Hollow Shielding Structure for PCB Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic shielding structures for semiconductor packages face challenges such as frequency characteristic changes due to dielectric constant differences, difficulty in reusing circuit elements, and increased costs for RF signal matching, which hinder miniaturization and weight reduction in portable electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A hollow shielding structure using a polymer with a metal filler, formed through high-speed dispensing, which includes a shield dam and a shield cover with a gap to maintain the frequency characteristic and allow for easy reworking, preventing electromagnetic interference while being cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a metallic shield can is used to shield electromagnetic waves, then electromagnetic wave shielding is improved, but the frequency characteristic changes due to dielectric constant difference and reusability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic wave shieldingVSAvoidreusability and frequency characteristic
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is divided into two separate components: a shield dam formed on the PCB and a shield cover that can be detached. This segmentation allows the shield cover to be removed and reused with different PCBs, while the shield dam remains on the board. The gap between the shield cover and elements maintains frequency characteristics by preventing unwanted coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A gap is introduced as an intermediary space between the shield cover and the circuit elements. This gap acts as a mediator that maintains proper frequency characteristics by preventing direct contact and unwanted electromagnetic coupling, while still providing effective shielding when the cover is in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an insulator with shielding layer is used to protect elements, then element protection is improved, but additional costs for RF signal matching are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shield cover is formed using a composite material structure with a lower layer providing mechanical strength and an upper conductive layer providing electromagnetic shielding. This composite approach achieves effective shielding without requiring expensive RF signal matching structures, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining element protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If miniaturization is pursued to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but electromagnetic wave shielding becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave shielding
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure utilizes vertical dimensionality with the shield dam extending upward from the PCB and the shield cover forming a hollow enclosure. This three-dimensional configuration provides effective electromagnetic shielding in a compact footprint, allowing miniaturization while maintaining shielding performance through the hollow structure that encloses sensitive elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively shields electromagnetic waves without altering the frequency characteristic, enables reusability of circuit elements, and reduces fabrication costs by maintaining the RF signal integrity and allowing for compact design in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive adhesive to electrically couple the shield dam and the shield cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a hollow shielding structure... including a shield dam surrounding an element mounted on a printed circuit board, and a shield cover spaced from a top of the element and covering the element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3430877B1Hollow shielding structure for different types of circuit elements and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3430877B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3430877B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3430877B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

A hollow shielding structure for different types of circuit elements is provided. The hollow shielding structure includes at least one element mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), a shield dam surrounding the at least one element, and a shield cover is configured to be electrically coupled to an upper portion of the shield dam and cover the at least one element, with a gap formed between the at least one element and the shield cover.