US 6,304,232 B1 · Circuit module

Abstract

Circuit modules having one, two or three double-sided printed circuit boards (PCBs). Each PCB can have coils formed as spiral traces on both sides thereof. The coils can all be connected together, in series or in parallel, to function as a coil antenna. Alternatively, selected ones of the spiral traces can be connected to function as one winding of a transformer, the other coils functioning as another winding of the transformer and connected to an external antenna. Electronic components can be mounted to a lower one of the PCBs, and in embodiments having two or three PCBs, the PCB overlying the lower PCB has a central opening to accommodate the electronic components. A ferrite rod antenna may be disposed in the opening, aligned parallel to the PCBs, to provide a dual-directional antenna system.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A circuit module comprising:

a first printed circuit board having electronic components on a first surface thereof, having a first conductive trace on the first surface thereof, and having a second conductive trace on a second surface thereof, wherein the second conductive trace is connected to the first conductive trace;
and to selected ones of the electronic components;
a second printed circuit board in the form of a ring, disposed on the first surface of the first printed circuit board and having an opening for containing the electronic components;
an antenna;
a third printed circuit board, disposed atop the second printed circuit board and having a third conductive trace disposed on a surface of the third printed circuit board;
wherein:
the third conductive trace is connected to the antenna;
and
the first and second conductive traces constitute a first winding of an air-gap transformer;
and
the third conductive trace constitutes a second winding of the air-gap transformer.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Circuit module

Life of this patent

Circuit module

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8