Shielded Microstrip Line Layout for 5G RF Isolation and Low Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal lines in 5G mobile communication environments face challenges with coaxial cables being expensive and requiring large space, while micro-strip lines suffer from reduced isolation due to open surfaces, leading to increased line loss and parasitic resonance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a micro-strip line protected by a shielding structure formed using a conductive member, which reduces transmission loss and suppresses parasitic resonance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a micro-strip line is used in 5G mobile communication environment, then line loss is reduced compared to strip-line, but isolation is worsened because one surface is open to air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline lossVSAvoidisolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is divided into multiple segments including a first shielding structure above the micro-strip line and a second shielding structure below it. This segmentation allows the shielding function to be distributed while maintaining the open surface advantage of the micro-strip line for reduced line loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ground planes are introduced as intermediary elements between the micro-strip line and the surrounding environment. These ground planes form capacitive coupling with the signal line, providing shielding and isolation without requiring complete enclosure, thus maintaining the benefits of the open micro-strip configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a strip-line is used in 5G mobile communication environment, then isolation is improved by surrounding the signal line with ground shielding, but line loss increases compared to micro-strip line

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveisolationVSAvoidline loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding is applied locally rather than completely enclosing the signal line. The first and second shielding structures are positioned strategically above and below the micro-strip line, providing isolation where needed while leaving other areas open to maintain low line loss characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding approach transitions from the three-dimensional complete enclosure of strip-line to a two-dimensional planar configuration with ground planes positioned at specific heights above and below the signal line, reducing the shielding volume while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If coaxial cable is used for RF signal transmission, then signal transmission performance is maintained, but mounting space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a planar copy of the coaxial cable's shielding concept using PCB trace technology. Instead of using a physical coaxial cable with cylindrical shielding, the same electromagnetic shielding principle is replicated using planar ground planes and shielding structures on the PCB, achieving similar performance with reduced space and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coaxial cable structure is replaced with an integrated PCB-based micro-strip line configuration. The rigid mechanical assembly of coaxial cable with its outer conductor and insulation is substituted with a flexible PCB layout using copper traces and ground planes, enabling easier integration and reduced mounting space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 shielding structure enhances signal transmission efficiency by stabilizing signals and minimizing loss, while maintaining isolation, making it suitable for high-frequency RF signals like 5G.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive member disposed on the first layer so as to have, along the first wire, a separation space that is able to be filled with a dielectric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

a separation space that is able to be filled with a dielectric having a second permittivity lower than the first permittivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentEP3860097B1Electronic device comprising conductive member disposed to have dielectric-fillable interval space along wire
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3860097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3860097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3860097B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a circuit substrate comprising a first layer including a first wire, a second wire formed at one side surface of the first wire along the first wire, and a third wire formed at the other side surface of the first wire along the first wire, a second layer including a ground plane formed along the first wire, the second wire, and the third wire and electrically connected to the second wire and the third wire, and an insulation layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer and having first permittivity; and a conductive member which is disposed above the first layer to have a dielectric-fillable interval space along the first wire and is electrically connected to the ground of the electronic device, the dielectric having second permittivity lower than the first permittivity.