Secure Flex-Rigid PCB Layering for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems with multiple printed circuits face reliability and security issues due to mechanical stresses and vulnerabilities in connectors, particularly in devices handling confidential data, where securing multiple elements increases costs exponentially.
Innovation Solution
A secure 'flex-rigid' printed circuit design incorporating multiple layers, including a copper shield and insulating layers separated by Vias, provides enhanced protection for signal transmission between rigid and flexible portions, reducing the need for traditional connectors and associated security measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional connectors are used to connect multiple printed circuits, then the system can be assembled with separate circuits, but the reliability and security are compromised due to mechanical stresses and vulnerability to signal interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate printed circuits into a single integrated flex-rigid circuit board, eliminating the need for external connectors. The rigid portions support components while the flexible portion provides electrical connections between them, creating a unified structure that cannot be easily separated or tapped, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability/security.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion acts as an intermediary between rigid circuit portions, providing both mechanical flexibility and electrical connectivity. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for vulnerable connectors while maintaining the ability to connect multiple circuit sections, addressing both the adaptability and security requirements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate printed circuits with connectors are used, then assembly is flexible, but the cost of securing multiple elements increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple circuit boards into one integrated flex-rigid structure, the patent reduces the number of discrete elements from multiple separate circuits with connectors to a single unified circuit. This dramatically reduces the complexity of security measures needed while maintaining assembly flexibility through the inherent flexibility of the circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is segmented into rigid portions (for component mounting) and flexible portions (for connections), allowing the circuit to be designed in modular sections that can be flexed and positioned as needed, maintaining assembly ease while reducing overall system complexity.
3Shape
If connectors and multiple separate circuits are used, then spatial configuration flexibility is achieved, but more elements require security protection
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portion of the circuit allows dynamic spatial configuration while maintaining a continuous, protected signal path. The circuit can be flexed and positioned in various configurations without requiring separate connectors that would create security vulnerabilities, thus achieving both spatial flexibility and signal security.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of rigid and flexible portions into a single circuit board creates a unified signal transmission path that eliminates vulnerable connection points. The flexible portion maintains spatial configuration flexibility while the integrated structure ensures continuous security protection throughout the signal path.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a printed circuit (CI) including at least one rigid portion (PR1, PR2) and at least one flexible portion. According to the invention, said flexible portion (PF) includes at least one layer including at least one copper signal transmission track (L4, L5), referred to as the transmission layer, and at least one protection layer (L3, L6), wherein said at least one transmission layer is separated from said at least one protection layer by at least one insulating layer (IF).