Capacitor Placement on Circuit Substrates to Reduce Piezoelectric Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unpredictable vibrational effects caused by capacitors on circuit substrates due to random orientation and arrangement, leading to unwanted audible noise, are difficult to manage and predict in traditional manufacturing and packaging methods, which can result in instability and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The method involves arranging capacitors on a circuit substrate such that each capacitor is positioned within a quarter wavelength of a predetermined frequency, with some capacitors oriented to exert opposite influences on the substrate, either contracting or expanding, to mitigate the vibrational noise by constructive or destructive interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If capacitors are arranged in random orientation on circuit substrate, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but unpredictable vibrational effects and audible noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting capacitors in specific non-random directions on the circuit substrate. By controlling the orientation of capacitor plates relative to the substrate surface, the vibrational effects are directed in specific patterns that can be managed to reduce audible noise, rather than allowing random orientations that produce unpredictable noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibrational effects of capacitors into a beneficial arrangement by strategically positioning multiple capacitors so their vibrational effects cancel each other out. By placing capacitors at specific locations and orientations, the mechanical vibrations that would normally produce audible noise are made to interfere destructively, transforming the harmful effect into a noise-reduction solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple capacitors are placed close together to reduce circuit density, then component placement flexibility improves, but constructive interference increases vibrational effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of capacitors relative to each other and the substrate, combined with controlled orientations, to manage vibrational interference patterns while maintaining flexible component placement on the circuit substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent strategically positions multiple capacitors in close proximity so that their individual vibrational effects, which would normally be harmful, instead interfere destructively with each other. By carefully selecting positions and orientations, the capacitors' vibrations cancel out, converting the potential harm into a beneficial noise-reduction effect while maintaining placement flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If capacitor orientation is controlled to reduce noise, then prediction of vibrational effects improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements specific asymmetric orientation patterns for capacitors on the circuit substrate that provide predictable vibrational behavior. By defining specific orientation requirements rather than allowing random placement, the patent achieves better prediction of vibrational effects while keeping the manufacturing process manageable through clear design guidelines.
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 approach allows for better anticipation and control of vibrational effects, reducing undesired noise and maintaining circuit stability by strategically positioning capacitors to counteract their vibrational impacts, thereby enhancing the predictability and manageability of capacitors' placement on circuit substrates.
Implementation Method 1
the repeated deformations, can produce a vibration having a frequency and amplitude, which will induce an auditory perceivable piezoelectric type effect
Implementation Method 2
the capacitor can act as a point source mechanical exciter of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a circuit substrate and a method of managing the placement of one or more groupings of a plurality of capacitors coupled to a circuit substrate. Each capacitor has a pair of terminals, as well as a component shape which changes as a voltage difference is selectively applied across the pair of terminals. When a voltage difference is applied across the pair of terminals, the component shape of the capacitor will contract in a first direction and expand in a second direction, where the second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. When the voltage difference is removed from the pair of terminals, the component shape of the capacitor will return to an uncontracted state in the first direction and an unexpanded state in the second direction. Each of the plurality of capacitors in a particular grouping is driven by a complementary signal. The method includes arranging each of the plurality of capacitors in the particular grouping, which are positioned within a relative distance of one another that is less than or equal to a quarter wavelength of a predetermined frequency, where at least some of the plurality of capacitors in the particular grouping are positioned to exert opposite influences on the circuit substrate relative to other capacitors in the particular group, in response to the plurality of capacitors in the particular grouping being driven by the complementary signal.