Segmented Shielding for Portable Device Connector Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable electronic devices, noise generated by digital circuits can degrade receiving sensitivity due to electromagnetic interference from connectors, especially when connectors and antennas are closely arranged, leading to reduced shielding effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with a connector shield structure that includes a conductive housing, a first shield member covering connector pins, and a second shield member electrically connected to the housing but not in contact with the first shield member, providing enhanced shielding by covering additional areas of the connector pins and preventing noise emission to nearby antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single shield member is used to cover connector pins, then the shielding structure is simple, but the shielding effectiveness is insufficient when connectors and antennas are closely arranged
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member is divided into a first shield member covering a first region of connector pins and a second shield member covering a second region of connector pins, creating segmented shielding zones that provide comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex shield structure
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding approach transitions from a single-plane shield to a multi-layer spatial arrangement with shield members at different positions and orientations, adding dimensional complexity to achieve complete electromagnetic coverage around the connector pins
2Volume of moving object
If the connector and antenna are arranged close to each other to reduce device size, then the device dimensions are reduced, but noise from the connector degrades receiving sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
Shield members are introduced as intermediary elements between the connector pins and the antenna, blocking the electromagnetic noise path and preventing direct coupling while allowing the connector and antenna to remain in close proximity
Solution Approach 2:
The shield members are positioned to preemptively block electromagnetic interference before it can reach the antenna, creating a protective barrier that prevents noise coupling in advance
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 significantly reduces noise coupling to antennas by at least 10 dBm in the frequency range of 400 to 1,000 MHz, effectively improving the shielding effect and preventing self-poisoning, which degrades receiving sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding effect of a connector (connector pins) can be further improved
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information communications terminal includes a wiring board on which a ground pattern is formed, a connector including connector pins and mounted on the wiring board, a housing that has electrical conductivity and accommodates the wiring board on which the connector is mounted, an electroconductive connector shell (first shield member) that covers at least a portion of the connector pins, which are included in the connector, and that is electrically connected to the ground pattern of the wiring board, an electroconductive second shield member that is disposed so as not to be in contact with the connector shell and to cover the connector pins including a portion of the connector pins, the portion being not covered with the connector shell. The electroconductive second shield member is electrically connected to the housing, and an insulating member is interposed between the connector shell and the second shield member.