PCB Electromagnetic Shield Structure for ESD/EMI Suppression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices, the limited space on printed circuit boards (PCBs) poses challenges for mounting components and wiring due to the need for electromagnetic shielding, which often requires additional space for effective noise suppression and ESD/EMI protection.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic shield structure is implemented on the PCB, featuring a cap with a sidewall extending non-parallel to the board surface, connected to both a side surface and top surface conductive structures, and electrically linked to the exterior housing, optimizing space usage by integrating shielding within the existing PCB layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shield unit is added to suppress ESD/EMI, then electromagnetic shielding performance is improved, but PCB space for component mounting and wiring is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESD/EMI shielding performanceVSAvoidPCB space for component mounting and wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shield unit is integrated with the PCB structure by forming conductive structures directly on the PCB's side surface and top surface that connect to the shield unit. This merging of the shield unit with the PCB layout eliminates the need for separate shield structures, thereby suppressing ESD/EMI while preserving component mounting and wiring spaces on the PCB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of moving object

If the bezel is minimized to slim the device, then device thickness is reduced, but space for component mounting and wiring becomes more limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidPCB space for component mounting and wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive structure extends from the side surface of the PCB to the top surface, utilizing the vertical dimension (Z-axis) to create an L-shaped configuration. This dimensional approach allows the shield structure to effectively suppress ESD/EMI coming from different directions without occupying additional horizontal space on the PCB, thereby maintaining device slimness while providing adequate shielding.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware is mounted on the PCB, then device functionality is enhanced, but available PCB space for other components and wiring is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidPCB space for component mounting and wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive structures formed on the PCB serve multiple functions: they provide ESD/EMI shielding, act as grounding paths, and enable electrical connection to the shield unit. This multi-functionality allows the PCB to support additional hardware for enhanced device functionality while the same conductive structures provide necessary shielding, thereby avoiding the need for separate shielding components that would consume additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively suppresses ESD/EMI while enhancing component mounting and wiring efficiency within the constrained PCB space, maintaining performance without reducing the device's thickness.

Implementation Method 1

a first conductive structure that is formed on a portion of the side surface of the PCB; and a second conductive structure that is formed on a portion of the first surface to be connected to the first conductive structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a shield structure including a cap that covers the electronic component and a sidewall extending from a periphery of the cap toward the first surface of the PCB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3060034B1Electromagnetic shield structure for electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3060034B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3060034B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3060034B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided that includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface; an electronic component arranged on the first surface, adjacent to a portion of the side surface; a shield structure including a cap that covers the electronic component and a sidewall extending from a periphery of the cap toward the first surface of the PCB, wherein the sidewall extends in a first direction that is non-parallel to the first surface of the PCB; a first conductive structure that is formed on a portion of the side surface of the PCB; and a second conductive structure that is formed on a portion of the first surface to be connected to the first conductive structure. The sidewall contacts with the first surface of the PCB and overlaps with the second conductive structure, when viewed from above the first surface of the PCB.