Biometric sensor assembly with integrated antenna

Abstract

A sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly includes a printed circuit board and one or more biometric sensor circuits coupled to the printed circuit board. The sensor assembly includes a cover having one or more electrodes disposed on an outer side of the cover, the one or more electrodes coupled to one or more electrical traces disposed on an inner side of the cover. The one or more electrical traces are electrically coupled to the one or more biometric sensor circuits. The sensor assembly also includes an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes. A wearable computing device incorporating the sensor assembly is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sensor assemblies, such as sensor assemblies for wearable computing devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sensor assembly that includes an antenna electrically coupled to a sensor electrode to improve the performance (eg, radiation efficiency) of the antenna. Background Art

[0002] Recent technological advances, including those available through consumer devices, have provided corresponding advances in health detection and monitoring. For example, devices such as fitness bands and smart watches are able to determine information related to the health of the person wearing the device. It is desirable to be able to provide as much functionality as possible, but the limited form factor of these devices makes it challenging to include the necessary components.

[0003] Given the multifunctionality of electronic devices, a need exists for sensor assemblies for wearable computing devices that can improve the operation of other components of the device, such as the antenna. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

[0005] In one aspect, a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly includes: a printed circuit board, one or more biometric sensor circuits disposed on the printed circuit board; a cover having one or more electrodes disposed on an outer surface, the one or more electrodes coupled to one or more electrical traces disposed on an inner surface of the cover; and an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes.

[0006] In some implementations, an antenna can be radio frequency coupled to one or more electrodes.

[0007] In some implementations, the electrodes can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board via one or more conductive foam pads, one or more spring clips, one or more spring pins, or a combination thereof.

[0008] In some implementations, the conductive foam pad can be a foam material having one or more layers of conductive fabric thereon.

[0009] In some implementations, the electrodes can be stainless steel, aluminum, or a chrome-silver composite.

[0010] In some implementations, the antenna can be copper.

[0011] In some implementations, the biometric sensor circuit can include electrocardiogram (ECG) circuitry.

[0012] In some implementations, the biometric sensor circuit can include a photoplethysmography (PPG) circuit.

[0013] In some implementations, the printed circuit board can be a flexible circuit board.

[0014] In another aspect, a wearable computing device including electrodes and an antenna is provided. The wearable computing device may include: a main circuit board; a flexible printed circuit board electrically coupled to the main circuit board; a biometric sensor circuit coupled to the flexible printed circuit board; a cover having one or more electrodes disposed on an outer side of the cover, the one or more electrodes coupled to one or more electrical traces disposed on an inner side of the cover, the one or more electrical traces electrically coupled to one or more biometric sensor circuits; and an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes and the main circuit board.

[0015] In some implementations, an antenna can be radio frequency coupled to one or more electrodes.

[0016] In some implementations, the electrical traces can be electrically coupled to the biometric sensor circuitry through one or more conductive foam pads, one or more spring clips, one or more spring pins, or a combination thereof.

[0017] In some implementations, the conductive foam pad can be a foam material having one or more layers of conductive fabric thereon.

[0018] In some implementations, the electrodes can be stainless steel, aluminum, or a chrome-silver composite.

[0019] In some implementations, the antenna can be copper.

[0020] In some implementations, the biometric sensor circuit can be an ECG circuit.

[0021] In some implementations, the biometric sensor circuit can be a PPG.

[0022] In some implementations, the first antenna spring clip can be electrically coupled to the antenna and an antenna tuning circuit disposed on the main circuit board. The first antenna tuning circuit can be electrically coupled to a cellular modem disposed on the main circuit board.

[0023] In some implementations, the second antenna spring clip can be electrically coupled to the antenna and a second antenna tuning circuit disposed on the main circuit board. The second antenna tuning circuit can be electrically coupled to an RF circuit disposed on the main circuit board, or can be electrically coupled to ground.

[0024] In some implementations, the device can include a wireless charging companion device configured to operate at the operating frequency to wirelessly charge the device.

[0025] In some implementations, the device includes a capacitor electrically coupled to an antenna configured to filter signals at an operating frequency of the wireless charging companion device.

[0026] These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the relevant principles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] A detailed discussion of embodiments for those of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 Depicted is an exploded view of a sensor assembly according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 Depicted is an exploded view of a sensor assembly according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 A perspective view of an electrode is depicted according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 A perspective view of an electrode is depicted according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 is a graph illustrating the radiation efficiency of an antenna according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 A perspective view of a wearable computing device is depicted in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 A perspective view of electrodes on a wearable computing device is depicted in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 Depicted is an exploded view of a sensor assembly on a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 9 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of a wearable computing device including a sensor assembly according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.10Depicted are partially exploded perspective views of components of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.11 Depicted is a schematic diagram of an antenna circuit according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.12 Depicted is a schematic diagram of an antenna circuit according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig.13 Depicted is a schematic diagram of an antenna circuit according to some implementations of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure rather than limitation thereof. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet further embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and changes within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," or "substantially," when used to modify a value, indicate that the value can be increased or decreased by 5% and remain within the disclosed embodiments. In addition, when multiple ranges are provided, the disclosure contemplates any combination of the minimum and maximum values ​​described in the multiple ranges. For example, if a range of "from about 20% to about 80%" and "from about 30% to about 70%" is described, the disclosure also contemplates a range of "from about 20% to about 70%" or a range of "from about 30% to about 80%."

[0043] Example aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor assembly that may be included in a wearable computing device that may be worn, for example, on a user's wrist or other location on the user's body. The sensor assembly includes a biometric sensor circuit system coupled to a printed circuit board, two electrodes disposed on a cover, and an antenna. Although the present disclosure contemplates any type of antenna, it should also be understood that the antenna may operate at other frequency bands, such as those utilized in LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth applications known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] Regardless of the specific application for which the sensor assembly will be utilized, the sensor assembly includes one or more electrodes that are configured to be electrically coupled to an antenna to improve the operating efficiency of the antenna. Advantageously, the material selection of the electrode promotes operational functionality at lower frequency requirements required to collect signals for processing by the biometric sensor circuit system, and promotes electrical coupling (e.g., radio frequency coupling) to the antenna at higher frequencies, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the antenna. Specifically, the electrode is formed of a metallic material such as a silver-chromium composite, which allows normal operation of the biometric signal circuit system and also promotes radio frequency (RF) coupling to the antenna. In addition, the selected metallic material can be aesthetically pleasing to the end user, which is important because the electrode can be disposed on the outer surface of the cover of a computing device such as a wearable computing device (e.g., a smart watch). Since the electrode can be seen by the user, the material selection of the electrode must maintain the desired functionality while also being aesthetically pleasing.

[0045] The proximity of the electrode to the antenna can also promote the electrical coupling between the antenna and the electrode. For example, the distance between the antenna and the electrode can be precisely controlled within certain ranges to ensure the electrical coupling between the electrode and the antenna. Additionally, in certain applications such as wearable computing devices, the space for including the operating elements of the device is limited. Therefore, it may be difficult to include additional component materials or other antennas in the wearable computing device to improve the operation of the antenna. Therefore, including electrodes with dual functionality can improve the performance of the antenna without having to include additional components in an already limited space. The electrode can improve the radiation efficiency of the antenna in one or more LTE bands ranging from about 600 MHz to about 960 MHz. For example, the radiation efficiency of the antenna can be improved by at least about 2 decibels, such as at least about 3 decibels, such as at least about 4 decibels, such as at least about 5 decibels in one or more LTE bands.

[0046] The electrodes may be disposed on the outside of a cover configured to contact the user's skin. The electrodes are coupled to electrical traces disposed on the inner surface of the cover, which are electrically coupled to a printed circuit board. The electrical traces may be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board via a conductive foam pad such as a foam material wrapped in one or more layers of conductive fabric. The conductive foam pad is disposed between the electrical traces and the printed circuit board. The properties of the foam material (e.g., density, expansion force deflection (IFD)) may be carefully selected so that the foam material does not work to increase the force within the assembly. The foam material may be layered with a conductive fabric to facilitate electrical connection between the electrodes (via the electrical traces) and the printed circuit board. The conductive fabric may include any woven or non-woven fabric that includes conductive elements dispersed therein. For example, the conductive fabric may be made of a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polyester) plated or embedded with a metallic material such as copper or nickel. The conductive fabric may have a resistance of less than 1 ohm per foot in any direction through the textile.

[0047] The sensor circuit system is disposed on a printed circuit board. For example, the sensor circuit system may include a biometric sensor circuit system. The biometric sensor circuit system may be disposed on a printed circuit board. The biometric sensor circuit may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit system or a photoplethysmography (PPG) circuit system. Additional biometric sensor circuit systems may be included on the printed circuit board as desired. For example, the biometric sensor circuit may include an electrodermal activity monitoring (EDA) circuit system and / or a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) circuit system. The sensor assembly may be incorporated into many devices in which biometric sensor capabilities are desired.

[0048] In addition, in embodiments of the wearable computing device, the antenna may be electrically connected to the main printed circuit board. For example, a first fastener (e.g., a spring clip, a reinforcing pin, a compression spring, etc.) may be used to electrically couple the antenna to a first antenna tuning circuit disposed on the main circuit board. The first antenna tuning circuit may electrically couple the antenna to a power radiator, an RF circuit, or a cellular modem. Additionally, the antenna may be DC grounded to the main printed circuit board at a second location on the main printed circuit board. For example, a second fastener (e.g., a spring clip, a reinforcing pin, a compression spring, etc.) may be used to electrically couple the antenna to a second antenna tuning circuit that is electrically coupled to ground. Additional fasteners may be used to electrically couple the antenna to other antenna circuits on the main printed circuit board as desired. The first location and the second location may be spaced apart from each other along the printed circuit board. In addition, the printed circuit board may include a first fastener (e.g., a spring clip, a reinforcing pin, a compression spring, etc.) at a first location and a second fastener (e.g., a spring clip, a reinforcing pin, a compression spring, etc.) at a second location to couple the antenna to the main printed circuit board via first and second openings at the first and second locations, respectively. For example, the first contact of the antenna and / or the second contact of the antenna can be mechanically coupled and / or electrically coupled to the main printed circuit board via the first fastener and the second fastener, respectively, rather than via a soldered connection. It should be understood that the antenna tuning circuit can include various electronic components (e.g., capacitors, inductors, resistors, switching devices, etc.) to facilitate electrically coupling the antenna to the radiator, cellular modem, or for grounding the antenna. For example, the antenna can be RF grounded or DC grounded to the main printed circuit board.

[0049] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 to Figure 2A sensor assembly 100 according to some implementations of the present disclosure is depicted. The sensor assembly includes a cover 102 on which electrodes 104 and electrical traces 106 are disposed. The sensor assembly 100 also includes an antenna 108 and a printed circuit board 110. A biometric sensor circuit system 112 is disposed on the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 110 is a flexible printed circuit board. The biometric sensor circuit system 112 can be placed anywhere on the printed circuit board 110 when space permits. The biometric sensor circuit system 112 can include an ECG circuit system and / or a PPG circuit system. In such an embodiment, the ECG circuit system and the PPG circuit system can be placed at the optimal location for a particular device design. The ECG and PPG circuit systems can include any appropriate circuit systems that are known, used, or suitable for such functionality. The electrodes 104 can be connected to an ECG circuit that can detect small changes in charge on the skin that change with the user's heartbeat. ECG data can be monitored over time to try to determine irregularities in the heartbeat that may indicate serious heart problems. Conventional ECG measurements are obtained by measuring the electrical potential of the heart over a period of time that typically corresponds to multiple cardiac cycles. By having the user place his or her skin (e.g., wrist or finger) over exposed electrodes for a minimal period of time—during which the ECG measurement is taken—an application executing on the sensor assembly can collect and analyze the ECG data and provide feedback to the user.

[0050] like Figure 3 to Figure 4 As more particularly shown in , the cover 102 includes an outer surface 114 on which the electrode 104 is disposed. In this example, the electrode 104 is at least a portion of a metal ring, although other types and forms of electrodes may be used within the scope of various embodiments. The electrode 104 is configured to be placed on the user's skin and can detect small changes in the charge on the skin that change with the user's heartbeat. Although two electrodes are shown, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, and in fact it is contemplated that only one electrode may be utilized, or additional electrodes may be utilized as space permits. Figure 4 More particularly shown, electrodes 104 on an outer surface 114 of the cover 102 are coupled to electrical traces 106 disposed on an inner surface 116 of the cover 102. The electrical traces 106 are then coupled to a printed circuit board 110, as will be discussed further below.

[0051] Electrode 104 is formed of a metallic material and has a sufficiently large size, at least relative to the size of cover 102 or to a computing device on which sensor assembly 100 is integrated, to allow good contact with the user's skin. In an example embodiment, electrode 104 has a diameter of at least 150 mm. 2The electrode 104 is formed of a metallic material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or a silver-chromium composite. The choice of metallic material allows the electrode 104 to function at low frequency DC requirements, thereby collecting signals for the biometric sensor circuit system 112 on the printed circuit board 110. In addition, the electrode 104 is capable of RF coupling with the antenna 108 to improve the radiation efficiency of the antenna 108. Specifically, the material and size of the electrode 104 and their position relative to the antenna 108 contribute to the ability of the electrode 104 to electrically resonate at the operating frequency of the antenna 108, thereby improving the radiation performance of the antenna 108.

[0052] Antenna 108 can have signals operating at multiple different frequency bands. For example, antenna 108 can operate at one or more global navigation satellite system (GNSS) (e.g., global positioning system (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, etc.) bands. For example, one or more global navigation satellite system bands may include one or more GPS bands (e.g., 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, 1563 MHz to 1587 MHz, 1215 MHz to 1240 MHz). It should also be understood that antenna 108 can operate at other frequency bands such as those used in LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth applications as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Antenna 108 is formed of any suitable metal material. In some embodiments, antenna 108 is formed of copper, copper alloy, or any other material including copper.

[0053] When operating in one or more frequency bands, the electrode 104 emits radiation that induces one or more currents in the antenna, which can improve the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the antenna 108 in the one or more frequency bands. For example, the electrode 104 can improve the radiation efficiency in frequency bands such as those utilized in LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth applications. Now referring to Figure 5 , line 122 shows the operation of the antenna without being electrically coupled to the electrode, while line 120 shows the operation of the antenna electrically coupled (e.g., RF coupled) to the electrode. As shown, the electrical coupling between the electrode 104 and the antenna 108 improves the radiation efficiency of the antenna 108 in one or more LTE bands ranging from about 600 MHz to about 960 MHz. The radiation efficiency of the antenna 108 can be improved by at least about 2 decibels, such as at least about 3 decibels, such as at least about 4 decibels, such as at least about 5 decibels in the disclosed frequency bands. It is worth noting that the improvement in the radiation efficiency of the antenna 108 can be achieved without the need for mechanical coupling between the electrode 104 and the antenna 108. An additional tuning circuit (not shown) including an inductor and a capacitor can also be electrically coupled to the electrode 104 to optimize the electrode resonance at the operating frequency of the antenna 108.

[0054] Reference now Figure 6 , components of the disclosed sensor assembly may be incorporated into the wearable computing device 200. Although the figures show example embodiments with respect to a smartwatch, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sensor assembly may be incorporated into any number of wearable computing devices. Figure 6 A wearable computing device 200 is depicted in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the wearable computing device 200 can be worn, for example, on a user's wrist 202. For example, the wearable computing device 200 can include a band 204 and a housing assembly 210. The housing assembly 210 can be coupled to the band 204. In such a manner, the band 204 can be fastened to the user's wrist 202 to secure the housing assembly 210 to the user's wrist 202.

[0055] In some implementations, the wearable computing device 200 may include a display 212 that can display content (e.g., time, date, etc.) to a user. In some implementations, the display 212 may include an interactive display (e.g., a touch screen or a touch-free screen). In such implementations, a user may interact with the wearable computing device 200 via the display 212 to control the operation of the wearable computing device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the wearable computing device 200 may include one or more input devices 214 that can be manipulated by a user to interact with the wearable computing device 200. For example, the one or more input devices 214 may include a mechanical button that can be manipulated (e.g., pressed) to interact with the wearable computing device 200. In some implementations, the one or more input devices 214 may be manipulated to control the operation of a backlight (not shown) associated with the display 212. It should be understood that the one or more input devices 214 may be configured to allow a user to interact with the wearable computing device 200 in any suitable manner. For example, in some implementations, the one or more input devices 214 may be manipulated by a user to navigate through one or more menus on the display 212.

[0056] In some implementations, the wearable computing device 200 may be designed to be worn (e.g., continuously) by a user. When worn, the wearable computing device 200 may collect data about activities performed by the user or about the user's physiological state. Such data may include data representing the surrounding environment around the user or the user's interaction with the environment. For example, the data may include motion data about the user's movement, ambient light, ambient noise, air quality, etc., and / or physiological data obtained by measuring various physiological characteristics of the user, such as heart rate, sweat level, body temperature, etc.

[0057] like Figures 7 to 9As depicted, elements of the sensor assembly are incorporated into the wearable computing device 200. For example, the cover 102 having the electrodes 104 on its outer surface 114 may form the back side or skin-facing side of the wearable computing device 200. The wearable computing device 200 includes a housing assembly 210 in which the printed circuit board 110 having the biometric sensor circuit system 112 thereon and the antenna 108 are disposed. Additionally, a wireless charging pairing device 115 may also be disposed within the housing assembly 210 of the wearable computing device 200. The wireless charging pairing device 115 may be configured to operate at an operating frequency to charge the device, as will be discussed further below.

[0058] refer to Fig. 9 , a cross-sectional view of a wearable computing device 200 is shown. The electrical traces may be coupled to the printed circuit board via a conductive foam pad, one or more spring clips, one or more spring pins, or a combination thereof. As shown, the electrical trace 106 is coupled to the printed circuit board 110 via a conductive foam pad 117. The conductive foam pad 117 may be formed of a conductive foam material. For example, the conductive foam material may be a foam formed of a suitable polymer plated with a conductive material (e.g., a metal) or a polymer having a conductive material disposed therein. In some embodiments, the conductive foam material includes a non-conductive foam wrapped in one or more layers of a conductive fabric. Such conductive fabrics are known and may be a woven or non-woven fabric having a conductive material (e.g., a metal) dispersed throughout the fabric. The conductive foam pad 117 has a first end 118 coupled to the electrical trace 106 (e.g., in contact with it) and a second end 119 coupled to the printed circuit board 110 (e.g., in contact with it). Thus, the conductive foam pad 117 is used to electrically couple the electrode 104 to the printed circuit board 110 so that signals from the electrode 104 can be processed by the biometric sensor circuitry disposed on the printed circuit board 110. The conductive foam pad 117 can also be used to reduce forces within the internal components of the wearable computing device 200. For example, the material for the conductive foam pad 117 can be selected so that the conductive foam pad 117 can be compressed between the printed circuit board 110 and the electrical traces 106 on the external cover 102 without significantly increasing the internal forces within the wearable computing device 200.

[0059] In addition, a main printed circuit board 220 is also disposed in the wearable computing device 200. The main printed circuit board 220 may include other circuit systems to facilitate the functionality of the overall device. Such additional circuit systems are known and may include controllers, microcontrollers, processors, microprocessors, modems, modules, or chipsets required to provide the desired functionality of the wearable computing device 200. In addition, components of the sensor assembly may be electrically or mechanically coupled to the main printed circuit board 220 as desired. For example, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board 110 may be electrically coupled to the main printed circuit board 220. In addition, the wireless charging pairing device 115 may also be coupled to the main printed circuit board 220 to facilitate charging the wearable computing device 200. In addition, the antenna 108 may be electrically coupled to the main printed circuit board 220, as will be discussed further below.

[0060] like Fig.10 As shown, the antenna 108 is electrically coupled to the main printed circuit board 220. For example, known structures for electrically coupling an antenna to a main printed circuit board are known. In some implementations, the main printed circuit board 220 may include a first fastener 230 (e.g., a spring clip) at a first position 234 thereon and a second fastener 232 (e.g., a spring clip) at a second position 236 thereon. In this manner, the antenna 108 may be mechanically coupled to the main printed circuit board 220 at the first position 234 and the second position 236 via the first fastener and the second fastener, respectively. The antenna 108 may be electrically or mechanically coupled to one or more antenna tuning circuits disposed on the main printed circuit board 220. For example, the antenna 108 may be electrically coupled to the first antenna tuning circuit 240 at the first position 234 and electrically coupled to the second antenna tuning circuit 242 at the second position 236. The antenna tuning circuits 240 , 242 may be used to electrically ground the antenna 108 , or to electrically couple the antenna 108 to other components on the main printed circuit board 220 , such as a cellular modem, a radio chipset, RF circuitry, or the like.

[0061] Figures 11 to 13 A schematic top view of the electrical connection of the electrode 104 and the antenna 108 to the main printed circuit board 220 is depicted. As shown, the antenna 108 can be electrically coupled to the main printed circuit board 220 in a variety of locations and in a variety of configurations. Fig.11 As shown, the antenna 108 is electrically coupled to a first antenna tuning circuit 240 at a first location 234, which is electrically coupled to a radiator 244, such as an RF generator or a cellular modem. Additionally, the first location 234 and the first antenna tuning circuit 240 can be used to electrically ground the antenna 108. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.12As shown, the antenna 108 is electrically coupled to a first antenna tuning circuit 240 at a first location 234, which is electrically coupled to a radiator 244, such as a cellular modem; and the antenna is electrically coupled to a second antenna tuning circuit 242, which is electrically grounded, at a second location 236. In other embodiments, such as Fig.13 As shown, the antenna 108 is electrically coupled to a first antenna tuning circuit 240 at a first location 234, which is electrically coupled to a radiator 244; and the antenna is electrically coupled to a second antenna tuning circuit 242 at a second location 236, which is electrically coupled to an RF circuit 246. The antenna 108 can be configured to be electrically coupled to the main printed circuit board 220 at a variety of different locations as desired and as space permits.

[0062] As about Figures 8 to 9 As noted, a wireless charging pairing device 115 configured to charge a wearable computing device 200 is provided. The wireless charging pairing device 115 may be configured to charge the device at an operating frequency or within an operating frequency range. Such frequencies are generally known in the art. The wireless charging pairing device is electrically coupled to a transmitter that draws power from a power source, such as a wall outlet. The wireless charging pairing device 115 then emits radiation at the operating frequency to transfer power from the power source to a portable power source (e.g., a battery) in the wearable computing device 200. However, given the proximity of the wireless charging pairing device 115 to the antenna 108 in the wearable computing device 200, the antenna 108 may be electrically coupled to a capacitor 250 to filter or block signals at the antenna 108 at the operating frequency of the wireless charging pairing device 115. Figures 11 to 13 The use and placement of capacitor 250 on antenna 108 is shown.

[0063] Although the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to various specific example embodiments of the subject matter, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art, after understanding the foregoing, can easily produce changes, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure does not exclude such modifications, changes, and / or additions to the subject matter that will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such changes, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly, comprising: Printed circuit boards; one or more biometric sensor circuits coupled to the printed circuit board; a cover having one or more electrodes disposed on an outer side of the cover, the one or more electrodes coupled to one or more electrical traces disposed on an inner side of the cover, the one or more electrical traces electrically coupled to the one or more biometric sensor circuits; as well as An antenna is electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes. 2 . The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is radio frequency coupled to the one or more electrodes.

3. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more electrical traces are electrically coupled to the printed circuit board via one or more conductive foam pads, one or more spring clips, one or more spring pins, or a combination thereof.

4. The sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the one or more conductive foam pads comprise a foam material having one or more layers of conductive fabric thereon.

5. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more electrodes comprise stainless steel, aluminum, or a chrome-silver composite. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the antenna comprises copper.

7. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more biometric sensor circuits include electrocardiogram (ECG) circuitry.

8. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more biometric sensor circuits include photoplethysmography (PPG) circuitry.

9. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is a flexible circuit board.

10. A wearable computing device comprising: Main circuit board; a flexible printed circuit board electrically coupled to the main circuit board; one or more biometric sensor circuits coupled to the flexible printed circuit board; a cover having one or more electrodes disposed on an outer side of the cover, the one or more electrodes coupled to one or more electrical traces disposed on an inner side of the cover, the one or more electrical traces electrically coupled to the one or more biometric sensor circuits; as well as An antenna is electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes and the main circuit board.

11. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein the antenna is radio frequency coupled to the one or more electrodes.

12. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein the one or more electrical traces are electrically coupled to the one or more biometric sensor circuits via one or more conductive foam pads, one or more spring clips, one or more spring pins, or a combination thereof.

13. The wearable computing device of claim 12, wherein the one or more conductive foam pads comprise a foam material having one or more layers of conductive fabric thereon.

14. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein the one or more electrodes comprise stainless steel, aluminum, or a chrome-silver composite.

15. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein the antenna comprises copper.

16. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein the one or more biometric sensor circuits include ECG circuitry.

17. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein the one or more biometric sensor circuits include PPG circuitry.

18. The wearable computing device of claim 10, comprising a first antenna spring clip electrically coupled to the antenna and a first antenna tuning circuit disposed on the primary circuit board, wherein the first antenna tuning circuit is electrically coupled to a cellular modem disposed on the primary circuit board.

19. The wearable computing device of claim 10, comprising a second antenna spring clip electrically coupled to the antenna and a second antenna tuning circuit disposed on the main circuit board, wherein the second antenna spring clip is (i) electrically coupled to an RF circuit disposed on the main circuit board, or (ii) electrically coupled to ground.

20. The wearable computing device of claim 10, comprising a wireless charging pairing device configured to operate at an operating frequency to wirelessly charge the device; the wearable computing device further comprising a capacitor electrically coupled to the antenna, the antenna configured to filter signals at the operating frequency of the wireless charging pairing device.

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