Microcircuit Module Backlighting for Antenna Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microcircuit cards face challenges in manufacturing efficiency and reliability due to the connection of antennas, which also affect the aesthetic appearance and communication range, particularly in contactless cards.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a light source within the electronic module of the microcircuit card that illuminates the visible face, enhancing the visual appeal and simplifying manufacturing, while maintaining compatibility with conventional embedding methods and improving communication range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the antenna is integrated directly into the electronic module on the support carrying the microcircuit, then the manufacturing efficiency and reliability are improved, but the dimensions of the support must be substantially increased to provide sufficient surface area for the antenna to maintain satisfactory communication range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidsupport surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is configured to extend around the periphery of the support, utilizing the edge regions and three-dimensional space rather than requiring a large planar surface area. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to achieve sufficient effective area for communication while keeping the support compact.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is integrated within the electronic module structure, nesting the antenna around the periphery of the support in a compact arrangement that maximizes space utilization without requiring additional external area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the support dimensions are increased to accommodate the antenna with sufficient surface area, then the communication range is maintained, but the support surface not covered by the antenna and interface produces an unattractive appearance giving an impression of poor manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna extends around the periphery of the support, utilizing edge and vertical space rather than occupying a large central planar area. This allows the front surface to remain clean and aesthetically pleasing while the antenna maintains sufficient effective area for communication through its peripheral and three-dimensional configuration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is positioned asymmetrically around the periphery of the support rather than requiring a symmetric large central area, allowing optimal use of edge space while maintaining a clean, balanced appearance on the front surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If conventional connection methods using metal pads are used to connect the antenna to the microcircuit, then the communication range is relatively good, but the reliability and manufacturing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna and microcircuit are integrated as a unified structure on the support, eliminating the need for separate metal pad connections. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process and improves connection reliability by removing potential failure points at the interface between separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it carries the microcircuit, provides the antenna structure, and establishes electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate connection components and simplifying both manufacturing and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improves the visual appearance and manufacturing simplicity of microcircuit cards by backlighting the module, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and communication range without compromising existing methods, and allows for edge lighting that indicates communication states.

Implementation Method 1

a light source carried by the second face external and capable of illuminating the first face through the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2426627B1Luminous module for a microcircuit device
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 OBERTHUR TECH SA
  • EP2426627B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2426627B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2426627B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The electronic module (18) for an electronic device (10), such as a microcircuit board, comprises a support (20) defining first (20A) and second (20B) opposite faces. More specifically, the module (18) includes a light source (26) carried by the second face (20B) of the support (20) and capable of illuminating a visible portion of the electronic device.