A printed circuit board and electronic device

By designing a clearance area on the printed circuit board to divide the copper plating area into antenna radiating elements and connecting the antenna feed to the two areas, the problem of large space occupation of traditional antennas is solved, and the device is miniaturized and its performance is improved.

CN119651122BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-01GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
Filing Date
2024-11-14
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional antenna designs occupy a lot of physical space, making it difficult to miniaturize wearable devices.

Method used

By designing a clearance area on the printed circuit board to divide the copper plating area into a first region and a second region, making it a radiating element of the antenna, and connecting the two regions through the clearance area to form the antenna feed point, the separate antenna is eliminated.

Benefits of technology

This reduces the space occupied by the antenna, enabling miniaturization of the device, while improving antenna performance and system stability and reliability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a printed circuit board and an electronic device, the printed circuit board comprises a board body and an antenna feed source; the board body comprises a copper laying area and a clearance area, the clearance area is a hollowed-out area in the copper laying area, the copper laying area comprises a first area and a second area which are divided by the clearance area; the first area is connected with or separated from the second area; the antenna feed source passes through the clearance area, one end of the antenna feed source is connected with the first area, and the other end of the antenna feed source is connected with the second area to form an antenna feed point. The embodiment of the present application divides the copper laying area into the first area and the second area through the clearance area, so that the first area and the second area become radiation elements of an antenna, the antenna body and the board body are combined into one, a separate antenna is saved, and the product structure space is reduced.
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Description

A printed circuit board and electronic device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printed circuit board technology, and in particular to a printed circuit board and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] As people's expectations for ubiquitous connectivity grow, wearable technology has become one of the fastest-growing industries. Wearable devices such as wristbands, watches, glasses, and true wireless stereo headphones present new demands in terms of miniaturization, ruggedness, aesthetics, sensor integration, and communication. In particular, the trend towards smaller, thinner designs and improved communication performance presents a significant challenge to those attempting to assemble all components into smaller, thinner, and smarter wearable devices. Antennas play a crucial role in wearable devices, ensuring their communication performance.

[0003] Traditional antenna designs typically use individual antenna units to handle the module's communication capabilities, such as soldering wires, connecting to FPC copper foil, and mounting ceramic antennas. However, these individual antenna units occupy significant physical space, increasing the product's size and hindering miniaturization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention are proposed to provide a printed circuit board and a corresponding electronic device that overcome or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a printed circuit board is provided, including a board body and an antenna feed source;

[0006] The board body includes a copper-paved area and a clear area. The clear area is a hollowed-out area in the copper-paved area. The copper-paved area includes a first area and a second area divided by the clear area. The first area and the second area are connected or separated.

[0007] The antenna feed passes through the clearance area, with one end connected to the first region and the other end connected to the second region to form an antenna feed point.

[0008] Optionally, the plate body comprises at least two layers, one of which includes a reference ground layer;

[0009] The antenna feed passes through the clearance zone in the reference ground layer, connecting the first region and the second region.

[0010] Optionally, one end of the antenna feed is connected to the edge of the first region, and the other end extends into the second region to form an antenna feed point.

[0011] Optionally, the printed circuit board further includes: electronic devices disposed on the board body;

[0012] When the first region is connected to the second region, the electronic devices located in the first region and the electronic devices located in the second region are connected by traces in other layers other than the reference ground layer in the connection region between the first region and the second region.

[0013] Optionally, the printed circuit board further includes: electronic devices disposed on the board body;

[0014] When the first region and the second region are separated, the electronic devices located in the first region and the electronic devices located in the second region are connected by traces in other layers other than the reference ground layer in the antenna feed point region; the antenna feed point region is the area around the antenna feed point.

[0015] Optionally, when the first region is connected to the second region, the size of the clearance area is determined based on the preset antenna operating frequency and / or preset antenna impedance.

[0016] Optionally, when the first region is connected to the second region, the size of the connection area between the first region and the second region is determined according to the preset antenna operating frequency and / or preset antenna impedance.

[0017] Optionally, when the first region is connected to the second region, the location of the antenna feed point is determined based on a preset antenna operating frequency and / or a preset antenna impedance.

[0018] Optionally, when the first region and the second region are separated, the gap between the first region and the second region is less than a preset threshold, the preset threshold being determined based on a preset antenna operating frequency.

[0019] Optionally, the clearance area is formed by slotting in the copper-paved area.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising the electronic device described in any of the preceding claims.

[0021] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention may include the following beneficial effects:

[0022] This invention provides a printed circuit board and an electronic device. The printed circuit board includes a board body and an antenna feed. The board body includes a copper-filled area and a clearance area, where the clearance area is a cutout region within the copper-filled area. The copper-filled area includes a first region and a second region divided by the clearance area. The first region and the second region are connected or separated. The antenna feed passes through the clearance area, with one end connected to the first region and the other end connected to the second region to form an antenna feed point. This invention divides the copper-filled area into a first region and a second region through the clearance area, making the first region and the second region radiating elements of the antenna. This integrates the antenna body with the board body, eliminating the need for a separate antenna and reducing the product's structural space. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a structure in which an antenna is mounted on the outside of a printed circuit board;

[0024] Figure 2 is a structural block diagram of a printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 is a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 is a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 is a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 is a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] In existing technologies, antennas are placed outside the circuit board, and each antenna unit occupies a significant amount of physical space, increasing the product's size and hindering miniaturization. Therefore, how to reduce the space occupied by the antenna while maintaining performance has become a crucial issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the miniaturization of electronic products. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a structure where an antenna is placed outside the printed circuit board, with the antenna array located on the exterior of the printed circuit board.

[0034] One of the core concepts of this invention is that the copper plating area is divided into a first region and a second region by the clearance area, so that the first region and the second region become the radiating elements of the antenna, and the antenna body and the board body are integrated into one, eliminating the need for a separate antenna and reducing the product structure space.

[0035] Referring to FIG2, a structural block diagram of a printed circuit board provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown; referring to FIG3, a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] The printed circuit board includes a board body 201 and an antenna feed 202; the board body includes a copper-filled area and a clearance area, the clearance area being a cutout area in the copper-filled area, the copper-filled area including a first area and a second area divided by the clearance area; the first area and the second area are connected or separated; the antenna feed passes through the clearance area, one end is connected to the first area, and the other end is connected to the second area to form an antenna feed point.

[0037] In modern electronic devices, antennas are a key component of wireless communication systems. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) typically consist of a board body and an antenna feed. The PCB serves as the fundamental platform for carrying and connecting various electronic components. The board body, the core of the PCB, is composed of multiple layers and is used for signal transmission and power supply. The antenna feed is the specific component in the antenna system used to transmit signals into and out of the antenna. It typically includes coaxial probes, microstrip lines, etc., and is responsible for efficiently transmitting signals from the transmission line to the radiating part of the antenna. Integrating the antenna feed onto the PCB body allows for a compact design, reduces signal transmission loss, and improves the overall system performance. Simultaneously, this integrated design helps optimize antenna impedance matching and signal integrity, ensuring efficient radiation and reception capabilities at specific operating frequencies.

[0038] To ensure circuit performance and reliability, copper plating refers to a continuous area of ​​copper foil laid on a printed circuit board. Its main functions are to provide power and ground planes, aid in heat dissipation, reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and signal noise, and improve signal integrity and system stability. Copper plating provides low-impedance paths, ensuring stable power supply voltages for all parts of the circuit, and also serves as a heat dissipation path, helping to transfer heat from heat-generating components to other parts of the printed circuit board or heat sinks.

[0039] The clearance zone refers to a specific area around an antenna where no objects (such as buildings, trees, or metal structures) are allowed to obstruct or interfere with the antenna's radiation field. The clearance zone ensures that the antenna can freely transmit and receive electromagnetic waves without being affected by reflection, scattering, or absorption from physical obstacles, thus guaranteeing signal quality and transmission distance. In printed circuit board design, the clearance zone is a cutout area within the copper plating area; that is, no copper foil is laid in the area around the antenna to ensure the stability and reliability of the entire system.

[0040] The first and second regions of the copper-paved area, separated by the clearance zone, act as the radiating elements of the antenna. When the first and second regions are connected (as shown in Figure 2), it is a self-excited scheme, forming a continuous low-impedance path. This design ensures the continuity of power and ground lines while reducing the impact on antenna performance. The connection is typically designed to be narrow enough to minimize interference with the antenna's radiated field. When the first and second regions are completely separated (as shown in Figure 3) and not connected, it is a self-coupling scheme. This design minimizes capacitance effects and electromagnetic interference, ensuring antenna performance. Separated regions are typically used for high-frequency antennas or applications with extremely high antenna performance requirements.

[0041] An antenna feed is a specific component in an antenna system used to transmit signals into and out of the antenna, typically including a coaxial probe and a microstrip line. Its main function is to convert electrical signals transmitted from the transmission line into electromagnetic waves, or to convert received electromagnetic waves into electrical signals. The design of the antenna feed directly affects the antenna's radiation characteristics, such as directivity, gain, and efficiency. The antenna feed passes through a clearance area, connecting one end to a first region and the other end to a second region, forming the antenna feed point. This ensures efficient radiation and reception of the antenna, reduces capacitance effects and electromagnetic interference, and optimizes the signal transmission path and impedance matching. This design not only improves antenna performance but also ensures the stability and reliability of the entire system.

[0042] In one embodiment, the plate body includes at least two layers, one of which includes a reference ground layer; the antenna feed passes through the clearance area in the reference ground layer, connecting the first region and the second region.

[0043] Printed circuit boards (PCBs) consist of at least two layers to meet diverse circuit design needs and improve circuit performance and reliability. Multilayer structures provide more routing space, enabling complex circuit designs while optimizing signal integrity, power management, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Single-layer PCBs have limited routing space, making complex circuit designs difficult to implement. Multilayer PCBs, by adding extra signal layers, provide more routing paths, making routing easier for designers and avoiding signal line crossings and interference. Dedicated power and ground layers can also be used, providing low-impedance paths, reducing power supply noise and signal reflections, and improving signal integrity and transmission quality. Furthermore, the ground layer can act as a shielding layer, reducing EMC. Dedicated power layers provide stable power voltages, reducing voltage fluctuations and power supply noise. This helps ensure a stable power supply to all parts of the circuit, improving system stability and reliability. Achieving more complex circuit designs within limited space allows for smaller and lighter electronic devices. This is particularly important for portable devices and embedded systems.

[0044] In antenna feed design, connecting the first and second regions by having the feed pass through the clearance zone of the reference ground layer is primarily for considerations of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and signal transmission efficiency. Firstly, from an EMC perspective, placing the feed within the clearance zone effectively reduces the impact of external interference on the antenna system, while also reducing the interference the antenna system generates with the external environment, ensuring stable system operation. The clearance zone typically refers to a space free of metal or other conductive materials, thus preventing signal reflection, refraction, or absorption, guaranteeing signal purity and strength. Secondly, from a signal transmission efficiency perspective, directly designing the feed to connect the two regions through the clearance zone of the reference ground layer reduces signal loss along the transmission path, improving signal quality and efficiency. Furthermore, this design helps optimize the overall antenna structure, enabling better performance within a limited space. In short, this design not only improves antenna performance but also meets the specific needs of particular application scenarios, such as maintaining good communication quality in complex electromagnetic environments.

[0045] In one embodiment, one end of the antenna feed is connected to the edge of the first region, and the other end extends into the second region to form an antenna feed point.

[0046] When one end of the antenna feed is connected to the edge of the first region, and the other end extends into the second region to form the antenna feed point, this layout embodies multiple considerations and technical principles. First, from a physical layout perspective, this design can make full use of the space inside the antenna structure to achieve a compact design, which is especially important for devices that need to install multiple components in a limited space. For example, in applications such as mobile communication base stations and satellite communication equipment, space utilization efficiency is a key factor.

[0047] From an electromagnetic perspective, the position and shape of the antenna feed directly affect the antenna's radiation characteristics and impedance matching. Placing one end of the feed at the edge of the first region helps control the antenna's input impedance, bringing it closer to the ideal 50-ohm standard, thereby reducing signal reflection and improving energy transmission efficiency. Simultaneously, the choice of edge location also facilitates the formation of a specific current distribution pattern, which in turn affects the antenna's radiation pattern, allowing the antenna to achieve higher gain in specific directions, meeting the needs of directional communication. On the other hand, extending the other end of the feed into the second region to form the antenna feed point ensures maximum effective radiation area while promoting good coupling between the antenna and the feed line. The feed point formed in the second region is typically located within the antenna's effective radiation area, which helps improve the antenna's radiation efficiency and reduce energy loss. Furthermore, by adjusting the specific position of the feed point, the antenna's resonant frequency can be fine-tuned to better match the operating frequency band, thereby optimizing the overall performance of the antenna.

[0048] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board further includes: electronic devices disposed on the board body;

[0049] When the first region is connected to the second region, the electronic devices located in the first region and the electronic devices located in the second region are connected by traces in other layers other than the reference ground layer in the connection region between the first region and the second region.

[0050] Placing electronic components on printed circuit boards is not only fundamental to realizing circuit functions, but also crucial for improving product performance, reliability, and integration. These electronic components are diverse, including but not limited to resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, integrated circuits (ICs), connectors, and sensors. Each component performs different functions and works together to accomplish complex circuit tasks.

[0051] First, passive components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors are used to regulate current, voltage, and store energy in circuits, and are indispensable parts of building basic circuits. For example, resistors can be used to limit the magnitude of current and protect other sensitive components in the circuit; capacitors can store charge and play a role in filtering, decoupling, and energy storage in the circuit; inductors are often used for filtering and energy storage, especially playing an important role in high-frequency circuits.

[0052] Secondly, active components such as transistors and integrated circuits are crucial for signal amplification, processing, and conversion. A transistor is a semiconductor device capable of amplifying electrical signals or switching circuits, widely used in amplifiers, logic gates, and other circuits. Integrated circuits, on the other hand, integrate a large number of transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other components onto a small chip, forming circuit modules with specific functions, such as microprocessors, memory, and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs / DACs), greatly improving the performance and integration of electronic products.

[0053] In addition, connectors and interfaces are used to physically connect printed circuit boards to other components or external devices, and are important components for enabling data exchange and power supply between systems. Sensors are used to detect environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity, and convert these physical quantities into electrical signals for subsequent circuit processing.

[0054] During the design process, the proper selection and layout of these electronic components are crucial for improving the performance of printed circuit boards. For example, high-power devices require consideration of heat dissipation, sensitive analog circuitry should be kept away from digital circuitry to reduce interference, and the routing of high-speed signal lines needs to follow specific rules to reduce signal reflection and delay. Careful design not only ensures the normal operation of the circuit but also improves the stability and reliability of the entire system.

[0055] Referring to FIG4, a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0056] The structural scheme connecting the first and second regions in Figure 4 achieves antenna functionality through a self-excitation effect, hence the name "self-excitation scheme." The antenna short-circuit point is located in the connection area between the first and second regions. A power signal is applied to the antenna feed point for excitation, and the antenna short-circuit point acts as the antenna inductor, providing impedance matching between the upper and lower antenna sections. Electrical functional connections are achieved through traces on layers other than the reference ground plane around the antenna short-circuit point.

[0057] Applying a power signal to the antenna feed point is to enable the antenna to effectively transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. The fundamental function of an antenna is to convert electrical signals into electromagnetic waves or vice versa, a process that depends on applying a suitable power signal to the antenna feed point. Firstly, from a physical perspective, the antenna feed point is the connection point between the antenna and the transmission line (such as a coaxial cable). By applying a power signal at this point, the energy of the electrical signal can be transferred to the antenna, causing it to generate a corresponding electromagnetic field. These electromagnetic fields propagate through space, forming electromagnetic waves, thus enabling long-distance signal transmission. Conversely, in receiving mode, the electromagnetic waves captured by the antenna are converted into electrical signals at the feed point and then transmitted through the transmission line to the receiving equipment for processing.

[0058] Secondly, the amplitude and frequency of the applied power signal directly affect the antenna's performance. An appropriate power level ensures the antenna operates optimally; excessive power may cause overheating or damage, while insufficient power may prevent the required communication distance or signal strength. The choice of frequency determines the antenna's operating band; different applications require different operating frequencies to meet specific communication needs.

[0059] Finally, by applying a power signal excitation at the antenna feed point, precise control of the antenna's radiation characteristics can be achieved. For example, by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signal, the antenna's radiation pattern can be altered, giving it higher gain in a specific direction, thereby enabling directional communication. Furthermore, multi-antenna systems (such as multiple-input multiple-output systems) can achieve spatial diversity and multiplexing by applying different power signals at multiple feed points, improving the overall system performance and capacity.

[0060] Using the antenna's short-circuit point as an inductor to achieve impedance matching between the upper and lower antenna sections optimizes the overall performance and efficiency of the antenna. The design of the antenna short-circuit point, by introducing an inductive effect, achieves effective impedance matching between the upper and lower sections of the antenna. The inductive effect compensates for the capacitive effect in other parts of the antenna, especially in high-frequency applications where the capacitive effect significantly affects its impedance characteristics. By introducing inductance at the short-circuit point, the antenna's capacitance and inductance can be balanced, allowing the antenna to exhibit better resonance characteristics within a specific frequency range, thereby improving the antenna's radiation efficiency and bandwidth. The inductive design of the antenna short-circuit point simplifies the antenna structure and reduces reliance on external matching networks. Traditional antenna designs typically require external matching networks (such as series or parallel capacitors and inductors) to achieve impedance matching, which increases the antenna's complexity and cost. By designing the short-circuit point internally, a more compact and simpler antenna structure can be achieved while maintaining good performance. The inductive effect of the antenna short-circuit point can also fine-tune the antenna's resonant frequency to better match the required operating frequency band. This is particularly important for multi-band or multi-mode antennas. By adjusting the position of the short-circuit point and the inductance value, good matching of the antenna across multiple frequency bands can be achieved, improving the antenna's multi-band performance. In summary, the antenna short-circuit point acts as the antenna's inductance, and impedance matching between the upper and lower antenna parts is a key technical means to achieve efficient, compact, and multifunctional antenna design.

[0061] By routing traces on other layers around the antenna short-circuit point, unnecessary metal structures can be avoided, thus reducing the impact on antenna radiation characteristics and impedance matching. Antenna performance is highly dependent on the electromagnetic characteristics of its surrounding environment; any additional metal structures can cause signal reflection, refraction, or absorption, leading to a decrease in antenna radiation efficiency. Therefore, arranging traces on other layers effectively isolates these interferences, ensuring the antenna operates at its optimal state. Utilizing different layers of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) for trace connections improves circuit layout flexibility and density. In a multilayer PCB, each layer can be designed independently, with electrical connections between different layers achieved through interlayer vias. This design approach not only meets complex circuit functional requirements but also achieves higher integration within a limited space. For example, antennas and high-current paths can be placed on the top and bottom layers respectively, while intermediate layers are used for signal routing and power management, thereby achieving functional partitioning and optimization.

[0062] Furthermore, routing connections across other layers can improve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the circuit. A well-designed multilayer layout can reduce crosstalk between signal lines, lower noise interference, and improve system stability and reliability. Especially in high-frequency applications, signal integrity and EMC are critical design considerations; multilayer routing effectively manages signal paths, reducing noise generation and propagation.

[0063] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board further includes: electronic devices disposed on the board body;

[0064] When the first region and the second region are separated, the electronic devices located in the first region and the electronic devices located in the second region are connected by traces in other layers other than the reference ground layer in the antenna feed point region; the antenna feed point region is the area around the antenna feed point.

[0065] Referring to Figure 5, a structural block diagram of another printed circuit board provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0066] Figure 5 shows a traditional scheme that separates the antenna array from the motherboard. This structure, separating the first and second regions, achieves antenna functionality through self-coupling, hence the name "self-coupling scheme." The gap between the first and second regions creates capacitive coupling; that is, the clearance area can serve as the antenna coupling region. This effect is equivalent to inserting a capacitor in series between the first and second regions in the copper-paved area, connecting them. Electrical connections are achieved through traces on layers other than the reference ground plane in the antenna feed point area.

[0067] When a gap exists between the first and second regions, these regions can be considered as two parallel conductive planes. According to the basic definition of capacitance, a capacitor is formed between two parallel conductive planes. When a voltage is applied to one of the regions (e.g., the first region), charge accumulates in that region, creating an electric field. This electric field travels through the gap to the other region (e.g., the second region), inducing an opposite charge in the second region. Thus, capacitive coupling is formed between the two regions. Capacitive coupling allows signals to be transmitted from one region to another without a direct physical connection. This contactless signal transmission method is particularly useful in high-frequency circuits because it reduces signal loss and interference during transmission. In antenna design, capacitive coupling can be used to achieve signal coupling between different parts, such as establishing an effective signal transmission path between the antenna's feed point and radiating section. The frequency response characteristics of capacitive coupling depend on the size of the gap and the dielectric constant of the medium. A smaller gap and a higher dielectric constant increase the capacitance, thus providing stronger coupling at lower frequencies. Conversely, a larger gap and a lower dielectric constant decrease the capacitance, making it suitable for high-frequency applications. By adjusting the size of the gap and the properties of the dielectric, the frequency response of capacitive coupling can be optimized to achieve the best performance within a specific operating frequency band.

[0068] Capacitive coupling allows signal transmission without adding extra physical connections, providing greater flexibility in circuit design. This is particularly true in multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) designs, where capacitive coupling between different layers enables more compact and efficient circuit layouts. This design approach not only reduces the complexity of physical connections but also improves circuit reliability and stability.

[0069] The antenna feed point region is a critical area connecting the antenna to the transmission line, and the electromagnetic environment in this region significantly impacts antenna performance. If traces are placed on the reference ground plane near the feed point, these traces may introduce additional electromagnetic interference, affecting the antenna's radiation efficiency and directivity. By routing traces on layers other than the reference ground plane, these interferences can be effectively avoided, ensuring the antenna operates at its optimal state. In multilayer printed circuit board design, routing traces on different layers effectively manages signal paths, reducing crosstalk and noise interference between signal lines. Especially in high-frequency applications, signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility are critical design considerations. Routing traces on layers other than the reference ground plane reduces noise generation and propagation, improving system stability and reliability.

[0070] Multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) design allows for independent routing of signal lines, power lines, and ground lines on different layers, enabling more flexible circuit layout. By routing on layers other than the ground plane, higher integration can be achieved within a limited space while maintaining good electrical performance. For example, antennas and high-current paths can be placed on the top and bottom layers respectively, with intermediate layers used for signal routing and power management, achieving functional partitioning and optimization. Furthermore, the antenna feed point area typically requires a certain clearance to reduce interference with antenna performance. Excessive routing on the ground plane may disrupt this clearance, affecting the antenna's radiation characteristics. Routing on other layers preserves this clearance in the feed point area, ensuring the antenna's physical structure remains undisturbed.

[0071] In one embodiment, when the first region is connected to the second region, the size of the clearance area is determined based on a preset antenna operating frequency and / or a preset antenna impedance.

[0072] Antenna performance is highly dependent on the distribution of the surrounding electromagnetic field. The presence of a clearance area reduces interference from surrounding metal structures on the antenna's electromagnetic field, ensuring its radiation characteristics in free space. The size of the clearance area needs to be optimized according to the antenna's operating frequency, as different frequencies have different electromagnetic wave wavelengths and therefore different clearance requirements. For example, high-frequency antennas require a smaller clearance area, while low-frequency antennas require a larger one. Impedance matching of the antenna is crucial for ensuring efficient signal transmission. The antenna's input impedance needs to match the characteristic impedance of the transmission line (typically 50 ohms) to reduce signal reflection and loss. The size of the clearance area affects the antenna's input impedance; by adjusting the size of the clearance area, the antenna's impedance characteristics can be fine-tuned to bring it closer to a preset impedance value. For example, reducing the size of the clearance area may increase the antenna's capacitance effect, thus lowering the input impedance; conversely, increasing the size of the clearance area can reduce the capacitance effect and increase the input impedance.

[0073] Frequency response and bandwidth are crucial performance indicators for antennas. The size of the clearance area affects the antenna's resonant frequency and bandwidth. By rationally designing the clearance area size, the antenna's frequency response can be optimized, allowing it to exhibit optimal performance within a predetermined operating frequency band. For example, for narrowband antennas, the clearance area size needs precise control to ensure high gain and low loss at specific frequencies; for broadband antennas, the clearance area size needs to be appropriately relaxed to cover a wider frequency range. The clearance area size is also limited by the physical structure and layout of the printed circuit board (PCB). In multilayer PCB design, the clearance area size needs to be coordinated with the antenna's physical dimensions and the layout of other circuit components to achieve a compact and efficient design. By rationally planning the clearance area size, the overall PCB layout can be optimized without affecting antenna performance, improving system integration and reliability. The clearance area size also has a significant impact on the antenna's electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). A reasonable clearance area design can reduce electromagnetic interference from the antenna to surrounding circuits, while also reducing interference from the external electromagnetic environment. By adjusting the clearance area size, the antenna's EMC performance can be optimized, improving system stability and reliability.

[0074] In one embodiment, when the first region is connected to the second region, the size of the connection area between the first region and the second region is determined according to a preset antenna operating frequency and / or a preset antenna impedance.

[0075] Electromagnetic Field Distribution and Antenna Performance: Antenna performance is highly dependent on the distribution of the surrounding electromagnetic field. The size of the connection region between the first and second regions directly affects the electromagnetic field distribution. If the connection region is too large, it may introduce additional parasitic capacitance or inductance, affecting the antenna's radiation characteristics; if the connection region is too small, it may lead to poor signal transmission and increased loss. Therefore, the size of the connection region needs to be optimized according to the antenna's operating frequency to ensure the optimal distribution of the electromagnetic field at that frequency. Antenna impedance matching is crucial for ensuring efficient signal transmission. The antenna's input impedance needs to match the characteristic impedance of the transmission line (typically 50 ohms) to reduce signal reflection and loss. The size of the connection region affects the antenna's input impedance. By adjusting the size of the connection region, the antenna's impedance characteristics can be fine-tuned to bring it closer to a preset impedance value. For example, reducing the size of the connection region may increase the antenna's capacitance effect, thereby reducing the input impedance; increasing the size of the connection region can reduce the capacitance effect and increase the input impedance.

[0076] Frequency response and bandwidth are crucial performance indicators for antennas. The size of the connection area affects the antenna's resonant frequency and bandwidth. By rationally designing the size of the connection area, the antenna's frequency response can be optimized, allowing it to exhibit optimal performance within a predetermined operating frequency band. For example, for narrowband antennas, the size of the connection area needs precise control to ensure high gain and low loss at specific frequencies; for broadband antennas, the size of the connection area needs to be appropriately relaxed to cover a wider frequency range. Furthermore, the size of the connection area is also limited by the physical structure and layout of the printed circuit board (PCB). In multilayer PCB design, the size of the connection area needs to be coordinated with the antenna's physical dimensions and the layout of other circuit components to achieve a compact and efficient design. By rationally planning the size of the connection area, the overall layout of the PCB can be optimized without affecting antenna performance, improving system integration and reliability. The size of the connection area also significantly impacts the antenna's electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). A well-designed connection area can reduce electromagnetic interference from the antenna to surrounding circuits, while also reducing interference from the external electromagnetic environment. By adjusting the size of the connection area, the antenna's EMC performance can be optimized, improving system stability and reliability. In high-frequency applications, signal integrity is a critical design consideration. The size of the connection area affects the transmission quality and integrity of the signal. By optimizing the size of the connection area, signal reflection, crosstalk, and noise can be reduced, ensuring high quality and low loss of the signal during transmission.

[0077] In one embodiment, when the first region is connected to the second region, the location of the antenna feed point is determined based on a preset antenna operating frequency and / or a preset antenna impedance.

[0078] Impedance matching of an antenna is crucial for ensuring efficient signal transmission. The antenna's input impedance needs to match the characteristic impedance of the transmission line (typically 50 ohms) to reduce signal reflection and loss. The location of the antenna feed point directly affects its input impedance. By adjusting the feed point's position, the antenna's impedance characteristics can be fine-tuned to bring it closer to a preset impedance value. Antenna performance is highly dependent on the distribution of the surrounding electromagnetic field. The feed point's location affects the antenna's electromagnetic field distribution, thus influencing its radiation efficiency and directivity. At different operating frequencies, the wavelengths of electromagnetic waves vary, and the requirements for the feed point's location also differ. By appropriately selecting the feed point's location, the antenna's electromagnetic field distribution can be optimized, ensuring optimal radiation efficiency and directivity at the preset operating frequency.

[0079] Frequency response and bandwidth are crucial performance indicators for an antenna. The location of the feed point affects the antenna's resonant frequency and bandwidth. By adjusting the feed point's location, the antenna's frequency response can be optimized, allowing it to exhibit optimal performance within a predetermined operating frequency band. For example, for narrowband antennas, the feed point's location needs precise control to ensure high gain and low loss at specific frequencies; for broadband antennas, the feed point's location needs appropriate adjustment to cover a wider frequency range. In multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) design, the feed point's location needs to be coordinated with the antenna's physical dimensions and the layout of other circuit components to achieve a compact and efficient design. By rationally planning the feed point's location, the overall PCB layout can be optimized without compromising antenna performance, improving system integration and reliability.

[0080] A well-designed feed point can reduce electromagnetic interference from the antenna to surrounding circuits, while also minimizing interference from the external electromagnetic environment. Adjusting the feed point's location optimizes the antenna's electromagnetic compatibility performance, improving system stability and reliability. In high-frequency applications, the feed point's location affects signal transmission quality and integrity. Optimizing the feed point's location reduces signal reflection, crosstalk, and noise, ensuring high-quality and low-loss signal transmission.

[0081] In one embodiment, when the first region and the second region are separated, the gap between the first region and the second region is less than a preset threshold, the preset threshold being determined based on a preset antenna operating frequency.

[0082] The operating frequency of an antenna directly affects the wavelength of electromagnetic waves. In high-frequency applications, the wavelength of electromagnetic waves is shorter, and the coupling effect between different parts of the antenna is more significant. If the gap between the first and second regions is too large, it will weaken the electromagnetic field coupling, affecting the antenna's radiation efficiency and directivity. By controlling the gap within a preset threshold, sufficient capacitive or inductive coupling can be ensured, maintaining good antenna performance.

[0083] Impedance matching of an antenna is crucial for ensuring efficient signal transmission. The gap between the first and second regions affects the antenna's input impedance. An excessively large gap increases the antenna's capacitance effect, leading to changes in input impedance and affecting impedance matching. By controlling the gap within a preset threshold, the antenna's input impedance can be fine-tuned to be closer to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line (typically 50 ohms), reducing signal reflection and loss. The size of the gap affects the antenna's resonant frequency and bandwidth. By controlling the gap within a preset threshold, the antenna's frequency response can be optimized, allowing it to exhibit optimal performance within a predetermined operating frequency band. For example, for narrowband antennas, the gap needs precise control to ensure high gain and low loss at specific frequencies; for broadband antennas, the gap needs appropriate adjustment to cover a wider frequency range.

[0084] In multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) design, the size of the gaps needs to be coordinated with the physical dimensions of the antenna and the layout of other circuit components to achieve a compact and efficient design. By rationally planning the gap size, the overall layout of the PCB can be optimized without affecting antenna performance, improving system integration and reliability. A well-designed gap can reduce electromagnetic interference from the antenna to surrounding circuits, while also reducing interference from the external electromagnetic environment. By controlling the gaps within a preset threshold, the EMC performance of the antenna can be optimized, improving system stability and reliability. The size of the gaps affects the signal transmission quality and integrity. By controlling the gaps within a preset threshold, signal reflection, crosstalk, and noise can be reduced, ensuring high-quality and low-loss signal transmission.

[0085] During manufacturing and testing, the size of the gap needs to be easily controlled and measured. Setting a preset threshold provides a clear manufacturing standard, ensuring the consistency and reliability of the antenna during production. By controlling the gap within the preset threshold, the manufacturing process can be simplified, production efficiency improved, and manufacturing costs reduced.

[0086] In one embodiment, the clearance area is formed by slotting in the copper-paved area.

[0087] In circuit board design, clearance areas refer to non-conductive spaces maintained around critical components or between them and other conductive parts to meet electrical safety requirements or prevent signal interference. When clearance areas are formed by slotting within the copper plating, their primary purpose is to ensure that current within these areas does not leak through unnecessary paths, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference, improving signal integrity, and preventing potential risks such as short circuits. For example, in high-frequency circuit design, appropriate clearance areas can effectively reduce crosstalk between signals and ensure circuit performance; while in high-voltage circuits, they ensure sufficient electrical clearance to prevent breakdown and arcing. Furthermore, clearance areas formed by slotting can help optimize thermal management, as they act as heat dissipation channels, promoting airflow and improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the circuit board. In short, by carefully designing clearance areas within the copper plating, not only can the functionality and reliability of the circuit board be improved, but it can also meet various stringent industry standards and specifications.

[0088] The shape design of the clearance area slot is primarily based on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, product structural design needs, and antenna performance optimization. Firstly, from an EMC perspective, the purpose of the clearance area slot is to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring that the electromagnetic fields generated inside the device do not interfere with the outside world, while also preventing external electromagnetic interference from affecting the normal operation of the device. Therefore, the slot shape needs to be determined based on factors such as the device's operating frequency, the location and intensity of the radiation source, to achieve the best shielding effect. Secondly, the requirements of the product structural design are also an important factor in determining the slot shape. For example, when designing wearable devices such as smartwatches or wristbands, considering wearing comfort and aesthetics, the slot shape often needs to match the product's shape, which may be circular, elliptical, or a customized irregular shape. Finally, to optimize antenna performance, the slot shape also needs to be combined with the antenna's design parameters, such as gain, bandwidth, and directivity. For example, in mobile phone design, to ensure signal reception quality, the clearance area around the antenna may be designed as a long strip or L-shape to ensure that the antenna has a sufficiently large unobstructed area, thereby improving communication quality. In summary, the shape of the clearance area slot is the result of comprehensive consideration of electromagnetic compatibility, product design, and antenna performance.

[0089] Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 show variant structural block diagrams of the printed circuit board provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] To accommodate the diverse layout and arrangement of components on printed circuit boards, different effects are achieved by arranging the board according to specific application requirements. Figures 6 and 7 show another self-excitation scheme when the first and second regions are connected. Due to different applications, the positions and shapes of the first and second regions differ from those in Figure 2, and the position and shape of the clearance area also vary. Figures 6 and 7 can be applied to wristbands and watches, respectively. Figures 8 and 9 show a self-coupling variant scheme when the first and second regions are separated. The positions and shapes of the first and second regions differ from those in Figure 3, and the position and shape of the clearance area also vary. Figures 8 and 9 can be applied to wireless networks (Wi-Fi) and TWS (True Wireless Stereo) headphones, respectively.

[0091] This invention provides a printed circuit board and an electronic device. The printed circuit board includes a board body and an antenna feed. The board body includes a copper-filled area and a clearance area, where the clearance area is a cutout region within the copper-filled area. The copper-filled area includes a first region and a second region divided by the clearance area. The first region and the second region are connected or separated. The antenna feed passes through the clearance area, with one end connected to the first region and the other end connected to the second region to form an antenna feed point. This invention divides the copper-filled area into a first region and a second region through the clearance area, making the first region and the second region radiating elements of the antenna. This integrates the antenna body with the board body, eliminating the need for a separate antenna and reducing the product's structural space.

[0092] This invention also provides an electronic device that includes the processes described in the printed circuit board embodiments above.

[0093] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, apparatus, or computer program products. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can take the form of computer program products implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0095] Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, terminal devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing terminal device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing terminal device, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0096] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0097] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0098] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of a printed circuit board and an electronic device provided by the present invention. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printed circuit board, characterized in that, The system includes a board body and an antenna feed. The board body includes a copper-filled area and a clearance area. The clearance area is a hollowed-out area within the copper-filled area. The copper-filled area includes a first area and a second area divided by the clearance area. The first area and the second area are connected or separated. The board body includes at least two layers, one of which is a reference ground layer. The antenna feed passes through the clearance area via the reference ground layer, with one end connected to the edge of the first area and the other end extending into the second area to form an antenna feed point.

2. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Electronic devices disposed on the board; when the first region and the second region are connected, the electronic devices located in the first region and the electronic devices located in the second region are connected by traces in other layers other than the reference ground layer in the connection region between the first region and the second region.

3. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Electronic devices disposed on the board; when the first region and the second region are separated, the electronic devices located in the first region and the electronic devices located in the second region are connected by traces disposed in the antenna feed point region of other layers except the reference ground layer; the antenna feed point region is the area around the antenna feed point.

4. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first region is connected to the second region, the size of the clearance area is determined according to the preset antenna operating frequency and / or preset antenna impedance.

5. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first region is connected to the second region, the size of the connection area between the first region and the second region is determined according to the preset antenna operating frequency and / or preset antenna impedance.

6. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first region is connected to the second region, the location of the antenna feed point is determined according to the preset antenna operating frequency and / or preset antenna impedance.

7. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first region and the second region are separated, the gap between the first region and the second region is less than a preset threshold, which is determined according to the preset antenna operating frequency.

8. The printed circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clearance area is formed by slotting in the copper-paved area.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, Including the printed circuit board as described in any one of claims 1-8.

Citation Information

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