Patent ID: 12206969

This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments include sensor shift flexure arrangements for improved signal routing, e.g., in cameras with sensor shift actuation. For example, a camera system may include a lens group, an image sensor package, a flexure (which may include one or more aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangements disclosed herein), and/or a flex circuit. Furthermore, the camera system may include one or more actuators (e.g., voice coil motor (VCM) actuator(s)). In some embodiments, the actuator(s) may be used to move the image sensor package relative to the lens group to provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. In various embodiments, the flexure may be used to suspend the image sensor package (e.g., from a base structure of the camera system) and to allow motion of the image sensor package enabled by the actuator(s). In some embodiments, the flexure may be coupled with the image sensor package and the flex circuit. The flexure may be configured to convey electrical signals between the image sensor package and the flex circuit. Furthermore, the flex circuit may be configured to convey electrical signals between the flexure and one or more external components that are external to the camera module.

In various embodiments, the flexure may include a stack of layers that are arranged so as to improve signal routing, relative to other camera systems that are arranged differently. As an example, the flexure may include an electrical grounding portion that has an additional conductive layer adjacent to a base layer, which may reduce the overall resistivity of ground and improve performance without impacting the mechanical stiffness requirements for sensor shift optical image stabilization (OIS). As another example, the flexure may additionally or alternatively include an impedance adjusting feature configured to increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad to a target impedance that is closer to the impedance of a signal trace, relative to an impedance of the electrical signal pad if the flexure did not include the impedance adjusting feature. In various embodiments a portion of the electrical grounding portion may define the impedance adjusting feature. In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature may comprise (i) a void or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material (e.g., epoxy).

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

FIG.1illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example camera system100that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. According to various embodiments, the camera system100may include a lens group102, an image sensor package104, a flexure106(which may include sensor shift flexure arrangement), and/or a flex circuit108. Furthermore, the camera system100may include one or more actuators (e.g., voice coil motor (VCM) actuator(s), as discussed herein with reference toFIG.7). The lens group102may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis110. Additionally, or alternatively, the camera system100may have an optical axis that is orthogonal to an image plane defined by an image sensor (e.g., image sensor704inFIG.7) in the image sensor package104. The image sensor may receive light that has passed through the lens group102and/or one or more other lens elements of the camera system100. Furthermore, the image sensor may be configured to convert the captured light to image signals.

In various embodiments, the actuator(s) may be configured to move the image sensor package104(also referred to herein as “sensor shift actuation”) and/or the lens group102. For example, the actuator(s) may be used to move the image sensor package104relative to the lens group102to provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. For example, the actuator(s) may be used to shift the image sensor package104in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., in the Z-axis direction), to provide AF functionality in some embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator(s) may be used to shift the image sensor package104in directions orthogonal to the optical axis110(e.g., in the x-axis and/or Y-axis directions), to provide OIS functionality in some embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator(s) may be used to move the lens group102relative to the image sensor package104to provide AF and/or OIS functionality.

As further discussed with reference toFIGS.2and3, the flexure106may be used to suspend the image sensor package104(e.g., from a base structure of the camera system100) and to allow motion of the image sensor package104enabled by the actuator(s). In some embodiments, the flexure106may be coupled with the image sensor package104and the flex circuit108, e.g., as indicated inFIG.1. As discussed with reference toFIGS.3A-3B, flexure106may be configured to convey electrical signals between the image sensor package104and the flex circuit108. Furthermore, the flex circuit108may be configured to convey electrical signals between the flexure106and one or more external components112that are external to the camera module.

In various embodiments, the flexure106may include a stack of layers that are arranged so as to improve signal routing, relative to other camera systems that are arranged differently. As an example, the flexure106may include an electrical grounding portion that has an additional conductive layer adjacent to a base layer, which may reduce the overall resistivity of ground and improve performance without impacting the mechanical stiffness requirements for sensor shift optical image stabilization (OIS), as similarly discussed herein with reference toFIGS.4-5B. As another example, the flexure106may additionally or alternatively include an impedance adjusting feature configured to increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad to a target impedance that is closer to the impedance of a signal trace, relative to an impedance of the electrical signal pad if the flexure did not include the impedance adjusting feature. In various embodiments a portion of the electrical grounding portion may define the impedance adjusting feature. In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature may comprise (i) a void or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material (e.g., epoxy), e.g., as similarly discussed herein with reference toFIGS.6A-6B.

FIG.2illustrates a top view of example sensor shift flexure106that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, the flexure106may include an inner frame202, an outer frame204, and/or one or more flexure arms206. The inner frame202may be fixedly coupled with the image sensor (e.g., via the image sensor package104). In some embodiments, the image sensor package104may include a substrate (e.g., substrate310inFIGS.3A-3B, substrate712inFIG.7, etc.) to which the image sensor is fixedly attached, and the substrate may be fixedly attached to the inner frame202. The outer frame204may at least partially encircle the inner frame202. The outer frame204may be fixedly coupled with a stationary structure (e.g., stationary structure724inFIG.7) of the camera. The flexure arm(s)206may be connected to the inner frame202and to the outer frame204, e.g., as indicated inFIG.2. According to various embodiments, the flexure106may include electrical traces on at least a portion of the flexure arm(s)206. The electrical traces may be configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame202and the outer frame204, and vice-versa. In various embodiments, different patterns of electrical traces may be routed from the inner frame202to the outer frame204, and/or from the outer frame204to a flex circuit (e.g., flex circuit304inFIG.3A). The electrical trace(s) may be insulated (e.g., via a dielectric layer and/or a cover layer) in various embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the flexure106may include one or more electrical signal pad regions, such as, but not limited to, electrical signal pad region208(e.g., comprising electrical signal pad210) on the inner frame202and/or electrical signal pad region212(e.g., comprising electrical signal pad214) on the outer frame204. In various embodiments, electrical traces216may be routed on the inner frame202, the flexure arm(s)206, and/or the outer frame204. According to various embodiments, electrical traces may be routed from the electrical signal pads on the inner frame202to the electrical signal pads on the outer frame204, via the flexure arm(s)206. In some embodiments, the electrical signal traces may follow routing paths that correspond to the paths of the flexure arm(s)206as they extend from the inner frame202to the outer frame204. The electrical signal traces may be routed above and/or below the flexure arm(s)206in some embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, the electrical signal traces may be at least partially embedded within the flexure arm(s)206in some embodiments.

FIGS.3A-3Billustrate schematic block diagrams of portions of example cameras that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.3Ashows a portion of an example camera300aincluding a flexure302that is attached to a flex circuit304, e.g., via an electrical signal pad306.FIG.3Bshows a portion of an example camera300bincluding a flexure-circuit hybrid structure308. In various embodiments, anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding may be used to attach components together; however, it should be appreciated that one or more other attachment processes (e.g., a surface-mount technology (SMT) attachment process, a hot bar bonding process, etc.) may additionally, or alternatively, be used for attachment of components in various embodiments.

As indicated inFIGS.3A-3B, the cameras300aand300bmay include a substrate310that is bonded to the flexure302(inFIG.3A) or to the flexure-circuit hybrid structure308(inFIG.3B), e.g., via electrical signal pad412. The substrate310may be bonded to an image sensor (e.g., image sensor704inFIG.7). In some embodiments, the image sensor and/or the substrate310may be included in the image sensor package104inFIG.1. Instead of bonding a flexure to a flex circuit (as inFIG.3A), the flexure-circuit hybrid structure308may be a single component that integrates structural and/or functional aspects of the flexure and the flex circuit, thus eliminating the need for the electrical signal pad (FIG.3A).

In camera300a, the flex circuit304may be bonded to one or more external components314, e.g., via electrical signal pad316. The flexure-circuit hybrid structure308in camera300bmay be bonded to external component(s)314, e.g., via electrical signal pad316. InFIGS.3A-3B, the components (and/or portions of components) within broken rectangle318may be located within the corresponding camera module, while the components (and/or portions of components) outside of the broken rectangle318may be considered external to the camera module. The exterior component(s)314bonded to the flex circuit304(FIG.3A) or to the flexure-circuit hybrid structure308(FIG.3B) are shown as being outside of the broken rectangle318to indicate that the external component(s)314are external to the corresponding camera module.

Electrical signals may be routed between the image sensor and the external component(s)314at least partly via the flexure302(FIG.3A) or the flexure-circuit hybrid structure308(FIG.3B). For example, electrical signals may be routed along a path that includes the image sensor, an electrical signal pad (not shown) for interconnecting the image sensor with the substrate310, the substrate310, electrical signal pad312, the flexure302(FIG.3A) or the flexure-circuit hybrid structure308(FIG.3B), electrical signal pad306(FIG.3A), the flex circuit304(FIG.3A), electrical signal pad316, and the external component(s)314, in that order from the image sensor to the external component(s)314, and/or vice-versa. Additionally, or alternatively, the camera300amay include a via320that is used to route electrical signals from one side (e.g., a bottom side) of the flex circuit304to the opposite side (e.g., a top side) of the flex circuit304.

FIG.4illustrates a schematic diagram of an example sensor shift flexure arrangement400for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement400may be included in one or more portions of a sensor shift flexure (e.g., flexure106inFIGS.1and2, flexure302inFIG.3A, and/or flexure-circuit hybrid structure308inFIG.3B, etc.). It is also contemplated that aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement400may be used in combination with aspects of one or more other embodiments of sensor shift flexure arrangements described herein. As a non-limiting example, aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement400may be used in combination with aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement described herein with reference toFIG.6B.

In various embodiments, the sensor shift flexure arrangement400may comprise layers of material that are stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane of an image sensor, e.g., as indicated in the schematic diagram of layers402-408. According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer402, a conductive layer404(also referred to herein as “first conductive layer”), one or more intermediate layers406, and/or another conductive layer408(also referred to herein as a “second conductive layer”). In some embodiments, the second conductive layer may form one or more electrical traces used to convey electrical signals and/or power. Furthermore, the base layer402and the first conductive layer404may, together, comprise an electrical grounding portion that is used in a ground current return path, e.g., to carry a return current from the image sensor and/or an AF/OIS driver. For example, the sensor shift flexure arrangement400may include a via410that extends in a direction (as indicated by arrow412) orthogonal to the image plane, to convey electrical current from the second conductive layer408to the electrical grounding portion (e.g., to the first conductive layer404and/or base layer402, as indicated by arrows414and416). In some non-limiting examples, the via410(and/or one or more other vias) may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame202inFIG.2) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame204inFIG.2) of the flexure. As a non-limiting example, the via410may be located in electrical signal pad region208indicated inFIG.2. As another non-limiting example, the via410may be located in electrical signal pad region212indicated inFIG.2.

As will be discussed in further detail herein with reference toFIG.5B, the first conductive layer404may comprise a material with a relatively high conductivity. The first conductive layer404may be used to reduce ground current resistance of the flexure, relative to the ground current resistance if the flexure were to use only the base layer402, without the first conductive layer404(e.g., excluding the first conductive layer, as indicated inFIG.5A) in the electrical ground current return path. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer(s)406may include one or more layers positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the first conductive layer404and the second conductive layer408. As further discussed herein with reference toFIG.5B, the intermediate layer(s) may include one or more adhesion layers (e.g., adhesion layer522) and/or one or more dielectric layers (e.g., dielectric layer524).

FIGS.5A-5Billustrate schematic diagrams of example sensor shift flexure arrangements.FIG.5Ashows an example sensor shift flexure arrangement500acomprising a stack of layers with a ground path that includes a base layer without an adjacent conductive layer.FIG.5Bshows another sensor shift flexure arrangement500b, comprising a stack of layers with a ground path that includes a base layer and an additional conductive layer (e.g., adjacent the base layer), in accordance some embodiments.

In various embodiments, the sensor shift flexure arrangement500a(FIG.5A) may comprise layers of material that are stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane of an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor included in the image sensor package104inFIG.1, image sensor704inFIG.7, etc.), e.g., as indicated in the schematic diagram of layers502-510. According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer502, one or more intermediate layers (e.g., comprising adhesion layer504and/or dielectric layer506, a seed layer508, and a conductive layer510.

In some embodiments, the conductive layer510may form one or more electrical traces used to convey electrical signals and/or power. Furthermore, the base layer502may comprise an electrical grounding portion that is used in a ground current return path. For example, the sensor shift flexure arrangement500amay include a via512that extends in a direction (as indicated by arrow514) orthogonal to the image plane, to convey electrical current from the conductive layer510to the electrical grounding portion (e.g., to the base layer502, as indicated by arrow516). In some non-limiting examples, the via512(and/or one or more other vias) may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame202inFIG.2) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame204inFIG.2) of the flexure.

In various embodiments, the sensor shift flexure arrangement500b(FIG.5B) may comprise layers of material that are stacked in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, e.g., as indicated in the schematic diagram of layers518-528. According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer518, a first conductive layer520, one or more intermediate layers (e.g., comprising adhesion layer522and/or dielectric layer524), a seed layer526, and a second conductive layer528.

In some embodiments, the second conductive layer528may form one or more electrical traces used to convey electrical signals and/or power. Furthermore, the base layer518and the first conductive layer may comprise an electrical grounding portion that is used in a ground current return path. For example, the sensor shift flexure arrangement500bmay include a via530that extends in a direction (as indicated by arrow532) orthogonal to the image plane, to convey electrical current from the second conductive layer528to the electrical grounding portion (e.g., to the first conductive layer520and/or to the base layer518, as indicated by arrows534and536). In some non-limiting examples, the via530(and/or one or more other vias) may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame202inFIG.2) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame204inFIG.2) of the flexure.

As previously discussed, the sensor shift flexure arrangement500a(FIG.5A) does not include an additional conductive layer that is similar to the first conductive layer520of the sensor shift flexure arrangement500b(FIG.5B). By adding a highly conductive and relatively thin ground plane, such as the first conductive layer520, to the electrical grounding portion comprising the base layer (which may be designed to provide sufficient stiffness for suspending the image sensor from the stationary structure(s), and which may comprise a metal alloy having a relatively low conductivity), the overall resistivity of the electrical grounding portion and/or the ground current return path may be reduced. Signal routing performance of the flexure may be improved without impacting the mechanical stiffness requirements for the sensor shift flexure. For example, reduced ground direct current resistivity (DCR) may result in lower voltage drop of the camera module power rails in some examples. Furthermore, improved ground impedance and alternating current (AC) return path may reduce camera module to camera module variation in image quality performance in some examples. Furthermore, the lower voltage drop may improve camera module thermals, which may result in relatively higher streaming times in some examples.

According to some embodiments, base layer502and/or base layer518may be configured to provide sufficient rigidity so that the sensor shift flexure is capable of suspending an image sensor package from a stationary structure of the camera. Furthermore, at least a portion of base layer502and/or base layer518(e.g., a portion of the base layer used to form the flexure arm(s)) may be configured to have sufficient compliance for allowing motion of the image sensor in the direction(s) enabled by the actuator.

In some non-limiting embodiments, base layer502and/or base layer518may comprise a nickel-cobalt (NiCo) alloy and/or a copper titanium (CuTi) alloy (e.g., having an electrical conductivity of 10%-40% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS)). In some embodiments, base layer502and/or base layer518may comprise electro-formed NiCo for areas of the flexure portion302, to increase rigidity in those areas. Furthermore, base layer502and/or base layer518may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 30 um to 150 um.

According to various embodiments, conductive layer520may be positioned adjacent base layer518. In some embodiments, first conductive layer520may comprise copper. For example, first conductive layer520may comprise electroplated copper. Furthermore, first conductive layer520may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 2 um to 30 um in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, adhesion layer504inFIG.5Amay be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, adjacent base layer502(e.g., between base layer502and dielectric layer506). Adhesion layer522inFIG.5Bmay be positioned adjacent first conductive layer520(e.g., between first conductive layer520and dielectric layer524). According to some embodiments, adhesion layer504and/or adhesion layer522may comprise chromium (e.g., physical vapor deposited (PVD) chromium). Furthermore, adhesion layer504and/or adhesion layer522may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 50 nm to 200 nm in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, dielectric layer506inFIG.5Amay be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between adhesion layer504and seed layer508(e.g., adjacent adhesion layer504and seed layer508). Dielectric layer524inFIG.5Bmay be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between adhesion layer522and seed layer526(e.g., adjacent adhesion layer522and seed layer526). According to some embodiments, dielectric layer506and/or dielectric layer524may comprise polyimide (e.g., photosensitive polyimide) and/or a build-up film (e.g., a dry insulation build-up film), etc. Furthermore, dielectric layer506and/or dielectric layer524may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 8 um to 14 um in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, seed layer508inFIG.5Amay be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between dielectric layer506and conductive layer510(e.g., adjacent dielectric layer506and conductive layer510). Seed layer526inFIG.5Bmay be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between dielectric layer524and second conductive layer528(e.g., adjacent dielectric layer524and second conductive layer528). According to some embodiments, seed layer508and/or seed layer526may comprise chromium (e.g., physical vapor deposited (PVD) chromium). Furthermore, seed layer508and/or seed layer526may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 50 nm to 200 nm in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, conductive layer510inFIG.5Amay be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, adjacent seed layer508. Second conductive layer528inFIG.5Bmay be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, adjacent seed layer526. According to some embodiments, conductive layer510and/or conductive layer528may comprise copper. For example, conductive layer510and/or conductive layer528may comprise electroplated copper. Furthermore, conductive layer510and/or conductive layer528may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 2 um to 30 um in some embodiments.

FIGS.6A-6Dillustrate schematic diagrams of example sensor shift flexure arrangements.FIG.6Ashows an example sensor shift flexure arrangement600acomprising a stack of layers that does not include an impedance adjusting feature.FIGS.6B-6Dshow other example sensor shift flexure arrangements600b-600dcomprising a stack of layers that includes an impedance adjusting feature, in accordance with some embodiments. As discussed herein, one or more impedance adjusting features may be used to adjust (e.g., increase) the impedance of electrical signal pads used to interconnect the flexure with other components, e.g., to better match pad impedance to channel impedance requirements, which may enable various signal routing improvements.FIGS.6B-6Dprovide non-limiting examples of how the size of the electrical coupling area (e.g., the area between an electrical signal pad and the reference plane) may be reduced by employing the impedance adjusting feature (e.g., a region where a portion of the conductive layer and/or the base layer is removed). The coupling area affects impedance at the signal pad. By appropriately sizing the impedance adjusting feature the coupling area, and thus the signal pad impedance, can be tuned. For example, it may be desirable to tune the signal pad impedance to match the impedance of a signal interconnect (trace) connecting to the signal pad.

In various embodiments, each of the sensor shift flexure arrangements600a-600dmay comprise layers of material that are stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane of an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor included in the image sensor package104inFIG.1, image sensor704inFIG.7, etc.). According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer602, a first conductive layer604, an adhesion layer606, a dielectric layer608, a seed layer610, and/or a second conductive layer612. These layers may have characteristics that are the same as, or similar to, the layers in the stack-ups described herein with reference toFIGS.4-5B. While first conductive layer604is included inFIGS.6A-6B(like in the stack-ups shown inFIGS.4and5B), it should be appreciated that in various embodiments the first conductive layer may not be included (like in the stack-up shown inFIG.5A, where the adhesion layer504is adjacent the base layer502).

Furthermore, the sensor shift flexure arrangements600a-600dmay include one or more electrical signal pads614(e.g., high-speed signal pads and/or electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) pads, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more portions of the sensor shift flexure arrangements600a-600dmay include a cover layer616(e.g., polyimide, a Flex-finer material, etc.), such as the one positioned, in a direction parallel to the image plane, between signal pad614aand signal pad614b. In some embodiments, the cover layer616may cover conductive layer612in certain portions of the flexure, e.g., such that the covered portions of conductive layer612are sandwiched between the cover layer616and one or more other layers (e.g., the seed layer610).

As indicated inFIG.6B, in some embodiments the base layer602and the conductive layer604(or, in some examples, just the base layer602) may comprise an electrical grounding portion618(which may comprise a reference plane), e.g., as also discussed herein with reference toFIGS.4-5B. The adhesion layer606and/or the dielectric layer608may comprise an intermediate portion620, e.g., as similarly discussed herein with reference toFIGS.4-5B. The seed layer610, the conductive layer612and/or the electrical signal pad(s)614may comprise a signal trace interconnect portion622that may be used to interconnect signal traces on the flexure with one or more other components, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.1-3B.

In some embodiments, the signal trace interconnect portion622may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame202inFIG.2) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame204inFIG.2) of the flexure. As a non-limiting example, the signal trace interconnect portion622may be located in electrical signal pad region208indicated inFIG.2. For example, electrical signal pad(s)614may include an electrical signal pad used for connecting the inner frame of the flexure with an image sensor substrate (and/or another component of the image sensor package), e.g., as does electrical signal pad312with respect to connecting flexure302to substrate310inFIG.3A. As another non-limiting example, the signal trace interconnect portion622may be located in electrical signal pad region212indicated inFIG.2. For example, electrical signal pad(s)614may include an electrical signal pad used for connecting the outer frame of the flexure with a flex circuit (and/or one or more other components), e.g., as does electrical signal pad306with respect to connecting flexure302to flex circuit304inFIG.3A.

In various embodiments, the electrical signal pad(s)614may be constrained to a relatively large size of width and/or length by the type of process(es) used for attaching the flexure with other component(s). Non-limiting examples of attachment processes may include an ACF bonding process, an SMT attachment process, and/or a hot bar bonding process, etc. The large size of the electrical signal pad(s)614may cause the electrical signal pad(s)614to have a relatively low impedance which may result in poor channel performance for electrical signals (e.g., high-speed signals) when there is a mismatch between the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s)614and the corresponding signal channel(s) (e.g., the electrical signal trace(s) formed by the conductive layer612).

As indicated inFIG.6A, the signal trace interconnect portion622of the sensor shift flexure arrangement600amay have a relatively large amount of coupling624, via the intermediate portion620, to electrical grounding portion/reference plane618. By comparison, as indicated inFIG.6B, the signal trace interconnect portion622of the sensor shift flexure arrangement600bmay have a relatively smaller amount of coupling626, via the intermediate portion620, to electrical grounding portion/reference plane618. The smaller amount of coupling626in the sensor shift flexure arrangement600bmay be achieved by including one or more impedance adjusting features (e.g., impedance adjusting feature628) in the electrical grounding portion/reference plane618. The impedance adjusting feature628, for example, may be designed to reduce the amount of coupling and thereby increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad614ato better match the target channel impedance, thereby enabling time domain reflectometry (TDR) improvements. For example, better matching pad impedance to the channel impedance may help reduce channel return loss. Reducing channel return loss may improve signal integrity. Improving signal integrity may enable a higher bandwidth for the channel. Furthermore, improving signal integrity may help reduce system power consumption, e.g., by reducing signal/power transmitter swing and/or optimizing signal/power receiver equalization needs.

In various embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature628may comprise (i) a void (e.g., an empty space) and/or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material (e.g., epoxy). In various embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature628may be positioned along an axis that intersects with the signal trace interconnect portion622whose impedance is being adjusted using the impedance adjusting feature628. For example, the impedance adjusting feature628may be located within a space underneath a given electrical signal pad614. WhileFIG.6Bindicates the presence of a single impedance adjusting feature628, it should be appreciated that multiple discrete impedance adjusting features628may be included below the electrical signal pad614.

In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature(s)628may be offset from a center of the electrical signal pad614, e.g., as indicated inFIG.6B. In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature(s)628may be centered with the electrical signal pad614. Characteristics of the impedance adjusting feature(s)628, such as, but not limited to, size (e.g., depth and/or width), position, location, shape, material, amount of fill, etc., may be determined based at least in part on a predetermined target impedance (for the electrical signal pad(s)614) that the impedance adjusting feature(s)628are designed to achieve, e.g., to match the signal channel impedance requirements, and/or to adjust the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s) to within a threshold impedance value proximity to the signal channel impedance.

In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature(s)628may comprise a slot formed using one or more subtractive manufacturing processes (e.g., etching and/or lithography, etc.). The slot may have a depth, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, that extends through at least a portion of the electrical grounding portion/reference plane618. That is, at least a portion of the electrical grounding portion/reference plane618may define the impedance adjusting feature(s)628. In some embodiments, the depth of the slot may extend through a portion of the first conductive layer604or through the whole depth of the first conductive layer604without extending into the base layer602. In some embodiments, the depth of the slot may extend through the first conductive layer604and a portion of the base layer602. In some embodiments, the depth of the slot may extend through the first conductive layer604and through the whole depth of the base layer604. In some embodiments, e.g., where the first conductive layer604is not present (such as inFIG.5A), the depth of the slot may extend through a portion of the base layer518or through the whole depth of the base layer518.

According to some embodiments, the slot may have a width, in a direction parallel to the image plane, that extends a portion of the width of the electrical signal pad614or that extends the whole width of the electrical signal pad614. In various embodiments, the slot may have an outermost periphery, in the direction parallel to the image plane, that is smaller than or equal to the outermost periphery of the electrical signal pad614. Furthermore, the outermost periphery of the slot may be constrained to a position within the outermost periphery of the electrical signal pad614, e.g., if both outermost peripheries were projected onto the image plane.

As previously mentioned regardingFIG.6A, the signal trace interconnect portion622of the sensor shift flexure arrangement600amay have a relatively large amount of coupling624, via the intermediate portion620, to electrical grounding portion/reference plane618. By comparison, as indicated inFIG.6C, the signal trace interconnect portion622of the sensor shift flexure arrangement600cmay have a relatively smaller amount of coupling630, via the intermediate portion620, to electrical grounding portion/reference plane618. The smaller amount of coupling630in the sensor shift flexure arrangement600cmay be achieved by including one or more impedance adjusting features (e.g., impedance adjusting feature632) in the electrical grounding portion/reference plane618.

In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature632inFIG.6Cmay be a blind pocket formed using an additive manufacturing process, e.g., by plating up the conductive layer604, except for a portion or all of the space underneath the signal trace interconnect portion622. In other words, the space at which the conductive layer604is not plated up may be the blind pocket/impedance adjusting feature632. In some non-limiting examples, the impedance adjusting feature632may be a blind pocket in the conductive layer604, between the base layer602and the adhesion layer606, and underneath the signal trace interconnect portion622.

Characteristics of the impedance adjusting feature632, such as, but not limited to, size (e.g., depth and/or width), position, location, shape, material, amount of fill, etc., may be determined based at least in part on a predetermined target impedance (for the electrical signal pad(s)614) that the impedance adjusting feature632is designed to achieve, e.g., to match the signal channel impedance requirements, and/or to adjust the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s) to within a threshold impedance value proximity to the signal channel impedance.

As indicated inFIG.6D, the signal trace interconnect portion622of the sensor shift flexure arrangement600dmay have a relatively smaller amount of coupling634(as compared to the relatively large amount of coupling624inFIG.6A), via the intermediate portion620, to electrical grounding portion/reference plane618. The smaller amount of coupling630in the sensor shift flexure arrangement600dmay be achieved by including one or more impedance adjusting features (e.g., impedance adjusting feature636) in the electrical grounding portion/reference plane618.

In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature636inFIG.6Dmay be an open pocket formed using a subtractive manufacturing process (e.g., an etching process) that removes one or more portions of the base layer602, the conductive layer604, and/or the adhesion layer606. As a non-limiting example, the open pocket/impedance adjusting feature636may be formed during an etching process that also removes other portions of the flexure, e.g., to form flexure arms (e.g., flexure arms206inFIG.2). In some non-limiting examples, the open pocket/impedance adjusting feature636may be formed by etching through at least a portion of the base layer602, the conductive layer, and the adhesion layer606, underneath the signal trace interconnect portion622, e.g., as indicated inFIG.6D.

Characteristics of the impedance adjusting feature636, such as, but not limited to, size (e.g., depth and/or width), position, location, shape, material, amount of fill, etc., may be determined based at least in part on a predetermined target impedance (for the electrical signal pad(s)614) that the impedance adjusting feature636is designed to achieve, e.g., to match the signal channel impedance requirements, and/or to adjust the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s) to within a threshold impedance value proximity to the signal channel impedance.

FIG.7illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example camera700that may include one or more actuators and a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, camera700may include a lens group702, an image sensor704, and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module706. The lens group702may define an optical axis. The image sensor704may be configured to capture light passing through the lens group702and convert the captured light into image signals. In some cases, the VCM actuator module706may be one of multiple VCM actuator modules of the camera700. For instance, the camera700may include four such VCM actuator modules706, such as two pairs of VCM actuator modules706that oppose one another relative to the lens group702. The VCM actuator modules706may be configured to move the lens group702along the optical axis (e.g., in the Z-axis direction, to provide autofocus (AF) functionality) and/or tilt the lens group702relative to the optical axis. Furthermore, the VCM actuator module(s)706may be configured to move the image sensor704in directions orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., in the X-axis and/or Y-axis directions, to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality).

In various embodiments, the VCM actuator module706may include a magnet708(e.g., a stationary single pole magnet), a lens holder710, a substrate712, a top flexure (not shown), and a bottom flexure714(e.g., comprising one or more sensor shift flexure arrangements disclosed herein). In various embodiments, the bottom flexure714may be the same as, or similar to, flexure106inFIGS.1-2, flexure302inFIG.3A, and/or flexure-circuit hybrid structure308inFIG.3B. Furthermore, the VCM actuator module706may include an AF coil716and a bottom sensor positioning (SP) coil718.

In some embodiments, the lens holder710may hold, or otherwise support, the AF coil716proximate a side of the magnet708. The lens holder710may be coupled to the lens group702such that the lens group702shifts together with the lens holder710.

In various embodiments, the substrate712may hold, or otherwise support, the bottom SP coil718proximate a bottom side of the magnet708. The substrate712may be coupled to the image sensor704such that the image sensor704shifts together with the substrate712. In some embodiments, the substrate712may also be coupled with, or may otherwise support, an infrared cut-off filter (IRCF)720(and/or one or more other optical elements), e.g., as indicated inFIG.7.

In some embodiments, the VCM actuator module706may include a position sensor722(e.g., a Hall sensor) for position detection based on movement of the SP coil718in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, the position sensor722may be located on the substrate712proximate to the SP coil718.

The flexure714may be configured to provide compliance for motion of the substrate712in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. Furthermore, the flexure714may be configured to suspend the substrate712and the image sensor704from one or more stationary structures724of the camera700.

The top flexure (not shown) may be configured to mechanically and electrically connect the lens holder710to the shield can726and/or to one or more other stationary structures (e.g., stationary structure724). The top flexure may be configured to provide compliance for movement of the lens holder710along the optical axis and for tilt of the lens holder710relative to the optical axis. The shield can726may encase, at least in part, an interior of the camera700. The shield can726may be a stationary component that is static relative to one or more moving components (e.g., the lens holder710and substrate712).

In some embodiments, the stationary magnet708may be fixed to a stationary structure (e.g., magnet holder728). In some examples, each of the AF coil716and the SP coil718may be a race track coil.

Electromagnetic interaction between the AF coil716and the magnet708may produce Lorentz forces that cause the lens holder710to move along the optical axis and/or to tilt relative to the optical axis. Electromagnetic interaction between the SP coil718and the magnet708may produce Lorentz forces that cause the substrate712to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. The lens group702may shift together with (e.g., in lockstep with) the lens holder710. Furthermore, the image sensor704may shift together with (e.g., in lockstep with) the substrate712.

As also discussed herein with reference toFIGS.1-6B, electrical contacts/connections may allow for electrical signals (e.g., image signals) to be conveyed from the image sensor704to a controller (not shown). For instance, the image sensor704may be in electrical contact with the substrate712via one or more contacts, and thus image signals may be conveyed from the image sensor704to the substrate712. The image signals may be conveyed from the substrate712to one or more external components (e.g., external component(s)314inFIGS.3A-3B) via the flexure714and a flex circuit (e.g., flex circuit108inFIG.1, flex circuit304inFIG.3A, etc.). According to various examples, electrical contacts/connections may allow for current to be conveyed from the controller to the substrate712to drive the SP coil718.

FIG.8illustrates a schematic representation of an example device800that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device800may include a camera system having a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, such as the camera systems and sensor shift flexure arrangement described herein with reference toFIGS.1-7. In some embodiments, the device800may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device800may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device.

In some embodiments, the device800may include a display system802(e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras804. In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system802and/or one or more front-facing cameras804amay be provided at a front side of the device800, e.g., as indicated inFIG.8. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras804bmay be provided at a rear side of the device800. In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras804, some or all of the cameras804may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras804may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)804may be different than those indicated inFIG.8.

Among other things, the device800may include memory806(e.g., comprising an operating system808and/or application(s)/program instructions810), one or more processors and/or controllers812(e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors814(e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device800may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)816, cloud service(s)818, etc., via one or more networks820. For example, the device800may include a network interface (e.g., network interface910inFIG.9) that enables the device800to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)820. Additionally, or alternatively, the device800may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies.

FIG.9illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example computer system900that may include a camera having a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, e.g., as described herein with reference toFIGS.1-8. In addition, computer system900may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device800(described herein with reference toFIG.8) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the described herein.

The computer system900may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system900may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device.

In the illustrated embodiment, computer system900includes one or more processors902coupled to a system memory904via an input/output (I/O) interface906. Computer system900further includes one or more cameras908coupled to the I/O interface906. Computer system900further includes a network interface910coupled to I/O interface906, and one or more input/output devices912, such as cursor control device914, keyboard916, and display(s)918. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system900, while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system900, may be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system900that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

In various embodiments, computer system900may be a uniprocessor system including one processor902, or a multiprocessor system including several processors902(e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors902may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors902may be general-purpose or embedded processors implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors902may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

System memory904may be configured to store program instructions920accessible by processor902. In various embodiments, system memory904may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, existing camera control data922of memory904may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions920and/or data922may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory904or computer system900. In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system900.

In one embodiment, I/O interface906may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor902, system memory904, and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface910or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices912. In some embodiments, I/O interface906may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory904into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor902). In some embodiments, I/O interface906may include support for devices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/O interface906may be split into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in some embodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface906, such as an interface to system memory904, may be incorporated directly into processors902.

Network interface910may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system900and other devices attached to a network924(e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system900. Network924may in various embodiments include one or more networks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g., an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface910may support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/or protocol.

Input/output device(s)912may, in some embodiments, include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or accessing data by one or more computer systems900. Multiple input/output devices912may be present in computer system900or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system900. In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system900and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system900through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface910.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system900is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system900may also be connected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead may operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and/or other additional functionality may be available.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by an appropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system900may be transmitted to computer system900via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium or memory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as network and/or a wireless link.

The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, the order of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.