PCB Antenna Keep-Out Zones for RFI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile electronic devices, the integration of multiple radio access technologies leads to radio frequency interference (RFI) issues, which can reduce the performance of radio devices due to the close proximity of antennas and other electronic components, making it challenging to optimize antenna placement and mitigate RFI effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves defining keep-out zones on printed circuit boards (PCBs) to isolate antennas from other components, using slidable shutters to create additional space for antenna placement, and extending PCBs in the Y-direction to accommodate multiple antennas, thereby reducing RFI and enhancing antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are placed in close proximity to support various radio access technologies, then the device can engage in multiple wireless communication activities simultaneously, but radio frequency interference occurs between antennas and other electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna from the conventional PCB mounting location and places it in a keep-out zone, physically separating it from interfering electronic components. This extraction resolves the RFI issue while maintaining multi-radio functionality by relocating the antenna to a position where it does not interfere with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the Y-direction (vertical dimension) by extending the PCB and creating keep-out zones in the vertical space above and below the PCB. This dimensional approach allows antenna placement in previously unused spatial regions, enabling multiple antennas to be positioned without horizontal crowding and with reduced mutual interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antennas are isolated from other components using keep-out zones, then radio frequency interference is reduced, but the available space for antenna placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the PCB in the Y-direction and defines keep-out zones that utilize vertical space above and below the PCB. This creates additional antenna placement areas in the vertical dimension, effectively increasing the total available area for antenna installation without expanding the horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the antenna within the keep-out zone, which itself is nested within the extended PCB structure. This nested arrangement allows the antenna to be isolated from interfering components while being accommodated within the overall device housing, maximizing space utilization.
3Quantity of substance
If the PCB is extended in the Y-direction to accommodate additional antennas, then more antennas can be placed with reduced interference, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PCB into functional zones, including keep-out zones for antennas and non-keep-out zones for other electronic components. This segmentation allows for organized placement of multiple antennas and other components, managing complexity through structured spatial division rather than random arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended PCB structure serves multiple functions: it provides mounting surfaces for multiple antennas, defines keep-out zones for RFI isolation, and maintains structural integrity for other electronic components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single structural solution.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, an electronic device may include a housing and a display panel disposed in the housing. Further, the electronic device may include an input assembly disposed in the housing abutting a side of the display panel. The input assembly may include a printed circuit board (PCB), a sensor disposed on the PCB, and a first keep-out zone defined on the PCB on a side of the sensor. Further, the electronic device may include an antenna disposed in the first keep-out zone of the PCB.