Features of a flexible connector in a portable computing device
First Claim
1. A flexible circuit assembly, comprising:
- a flexible substrate comprising a power layer and a data layer, the data layer and the power layer defining a first bend and a second bend oriented in a different direction than the first bend;
a first connector at a first end of the flexible substrate, the first connector configured to connect to a first component;
a second connector at a second end of the flexible substrate, the first connector configured to connect to a second component, wherein the first bend and the second bend cooperate to accommodate relative motion, in at least two dimensions, between the first component and the second component; and
a booster assembly integrated with the flexible substrate, the booster assembly capable of amplifying signals passing through the data layer, the booster assembly electrically coupled with the power layer and the data layer, wherein the booster assembly comprises;
a first data layer configured to carry data signals in accordance with a first bandwidth;
a second data layer configured to carry data signals in accordance with a second bandwidth different from the first bandwidth; and
a grounding layer positioned between the first data layer and the second data layer.
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Abstract
The subject matter of this disclosure relates to a flexible circuit for carrying a signal between electrical components that includes boosting circuitry for mitigating the effects of signal degradation. More particularly the flexible circuit can carry a signal between a main logic board and an input/output board supporting input/output ports of a portable electronic device. The flexible circuit can be configured with bends in order to meet packaging constraints such as avoiding contact with components obstructing a direct path between connectors of the electrical components. Additional bends can also be included in the flexible that facilitate the assembly of the portable electronic device.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A flexible circuit assembly, comprising:
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a flexible substrate comprising a power layer and a data layer, the data layer and the power layer defining a first bend and a second bend oriented in a different direction than the first bend; a first connector at a first end of the flexible substrate, the first connector configured to connect to a first component; a second connector at a second end of the flexible substrate, the first connector configured to connect to a second component, wherein the first bend and the second bend cooperate to accommodate relative motion, in at least two dimensions, between the first component and the second component; and a booster assembly integrated with the flexible substrate, the booster assembly capable of amplifying signals passing through the data layer, the booster assembly electrically coupled with the power layer and the data layer, wherein the booster assembly comprises; a first data layer configured to carry data signals in accordance with a first bandwidth; a second data layer configured to carry data signals in accordance with a second bandwidth different from the first bandwidth; and a grounding layer positioned between the first data layer and the second data layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An electronic device, comprising:
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a device housing that defines an internal volume that carries electrical components; a port arranged along an exterior surface of the device housing, the port configured to receive data signals and system power; and a flexible circuit assembly disposed in the internal volume, the flexible circuit assembly configured to route the data signals and the system power received at the data port to the electrical components, the flexible circuit assembly comprising; a flexible substrate having a first shield layer, and a booster assembly comprising a signal boosting component that is surface mounted to the flexible substrate, the booster assembly amplifying signal strength of the data signals travelling through the flexible substrate, the booster assembly comprising; a signal boosting component configured to amplify the signal strength of the data signals, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield that combines with the first shield layer to surround and protect the signal boosting component, and an electrically conductive gasket that provides an electrical grounding pathway between the EMI shield and the device housing. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A flexible circuit assembly, comprising:
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a flexible substrate comprising a data layer and a power layer; an electrical assembly that is surface mounted to an exterior surface of the flexible substrate and in electrical contact with the data layer and the power layer, the electrical assembly including a signal boosting component covered by an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield, the signal boosting component configured to amplify signals routed through the data layer; electrical connectors connected to opposite ends of the flexible substrate, the electrical connectors capable of electrically connecting to electrical components and pass the signals that are amplified by the signal boosting component; and an electrically conductive gasket secured to an exterior surface of the EMI shield and providing a grounding path for electricity within the EMI shield to travel from the EMI shield to an electrical ground. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification