Automotive ECU Shielded PCB Assembly for EMI Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive electronic control units require multiple parts for electromagnetic shielding, increasing assembly effort and cost, and there is a need for a simplified design that reduces assembly complexity and cost while maintaining effective shielding.

Innovation Solution

Utilize the existing circuit boards to form a shielded space by integrating an electromagnetic shielding wall between them, eliminating the need for additional cover plates and reducing the overall size of the control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a shielding cover with cover plate is used for electromagnetic shielding, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and assembly cost increase due to multiple parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shielding cover and cover plate functions into the circuit board itself by integrating an electromagnetic shielding layer directly onto the circuit board. This eliminates the need for separate shielding covers and cover plates, reducing the number of parts while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit board is given multiple functions: it serves as both the structural support for electronic components and as the electromagnetic shielding element through the integrated shielding layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated shielding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a shielding cover with cover plate is used for electromagnetic shielding, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but assembly effort increases due to multiple parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding function is combined with the circuit board manufacturing process, allowing the shielding layer to be applied during PCB fabrication. This integration eliminates separate assembly steps for installing shielding covers and cover plates, significantly reducing assembly effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional cover plate is used for electromagnetic shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but overall size of control unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidoverall size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding function is merged into the existing circuit board structure, eliminating the need for additional cover plates that would increase the overall size. The shielding layer is applied directly on the circuit board, maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If additional cover plate is used for electromagnetic shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but cost increases due to more parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding layer is integrated into the circuit board manufacturing process, eliminating the need to purchase and assemble separate shielding covers and cover plates. This integration reduces material costs and manufacturing expenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplified design reduces assembly complexity and cost, while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding and increasing space for component placement, allowing for use in limited spaces.

Implementation Method 1

the electronic control unit generally comprises an electromagnetic shielding which electromagnetically shields at least some of the electronic components of the circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4586756A1Automotive electronic control unit
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4586756A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4586756A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4586756A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An automotive electronic control unit comprising a first circuit board, a second circuit board and a shielding wall, comprising an electromagnetic shielding material, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board together with the shielding wall form a shielded space arranged between the first and the second circuit boards, wherein an electric component arranged at at least one of the first or second circuit board is within the shielded space.