Multilayer PCB Optical Path Protrusion Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multilayer printed circuit boards face challenges in efficiently integrating optical and electrical signals due to issues with signal transmission reliability and the design of conductor circuits and insulating layers, particularly in the proximity of optical paths.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer printed circuit board design where conductor circuits are formed on an outermost insulating layer with an optical path protruding, ensuring a specific distance and electrical connection, and incorporating a solder resist layer with high transmittance and micro lenses for improved optical signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conductor circuits are formed close to optical paths for efficient space utilization, then device integration is improved, but optical signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to potential interference and waviness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidoptical signal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by forming conductor circuits with different configurations in different regions: in regions close to optical paths, conductor circuits are formed with increased line width or as ground patterns to reduce electromagnetic interference, while in other regions standard conductor circuits are used. This localized adaptation allows efficient space utilization near optical paths while maintaining optical signal transmission reliability through reduced interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If optical path protrudes from outermost insulating layer surface for improved optical coupling, then optical signal transmission is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to additional waviness and residue issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical signal transmissionVSAvoidsurface flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming a flatting layer between the outermost insulating layer and the optical path protrusion region. This flatting layer is formed in advance to compensate for surface irregularities and prevent waviness from propagating to the optical path surface. By preparing the surface beforehand, the optical path can protrude for improved optical coupling while maintaining manufacturing precision and surface flatness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If solder resist layer with high transmittance is used for improved optical transmission, then optical signal transmission is improved, but adhesive force deteriorates leading to layer separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical signal transmissionVSAvoidadhesive force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and optimizing the composition and thickness parameters of the solder resist layer. The solder resist layer is formulated with specific resin compositions and controlled thickness (typically 5-20 μm) to achieve sufficient optical transmittance for optical signal transmission while maintaining adequate adhesive force to prevent layer separation. This parameter optimization allows the solder resist layer to fulfill both optical and mechanical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7674987B2Multilayer printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2010.03.09 IBIDEN CO LTD
  • US7674987B2 patent drawing
  • US7674987B2 patent drawing
  • US7674987B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The multilayer printed circuit board according to the present invention is a multilayer printed circuit board, in which conductor circuits and insulating layers are formed and layered, an optical path for transmitting an optical signal comprising a resin composite is formed, and conductor circuits are formed on an outermost insulating layer. Herein, an end portion of the above described optical path for transmitting an optical signal protrudes from the surface of the outermost insulating layer.