Interlocking EMI Shield for Optical Subassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optoelectronic transceiver modules face challenges in controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions and sensitivity, particularly at high frequencies, where conventional EMI paste application is difficult to control and may contaminate other components.

Innovation Solution

A conductive EMI shield with two interlocking sections, formed from sheet metal stampings, is positioned on optical subassemblies to reduce EMI emissions and sensitivity by forming a press fit or other interference fits, ensuring secure placement and effective shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional EMI paste is applied to control electromagnetic interference, then EMI emissions are reduced, but the application process is difficult to control and may contaminate other components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI emissionsVSAvoidapplication control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical application process of EMI paste (manual or automated dispensing) with a structural mechanical solution - an EMI shield made of conductive material that is physically positioned and secured onto the optical subassembly. This substitution eliminates the contamination risk associated with paste application while maintaining EMI control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The EMI shield acts as an intermediary component between the optical subassembly and the surrounding environment. Instead of directly applying EMI-controlling material to the sensitive optical components (which risks contamination), the shield serves as a protective intermediary barrier that controls EMI emissions without contacting the optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If EMI paste is used to reduce electromagnetic interference, then shielding effect is achieved, but other components may be contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidcomponent cleanliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The EMI shield serves as a clean intermediary barrier that prevents direct contact between EMI-control materials and optical components. The shield is positioned over the optical subassembly and secured with fasteners, creating a physical separation that maintains component cleanliness while achieving the desired EMI shielding effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the paste-application system (which inherently risks contamination) with a mechanical shield system that uses physical barriers and fasteners. This substitution ensures that no EMI-control material comes into contact with the optical components, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision and component cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a single-piece EMI shield is used, then shielding coverage is simplified, but adaptation to different optical subassembly configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield structureVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The EMI shield is divided into multiple separate sections or pieces that can be individually positioned and secured onto different portions of the optical subassembly. This segmentation allows the shield to adapt to various optical subassembly configurations and sizes while maintaining effective EMI coverage through the coordinated arrangement of the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 EMI shield effectively attenuates electromagnetic fields, reducing interference within and external to the transceiver module, enhancing operational stability and reliability at high frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

A conductive EMI shield with two interlocking sections, formed from sheet metal stampings, is positioned on optical subassemblies to reduce EMI emissions and sensitivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS9918416B2Electromagnetic interference shield

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield may include a first shield section configured to be positioned on a first portion of an optical subassembly and a second shield section configured to be positioned on a second portion of the optical subassembly. The first shield section may be configured to contact the second shield section such that the first shield section and the second shield section are held in place when the first shield section and the second shield section are positioned, respectively, on the first portion and the second portion of the optical subassembly.