NFC Antenna Positioning Above Touch Sensor to Reduce Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile devices, the proximity of antennas to internal electrical components leads to electromagnetic interference, limiting their performance and frequency band coverage due to the miniaturized device design, where shielding is not feasible for all components, and the touch panel interferes with antenna operation.
Innovation Solution
The antenna pattern is positioned above the touch sensor unit or on a cover lens with a ferrite sheet between, allowing increased distance from electrical components and reducing interference, while maintaining near-field communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna is disposed within the back cover of the device to save space, then the device size is reduced, but the transmission of the antenna is influenced by the metallic back cover and internal electrical components causing electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the traditional back cover location and repositioned to the front surface of the touch panel. This extraction removes the antenna from the harmful electromagnetic environment created by the metallic back cover and internal electrical components, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining compact device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna layout transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration within the back cover to a three-dimensional positioning on the front surface of the touch panel. This dimensional change allows the antenna to be positioned above the touch sensor unit, creating spatial separation from interfering components and improving signal transmission
2Area of stationary object
If the touch panel size is increased to improve user interface, then the available room for antenna placement is reduced, worsening electromagnetic interference and antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The touch panel structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: the touch sensor unit below and the antenna pattern above. This segmentation allows both the touch panel and antenna to coexist without interference, enabling large touch panel areas while maintaining reliable antenna performance through vertical spatial separation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover lens serves as an intermediary layer between the touch sensor unit and the antenna pattern. This intermediary structure provides physical separation and electromagnetic isolation, allowing the antenna to operate reliably above the touch sensor unit without being affected by the touch panel's electrical components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding materials are added to protect the antenna from electromagnetic interference, then the device complexity and weight increase, but the touch panel cannot be fully shielded as it requires user contact
Solution Approach 1:
The cover lens, which is transparent and conductive, is utilized as both a functional touch panel component and an electromagnetic shielding element. This converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic waves into beneficial protection for the antenna, eliminating the need for additional shielding materials while maintaining touch panel functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The cover lens performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the protective glass for the touch panel, maintains touch sensitivity, and provides electromagnetic shielding for the antenna. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating separate shielding components while protecting the antenna from interference
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
This configuration enhances antenna performance and frequency band coverage by minimizing electromagnetic interference, eliminating the need for additional shielding materials and maintaining the device's compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a ferrite sheet between, allowing increased distance from electrical components and reducing interference
Data Source
AI summary
For a communication device having a touch module or a touch display module, a near field communicable NFC antenna pattern is disposed on a component above a touch sensor unit of the touch module or the touch display module, which places the NFC antenna pattern away from the shielding easily generated from the metallic frame or metallic housing of the communication device. The NFC antenna pattern may be printed on a bottom side, a top side, or in the interior of a cover lens of the touch module or the touch display module, or on a surface of a deco film outside the cover lens. A ferrite sheet may also be disposed between the NFC antenna pattern and the touch sensor unit for further preventing electromagnetic interference from the touch sensor unit or other internal components.