PCB Tube EMI Shielding via Grounded Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EMI shielding solutions for electronic components on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are inefficient in terms of space usage and component count, particularly in narrow board designs, and often require separate EMI fences that increase board size and component count.
Innovation Solution
The use of a metallic tube as an EMI shield fence, which is soldered to the PCB and serves as both a mechanical support and an electrical conduit, providing effective EMI shielding by grounding the EMI shield lid and reducing the need for additional EMI fences, thus saving space and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate EMI fences are used to provide EMI shielding, then EMI shielding effectiveness is improved, but PCB area and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the EMI shield fence function with existing structural elements (tubes, cables, or conductive traces) that are already present on the PCB. By combining multiple functions into single components, the solution provides effective EMI shielding without requiring separate dedicated EMI fences, thus reducing PCB area while maintaining shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing PCB components multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their original purposes and EMI shielding functions. For example, tubes used for mechanical support or signal transmission also serve as EMI shields, and conductive traces used for electrical connections also provide EMI protection. This universality eliminates the need for separate EMI fence components.
2Reliability
If separate EMI fences are added to shield electronic components, then EMI shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EMI shielding function with existing components such as tubes, cables, or conductive traces, eliminating the need for separate EMI fence components. This merging approach reduces component count and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining effective EMI shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing components to perform EMI shielding as a self-service function without requiring additional dedicated components. The tubes, cables, or traces that are already part of the device automatically provide EMI protection, reducing complexity and component count while maintaining shielding effectiveness.
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 approach effectively reduces the PCB area required for EMI shielding by 7-10%, allowing more space for other components and improving manufacturing efficiency, while maintaining effective EMI shielding across frequencies up to 7.2 GHz.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a metallic tube as an EMI shield fence, which is soldered to the PCB and serves as both a mechanical support and an electrical conduit, providing effective EMI shielding by grounding the EMI shield lid
Data Source
AI summary
For example, an apparatus may include an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shield, which may be configured to provide EMI shielding for electronic circuitry on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). For example, the EMI shield may be configured to include an EMI shield lid; and an EMI shield connector to electrically couple the EMI shield lid to at least one tube on the PCB to provide a ground to the EMI shield lid via the at least one tube. For example, the EMI shield connector may be configured to maintain the EMI shield lid over the electronic circuitry on the PCB.