PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10938092-B2
Application Number: US-201916297395-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Antenna assembly

Abstract:
A disclosed antenna assembly includes a first flexible circuit having a first signal line, at least one first shielding layer, and a first attachment region. The first attachment region includes a first signal pad and first shielding pads disposed around the first signal pad. The antenna assembly further includes a second flexible circuit having a second signal line, at least one second shielding layer, and a second attachment region. The second attachment region includes a second signal pad and second shielding pads disposed around the second signal pad. The first attachment region is attached to the second attachment region.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An antenna assembly comprising:
 a first flexible circuit having a first signal line, at least one first shielding layer, and a first attachment region, wherein the first attachment region includes a first signal pad and first shielding pads disposed around the first signal pad; and 
 a second flexible circuit having a second signal line, at least one second shielding layer, and a second attachment region, the second attachment region including a second signal pad and second shielding pads disposed around the second signal pad, 
 wherein the first attachment region is attached to the second attachment region. 
 
     
     
       2. The antenna assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first shielding pads comprise a first row of shielding pads and a second row of shielding pads; and 
 the first signal pad is part of a row of signal pads positioned between the first and second rows of shielding pads. 
 
     
     
       3. The antenna assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the row of signal pads is staggered relative to the first and second rows of shielding pads. 
     
     
       4. The antenna assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first signal pad is electrically and mechanically bonded to the second signal pad; and 
 each of the first shielding pads is electrically and mechanically bonded to one of the second shielding pads. 
 
     
     
       5. The antenna assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first signal pad is connected to the first signal line through the first flexible circuit; 
 the first shielding pads are connected to the at least one first shielding layer through the first flexible circuit; 
 the second signal pad is connected to the second signal line through the second flexible circuit; and 
 the second shielding pads are connected to the at least one second shielding layer through the second flexible circuit. 
 
     
     
       6. The antenna assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first stiffener attached to the first flexible circuit; and 
 a second stiffener attached to the second flexible circuit, 
 wherein the first and second attachment regions are positioned between the first and second stiffeners. 
 
     
     
       7. The antenna assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment region further comprises a first temperature activated adhesive; and 
 the second attachment region further comprises a second temperature activated adhesive adhered to the first temperature activated adhesive. 
 
     
     
       8. The antenna assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first shielding pads and the second shielding pads are electrically connected to a grounding path of a chassis of an electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The antenna assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising surface mount components and clips attached to at least one of the first flexible circuit or the second flexible circuit. 
     
     
       10. A flexible circuit for an antenna, the flexible circuit comprising:
 a conductive signal line; 
 a conductive shielding layer overlapping the conductive signal line; 
 a dielectric layer between the conductive signal line and the conductive shielding layer; 
 two rows of conductive shielding pads electrically connected to the conductive shielding layer; and 
 a row of conductive signal pads electrically connected to the conductive signal line, wherein the row of conductive signal pads is staggered relative to the two rows of conductive shielding pads and the row of conductive signal pads is positioned between the two rows of conductive shielding pads. 
 
     
     
       11. The flexible circuit of  claim 10 , further comprising two temperature activated attachments, wherein the two rows of conductive shielding pads and the row of conductive shielding pads are positioned between the two temperature activated attachments. 
     
     
       12. The flexible circuit of  claim 10 , wherein the conductive shielding layer is a first conductive shielding layer and the dielectric layer is a first dielectric layer, wherein the flexible circuit further comprises:
 a second conductive shielding layer overlapping the conductive signal line; and 
 a second dielectric layer between the conductive signal line and the second conductive shielding layer. 
 
     
     
       13. The flexible circuit of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 two rows of shielding vias, wherein the conductive signal line is disposed between the two rows of shielding vias. 
 
     
     
       14. The flexible circuit of  claim 10 , wherein the dielectric layer is made from a liquid crystal polymer. 
     
     
       15. The flexible circuit of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the two rows of conductive shielding pads extend in a first direction and are aligned with each other, such that a position along the first direction of each of the conductive shielding pads in one of the two rows substantially matches a position along the first direction of another conductive shielding pad in the other of the two rows; and 
 the row of conductive signal pads extends in the first direction and is offset from the two rows of conductive shielding pads in the first direction, such that a position along the first direction of each of the conductive shielding pads does not match a position along the first direction of any of the conductive shielding pads in the two rows of conductive shielding pads. 
 
     
     
       16. An electronic device comprising:
 a chassis having a grounding path; 
 electronic components mounted to the chassis; and 
 an antenna assembly mounted to the chassis between two or more of the electronic components, wherein the antenna assembly comprises two flexible circuits attached to each other via a joint, wherein the joint comprises two signal pads bonded to each other and two sets of shielding pads bonded to each other, wherein the two sets of shielding pads are disposed around the two signal pads and are electrically connected to the grounding path of the chassis through at least one of the two flexible circuits. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the two signal pads connect two respective signal lines in the two flexible circuits to each other, wherein the two respective signal lines are configured to carry a radiofrequency signal. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein the two sets of shielding pads connect two respective shielding layers in the two flexible circuits to each other, wherein the two respective shielding layers are configured to shield the radiofrequency signal. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the antenna assembly comprises clips attached to the chassis, wherein the clips electrically connect the two sets of shielding pads to the grounding path of the chassis. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the two signal pads are staggered relative to the two sets of shielding pads.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/730,485, entitled “ANTENNA ASSEMBLY,” filed Sep. 12, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to an electronic device, and, more particularly, to an antenna assembly having multiple flexible circuits. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices are known to include a housing and a cover glass that combines with the housing to enclose components such as a circuit board, a display, and a battery. Also, portable electronic devices are known to communicate over a network server to send and receive information, as well as communicate with a network carrier to send and receive voice communication. As portable electronic devices increase in complexity and/or decrease in size, it becomes increasingly challenging to integrate various functional components without unduly degrading their performance or increasing cost. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front isometric view of an electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of an electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of an electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an electronic device having an antenna mounted to a chassis, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of an antenna, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of a chassis, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a flexible circuit of an antenna, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of a flexible circuit of an antenna, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of an antenna in an unfolded configuration, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of an antenna in a folded configuration, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of an electronic device having an antenna, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a plan view of an antenna assembly in an unassembled and unfolded configuration, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of an antenna assembly in an assembled and folded configuration, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross section view of a joint in an antenna assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a plan view of a pad layout of an antenna assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a process flow of a method of making an antenna assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a plan view of an antenna assembly during a method of making the antenna assembly, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various implementations and is not intended to represent the only implementations in which the subject technology may be practiced. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described implementations may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include an antenna assembly comprising: a first flexible circuit having a first signal line, at least one first shielding layer, and a first attachment region, wherein the first attachment region includes a first signal pad and first shielding pads disposed around the first signal pad; and a second flexible circuit having a second signal line, at least one second shielding layer, and a second attachment region, the second attachment region including a second signal pad and second shielding pads disposed around the second signal pad, wherein the first attachment region is attached to the second attachment region. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include a flexible circuit for an antenna, the flexible circuit comprising: a conductive signal line; a conductive shielding layer overlapping the conductive signal line; a dielectric layer between the conductive signal line and the conductive shielding layer; two rows of conductive shielding pads electrically connected to the conductive shielding layer; and a row of conductive signal pads electrically connected to the conductive signal line, wherein the row of conductive signal pads is staggered relative to the two rows of conductive shielding pads and the row of conductive signal pads is positioned between the two rows of conductive shielding pads. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include an electronic device comprising: a chassis having a grounding path; electronic components mounted to the chassis; and an antenna assembly mounted to the chassis between two or more of the electronic components, wherein the antenna assembly comprises two flexible circuits attached to each other via a joint, wherein the joint comprises two signal pads bonded to each other and two sets of shielding pads bonded to each other, wherein the two sets of shielding pads are disposed around the two signal pads and are electrically connected to the grounding path of the chassis through at least one of the two flexible circuits. 
     The following disclosure relates to an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device that takes the form of a smart phone or a tablet computer device. The electronic device may include several enhancements and modifications not found on traditional electronic devices. 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device can include an antenna or antenna structure, which can be implemented in a flexible circuit containing a signal line used for transmission of a radiofrequency (RF) signal and/or data signal. The flexible circuit can be manufactured out of a larger panel format substrate that is then singulated into discrete flexible circuits. To provide for improved panelization, for example, the antenna can be implemented as an assembly having multiple flexible circuits attached together. The attachment region of each of the flexible circuits in the assembly can include a pad layout having multiple ground pads disposed around a signal pad. This can, for example, provide for reduced signal loss at the antenna assembly joint. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna joint can include one or more stiffeners and/or a temperature sensitive adhesive to provide for mechanical robustness in the antenna assembly joint. The antenna assembly including multiple attached flexible circuits can be included in an electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-18 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  100  may house or may otherwise employ an antenna or flexible circuit assembly, as further described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a tablet computer device. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a mobile wireless communication device (a smartphone, for example). The electronic device  100  may include a band  102  that defines an outer perimeter of the electronic device  100 . The band  102  may include a metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or an alloy that includes at least one of aluminum or stainless steel. The band  102  may be composed of several sidewall components, such as a first sidewall component  104 , a second sidewall component  106 , a third sidewall component  108  (opposite the first sidewall component  104 ), and a fourth sidewall component (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The aforementioned sidewall components may include any material(s) previously described for the band  102 . 
     In some instances, any one or more of the sidewall components can form part of an antenna assembly (e.g., together with other internal components such as flexible circuits not shown in  FIG. 1 ). As a result, a non-metal material, or materials, may separate the sidewall components of the band  102  from each other in order to electrically isolate the sidewall components. For example, a first composite material  112  separates the first sidewall component  104  from the second sidewall component  106 , and a second composite material  114  separates the second sidewall component  106  from the third sidewall component  108 . The aforementioned composite may include an electrically inert, or insulating, material(s), such as plastics and/or resin, as non-limiting examples. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include a display assembly  116  (shown as a dotted line) that is covered by a first protective cover  118  (hereinafter “front protective cover  118 ”). The display assembly  116  may include multiple layers, with each layer providing a unique function. The display assembly  116  may be partially covered by a border  120 , or frame, that extends along an outer edge of the front protective cover  118  and partially covers an outer edge of the display assembly  116 . The border  120  can be positioned to hide or obscure any electrical and mechanical connections between the layers of the display assembly  116  and flexible circuit connectors. Also, in some embodiments the border  120  may include a uniform thickness. For example, the border  120  may include a thickness that generally does not change in the X- and Y-dimensions. In other embodiments, the border  120  may include a non-uniform thickness that changes in the X- and/or Y-dimensions. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments the display assembly  116  may include a notch  122 , representing an absence of the display assembly  116 . The notch  122  may allow for a vision system that provides the electronic device  100  with information for object recognition, such as facial recognition. In this regard, the electronic device  100  may include a masking layer with openings (shown as dotted lines) designed to hide or obscure the vision system, while the openings allow the vision system provide the object recognition information. Also, the front protective cover  118  may be formed from a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire, or the like. In this regard, the front protective cover  118  may be referred to as a transparent cover, a transparent protective cover, or a cover glass (when the front protective cover  118  includes glass). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the front protective cover  118  includes a cover opening  124 , which may represent a single opening of the front protective cover  118 . The cover opening  124  may allow for transmission of acoustical energy (in the form of audible sound) into the electronic device  100 , which may be received by a microphone (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device  100 . Further, the cover opening  124  may allow for transmission of acoustical energy (in the form of audible sound) out the electronic device  100 , which may be generated by an audio module (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device  100 . Also, some embodiments of the electronic device  100  may avoid a need for a discrete mechanical button, such as a “home button,” commonly found in electronic devices, as the front protective cover  118  can be configured without additional openings. Alternatively, other embodiments may include a home button and/or additional openings in the front protective cover  118 , or button functionality may be provided using touch-sensitive functionality, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include a port  126  designed to receive a connector of a cable assembly. The port  126  can be configured for exchange of data and/or power signals. For example, the port  126  may allow the electronic device  100  to communicate data information (send and/or receive), and the port  126  may also allow the electronic device  100  to receive electrical energy to charge a battery assembly (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the port  126  may include terminals (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that electrically couple to the connector. 
     Also, in some embodiments the electronic device  100  may include one or several openings. For example, the electronic device  100  may include one or more first sidewall openings  128  that allow an additional audio module (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device to emit acoustical energy out of the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may further include one or more second sidewall openings  132  that allow an additional microphone (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device to receive acoustical energy. Also, the electronic device  100  may include a first fastener  134  and a second fastener  136  designed to secure with a rail (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that is coupled to the front protective cover  118 . In this regard, the first fastener  134  and the second fastener  136  are designed to couple the front protective cover  118  with the band  102 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments the electronic device  100  may include one or several control inputs designed to provide a command to the electronic device  100 . For example, the electronic device  100  may include a first control input  142  and a second control input  144 . The aforementioned control inputs may be used to adjust the visual information presented on the display assembly  116  or the volume of acoustical energy output by an audio module, as non-limiting examples. The control inputs may include one of a switch or a button designed to generate a command to a processor circuit (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The control inputs may at least partially extend through openings in the sidewall components. For example, the second sidewall component  106  may include a third sidewall opening  146  that receives the first control input  142 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. In addition to the aforementioned sidewall components, the band  102  may further include a fourth sidewall component  110 . As shown, a third composite material  152  separates the first sidewall component  104  from the fourth sidewall component  110 , and a fourth composite material  154  separates the fourth sidewall component  110  from the third sidewall component  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include a second protective cover  158  (hereinafter “back protective cover  158 ”) that couples with the band  102 . In this regard, the back protective cover  158  may combine with the band  102  to form an enclosure of the electronic device  100 , with the enclosure (band  102  and back protective cover  158 ) defining an internal volume that carries several internal components, such as a battery assembly, circuit board assembly, vision system, as non-limiting examples. The back protective cover  158  may include any material(s) previously described for the front protective cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). When the back protective cover  158  includes a non-metal material, the electronic device  100  may provide hardware (and software) to support wireless charging. For example, the electronic device  100  may include a wireless power receiving module  160  (represented by a dotted line) covered by the back protective cover  158 . The wireless power receiving module  160  is designed to receive an induced current when exposed to an alternating electromagnetic field. Also, the front protective cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is referred to herein as a “front” protective cover and the back protective cover  158  is referred to as a “back” protective cover, as the front of the electronic device  100  can be generally associated with the display assembly  116  (which is covered by the front protective cover  118 ), and the back of the electronic device  100  can be generally associated with a back wall, such as the back protective cover  158 . Other configurations are contemplated in which the electronic device  100  employs flexible displays, foldable displays, wrap-around displays, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include a camera assembly  170 , which may include a dual camera assembly. As shown, the camera assembly  170  may include a first camera module  172 , a second camera module  174 , and a light emitter  176  positioned between the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174 . The light emitter  176  is designed to provide additional lighting during an image capture event by the first camera module  172  and/or the second camera module  174 . Also, in some embodiments the camera assembly  170  may further include a camera protective cover  178  formed from a transparent material that covers the first camera module  172 , the second camera module  174 , and/or the light emitter  176 . In some embodiments, the camera protective cover  178  may include a masking layer (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) designed to at least partially obscure part of the camera protective cover  178 , the first camera module  172 , the second camera module  174 , and/or the light emitter  176 . The masking layer includes openings that allow the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174  to capture images, and that allow the light emitter  176  to emit light that exits the electronic device  100 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174  may be aligned (collectively) in a manner that is parallel with respect to the second sidewall component  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the fourth sidewall component  110 . In other words, an imaginary line can be drawn through the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174  that is parallel with respect the second sidewall component  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the fourth sidewall component  110 . Other configurations are contemplated, such as embodiments in which the camera assembly  170  is aligned (collectively) in a manner that is parallel with respect to the first sidewall component  104  and third sidewall component  108 . Further, although a dual camera assembly is shown, it is contemplated that the camera assembly  170  can alternatively be configured as a single camera, triple camera, or any other suitable type of camera assembly. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. The electronic device  100  is shown in  FIG. 3  with the display assembly  116  and the front protective cover  118  removed to illustrate an example of a layout of several components that can be included in an internal volume of the electronic device  100 . For purposes of simplicity and illustration, some electrical connections, such as flexible circuits, wires, cables, etc., between internal components are removed. According to some embodiments, an antenna as described herein can be laid out substantially anywhere in the electronic device  100 . As further described below, the antenna can be configured as an assembly of flexible circuits that can be laid out between and/or around various internal components such as those shown in  FIG. 3 . The antenna assembly can further include shielding features to mitigate electrical interference between the antenna and other internal components and/or provide signal containment within the antenna assembly. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments the electronic device  100  may include a vision system  410  and a bracket assembly  440  used to carry the vision system  410 . The vision system  410  may provide the electronic device  100  with information related to object recognition, including facial recognition. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bracket assembly  440  can be designed to maintain a fixed distance between the optical components of the vision system  410 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a chassis  306  that provides structural support. The chassis  306  may include a rigid material, such as a metal. In this manner, the chassis  306  may provide a structure or framework onto which various components, such as an antenna assembly and/or other components, can be mounted and assembled. Also, the chassis  306  may include a conductive material coupled to the band  102 . In this manner, the chassis  306  may also provide an electrical grounding path for components electrically coupled to the chassis. Also, in some embodiments the chassis  306  may include a wall  308 . The wall  308  may combine with the band  102  to surround the camera assembly  170 . The wall  308  may also limit or prevent light generated from the light emitter  176  from further entering the internal volume  300 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include a battery assembly  310  that includes a first battery component  312  coupled with a second battery component  314  by coupling member  316 . The coupling member  316  may include an adhesive material. Both the first battery component  312  and the second battery component  314  are designed to generate electrical energy that can be used by several aforementioned components in the internal volume  300  and/or an antenna as further described below. Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the battery assembly  310  resembles an L-shape, based upon the combined shape of the first battery component  312  and the second battery component  314 . Although the battery assembly  310  is shown with an L-shaped configuration and multiple battery components coupled by coupling member  316 , in various embodiments the battery assembly  310  may include any other suitable shape, include only a single battery component, or include more than two battery components coupled together, for example. 
     The shape of the battery assembly  310  may accommodate other components. For example, the electronic device  100  may further include a circuit board assembly  320 . The circuit board assembly  320  may include at least two circuit boards in a stacked configuration. The stacked configuration may conserve space in the internal volume  300 , particularly in least one of the X- and Y-dimensions, X- and Y-dimensions (as well as a Z-dimension, discussed later) referring to Cartesian coordinates. The circuit board assembly  320  may include several active components (such as integrated circuits) that provide the primary processing for the electronic device  100 . Also, similar to the battery assembly  310 , the circuit board assembly  320  may resemble an L-shape. In this manner, both the battery assembly  310  and the circuit board assembly  320  can be shaped to conserve space in the internal volume  300 . Although the circuit board assembly  320  is shown with an L-shaped configuration, and a stacked configuration of at least two circuit boards is described, in various embodiments the circuit board assembly  320  may include any other suitable shape or include only a single circuit board, for example. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments the electronic device  100  may further include a dock  332  in a location corresponding to the port  126  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The dock  332  may include terminals and other electrical connection points (not shown). The dock  332 , in conjunction with the port  126 , can receive a connector (used with a cable assembly), thereby allowing the electronic device to send and receive data transmission. Also, the dock  332  can receive electrical energy used to recharge the battery assembly  310 . 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include a wireless power receiving module  160  designed to provide electrical energy to the battery assembly  310 . The wireless power receiving module  160  may include a receiver coil designed to receive an induced current by an alternating electromagnetic field generated by a transmitter coil that is external with respect to the electronic device  100 . Also, the chassis  306  may include a chassis opening  336  (defined by a void in the chassis  306 ) such that the chassis  306  does not impede the alternating electromagnetic field. Also, the wireless power receiving module  160  may include a shielding element  338  designed to shield at least some components in the internal volume  300  from the alternating electromagnetic field. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include an audio module  342  designed to generate acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. The electronic device  100  may further include a microphone  344  designed to receive acoustical energy. Also, the electronic device may further include several rail clips designed to receive rails secured to the front protective cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the electronic device  100  may include a first rail clip  352 , a second rail clip  354 , a third rail clip  356 , and a fourth rail clip  358 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device  100 , according to some embodiments.  FIG. 4  illustrates the front protective cover  118 , the display assembly  116 , and the chassis  306 , as well as several additional components of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). According to some embodiments, various internal components such as an antenna, a flexible circuit assembly, the battery assembly  310 , the circuit board assembly  320 , and/or other electronic components may be mounted to the chassis  306  and assembled in an internal volume between the chassis  306  and the display assembly  116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments the front protective cover  118  may include several rails designed to secure the front protective cover  118 . For example, the front protective cover  118  may include a first rail  552 , a second rail  554 , a third rail  556 , and a fourth rail  558  designed to couple with the first rail clip  352 , a second rail clip  354 , a third rail clip  356 , and a fourth rail clip  358 , respectively (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Also, the front protective cover  118  may further include a fifth rail  562  designed to receive the first fastener  134  and the second fastener  136  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In some embodiments, the border  120  may secure with a surface (such as an internal surface) of the front protective cover  118 . In addition to the border  120  hiding or obscuring electrical and mechanical connections to the display assembly  116 , additional layers may be used to hide or obscure some features. For example, the electronic device  100  may include a masking layer  570  designed to at least partially hide or obscure the vision system  410  and the bracket assembly  440 . The masking layer  570  may include an opaque material designed to block light, including visible light, UV light, and IR light. The opaque material may include an ink material that is adhered to a surface of the front protective cover  118 . Also, the masking layer  570  may include an appearance, in terms of color and reflectivity, designed to match that of the border  120 . For example, when the border  120  includes a black or white appearance (as non-limiting examples), the masking layer  570  may include a black or white appearance, respectively. 
     In order to allow the vision system  410  to provide object recognition, the masking layer  570  may include several openings (not labeled). However, at least some of the openings may be covered or filled by a material that is semi-opaque. For example, an electronic device described herein may include a first layer  572  that covers a first opening of the masking layer  570 , a second layer  574  that covers an additional second opening of the masking layer  570 , and a third layer  576  that covers an additional third opening of the masking layer  570 . In some embodiments, the first layer  572 , the second layer  574 , and the third layer  576  include an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the masking layer  570  (and accordingly, an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the border  120 ). However, the first layer  572 , the second layer  574 , and the third layer  576  may be designed to filter out some light in some frequencies while selectively transmitting light in other frequencies. For example, the first layer  572 , the second layer  574 , and the third layer  576  may block visible light (as well as other light), and allow IR light to permeate. As a result, the first layer  572 , the second layer  574 , and the third layer  576  may be referred to as visible light filters. The first layer  572 , the second layer  574 , and the third layer  576  may cover components of the vision system  410  designed to transmit/emit IR light or receive IR light. A light module  624  may also be aligned with a visible light filter. 
     Further, the electronic device  100  may include a fourth layer  578  that covers an additional fourth opening of the masking layer  570 , and a fifth layer  582  that covers an additional fifth opening of the masking layer  570 . In some embodiments, the fourth layer  578  and the fifth layer  582  include an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the masking layer  570  (and accordingly, an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the border  120 ). However, the fourth layer  578  and the fifth layer  582  may be designed to filter out some light in some frequencies while selectively transmitting light in other frequencies. For example, the fourth layer  578  and the fifth layer  582  may block IR light (as well as other light), and allow visible light to permeate. As a result, the fourth layer  578  and the fifth layer  582  may be referred to as IR light filters. The fourth layer  578  and the fifth layer  582  may cover components of the vision system  410  designed to receive visible light. An ambient light sensor  626  may also be aligned with an IR light filter. 
     In some instances, the bracket assembly  440  and the vision system  410  are not affixed in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Rather, the bracket assembly  440  (along with the vision system  410 ) may be placed in the internal volume  300  and allowed to generally move freely with respect to, for example, the chassis  306  and the band  102 . However, as the front protective cover  118  is coupled with the band  102  (by way of the rails securing with the rail clips), the position of the bracket assembly  440  and the vision system  410  can be adjusted to a desired location in the internal volume  300 , and compressive forces can retain the bracket assembly  440  and the vision system  410  in a desired location. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may include an alignment module  610  that is coupled with the front protective cover  118 . In some instances, the masking layer  570 , along with the light filter layers described above, is positioned between the front protective cover  118  and the alignment module  610 . The alignment module  610  may be coupled with the front protective cover  118  in a location such when the front protective cover  118  is assembled with the enclosure (or with the remaining portion of an electronic device), the alignment module  610  guides the modules of the vision system  410  such that the modules align with a desired light filter layer described above. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include an audio module  622  designed to generate acoustical energy. The audio module  622  may be seated on the alignment module  610  such that the audio module  622  is aligned with the cover opening  124  of the front protective cover  118 . An electronic device described herein may further include a light module  624  designed to generate light, such as IR light. The light module  624  may be used in conjunction with the vision system  410 . For example, the light module  624  may provide additional IR light under conditions of relatively low light. The alignment module  610  may align the light module  624 . The electronic device  100  may further include an ambient light sensor  626  designed to detect an amount of light external with respect to the electronic device. In some instances, the ambient light sensor  626  provides light conditions (such as low-light conditions) that can be used to activate the light module  624 . The alignment module  610  may include a rail  628  used to align the ambient light sensor  626 . Also, the electronic device  100  may further include a microphone  632  designed to receive acoustical energy. The microphone  632  may be at least partially aligned with the cover opening  124  of the front protective cover  118 . 
     The notch  122  (in the display assembly  116 ) can be used to accommodate the alignment module  610 , as well as the vision system  410 . Also, the chassis  306  may be positioned below the display assembly  116  (in the Z-dimension). Accordingly, the chassis  306  may provide support to the display assembly  116  as well as other components. 
     Electronic devices such as the electronic device  100  may utilize antenna systems for carrying radio frequency (RF), WiFi, and/or other signals. Multiple antennae are often implemented in electronic devices. Some antennas are made from coaxial cables, which are typically are loose inside the electronic device. However, such coaxial cable configurations may be undesirable for portable electronic devices, such as those where mechanical robustness and/or space constraints are important considerations. 
     According to some embodiments described herein, an antenna may be made at least in part from a flexible circuit or multiple flexible circuits attached or bonded together. Such flexible circuits can, for example, be implemented as liquid crystal polymer (LCP) flexible circuits. Alternatively, any other suitable materials may be used for the flexible circuits. The flexible circuit construction for the antenna may permit mechanically robust mounting and assembly within a portable electronic device, such as the electronic device  100 . According to some embodiments, and as further described below, such a flexible circuit antenna can also support proper cable insulation while reducing the space required to produce an insulated cable, saving space within the device while allowing for flush connection and traversal through the electronic device. 
       FIG. 5  shows an example of an antenna  700  mounted in the electronic device  100 , according to some embodiments.  FIG. 6  shows an example of the antenna  700  itself, while  FIG. 7  shows an example of the chassis  306  of the electronic device  100  to which the antenna  700  can connect. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the antenna  700  can include a flexible circuit  717  mounted to the chassis  306 . The antenna can be alternatively referred to as “an RF flex” when implemented in a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit  717  can include a metallic flexible structure that permits multiple signals to be carried therethrough.  FIGS. 5 and 6  show an example of in which the antenna  700  comprises a receiving end  703  and a processing end  705 , and the signals may be transferred through the antenna  700  from the receiving end  703  to the processing end  705 . The processing end  705  is shown as including integrated tuning components  709  and a connector  711  for exchanging signals, power, and/or data with the electronic device  100  or components of the electronic device  100 . The antenna  700  may further include integrated antenna traces  715 . The integrated antenna traces  715  may be conductive traces that include one or more signal transmission lines and/or shielding layers as further described herein, which may be formed from one or more patterned conductive layers of the flexible circuit  717 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the antenna  700  can be mounted to the chassis  306  at least in part via clips  707  (alternatively referred to as “tie ins”), any one or more of which can be used to connect part of the antenna  700  to a system ground or a grounding path in the chassis  306 . Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the clips  707  can be used to mechanically secure the flexible circuit  717  to the chassis  306 . The antenna  700  can further be communicatively connected to other electronic components in the electronic device  100  via a connector  711 , which is configured to removably connect to the chassis  306 . In some embodiments, the antenna  700  can be connected via a single connector at the processing end  705  rather than multiple connectors. In other embodiments, multiple connectors may be included in the antenna  700 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a connector  713  of the chassis  306  to which the connector  711  of the antenna  700  at the processing end  705  is configured to removably connect. As seen in the figure, the connector  713  of the chassis  306  can provide a port or socket that interfaces with the connector  711  of the antenna  700 . The connector  711  of the antenna  700  and the connector  713  of the chassis  306  may each be an “MLC” connector (e.g., a connector utilizing a single row) or an “MLD” connector (e.g., a connector utilizing a dual row). 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show an example of antenna  700  using a flexible circuit  717 , in side view and top view, respectively. The flexible circuit  717  can be configured as a multilayer flexible circuit having multiple dielectric layers  721 , which can support or separate multiple metal layers or other conductive layers. The conductive layers can be patterned to support an antenna system. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , one or more conductive layers of the flexible circuit  717  can include a signal transmission line  729  (also referred to herein as a “signal line” or “transmission line”), which can be used for carrying an RF signal or data signal. As shown in  FIG. 8 , one or more conductive layers of the flexible circuit  717  can also include one or more shielding layers  725 , which can be connected to ground or configured connect to ground. For example, the shielding layer(s)  725  may be routed through the flexible circuit  717  and connected through the flexible circuit  717  to one or more ground pins of a connector of the flexible circuit (e.g., connector  711 ) that is used to connect the flexible circuit  717  to other components within the electronic device  100 . Each of the shielding layer(s)  725  may be arranged to overlap the signal line  729  (e.g., in a plane above or below the signal line  729  in an overlapping area of the flexible circuit). 
     When assembled in the electronic device  100 , the shielding layer(s)  725  can be connected to a system ground plane or other equivalent potential in the electronic device  100  (e.g., via clips  707  and/or connector  711 ). The flexible circuit  717  can include, for example, three or more stacked layers in which the signal line  729  is disposed in an intermediate conductive layer, with multiple shielding layers included on opposing sides of the intermediate conductive layer. For example, the flexible circuit  717  can include a first shielding layer disposed in a layer above the signal line and a second shielding layer disposed in a layer below the signal line.  FIG. 8  shows such a configuration in which two shielding layers are visible on upper and lower layers of the flexible circuit  717 , respectively. Signal line  729  is not visible in  FIG. 8 , but can be disposed in an intervening or intermediate conductive layer between the two planes of the two shielding layers illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Although a particular arrangement is shown that includes two shielding layers arranged in two respective planes of the flexible circuit  717 , various embodiments may use more or fewer shielding layers. Further, it is contemplated that shielding layer(s) may be provided using discrete sheets or coatings on an exterior of the flexible circuit, instead of or in addition to shielding layer(s) formed within the conductive layers of the flexible circuit  717 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the flexible circuit  717  can further include multiple shielding vias  727 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , the shielding vias  727  may be positioned in an area outside of or positioned to surround the signal line  729  to act like a faraday cage and reduce signal loss.  FIG. 9  shows an example in which two rows of shielding vias  727  are positioned on opposing sides of the signal line  729 , so that the signal line  729  is positioned between the two rows of shielding vias  727 . The shielding vias  727  can be further connected to ground or a grounding path of the chassis  306  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) through the flexible circuit  717 . For example, as seen in  FIG. 8 , the shielding vias  727  can be connected to one or more of the shielding layer(s)  725 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show an example of an antenna  700  implemented as a flexible circuit  717 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the flexible circuit  717  is configured as a single, continuous flexible circuit.  FIG. 10  shows the antenna structure unfolded and in plan view, while  FIG. 11  shows the antenna structure as it can be folded when assembled in an electronic device. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the flexible circuit  717  provided for the antenna  700  can support one or more surface mount technology (“SMT”) components  731  and/or clips  707  that can be surface mounted using SMT processes to the flexible circuit. Each of the SMT components  731  can include active and/or passive electronic circuit components, such as, for example, capacitors, resistors, or integrated circuits. Each of the clips  707  can be used to provide a mechanical and/or electrical attachment to the chassis, as described above. The SMT components  731  and/or clips  707  can be mounted or assembled onto the flexible circuit  717  using pick-and-place processes or any other suitable SMT processes. 
       FIG. 12  shows the antenna structure of  FIGS. 10 and 11  laid out in the electronic device  100  and mounted to the chassis  306 , according to some embodiments. In  FIG. 12 , the antenna  700  is assembled in the electronic device  100  as a lower antenna (LAT), with the antenna folded along an edge of the circuit board assembly  320 , near a bottom edge of the electronic device that is opposite to a top edge that contains camera assembly  170 . Other components are omitted for clarity, and it will be appreciated that this is just one example of a layout of components for the electronic device  100 . 
     As seen in the example of  FIGS. 10-12 , the antenna  700  can be implemented with a series of bends and/or folds to permit assembly and allow for the antenna  700  to transverse between and around components of the electronic device  100 . One challenge with using a flexible circuit having an antenna shape that is long or has multiple bends, such as the example shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , is that the flexible circuit may not readily permit panelization for cost efficient manufacturing. For example, when multiple antennae are manufactured out of a single larger flexible circuit substrate in a panel format, the irregular shape of the antennae may lead to lower yield for a given amount of flexible circuit substrate material. 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 13-14 , an antenna  700  may be made from or provided by multiple discrete flexible circuits attached together.  FIGS. 13-14  show an example of antenna  700  in which flexible circuit  717  is made from multiple discrete flexible circuits, including a first flexible circuit  717 - 1  and a second flexible circuit  717 - 2 .  FIG. 13  shows the antenna  700 , including first flexible circuit  717 - 1  and second flexible circuit  717 - 2 , in plan view in an unassembled or detached configuration.  FIG. 14  shows the antenna  700 , including first flexible circuit  717 - 1  and second flexible circuit  717 - 2 , in isometric view in an assembled or attached configuration.  FIG. 13  also shows the antenna  700  in an unfolded configuration while  FIG. 14  shows the antenna  700  in a folded configuration as it can be arranged to facilitate assembly within an electronic device, such as in the layout shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 13 , each of the discrete flexible circuits can include a respective attachment region for electrical and mechanical attachment to the other flexible circuit. For example, the first flexible circuit  717 - 1  can include a first attachment region  751 - 1 , and the second flexible circuit  717 - 2  can include a second attachment region  751 - 2  that is configured to be bonded or otherwise attached to the first attachment region  751 - 1 . In the example shown, the first attachment region  751 - 1  is shown positioned at an end of the first flexible circuit  717 - 1 , and the second attachment region  751 - 2  is shown positioned at an end of the second flexible circuit  717 - 2 . Such an arrangement can allow for efficient use of the area of each flexible circuit in which the ends of the two flexible circuits are attached to each other. However, other arrangements can be suitable and it is contemplated that each attachment region can be located substantially anywhere on the area of its respective flexible circuit. Use of multiple flexible circuits to form an antenna assembly may, for example, reduce cost when manufacturing the antenna  700  by permitting different segments of the antenna  700  to each be manufactured out of a shape that allows for improved panelization or yield. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  show the flexible circuits mechanically and electrically bonded together using a joint  753 , such as an SMT joint.  FIG. 15  shows a cross section of joint  753  taken across the cross section lines A-A shown in  FIG. 14 , in which the first attachment region  751 - 1  and the second attachment region  751 - 2  can be seen aligned with each other and bonded together. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the joint  753  can include one or more stiffeners  761  (e.g., steel plates or other suitable stiffener structures) can be attached to one or more of the flexible circuits to provide for mechanical robustness. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , a first stiffener  761 - 1  can be attached to the first flexible circuit  717 - 1 , and a second stiffener  761 - 2  can be attached to the second flexible circuit  717 - 2 . The first stiffener  761 - 1  and the second stiffener  761 - 2  can be positioned such that the first and second flexible circuits are positioned between first stiffener  761 - 1  and second stiffener  761 - 2  (i.e., the two attachment regions of the two flexible circuits are sandwiched between the two stiffeners). 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 15 , each of the attachment regions  751  can further included one or more pads  759  (sometimes referred to herein as “SMT pads”) to provide for an electrical interface with the other attached flexible circuit. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the first attachment region  751 - 1  of the first flexible circuit  717 - 1  can include multiple first pads  759 - 1 , and the second attachment region  751 - 2  of the second flexible circuit  717 - 2  can include multiple second pads  759 - 2 . Each of the pads  759  is a contact pad that provides an electrically conductive surface configured to electrically and mechanically attach to a corresponding pad of the other flexible circuit, e.g., using solder, conductive adhesives, or the like. For example, the multiple first pads  759 - 1  can be bonded to and in electrical contact with the multiple second pads  759 - 2 , and the first pads  759 - 1  can be respectively aligned with the second pads  759 - 2  so that each of the first pads  759 - 1  is attached to and in electrical contact with a respective one of the second pads  759 - 2 . Each of the pads  759  is further connected to one or more conductive traces (e.g., signal lines and/or shielding layers not visible in  FIG. 15 ) in the corresponding flexible substrate. For example, each of the first pads  759 - 1  is internally connected to conductive traces in the first flexible circuit  717 - 1 , and each of the second pads  759 - 2  is internally connected to conductive traces in the second flexible circuit  717 - 2 . 
     An example of a pad layout that can be used for each of the attachment regions  751  is shown in  FIG. 16 , according to some embodiments. As seen in  FIG. 16 , the attachment region  751  of each of the attached flexible circuits  717  (e.g., first attachment region  751 - 1  and second attachment region  751 - 2 ) can include a pad layout having multiple shielding pads  759 G and one or more signal pads  759 S. Multiple shielding pads  759 G can be disposed around each given signal pad  759 S to, for example, provide for reduced signal loss or improved signal containment at the joint based on the surrounding shielding pads  759 G providing for a shielding effect around each signal pad  759 S. For example, in various embodiments, the attachment region  751  can include a pad layout having two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or any suitable number of shielding pads  759 G disposed in an annular area around each given signal pad  759 S. The precise layout, configuration, and number of shielding pads  759 G selected can be determined based on considerations such as trace and space requirements of the particular circuit substrate technology. 
     In  FIG. 16 , multiple signal pads  759 S are shown as a center row of pads in which the row extends in an X-direction along a length of attachment region  751 . Each of the signal pads  759 S can be connected to a signal line of the corresponding flexible circuit, such as the signal line  729  shown in  FIG. 9 . Multiple shielding pads  759 G are shown in the two rows (top and bottom rows) of pads in  FIG. 16 . Each of the shielding pads  759 G can be connected to a shielding layer or grounding path of the corresponding flexible circuit, such as one or more of the shielding layer(s)  725  and/or shielding vias  727  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 16 , the multiple shielding pads  769 G are arranged such that, for each of the signal pads  759 S, there are multiple shielding pads disposed in an area around the signal pad. In the illustrated example, there are four of the shielding pads  759 G disposed around each of the signal pads  759 S. As shown for example in  FIG. 16 , a pair of shielding pads can be disposed on opposite sides of a given signal pad to provide for shielding around the signal pad. 
     The example layout of  FIG. 16  further includes features that can provide signal containment at the joint while balancing constraints such as manufacturing spacing tolerances and size of the flexible circuit area. For example, in  FIG. 16  the pads are laid out a staggered arrangement in which the signal pads  759 S are disposed in a row that is staggered relative to the rows of shielding pads  759 G. An X-Y frame of reference is shown in  FIG. 16  for purposes of explanation. The X-Y frame of reference can be any arbitrary frame of reference, or, in some embodiments, the X-direction can correspond to a longitudinal direction along a length of a segment of the flexible circuit, where the attachment region is longer in the longitudinal direction than a perpendicular lateral direction and the segment of the flexible circuit runs in the longitudinal direction. 
     As illustrated, the top and bottom rows of shielding pads  759 G can be aligned with each other in an X-direction so that the X-position of each of the shielding pads  759 G in the top row substantially matches the X-position of another one of the shielding pads  759 G in the bottom row. However, the signal pads  759 S in the center row are staggered, or offset in the X-direction, relative to the top and bottom rows of shielding pads  759 G, so that the X-position of each of the signal pads  759 S does not match the X-position of any of the shielding pads  759 G in the top and bottom rows. This can permit reduced width of the flexible circuit in the Y-direction, or for a fixed width can permit increased size of the signal pad, without unduly increasing signal loss compared to an arrangement in which the three rows of pads are aligned with each other and not staggered relative to each other. However, while the staggered arrangement can be advantageous, it is contemplated that other embodiments can utilize other feasible arrangements, such as an aligned arrangement between the signal pads  759 S and shielding pads  759 G. 
       FIG. 16  also shows an example of the attachment region  751  in which an adhesive, such as a temperature activated adhesive, is used to enhance mechanical robustness in the joint between the attached flexible circuits. In the layout shown in  FIG. 16 , a first temperature activated adhesive attachment  765 - 1  is included on one side of the pad layout, while another temperature activated adhesive attachment  765 - 2  is included on an opposite side of the pad layout, such that all the signal pads  759 S and  759 G are positioned between the first and second temperature activated adhesive attachments. Although a particular arrangement in which the pads are positioned between temperature activated adhesives are shown, it is contemplated that other arrangements and positioning of the pads relative to the adhesives can be used in various embodiments. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a flow chart showing an example of a method  800  for making or assembling a flexible circuit assembly, like those shown in  FIGS. 13-16  for the antenna  700 , according to some embodiments.  FIG. 18  shows an example of the flexible circuit assembly during the method  800  of making the flexible circuit assembly, according to some embodiments. 
     As shown for example in  FIG. 17 , an SMT assembly process flow may be used for attaching the multiple flexible circuits together where a classic flex hotbar technology is not suitable. Each of the flexible circuits in the assembly, such as the first flexible circuit  717 - 1  and the second flexible circuit  717 - 2 , may be manufactured out of a panel format substrate. In some embodiments, the first flexible circuit  717 - 1  and/or the second flexible circuit  717 - 2  may be formed from a 5 layer substrate. Alternatively, other multilayer substrates or multilayer constructions can be used to allow for the formation of signal lines and shielding in different layers of the flexible circuits. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , SMT components and clips may be mounted to the first flexible circuit and the second flexible circuit separately. The SMT components may be mounted or attached before singulation and while each flexible circuit is still in a panel format. For example, multiple first flexible circuits can be included on a common panel format substrate, and SMT components can be mounted to the multiple first flexible circuits. Separately, on a different panel format substrate area, SMT components can be mounted to multiple second flexible circuits while the multiple second flexible circuits are still in a panel format. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 17 , each of the first flexible circuit and the second flexible circuit may be singulated from their larger panel format to provide for an individual first flexible circuit and second flexible circuit, respectively. The singulated first flexible circuit can then be flipped and placed in a printing carrier. A pick and place process, for example, can be used to place the second flexible circuit onto the first flexible circuit, as well as, for example, additional components such as additional clips. After placement of the second flexible circuit on the first flexible circuit, a reflow process can be used to form a mechanical and electrical bond between the pads of the first and second attachment regions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17  in more detail, at  802 , SMT components and/or clips are attached to a first side (e.g., top side) of the first flexible circuit. At  804 , the first flexible circuit is singulated. This can be accomplished after attachment of the components and clips to the first flexible circuits, using dicing, sawing, laser-cutting, or the like, to separate the multiple first flexible circuits from each other out of the panel format substrate. At  806 , the first flexible circuit is flipped over to expose a second side opposite the first side (e.g., the bottom side). At  808 , the first flexible circuit is placed in a printing carrier, and the second side is solder printed. 
     Separately or in parallel to steps  802 ,  804 ,  806 , and  808 , the second flexible circuit can be manufactured out of a different panel format substrate area. At  810 , SMT components and/or clips are attached to a first side (e.g., bottom side) of the second flexible circuit. At  812 , the second flexible circuit is singulated. This can be accomplished using any of the singulation techniques described above. At  814 , the second flexible circuit is placed in a tray. 
     After the steps described above, at  816 , the second flexible circuit is attached to the first flexible circuit. For example, the second flexible circuit can be attached to the second side (e.g., bottom side) first flexible circuit using a pick and place process, together with clips that can be placed on the second side (e.g., bottom side) of the first flexible circuit. At step  818 , a reflow process is performed to establish electrical and mechanical attachment for components, such as between the contact pads of the attachment regions on each of the first and second flexible circuits. 
       FIG. 18  shows an example of the first flexible circuit  717 - 1  and second flexible circuit  717 - 2  during a method of making the flexible circuit assembly, e.g., during the attachment step  816  described above. As shown for example in  FIG. 18 , one or more fixture guides  899  can be used around the first flexible circuit  717 - 1  to retain the first flexible circuit  717 - 1  in place during the assembly process flow, while the second flexible circuit  717 - 2  can be attached to and/or placed on the first flexible circuit  717 - 1 , e.g., using a pick and place tool. It is also contemplated that these arrangements can be flipped so that the second flexible circuit shown in the figures remains fixed while the first flexible circuit is placed on top of the second flexible circuit. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and magnets are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph or 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190308
Publication Date: 20210302
Grant Date: 20210302
Priority Date: 20180912
Inventors: JIN, NANBO
MONACO, Devon A.
PARR, DONALD J.
TONG, ERICA J.
WANG, HAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01Q1/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0715", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0219", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/2283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0298", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/2283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0393", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0393", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0298", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0219", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/2283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0715", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69720117