RF Shielding Structure for Microwave Connector Interconnect Regions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
RF radiation leakage occurs at connector-to-microwave transmission line interconnect regions due to air gaps and imperfect shielding, which interferes with neighboring electrical components, especially in applications with manufacturing tolerances and non-flat surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric, elastic material with an electrically conductive surface is used to fill gaps between the connector and the printed circuit board, combined with an electrically conductive shield disposed over the elastic material, ensuring a contiguous ground and preventing RF leakage by forming a conductive enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a self-supporting bridge-like electrically conductive shield with air gap suspension is used, then the shield structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but RF radiation leaks through the sides and apertures making shielding ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible conformal coating material (electrically conductive adhesive or paint) applied to a dielectric support structure that conforms to the contours of the connector and transmission line interface. This flexible coating approach creates continuous RF shielding without requiring rigid bridge-like structures with apertures, effectively blocking RF radiation while maintaining ease of manufacture through conformal application methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite shielding structures combining dielectric support materials with electrically conductive coating layers. This composite approach provides both mechanical support and continuous RF shielding functionality, eliminating the need for separate conductive shield components with apertures while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integrated material design
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturing tolerances and non-flat surfaces are present, then assembly flexibility is improved, but air gaps form at connector-to-microwave transmission line interconnect regions causing RF radiation to leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible conformal coating materials that can adapt to non-flat surfaces and accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The conformal nature of the coating allows it to conform to irregular surfaces and fill minor gaps, maintaining continuous RF shielding effectiveness while preserving assembly flexibility and accommodating variations in manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric support structure with conformal coating as an intermediary element between the connector and microwave transmission line. This intermediary structure fills air gaps and provides continuous RF shielding while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and non-flat surfaces, preventing RF radiation leakage without compromising assembly flexibility
3Reliability
If electrically conductive vias and ground plane conductors are used to connect connector to microwave transmission line, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but RF radiation can still propagate through the interconnect region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible conformal coating materials over the interconnect region including the electrically conductive vias and ground plane conductors. This conformal shielding layer maintains the electrical connectivity function of the vias and ground planes while simultaneously blocking RF radiation propagation through the interconnect region, addressing both connectivity and shielding requirements
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 prevents RF radiation leakage by creating a continuous electrical shield that maintains connectivity across temperature ranges, ensuring reliable electrical connections and reducing interference with neighboring components.
Implementation Method 1
A dielectric, elastic material with an electrically conductive surface is used to fill gaps between the connector and the printed circuit board
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive shield disposed over the elastic material, ensuring a contiguous ground and preventing RF leakage by forming a conductive enclosure
Implementation Method 3
A dielectric, elastic material with an electrically conductive surface is used to fill gaps between the connector and the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically conductive shield for a microwave transmission line-electrical connector interconnect region wherein the microwave transmission line is connected to the electrical connector. An elastic, dielectric material is disposed between opposing surfaces of the dielectric structure and the housing. An electrically conductive material is disposed on an outer surface of the elastic, dielectric material to provide an electrically conductive shield. The electrically conductive shield is disposed over the opposing surfaces of the dielectric structure and the housing.