Flexible PCB Antenna Module with Segmented Magnetic Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization and thinning of portable terminals lead to increased defect rates and reduced performance of MST antenna modules due to coil winding issues, and the integration of near-field communication and MST antennas is challenging, with magnetic sheets causing interference with geomagnetic sensors.
Innovation Solution
An antenna module is developed using a flexible printed circuit board with formed radiation patterns for near-field communication and electronic payment, coupled with a magnetic sheet, which includes an extension portion for coupling and a flake-treated magnetic sheet to minimize geomagnetic sensor interference, simplifying manufacturing and reducing the magnetic sheet's area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnetic sheet area is increased to improve MST antenna performance, then the antenna performance is improved, but the geomagnetic sensor interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sheet is divided into a first magnetic sheet and a second magnetic sheet positioned at different locations. The first magnetic sheet is positioned to enhance MST antenna performance, while the second magnetic sheet is positioned away from the geomagnetic sensor to provide additional magnetic field support without causing sensor interference. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both antenna performance and sensor compatibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the portable terminal is miniaturized to reduce size and thickness, then the portability is improved, but the MST antenna manufacturing defect rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical coil winding process is replaced with a printed circuit board-based radiation pattern structure. The radiation pattern is formed by conducting traces on the PCB, eliminating the need for manual or automated coil winding. This substitution removes the sources of manufacturing defects such as short circuits, irregular winding, and material twist, while allowing for precise manufacturing through standard PCB fabrication processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coil winding is performed to create MST antenna, then the antenna function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and defect rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coil winding system is replaced with an electromagnetic radiation pattern formed by conducting traces on a PCB. The radiation pattern structure, when positioned near the magnetic sheet, generates the necessary magnetic field for MST functionality. This approach eliminates complex winding operations, reduces manufacturing steps, and improves production reliability while maintaining the MST antenna function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are mounted in the portable terminal, then the communication functionality is improved, but the mounting space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The near-field communication antenna and MST antenna are merged into a single integrated structure. The radiation pattern on the PCB serves dual purposes: it functions as the near-field communication antenna coil and simultaneously generates the magnetic field for MST electronic payment. This integration eliminates the need for separate antenna components, reducing the overall mounting space required while maintaining both communication functionalities.
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 enhances antenna performance, expands recognition regions for near-field communication and electronic payment, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces the influence on geomagnetic sensors, while maintaining or improving performance compared to conventional modules.
Implementation Method 1
since Samsung Pay performs the electronic payment using a magnetic secure transmission method, a Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) antenna is mounted on the portable terminal
Implementation Method 2
a non-contact type near-field wireless communication module that uses a frequency band of about 13.56 MHz as one of the RFID tags
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an antenna module, which forms a radiation pattern for near-field communication and a radiation pattern for electronic payment on a flexible printed circuit board, and then couples it with a magnetic sheet, thereby implementing the performance equal to or superior to that of a conventional antenna module while simplifying the manufacturing process. The disclosed antenna module includes a flexible magnetic sheet and an antenna sheet on which a radiation pattern and an insertion hole are formed, and the magnetic sheet is formed with an extension portion formed on one short side, and the extension portion is penetrated and inserted into the insertion hole to be coupled with the antenna sheet.