Vehicle Camera Module ESD Protection via Segmented PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in vehicles are prone to malfunction due to electrostatic discharge (ESD), which affects the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and causes issues like resolution deterioration and operational errors, making it difficult for the module to function correctly.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a circuit board with a ground portion and a connection portion that are electrically insulated from each other, using a connector with a metal support member and an electrically insulating member to prevent ESD from reaching the PCB, ensuring the module remains functional even under electrostatic discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the circuit board is connected to the metal connector, then electrical connection and power supply are enabled, but electrostatic discharge affects the PCB causing IC malfunction and resolution deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into two electrically isolated portions: a ground portion and a connection portion. This segmentation prevents electrostatic discharge from propagating across the entire board by creating electrical isolation between the two segments, thereby protecting mounted ICs while maintaining necessary electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrically insulating member is introduced as an intermediary element between the ground portion and the connection portion of the circuit board. This insulating member maintains the electrical isolation while allowing mechanical support and structural integrity, preventing ESD from reaching the PCB through the connector interface.
2Ease of operation
If the ground portion and connection portion are electrically connected, then normal circuit operation is enabled, but ESD noise propagates causing operational errors and screen issues
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into ground and connection portions that are electrically isolated. This allows each portion to perform its specific function independently - the connection portion receives power and signals from the connector while the ground portion provides reference potential for mounted ICs, preventing noise propagation while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful electrical connection between ground and connection portions is extracted/removed. By taking out the direct electrical pathway that allows ESD noise to propagate, the design eliminates the source of operational errors while preserving the necessary functions through separate isolated connections.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical insulation is implemented between ground and connection portions, then ESD protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional insulating components
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically insulating member serves as a mediator between the ground portion and connection portion. This single intermediary component achieves ESD protection by maintaining electrical isolation while providing mechanical support and structural integration, avoiding the need for multiple complex protection circuits or components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameter (conductivity) is changed between different portions of the circuit board. By creating regions with different electrical properties (conductive ground portion, insulating barrier, conductive connection portion), the design achieves ESD protection through parameter variation rather than adding complex protective circuitry.
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
The camera module effectively protects the circuit board from ESD-induced malfunctions, maintaining resolution and operational accuracy, and reducing defect rates while ensuring correct functionality despite environmental variations.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit board includes a ground portion and a connection portion located to be electrically insulated from the ground portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Embodiments provide a camera module including a housing and a circuit board accommodated in the housing, the circuit board being connectable to a connector including a metal. The circuit board includes a ground portion and a connection portion located to be electrically insulated from the ground portion, the connection portion being connectable to the connector.