Adapter Frame Faraday Cage for Board-to-Board EMC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with multiple printed circuit boards face challenges in meeting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and avoiding desense due to the difficulty in placing filtering components in close proximity to connector pins and electrical pads with current circuit board and connector technology.

Innovation Solution

A connector system that includes an adapter frame with electrical shielding forming a partial Faraday cage around electrical components, allowing for the placement of filtering components between printed circuit board pads and connector pins, and a method of connecting printed circuit boards using an adapter frame with electrical pads on its surfaces to house and shield these components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filtering components are placed in close proximity to connector pins and electrical pads, then electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance is improved, but current circuit board and connector technology cannot accommodate this placement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMC performanceVSAvoidplacement feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter frame as an intermediary component between the circuit board and connector. This adapter frame includes a chamber that houses filtering components and electrical shielding that forms a Faraday cage, enabling EMC performance improvement without requiring direct placement of filtering components next to connector pins on the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the filtering components from the traditional two-dimensional circuit board surface into a three-dimensional chamber structure within the adapter frame. This dimensional transition allows filtering components to be positioned in close proximity to connector pins for improved EMC performance while avoiding the layout constraints of conventional circuit board design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printed circuit boards are connected with board-to-board connectors, then device functionality is improved, but electromagnetic interference and desense problems worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic interference into a beneficial shielding effect by using the adapter frame's electrical shielding to form a Faraday cage around the connector pins and filtering components. This shielding structure captures and contains electromagnetic fields, preventing them from causing desense problems while maintaining the functionality of multiple board connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If filtering components are placed close to connector pins, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but current technology does not allow sufficient space for such placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectivenessVSAvoidavailable space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the adapter frame contains a chamber that houses the filtering components, which in turn surround the connector pins. This nested arrangement allows filtering components to be placed in close proximity to connector pins for improved electromagnetic shielding effectiveness while utilizing the vertical space within the adapter frame rather than consuming additional lateral space on the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables effective electromagnetic shielding, allowing for the placement of filtering components in close proximity to connector pins while meeting EMC and desense performance standards, thereby enhancing the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

electrical shielding that forms at least a partial Faraday cage around the at least one electrical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday cage: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS9831579B1Adapter frame with a set of electrical pads on its top and bottom surfaces for a board-to-board connection

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for board-to-board circuit connection. In one example, a connector system includes a printed circuit board having a first set of electrical pads and at least one electrical component positioned between the first set of electrical pads and an adapter frame. The adapter frame includes a second set of electrical pads on a bottom surface and connected to the first set of electrical pads of the printed circuit board and a third set of electrical pads on a top surface and electrically connected to the second set of electrical pads. The adapter frame further includes a chamber configured to house the at least one electrical component and having electrical shielding that forms at least a partial Faraday cage around the at least one electrical component. A connector receptacle having a set of pins is connected to the third set of electrical pads.