Z-Directed PCB Component Die Press Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing density and higher frequency requirements of printed circuit board components pose challenges in achieving efficient component design and manufacturing, particularly for Z-directed components, which require a process for mass production on a commercial scale.

Innovation Solution

A die press process is developed to manufacture Z-directed components, involving the formation of component bodies from substrate sheets with conductive channels and side channels, using a die press process that allows for the application of conductive material and assembly into printed circuit boards, enabling efficient production and integration of various electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional PCB component layouts are used, then component density is limited and high frequency operation is difficult, but transitioning to Z-directed components requires new manufacturing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent densityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional XY-plane mounted components to Z-directed components that extend vertically through the PCB substrate. This dimensional change allows components to occupy three-dimensional space rather than only surface area, dramatically increasing component density while enabling mass production through die press processes that form components directly in vertical orientations within the PCB structure.

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

2Speed

If Z-directed components are implemented, then frequency of operation can exceed 1 GHz, but mass production capability must be established

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency of operationVSAvoidmass production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the component fabrication process with the PCB manufacturing process itself. Die press forms create components and conductive channels simultaneously during PCB lamination, eliminating separate component assembly steps. This integration enables high-frequency Z-directed components to be produced at commercial manufacturing volumes through standard PCB production lines rather than requiring specialized assembly equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conductive channels are formed in substrate sheets, then component functionality is achieved, but material and process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in substrate materials during the die press process. The substrate material undergoes compression and heating that transforms it into a solid structure with embedded conductive channels. By controlling pressure, temperature, and material composition parameters, the process creates functional conductive pathways within the component body without requiring complex assembly of separate conductive elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2752102B1Die press process for manufacturing a z-directed component for a printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2752102B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3F
  • EP2752102B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5H
  • EP2752102B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~7

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a Z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example embodiment includes punching a plurality of segments out of at least one sheet of substrate material to form a plurality of layers of the Z-directed component. A channel is formed through the substrate material either before or after the segments are punched. At least one of the formed layers includes at least a portion of the channel. A conductive material is applied to at least one surface of at least one of the formed layers. A stack of the formed layers is combined to form the Z-directed component.