Patterned PCB Plane Edges for Resonance Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Circuit boards experience resonance issues in power/ground planes that lead to RF interference and signal integrity problems, particularly in miniaturized designs with integrated 5G antennas, where traditional noise reduction methods are costly and limit miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

Modifying the edge regions of circuit board layers by creating patterns of non-parallel cuts, such as triangular shapes, to gradually change impedance and disperse electromagnetic reflections, reducing resonance intensity and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional noise reduction methods are used, then resonance is reduced, but cost increases and board area is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonance reductionVSAvoidboard area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The edge of the ground plane is segmented into multiple non-parallel cuts rather than a single continuous edge, creating triangular patterns that break up resonance paths and reduce standing waves without requiring additional board area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Non-parallel cuts are introduced to create asymmetric triangular patterns at the ground plane edge, which disrupts symmetric resonance modes and reduces RF interference while maintaining compact board layout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If traditional noise reduction methods are used, then resonance is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonance reductionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ground plane edge is divided into multiple triangular segments through non-parallel cuts, achieving resonance reduction through geometric pattern rather than expensive materials or additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge geometry parameter is changed from a straight line to non-parallel triangular cuts, modifying the electrical characteristics to reduce resonance without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If miniaturization is pursued, then board area is reduced, but resonance interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboard areaVSAvoidRF interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the ground plane edge into triangular patterns, the patent reduces RF interference through distributed impedance changes that suppress resonance, enabling miniaturized designs to maintain electromagnetic compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution addresses RF interference in the horizontal plane by introducing geometric patterns at the edge, effectively using dimensional variation in the plane itself rather than adding vertical layers or external components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution effectively alleviates RF interference and signal integrity issues by reducing resonance intensity without sacrificing board area, allowing for more compact designs.

Implementation Method 1

creating a cut pattern in the edge of the plane by creating a plurality of the cuts along the edge of the plane such that an impedance of the plane at the depth is different than an impedance of the plane at the edge of the plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance change: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

gradually change impedance and disperse electromagnetic reflections, reducing resonance intensity and interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection dispersion: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11729900B2Pattern-edged metal-plane resonance-suppression
Publication Date: 2023.08.15 INTEL CORP
  • US11729900B2 patent drawing
  • US11729900B2 patent drawing
  • US11729900B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods are provided for mitigating radio frequency interference and electromagnetic compatibility issues caused by the resonance of metal planes of a circuit board. A method for controlling impedance at an edge of a circuit board includes creating a cut at an edge of a plane of the circuit board. The cut extends from the edge of the plane to a point at a depth into the plane. The method can further include creating a cut pattern in the edge of the plane by repeating the cut along the edge of the plane such that an impedance of the plane at the depth is different, or lower, than an impedance of the plane at the edge of the plane. Other aspects are described.