PCB Coupler Structure That Eliminates Shield Can Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization and integration of electronic devices are hindered by the space occupied by surface-mounted couplers and shield cans, which are necessary to protect couplers from electromagnetic interference and manage signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A coupler is integrated into the printed circuit board, comprising multiple conductive layers with openings and via holes, allowing for reduced spatial requirements and efficient signal transmission across various frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a coupler is surface-mounted on the printed circuit board, then the coupler can be easily installed and replaced, but the printed circuit board occupies excessive interior space of the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is merged with the printed circuit board by forming conductive patterns directly on the PCB layers. The coupler structure is integrated into the existing PCB manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate surface mounting of discrete coupler components. This integration reduces the overall space required while maintaining the coupler's functional capabilities for signal sampling and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is transitioned from a three-dimensional surface-mounted component to a two-dimensional planar structure formed by conductive patterns on PCB layers. By utilizing the dimensional advantage of flat circuit board surfaces, the coupler achieves compact integration without requiring vertical space for component height, thereby reducing the interior volume occupied in the electronic device.
2Reliability
If a shield can is added to protect the coupler from electromagnetic interference, then the coupler's reliability improves, but the space occupied by the coupler and shield can increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged with the printed circuit board structure by using the PCB ground layers and conductive patterns as part of the shielding system. The ground planes on the PCB serve dual purposes: electrical grounding and electromagnetic shielding. This eliminates the need for separate shield cans while maintaining protection against electromagnetic interference, thereby reducing the overall space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board's ground layers and conductive structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: signal transmission, electrical grounding, and electromagnetic shielding. By making the PCB structure multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated shield cans, reducing the volume occupied while maintaining reliability through integrated electromagnetic interference protection.
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 integration reduces the spatial loss and size of the coupler, enabling miniaturization and integration of electronic devices while maintaining effective signal coupling and tuning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor electrically connected to the first conductive flat plate
Implementation Method 2
a signal transmission line electrically connected to the first conductive flat plate, the second layer including a first line port configured to input a signal output from a wireless communication circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler includes: a first layer including a first conductive flat plate; a second layer including a signal transmission line electrically connected to the first conductive flat plate, the second layer including a first line port configured to input a signal output from a wireless communication circuit, and a second line port electrically connected to an antenna; a third layer electrically connected to the first conductive flat plate and including a first conductive pattern electrically connected to the signal transmission line; and a capacitor electrically connected to the first conductive flat plate.