PCB Recess for Discrete Component Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printed circuit boards (PCBs) require through holes to accommodate discrete components, which can lead to increased size and reduced form factor efficiency, especially in compact devices like smartphones and wearables, and often necessitate additional shielding to mitigate electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a recessed design on the PCB that accommodates discrete components with a depth greater than the connectors, allowing for the use of ground layers underneath for shielding and enabling single-sided motherboard designs without external interference shields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If through holes are provided in the PCB to accommodate discrete components, then sufficient clearance is achieved for discrete components, but valuable PCB layers are removed and electromagnetic interference shielding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D PCB surface to a 3D recessed structure. By creating recesses that extend downward into the PCB substrate, the design provides vertical clearance for discrete components while maintaining the horizontal footprint. This dimensional change allows components to be accommodated without removing valuable PCB layers or adding external shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete components and their shielding requirements are nested within the PCB structure itself. The recesses are carved into the PCB, and ground layers are nested within the PCB substrate beneath the recesses, creating a compact integrated solution that eliminates the need for separate external shields.
2Length of stationary object
If through holes are provided in the PCB to accommodate discrete components, then discrete components can be mounted, but the overall size (z-height) of the PCB increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the z-height outward from the PCB surface, the design utilizes the downward dimension into the PCB substrate. The recesses extend vertically downward, providing the necessary clearance for discrete components while keeping the top surface of the PCB at its original height, thus maintaining compact form factor requirements.
3Length of stationary object
If through holes are provided in the PCB to accommodate discrete components, then discrete components can be mounted, but potentially valuable PCB layers are removed
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than removing entire PCB layers across the board, the design creates localized recesses only where discrete components need to be accommodated. The ground layers and signal layers are preserved in the surrounding areas and only selectively removed or modified within the specific recess regions, maintaining valuable PCB layers for signal routing and other functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques for a printed circuit board (PCB) with a recess to accommodate discrete components of a package attachable to the PCB, in accordance with some embodiments. In one embodiment, a PCB may include a recess disposed in at least a portion of the PCB, to receive at least a portion of a package. The package may be attachable to the PCB via a plurality of connectors. The connectors may be disposed on a side of the package that faces the PCB. The portion of the package may include one or more discrete components disposed on the side of the package that faces the PCB. The recess may have a depth to accommodate those discrete components that have a height that is greater than a height of the connectors. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.