Vehicle Control Device with Capacitive PCB-to-Body Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices face issues with electromagnetic radiation leakage due to gaps forming between fastening points on the printed circuit board and the body, which violate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, particularly in the MHz frequency range, and increasing fastening points to prevent this increases assembly effort.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive coupling device is implemented using an electrically conductive pin on the body and an opening on the printed circuit board with a conductive peripheral layer, adjusting the gap length to shift electromagnetic radiation to the GHz frequency range, irrelevant to EMC requirements, without requiring additional fastening points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of fastening points is increased to reduce gap length and meet EMC requirements, then electromagnetic radiation is reduced, but assembly effort increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitive coupling device is introduced as an intermediary element between the printed circuit board and the housing. This coupling device includes a conductive element on the PCB and a corresponding conductive element on the housing that are capacitively coupled, effectively eliminating the need for additional fastening points while preventing electromagnetic radiation through the gap.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between fastening points is reduced to shorten gap length, then electromagnetic radiation frequency shifts to GHz range, but the probability of gap formation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive coupling device serves as a mediator that maintains electrical connection and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness regardless of the physical distance between fastening points. The capacitive coupling ensures that the gap does not act as an effective antenna, thereby maintaining EMC compliance without requiring reduced fastening point distance.
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 meets EMC requirements by reducing electromagnetic interference while minimizing assembly effort and cost, using a simple and cost-effective capacitive coupling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling device (50) which is designed such that the printed circuit board (20) is capacitively coupled to the body (12) in the region between the fastening points (221, 222)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device for a vehicle. The control device includes a printed circuit board on which a plurality of electronic components is arranged. The control device also includes a body which is manufactured from an electrically conductive material. The printed circuit board is fastened to the body at a plurality of fastening points. A coupling device is provided which is designed such that the printed circuit board is capacitively coupled to the body in the region between the fastening points. The coupling device includes an electrically conductive pin provided on the body and an opening formed on the printed circuit board having an electrically conductive peripheral layer, the pin extending into the opening.