the RF transmitting node. In this way, the structure and relative placement of the RF shielding guide layer optimize the transmission of RF signals from the corresponding RF transmitting node to the RF receiving node.

[0008] In some embodiments, the RF shielding guiding layer may be made of metal. For example, in various representative embodiments, the metal may include one or more of aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, silver, or gold. The RF shielding guiding layer may be made entirely of metal or alloys thereof, or may be made of composite materials suitable for performing the disclosed shielding and guiding functions. In some embodiments, the metal may include a thin metal foil, in which case "thin" means a thickness of less than about 50 micrometers, or in another embodiment, possibly 25 micrometers or less. The thermal layer may be used in conjunction with the metal to obtain optimal shielding capability, or may be used alone to have suitable guiding capability but reduced shielding capability. Exemplary materials include silica optical fibers or other low-loss materials.

[0009] In some embodiments, the RF receiving node includes an RF antenna for an electronic control unit used to regulate the operation of electrical equipment, such as a battery management system used to regulate the operation of a battery pack.

[0010] Each corresponding PCBA in a PCBA may include an RF antenna serving as a corresponding RF transmitting node that communicates with an RF receiving node, wherein the communication occurs via an RF signal transmission path extending around an RF shielding guide layer. In one aspect of this disclosure, the RF shielding guide layer defines a window or other via within which a corresponding RF transmitting node is disposed.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments, the outer edge of the housing in plan view is rectangular, while in other embodiments, the outer edge may have different shapes, such as curved shapes. Therefore, this teaching can benefit battery packs and other systems with a wide range of different shapes.

[0012] In the exemplary and non-limiting case of a rectangular shape, each of the corresponding components in the PCBA may be a component of a battery module in a representative battery pack configuration of an electrical device.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure includes an electric powertrain system having a traction power inverter module (TPIM) and a multiphase rotating motor connected to the TPIM. The motor further includes a rotatable output member coupled to a driven load (e.g., the wheels of a motor vehicle). The powertrain system includes a battery pack having a battery housing comprising a battery tray and a battery cover. In an exemplary configuration, the battery tray may include a base plate surrounded by a plurality of sidewalls, such that the base plate, the housing cover, and the sidewalls together define a housing cavity.

[0014] In this embodiment, the RF receiving node located somewhere within the housing cavity is part of an electronic control unit for the battery pack. The battery modules are spaced apart from each other within the housing cavity by a first plurality of air gaps, wherein the outer edges of the plurality of battery modules are spaced apart from a plurality of sidewalls by a second plurality of air gaps. Each respective battery module includes one or more electrochemical cell units and a PCBA connected to the one or more electrochemical cell units. Each PCBA has an RF transmitting node.

[0015] The foregoing features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as other features and accompanying advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative examples and models used to carry out this disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Furthermore, this disclosure expressly includes combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features presented above and below. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view illustration of a representative electrical device having a non-perforated radio frequency (RF) shield and guide layer constructed and arranged according to this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 According to an exemplary battery electrical embodiment Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the electrical installation.

[0018] Figure 3 It describes the construction Figure 2 A flowchart of a method for using electrical equipment.

[0019] Figure 4 This teaching is for those located in Figure 2 and Figure 3 A graph showing the effect of the average received signal strength (RSSI) of the RF signal received by the RF receiving node inside the housing in a representative embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This disclosure allows for many different forms of embodiments. Representative examples of this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail herein as non-limiting examples of the disclosed principles. Therefore, elements and limitations described in the abstract, introduction, summary, and detailed specification but not expressly set forth in the claims should not be incorporated into the claims individually or collectively by implication, inference, or otherwise.

[0021] For the purposes of this specification, unless specifically denied, the use of the singular includes the plural, and vice versa; the terms “and” and “or” should be both connected and separate; “any” and “all” should both mean “any and all”; and the words “including,” “containing,” “comprising,” “having,” etc., should mean “including but not limited to.” Furthermore, approximate words such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” etc., may be used herein in the sense of “in, near, or almost in,” or “within 0-5%,” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or logical combinations thereof.

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same features in several views. Figure 1 An electrical device 10 having a housing 12 is depicted. The housing 12 further includes a tray 14 and a cover 16. The tray 14 has a base plate 18 surrounded by a plurality of sidewalls 20, such that the base plate 18, the cover 16, and the plurality of sidewalls 20 together define a housing cavity 22. The electrical device 10 also includes a plurality of printed circuit board assemblies 25, each PCBA 25 being positioned within the housing cavity 22. For consistency and simplicity of illustration, the housing 12, tray 14, and cover 16 are depicted as having a rectangular shape. However, other shapes and configurations, including curved, irregular, circular, or elliptical shapes, can be readily contemplated within the scope of this disclosure, and therefore the shapes and configurations depicted are not intended to limit the teachings.

[0023] As part of the proposed configuration, the PCBA 25 includes corresponding radio frequency (RF) transmit nodes (Tx) 26. In some cases, each RF transmit node 26 may be arranged near one of the plurality of sidewalls 20, on top of the PCBA 25 and within a corresponding through-hole window 65, or at other suitable locations. The PCBA 25 is spaced apart from each other within the housing cavity 22 by a first plurality of gaps 28. In this particular embodiment, the outer edge 30 of the PCBA 25 (see...) Figure 2 The enclosure is separated from the multiple sidewalls 20 by a second plurality of gaps 32. The RF receiving node (Rx) 24 is located within the housing cavity 22 and communicates wirelessly with the RF transmitting node 26. The specific location of the RF receiving node 24 may vary depending on the given application.

[0024] This communication occurs via a wireless communication path within the housing cavity 22 using a suitable communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi protocol using a wireless local area network (WLAN), IEEE 802.11, 3G, 4G, or 5G cellular network-based protocols, Bluetooth, BLE Bluetooth, and / or other suitable protocols). Additional or alternative communication methods, such as Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) channels, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc., are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. As understood in the art, a DSRC channel refers to a unidirectional or bidirectional short- to mid-range wireless communication channel specifically designed for automotive use, along with a corresponding set of protocols and standards. However, the potential presence of a large number of different RF transmitting nodes 26 within the housing cavity 22, as well as various other structural elements of the electrical device 10, can lead to degraded RF signal fidelity due to factors such as signal interference, close proximity of competing RF transmitting nodes 26, and other factors as described above. Malicious activities from outside the electrical device 10 (such as attempted hacking or interference) may also occur. In general, these factors create a challenging RF signal environment.

[0025] To solve this problem, Figure 1 The electrical device 10 includes a thin RF shielding guide layer 34, which is positioned between the PCBA 25 and the package cover 16. The RF shielding guide layer 34 is arranged to cover the PCBA 25 but not the RF transmitting nodes 26. For example, the RF shielding guide layer 34 may cover a first plurality of gaps 28 but not a second plurality of gaps 32, thereby optimizing the transmission of RF signals from the corresponding RF transmitting node 26 of each PCBA in the PCBA 25 to the RF receiving node 24. When the RF transmitting node 26 is positioned on top of the PCBA 25, the RF shielding guide layer 34 may define the aforementioned window 65, such that there is an unobstructed path between the RF transmitting node 26 and the RF receiving node 24. That is, the RF shielding guide layer may define a plurality of windows 65, and the RF transmitting node 26 of each corresponding PCBA in the PCBA 25 may be positioned in a corresponding window of the windows 65. In possible configurations, the RF shielding guide layer 34 is entirely or substantially composed of metal; for example, at least 80% of the material of the RF shielding guide layer 34 is an elemental metal or an alloy thereof. In other embodiments, the RF shielding guide layer 34 may be composed of a thermally blocking material, such as silicon dioxide fibers or another dielectric or low-loss material.

[0026] In this case, the metal may comprise one or more non-porous layers of aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, silver, or gold, or another metal suitable for the application. In other embodiments, metamaterials, composite materials, or other application-appropriate materials may be used. When a metal is used to construct the RF shielding guide layer 34, the metal may be in the form of a thin metal foil, in possible embodiments where "thin" means less than about 50 micrometers in thickness.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 Each corresponding PCBA in PCBA 25 can be a component of battery module 40. In a non-limiting embodiment shown, battery module 40 has a width dimension (W) parallel to the first pair of plurality of sidewalls 20 and a length dimension (L) parallel to the second pair of plurality of sidewalls (20). Optionally, Figure 1 The outer edge of the housing 12 can therefore be rectangular, such that the first plurality of gaps 28 of width W28 are linear and parallel to two of the sidewalls 20, and that the second plurality of gaps 32 are parallel to the other two sidewalls 20. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the outer edge of the housing 12 in a top-down / planar view is rectangular, such that the first plurality of gaps 28 are arranged at right angles to the second plurality of gaps 32. As mentioned above, non-rectangular shapes can also be readily conceived. For example, the battery module 40 may have a curved outer edge or an irregular shape, so the shape of the battery module 40 and other structures can be expected to vary depending on the intended end use. In any or all of these possible configurations, the PCBA 25 described herein can be mounted on the top or side of the battery module 40.

[0028] Each corresponding PCBA in PCBA 25 includes [the following]. Figure 1 The RF antenna 26a of the RF receiving node 24 is used for communication. Figure 1 The corresponding RF transmitting node 26. For simplicity, Figure 2 Two RF antennas 26a are shown, and each of the remaining RF transmitting nodes 26 is similarly equipped with a corresponding RF antenna 26a. This occurs via an RF signal transmission path 11 extending, for example, around the outer edge 36 of the RF shielding guide layer 34. In a representative embodiment, Figure 1 The electrical device 10 can be configured as a battery pack 10a, such as a high-voltage lithium-ion propulsion battery for an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. In this exemplary embodiment, the RF receiving node 24 is an RF antenna for an electronic control unit 240 of the battery pack 10A, which is sometimes referred to as a battery management system (BMS).

[0029] Although omitted for simplicity, in such an embodiment, the electronic control unit 240 may be equipped with a dedicated amount of volatile and non-volatile memory, one or more processors, and associated hardware such as a digital clock or oscillator, input / output circuitry, buffer circuitry, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), electronic circuitry, and other necessary hardware to provide programming functionality. In the context of this disclosure, the electronic control unit 240 may execute instructions via a processor to cause the electronic control unit 240 to receive instructions from various RF transmission nodes 26 (e.g., Figure 2 The RF antenna 26A receives measured battery parameters. Subsequently, when adjusting the operation of the propulsion battery pack 10A, the electronic control unit 240 can use the received information, such as battery voltage, current, temperature, etc.

[0030] exist Figure 2 In the representative configuration of the battery pack 10A shown, multiple battery modules 40 are... Figure 1 The component cavity 22 is spaced apart from each other by a first plurality of gaps 28. In this embodiment, each battery module 40 includes one or more electrochemical battery cells (not shown). The PCBA 25 (in this case, a cell sensing plate) is operable to measure one or more cell parameters of one or more battery cells and report them to the electronic control unit 240 via the RF transmission node 26.

[0031] Therefore, as understood in the art, PCBA25 is electrically connected to the positive (+) and negative (-) electrodes of the constituent battery cells (not shown) of a given battery module 40. The RF shielding guide layer 34 in this particular embodiment can be positioned on... Figure 1 Between the battery module 40 and the housing cover 16, the RF shielding guide layer 34 covers the first plurality of gaps 28 along the sidewall 20 forming the longitudinal dimension of the battery pack 10A in the illustrated embodiment, but does not cover the second plurality of gaps 32. More specifically, the RF shielding guide layer 34 covers the PCBA 25 but does not cover the RF transmitting node 26. Therefore, although shown at a distance from the sidewall 20 for clarity, the RF shielding guide layer 34 can be more than... Figure 2 The RF shielding guide layer 34, as depicted, is located closer to sidewall 20, or may reach sidewall 20 when the RF transmitting node 26 is positioned on top of the PCBA 25 within the optional window 65. In this way, the placement of the RF shielding guide layer 34 optimizes the transmission of RF signals from the corresponding RF transmitting node 26 of each PCBA 25 to the RF receiving node 24 via RF path 11. The RF shielding guide layer 34 has a shielding surface area, shape, and geometry sufficient to ensure that the PCBA 25 and the gap 28 are covered outside the uncovered RF transmitting node 26. In this context, "being covered" may require the RF shielding guide layer 34 to be in the top view / plan view (…). Figure 2 The RF shielding guide layer 34 extends together with the gap 28 for at least 80% to 90% or more of the total surface area, so that the RF shielding guide layer 34 does not obstruct the intended signal transmission of the RF transmitting node 26.

[0032] refer to Figure 3 It is possible to construct a structure that has the following characteristics according to method 100. Figure 1 The electronic control unit (240) of the RF receiver node 24 shown Figure 2 Battery pack 10a. Starting from block B102, method 100 may include arranging a plurality of battery modules 40 on the base plate 18 of tray 14, such that the battery modules 40 (which themselves include) Figure 2 The corresponding one of the PCBA25 is arranged in a grid pattern, as shown in the figure. In a practical embodiment, the battery module 40 may have a greater height relative to the base plate 18, so the battery module 40 shown does not necessarily represent the actual scale. Similarly, for clarity, details are omitted. Figure 1 The sidewalls 20, for example, to better illustrate the gap 32. For ease of manufacture, thermal management, and other purposes, the battery modules 40 are spaced apart from each other by the aforementioned gaps 28 and 32, as shown. Figure 2 As shown in the figure. Once the battery module 40 is arranged as shown, method 100 proceeds to box B104, as indicated by arrow AA.

[0033] Box B104 requires the RF shielding guide layer 34 to be positioned between the plurality of battery modules 40 and the housing cover 16 (see box B106) such that the RF shielding guide layer 34 covers the first plurality of gaps 28 but not the second plurality of gaps 32. In this way, when the RF transmitting node 26 of each PCBA 25 resides there, the RF shielding guide layer 34 exposes the outer edge of the battery module 40, as... Figure 2 As best shown in the diagram. In other embodiments, the RF transmitting node 26 is located on top of the PCBA 25, in which case the RF shielding guide layer 34 can reach the outer edge as described above. At block B104, assembly according to method 100 may include securing the RF shielding guide layer 34 to the battery module 40 and / or tray 14, for example, using threaded fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable techniques. Method 100 then proceeds to block B106, as indicated by arrow BB.

[0034] Frame B106 requires the cover 16 to be mounted onto the tray 14. For example, threaded fasteners (not shown) can be used to securely clamp the outer edge of the cover 16 to the mating outer edge of the tray 14. The housing cavity 22 is then sealed from the surrounding environment, thereby protecting the battery module 40 and its PCBA 25 from dust, moisture, and debris. Method 100 then proceeds as indicated by arrow CC to integrate the battery pack 10A into the electrical system (e.g., the electric powertrain system 50).

[0035] As part of method 100, the assembled battery pack 10A, once integrated into the electric powertrain system 50, can be used as a propulsion battery suitable for energizing the vehicle's propulsion function. In an exemplary configuration, the electric powertrain system 50 includes a traction power inverter module (TPIM) 54 and a multiphase rotating motor (ME) 56 connected to the battery pack 10A and the TPIM 54. The motor 56 includes a rotatable output member 57 coupled to a driven load, such as one or more wheels 58. In the illustrated setup, a DC voltage (VDC) from the battery pack 10A is supplied to the TPIM 54, where the DC voltage is converted to a multiphase / AC voltage (VAC) suitable for energizing the motor 56 using pulse width modulation or other appropriate switching control techniques. Once energized in this manner, the motor 56 generates output torque (arrow TM), which is then directed to the wheels 58.

[0036] Brief Reference Figure 4 This demonstrates the teachings of the author. Figure 1 RF receiving node 24 (e.g., using such as Figure 2 Graph 60 shows the beneficial effect of the average received signal strength (RSSIAVG) of the RF signals received by a representative battery pack 10A of the twelve battery modules 40 arranged as shown when it is located inside the housing 12. Figure 4 Clause 62 indicates the RSSI with the RF shielding guide 34 installed as described above. Conversely, clause 64 shows the RSSI in a configuration where the RF shielding guide 34 is omitted. For a representative case of twelve battery modules 40, the battery modules 40 are designated 13-24. Since the battery modules 40 located furthest from the RF receiving node 24 are most affected by the aforementioned challenging RF signal environment, a negligible reduction in RSSI can be observed by using the RF shielding guide 34 at those locations. However, the benefits become more pronounced as the distance from the RF receiving node 24 increases, with an improvement of 10 dBm or greater for the furthest RF transmitting node 26.

[0037] As those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing teachings, the RF shielding guide layer 34 is used as... Figure 1 or Figure 2The electrical device 10 or part of the battery pack 10A can help optimize the transmission of RF signals through the corresponding RF transmitting node 26A of each PCBA 25 to the remotely located RF receiving node 24. Instead of blocking transmission or acting as EMI shielding, the RF shielding guide 34 is intentionally structured and positioned to expose only the outer edge of the PCBA 25 or the battery module 40 containing the PCBA 25, thereby creating an unobstructed path for signal propagation to the RF receiving node 24. In this way, RF signal propagation is prevented by the various gaps 28 separating the PCBA 25, thus minimizing signal loss within the electrical device 10.

[0038] The accompanying benefits are achieved with minimal additional components, weight, and packaging space. Similarly, this teaching is beneficial to electrical devices 10 or battery packs 10A of various shapes and configurations, including non-rectangular and / or staggered battery modules with cylindrical battery cells, wherein the PCBA is placed next to or integrated into the battery module to provide battery measurements as understood in the art. Therefore, this teaching can be used to improve performance even when the aforementioned gaps 28 and 32 are non-uniform, and even when the shielding structure is non-rectangular.

[0039] Detailed specifications and drawings support and describe this teaching, but the scope of this teaching is defined only by the claims. While some best modes and other embodiments for carrying out this teaching have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the teaching as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, this disclosure expressly includes combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features presented above and below.

Claims

1. An electrical device comprising: a housing having a tray and a lid, wherein the tray includes a floor surrounded by a plurality of sidewalls such that the floor, the lid, and the plurality of sidewalls collectively define a housing cavity; a plurality of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), each of the PCBAs including a respective RF transmit node disposed proximate to one of the plurality of sidewalls or on a top portion of the PCBA, the PCBAs being spaced apart from one another within the housing cavity by a first plurality of gaps, and outer edge margins of the plurality of PCBAs being spaced apart from the plurality of sidewalls by a second plurality of gaps; a radio frequency receive node (RF receive node) within the housing cavity, wherein the RF receive node is part of an electronic control unit for the electrical device; and an RF shielding guide layer at least partially composed of a non-porous metal and positioned between the PCBAs and the lid such that the RF shielding guide layer covers the PCBAs and the first plurality of gaps without covering their respective RF transmit nodes and the second plurality of gaps, such that the RF shielding guide layer optimizes transmission of RF signals by the respective RF transmit nodes of each of the PCBAs toward the RF receive node. The RF shielding guide layer is composed of the non-porous metal and a thermal barrier material.

2. The electrical device of claim 1, wherein, The thermal barrier material includes a silica fiber material.

3. The electrical device of claim 2, wherein, The RF shielding guide layer is composed of a metal foil having a thickness of less than 50 microns.

4. The electrical device of claim 1, wherein, The RF receive node is an RF antenna for an electronic control unit of the electrical device, and wherein each respective one of the PCBAs includes an RF antenna as the respective RF transmit node, the RF antennas communicating with the electronic control unit via an RF signal transmission path that surrounds the RF shielding guide layer.

5. The electrical device of claim 1, wherein, The RF shielding guide layer defines a plurality of windows, and wherein the RF transmit node of each respective one of the PCBAs is positioned in a respective one of the windows.

6. The electrical device of claim 1, wherein, Each respective one of the PCBAs is a component of a battery module.

7. The electrical device of claim 1, wherein, 8. An electric powertrain system comprising: a traction power inverter module (TPIM); a multiphase rotary electric machine connected to the TPIM and having a rotatable output member coupled to a driven load; and a battery pack comprising: a battery housing having a battery tray and a battery lid, the battery tray having a floor surrounded by a plurality of sidewalls such that the floor, the housing lid, and the plurality of sidewalls collectively define a housing cavity; a radio frequency receive node (RF receive node) within the housing cavity, wherein the RF receive node is part of an electronic control unit for the battery pack; a plurality of battery modules spaced apart from one another within the housing cavity by a first plurality of gaps and having outer edge margins spaced apart from the plurality of sidewalls by a second plurality of gaps, each respective one of the battery modules including: one or more electrochemical battery cells; and a battery management system. ​ a printed circuit board assembly, i.e., PCBA, connected to the one or more electrochemical cells and having an RF transmitting node disposed proximate one of the plurality of sidewalls or on a top of the PCBA; and an RF shielding guide layer at least partially comprised of a non-porous metal and positioned between the PCBA and the battery cover such that the RF shielding guide layer covers the PCBA and the first plurality of gaps without covering the RF transmitting node and the second plurality of gaps, thereby optimizing transmission of RF signals by the respective RF transmitting node of each of the PCBAs toward the RF receiving node.

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