EMI Shield with Lens-Sized Aperture for Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera modules suffer from inadequate electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding due to large openings that act as antennas, compromising EMI protection and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) with other electronic devices, especially at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with an EMI shield comprising a first conductive portion covering the optical unit and a second conductive portion covering the circuit substrate, where the first conductive portion defines an opening equal to or smaller than the optical unit's aperture, and optionally includes a transparent EMI attenuator, ensuring comprehensive shielding of the camera module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large opening is provided in the EMI shield to accommodate the lens barrel, then the lens can be properly positioned and focused, but the EMI shielding effect is greatly compromised as the opening acts as an antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The EMI shield is segmented into multiple conductive portions (first conductive portion covering the optical unit, second conductive portion covering the bottom surface, and third conductive portion covering the sidewall). This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the first portion can have a precisely sized opening for the lens while the other portions provide comprehensive shielding coverage, resolving the contradiction between lens access and EMI protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends EMI shielding from a traditional single-plane shield to a three-dimensional structure that covers the top surface, bottom surface, and sidewalls of the camera module. By adding shielding in multiple dimensions (particularly the sidewall coverage), the overall shielding effectiveness is dramatically improved even though the opening in the first conductive portion remains necessary for lens access.
2Device complexity
If the EMI shield covers only partial areas of the camera module, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but EMI protection is insufficient and other devices in the host device are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple EMI shield portions into an integrated shielding system where the first conductive portion, second conductive portion, and third conductive portion work together as a unified EMI protection structure. This merged approach provides comprehensive coverage of the camera module (top, bottom, and sidewalls) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of conductive adhesives for assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMI shield portions are implemented as thin conductive structures that can be flexibly assembled around the camera module components. These thin film-like conductive portions reduce structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty compared to bulky shielding enclosures, while still providing effective EMI protection when properly positioned and connected.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional EMI shields with large openings are used, then the lens barrel can be accommodated, but the shield acts as an antenna at high frequencies and EMI protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The EMI shield is designed with local quality variations - the first conductive portion has a precisely controlled opening sized to match the optical unit aperture (not a large opening), while the second and third conductive portions provide extensive coverage of the bottom and sidewall areas. This localized optimization ensures that openings are minimized where they would act as antennas, while maintaining lens accommodation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMI shield system combines multiple conductive materials and structures (different conductive portions potentially made from different conductive adhesives or conductive materials) to achieve both lens accommodation and high-frequency EMI protection. The composite structure allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated shielding system.
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 solution significantly reduces electromagnetic interference incident on the image sensor and enhances EMC by shielding the entire camera module, including its top, bottom, and sidewalls, effectively minimizing antenna effects and improving compatibility with other electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
an EMI shield including a first conductive portion covering the optical unit and a second conductive portion coupled to the first conductive portion and covering a bottom surface of the circuit substrate
Implementation Method 2
The EMI shield can include a transparent EMI attenuator (e.g., a conductive glass) covering the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An EMI shield for a camera module subassembly includes a first conductive portion covering an optical unit and a top surface of a circuit substrate of the camera module subassembly and a second conductive portion covering a bottom surface of the circuit substrate, such that the two portions are in contact. The EMI shield can also include an extension to cover a flexible circuit substrate and its connector, as well as can include an EMI attenuator over an aperture formed in the first conductive portion above the optical unit. The EMI shield of the invention provides improved EMI shielding and EM compatibility at the camera module packaging level, especially for frequencies in the megahertz and gigahertz range, by shielding substantially all of the camera module subassembly.