RF PCB Assembly for Low-PIM Shielded Board Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit board assemblies in base station antennas suffer from poor passive intermodulation (PIM) performance and low current shielding due to inadequate connections between boards, leading to interference and reduced integration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board assembly with a radio frequency connector that includes an inner contact portion, a housing, and an insulating part, configured to pass through a substrate aperture, electrically connecting transmission traces on two printed circuit boards and providing a ground connection to improve shielding and PIM performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to connect the outer conductor of the radio frequency coaxial cable to the printed circuit board, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection easily bends or loosens resulting in poor PIM performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical soldering connection with a press-fit RF connector system. The RF connector includes an outer conductor that press-fits directly onto the coaxial cable outer conductor, eliminating the need for soldering. This mechanical press-fit connection provides stable electrical and mechanical coupling without the bending or loosening issues associated with soldered joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection method from soldering (thermal-chemical bonding) to press-fit (mechanical interference fit). The RF connector is designed with specific dimensional parameters that enable direct mechanical coupling between the outer conductor and the coaxial cable, transforming the connection mechanism to achieve both electrical connectivity and mechanical stability simultaneously.
2Reliability
If pins with insulating layer are used to connect printed circuit boards through the reflector, then electrical connection is achieved, but current shielding effect is low causing interference to sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RF connector as an intermediary component between the printed circuit boards. This RF connector includes an insulating part that electrically isolates the inner conductor from the outer conductor and from the reflector, preventing harmful current interference while maintaining the desired signal transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the connection function from the reflector structure itself. Instead of using pins that pass through the reflector (which create interference paths), the connection is established through dedicated RF connectors that are mounted on the reflector surface, separating the signal path from the ground plane current paths.
3Device complexity
If traditional connection structures are used between printed circuit boards, then board-to-board connection is achieved, but integration degree is low and profile is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the RF connector component: electrical connection, mechanical support, current shielding, and grounding are all integrated into a single connector assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and reduces the overall antenna profile while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical connection, mechanical support, electromagnetic shielding, and grounding functions. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity and improving integration.
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 enhances shielding effects and PIM performance while achieving a high degree of integration and low profile, suitable for antennas with improved board-to-board connection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of the inner contact portion of the radio frequency connector is electrically connected to the first transmission trace and a second end thereof is electrically connected to the second transmission trace
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency connector, which includes an inner contact portion, a housing and an insulating part provided between the inner contact portion and housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a printed circuit board assembly, which includes: a first printed circuit board, printed with a first transmission trace; a second printed circuit board, printed with a second transmission trace; a substrate, in which, the provides a through aperture for a radio frequency connector; and a radio frequency connector, which includes an inner contact portion, an housing and an insulating part provided between the inner contact portion and housing, where the radio frequency connector is configured to be received in and pass through the through aperture, such that a first end of the inner contact portion of the radio frequency connector is electrically connected to the first transmission trace and a second end thereof is electrically connected to the second transmission trace, so that a first end of the housing of the radio frequency connector is electrically connected to a ground layer of the first printed circuit board and a second end thereof is electrically connected to the ground layer of the second printed circuit board. Thus, the printed circuit board assembly is capable of improving aspects such as shielding effects, PIN performance and/or degree of integration compared with prior art.