Connector Pin Field EMI Shielding Using Grounded PCB Enclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) face challenges in effectively shielding against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) due to design constraints and the susceptibility of small, sensitive areas to interference from nearby radiating components, where traditional shielding methods are not feasible.

Innovation Solution

An Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Assembly (EISA) that includes an enclosure with an electrically conductive foundation and a shielding material, such as ferrite, securely connected to the PCBA to enclose and ground the area of interest, specifically the connector pin field, using existing mounting features and hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional EMI shielding methods (covers, tapes, frames) are used to encapsulate radiating components, then EMI protection is improved, but device complexity and mounting difficulty increase due to design constraints and envelope restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI protectionVSAvoidshielding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is segmented into two functional parts: an electrically conductive foundation integrated into the PCBA that provides grounding and shielding, and a separate enclosure that provides physical protection and additional EMI shielding. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies mounting by utilizing existing PCBA features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive foundation is merged with the PCBA structure itself, combining the grounding function with the PCB layout. This integration eliminates the need for separate shielding frames or heatsinks, reducing device complexity while maintaining EMI protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the enclosure is securely connected to the PCBA to completely cover the area of interest, then EMI shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI shielding effectivenessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically conductive foundation on the PCBA serves as both the grounding path and the mounting interface for the enclosure. Existing PCBA features (mounting pads, vias, conductive traces) are utilized to provide the shielding function, eliminating the need for additional shielding-specific manufacturing steps or specialized assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If pins and solder joints are located proximate radiating components, then connector functionality is maintained, but susceptibility to EMI increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector functionalityVSAvoidEMI susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically conductive foundation provides localized EMI protection specifically at the connector pin field area where susceptibility is highest. The enclosure selectively shields only the critical connector region rather than requiring complete encapsulation of the entire PCBA, maintaining connector functionality while reducing EMI susceptibility at the vulnerable pin and solder joint locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 EISA effectively shields the connector pin field from EMI while providing physical protection and eliminating the need for additional shielding features, allowing for retrofitting and scalability across various connector sizes and shapes without requiring extra hardware.

Implementation Method 1

An Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding Assembly (EISA) for a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) is provided and includes an enclosure, wherein the enclosure defines an enclosure cavity and an electrically conductive foundation associated with PCBA having an area of interest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

the enclosure is constructed from a ferrite material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic hysteresis: Magnetic Hysteresis

Implementation Method 3

the enclosure is constructed from a ferrite material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP4486085A1Integrated scalable connector pin field EMI shielding assembly and a method for implementing same
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP4486085A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4486085A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4486085A1 patent drawingFigure 1E

AI summary

An Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding Assembly (EISA) for a PCBA is provided and includes an enclosure (102), wherein the enclosure (102) defines an enclosure cavity and an electrically conductive foundation (104) associated with a PCBA having an area of interest, wherein the electrically conductive foundation (104) at least partially surrounds the area of interest, and wherein the enclosure is securely connected to the PCBA to completely cover the area of interest and to contact the electrically conductive foundation (104).