Shielded Flexible Printed Circuit for Mobile RF Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF wiring in mobile devices, particularly micro-wire coaxial cables, faces issues such as inadequate EMI shielding, susceptibility to kinking and pinching, non-uniform routing, and complex assembly processes, leading to performance degradation and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible printed circuits (FPCs) with thinner profiles and advanced shielding configurations, including side-by-side and stacked shielded conductors, reduces kinking risks and enhances shielding effectiveness, allowing for self-aligning and easier assembly with integrated antennas and swappable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If micro-wire coaxial cables are used for RF connections, then connectivity between antennas and radios is achieved, but EMI shielding is inadequate and routing is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate micro-wire coaxial cable connections into a single flexible printed circuit board that provides both mechanical support and EMI shielding. The FPC integrates multiple conductors with ground planes and shielding layers, combining the functions of multiple cables into one unified structure that ensures uniform routing and adequate EMI protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures in the FPC design, combining conductive traces, dielectric layers, and ground planes in a multi-layer configuration. This composite structure provides both signal transmission and EMI shielding capabilities, resolving the contradiction between connectivity and EMI protection.
2Ease of operation
If micro-wire coaxial cables with male-female connectors are used, then antenna connections are established, but the connectors do not register in a particular rotational position leading to assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric connector designs on the FPC, where male and female connectors are shaped to mate in only one rotational position. This asymmetric configuration eliminates the rotational ambiguity of circular connectors, ensuring proper alignment during assembly and preventing assembly errors.
3Ease of manufacture
If micro-wire coaxial cables are routed through the device, then antenna connections are made, but the cables are susceptible to kinking and pinching during manufacture and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid micro-wire coaxial cables with a flexible printed circuit board that has inherent flexibility and kink resistance. The FPC's thin-film construction and distributed support structure prevent kinking and pinching during assembly and repair operations, while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate micro-wire connections are used for multiple antennas, then individual antenna connections are achieved, but the routing becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate antenna connections into a single FPC that provides pathways to multiple antennas simultaneously. This unified approach reduces routing complexity by replacing multiple individual cable management tasks with a single integrated circuit board that handles all connections in one assembly operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a mobile device capable of transmitting or receiving wireless signals and incorporating an FPC shielded RF signal conductor for connecting transmitter and/or receiver circuitry to an associated RF antenna or antennas. In some embodiments FCP may incorporate the antenna in an unshielded section of the FPC. In some embodiments a single FPC may provide for multiple RF carrier conductors each with their own associated shielding.