Mini Module EMI Shielding Evaluation Test Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of an effective method and apparatus for evaluating the RF shielding effectiveness of mini packages and modules without requiring functional modules, leading to complex and costly testing environments, and a need for improved test repeatability and accuracy in the industry.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use a test fixture and system to evaluate RF shielding effectiveness of mini packages and modules without functional modules, utilizing very near and near field measurements, with a uniquely designed test vehicle and configurable components to reduce alignment and positioning errors, and allowing for simulation of end-use application environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If functional modules are used in RF shielding effectiveness evaluation, then the evaluation can be performed with existing test systems, but the testing becomes complex and costly requiring expensive shielded chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential shielding evaluation function from the complex functional module testing context. By using a simplified test fixture with artificial electromagnetic sources and receivers, the method separates the shielding effectiveness measurement from the need for complete functional modules and expensive shielded chambers, enabling accurate measurement with simpler equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the shielding evaluation scenario using artificial electromagnetic sources and receivers that replicate the essential EMI interference and shielding effects without requiring functional modules. This copy allows measurement of shielding effectiveness using standard test equipment rather than expensive specialized chambers.
2Reliability
If functional modules are required for testing, then real application conditions can be simulated, but development time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process into independent components: a simplified test fixture, artificial electromagnetic sources, and measurement equipment. This segmentation allows the shielding effectiveness to be measured without assembling and testing complete functional modules, significantly reducing development time while maintaining measurement reliability through controlled artificial scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If plane-wave/far-field EM waves are used for evaluation, then planar materials can be tested, but mini package and module RF shielding effectiveness becomes complex to evaluate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from far-field plane-wave evaluation to near-field artificial electromagnetic source evaluation. This dimensional change in the electromagnetic field distribution allows mini packages and modules to be tested in a controlled near-field environment, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy for small-scale devices where far-field assumptions break down.
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 simplifies the evaluation process, reduces development time and costs, and improves test repeatability and accuracy, enabling effective RF shielding effectiveness testing for mini modules without the need for expensive shielded chambers, and is applicable to various EMI-sensitive products like RF, microwave, and digital chip modules.
Implementation Method 1
evaluating the RF shielding effectiveness of mini package shields, devices and modules
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mini module EMI shielding effectiveness evaluation comprises providing a test vehicle including at least one test platform. The test platform includes at least one mini emitter, a mini receiver with a reference shield, and a mini receiver with a shield under test. EMI shielding effectiveness transmission signals are applied to the at least one mini emitter. Signals received by the mini receiver with a shield under test and the mini receiver with the reference shield are evaluated. The mini emitter, mini receiver with the reference shield, and mini receiver with the shield under test comprise components fabricated concurrently and under fabrication conditions used for fabrication of the test platform of the test vehicle. As used herein, a mini emitter and mini receiver may be interchanged according to the requirements of a given EMI shielding effectiveness evaluation.