Capacitive Sensor Partial-Electrode Layout for Fewer Inner Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive sensors for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance often require multiple inner layers and vias for wiring, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor design with a layered structure where detection electrodes are grouped to minimize intersections and vias, using a single via for each partial electrode connection between layers, reducing the number of inner layers and vias needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple inner layers and vias are used for wiring in capacitive sensors, then detection accuracy is maintained, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection electrode is divided into multiple partial electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern. Each partial electrode can be independently connected to wiring, allowing the sensor to maintain detection accuracy across multiple sections while using a simplified wiring structure with fewer layers and vias.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar wiring arrangements to a three-dimensional layered structure where detection electrodes and wiring are arranged in multiple vertical layers. This spatial reorganization allows electrodes to intersect without electrical contact, reducing the number of vias needed while maintaining detection precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple inner layers are used for wiring, then electrode connections are simplified, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines detection electrodes and wiring into integrated patterns where both are formed on the same substrate layers. By merging the functions of detection electrodes and connection wiring into unified structural elements, the design reduces the total number of separate inner layers required while maintaining ease of manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If detection electrodes intersect in the same layer, then wiring is simplified, but electrical contact between electrodes occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves electrode intersections by distributing electrodes from the same logical group across different vertical layers. electrodes that would otherwise intersect in a planar view are separated in the vertical dimension, allowing them to cross without electrical contact while maintaining a simplified overall wiring structure.
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 design reduces the number of inner layers and vias required for wiring, lowering production costs and simplifying the sensor structure without compromising detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor for detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance caused by proximity of an object such as a finger is conventionally known
Implementation Method 2
When an object approaches these electrodes, electrostatic capacitance (self capacitance) between the electrodes for detection and the object and electrostatic capacitance (mutual capacitance) between the electrodes change
Data Source
AI summary
Three or more detection electrodes intersect in each of sections that divide a region to which an object is approachable. The detection electrodes each include partial electrodes connected in cascade via wiring, and partial electrodes included in the detection electrodes that intersect in each section are disposed in the section. Three or more partial electrodes disposed in the section includes a single first partial electrode and at least two second partial electrodes. The first partial electrode is connected in cascade to the partial electrode on one side through a first-layer or second-layer wiring and to the partial electrode on the other side through the second-layer wiring. Each second partial electrode is connected in cascade to the partial electrode in one side through the first-layer wiring and to the partial electrode on the other side through the second-layer wiring.