Integrated Sensor Controller Placement for Touch Display EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensor devices face challenges in reducing cost and size while maintaining accuracy and reliability due to the large number of sensor electrodes and complex connections, which also make them susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves positioning a sensor controller in close proximity to the sensor electrodes within a volume defined by overlapping transparent substrates, reducing the number of connection points and traces, and integrating the sensor controller within the structure of the input device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of sensor electrodes is increased to improve sensing accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor electrodes onto a single substrate, integrating their functions and reducing the number of separate connection points needed. This merging approach maintains the sensing accuracy of multiple electrodes while simplifying the overall connection architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural support for sensor electrodes, provides the connection interface, and serves as the mounting platform for the sensor controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and connections.
2Device complexity
If the number of connection points and traces is reduced to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may worsen due to longer trace lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor controller and places it directly on the substrate, removing the need for long external connection traces. This separation of the controller from the main device body eliminates the reliability issues associated with long trace lengths while maintaining simplified connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate acts as an intermediary component that directly connects the sensor electrodes to the sensor controller. This intermediate platform enables short, reliable connections without requiring complex trace routing or external connectors.
3Device complexity
If the sensor controller is positioned close to sensor electrodes to reduce connection length, then device complexity is reduced and EMI susceptibility decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller is merged with the substrate structure, positioning it in close proximity to the sensor electrodes. This integration reduces connection length and EMI susceptibility while the substrate's manufacturing process inherently provides the necessary placement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and positioning parameters of the sensor controller by mounting it directly on the substrate rather than using external mounting. This parameter change enables close proximity positioning while leveraging standard manufacturing tolerances of the substrate to achieve required precision.
4Reliability
If shielding components are added to reduce EMI, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of EMI into a benefit by using the substrate itself as the shielding structure. The substrate's physical presence and material properties provide natural EMI protection without requiring additional shielding components, thus improving reliability while avoiding increased complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device having a smaller overall physical size and a lower production cost, and is minimally affected by electrical interference versus conventional input devices. Embodiments discussed herein include an input device that has a sensor controller disposed in close proximity to a plurality of sensing elements that are used to sense and acquire positional information of an input object. In one embodiment, the sensor controller and at least portions of the sensor electrodes are disposed between two transparent substrates that are positioned near a display device. In some embodiments, the sensor controller is disposed in an edge region of a substrate which has a sensing region through which the adjacently positioned sensor electrodes are configured to sense the presence of an input object.