PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10696078-B2
Application Number: US-201816127071-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Space-efficient flex cable with improved signal integrity for a portable electronic device

Abstract:
This application relates to a flexible cable for a portable electronic device, where the portable electronic device includes operational components having connectors that are capable of being electrically coupled to the flexible cable. The flexible cable includes a dielectric substrate having a generally planar shape, an upper grounding plane, a lower grounding plane, and a first signal transmission line that is separated by the upper and lower grounding planes, where the dielectric substrate is capable of electromagnetically shielding the first signal transmission line.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A flexible cable for a portable electronic device, the flexible cable comprising:
 a first signal transmission line configured to transmit a first data signal 
 a second signal transmission line configured to transmit a second data signal different from the first data signal; 
 a first grounding plane; 
 a second grounding plane, wherein the first signal transmission line and the second signal transmission line are positioned between the first grounding plane and the second grounding plane; and 
 an integrated switching component capable of switching between transmission of the first data signal or the second data signal. 
 
     
     
       2. The flexible cable of  claim 1 , wherein the first signal transmission line comprises a coaxial cable connection, and wherein the second signal transmission line comprises a flexible cable connection. 
     
     
       3. The flexible cable of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first dielectric substrate that encloses the first grounding plane; and 
 a second dielectric substrate that encloses the second grounding plane. 
 
     
     
       4. The flexible cable of  claim 3 , wherein the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate define an outer perimeter, and wherein:
 at a first location, the outer perimeter comprises a first cross-sectional area, and 
 at a second location, the outer perimeter comprises a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area. 
 
     
     
       5. The flexible cable of  claim 1 , further comprising a grounding element connected to the first grounding plane and the second grounding plane, wherein the first grounding plane and the second grounding plane are grounded together based on the grounding element. 
     
     
       6. The flexible cable of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first end configured to electrically coupled to a circuit board; and 
 a second end opposite the first end, wherein:
 the first signal transmission line comprises a coaxial cable connection, 
 the second signal transmission line comprises a flexible cable connection, and 
 the coaxial cable connection and the flexible cable connection are carried by the second end. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The flexible cable of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first grounding element that defines an opening; and 
 a second grounding element that is positioned between the first grounding plane and the second grounding plane. 
 
     
     
       8. The flexible cable of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first grounding plane or the second grounding plane is directly exposed to a grounding contact of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       9. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 operational components that are separated by a pathway, wherein the operational components include connectors; and 
 a flexible cable positioned in the pathway and electrically coupled to the connectors, the flexible cable comprising:
 a first grounding plane and a second grounding plane, and 
 a first signal transmission line and a second signal transmission line that are positioned between the first grounding plane and the second grounding plane, wherein the flexible cable includes (i) a first cross-sectional area corresponding to a first region of the pathway, and (ii) a second cross-sectional area corresponding to a second region of the pathway, wherein the second region is different than the first region. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first signal transmission line transmits a first data signal, and wherein the second signal transmission line transmits a second data signal that is different from the first data signal. 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible cable further comprises an integrated switching component capable of switching between transmission of the first data signal or the second data signal. 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational components comprise an antenna and a transceiver, and wherein:
 the first signal transmission line comprises a coaxial cable connection connected to the antenna, and 
 the second signal transmission line comprises a flexible cable connection connected to the transceiver. 
 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a first dielectric substrate that encloses the first grounding plane; and 
 a second dielectric substrate that encloses the second grounding plane, wherein the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate define the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area. 
 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , further comprising an enclosure that defines a cavity that carries the operational components and the flexible cable, wherein the operational components comprise a power supply unit and a logic board, the power supply and the logic board defining the pathway. 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the flexible cable further comprises:
 a first end configured to electrically coupled to the logic board; and 
 a second end opposite the first end, wherein the coaxial cable connection and the flexible cable connection are carried by the second end. 
 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising a dielectric substrate that encloses the first grounding plane, wherein the dielectric substrate defines an exposed portion, and wherein the first grounding plane is in contact with a grounding contact at the exposed portion. 
     
     
       17. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure that defines a cavity, the enclosure carrying components, the components comprising:
 a flexible cable comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the flexible cable comprising:
 a first signal transmission line configured to carry a first data signal, a second signal transmission line configured to carry a second data signal, wherein the first and second signal transmission lines are separated by a grounding plane; 
 
 a logic board that is coupled to the flexible cable at the first end; 
 an antenna coupled to a first terminal connection located at the second end, wherein the first data signal passes from the antenna through the first signal transmission line; and 
 a wireless transceiver coupled to a second terminal connection located at the second end, wherein the second data signal passes from the wireless transceiver through the second signal transmission line. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein the flexible cable further comprises an integrated switching component capable of switching between transmission of the first data signal or the second data signal. 
     
     
       19. The portable electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the first terminal connection comprises a coaxial cable connection, and wherein the second terminal connection comprises a flexible cable connection, and wherein the integrated switching component capable of switching between the coaxial cable connection and the flexible cable connection. 
     
     
       20. The portable electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein the grounding plane defines a first grounding plane, and wherein the flexible cable further comprises:
 a second grounding plane; 
 a third grounding plane, wherein the second grounding plane combines with the third grounding plane to surround the first signal transmission line and the second signal transmission line; 
 a first dielectric substrate that encloses the first grounding plane; and 
 a second dielectric substrate that encloses the second grounding plane.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/557,090, entitled “PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed Sep. 11, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
     This patent application is also related and incorporates by reference in their entirety each of the following co-pending patent applications: 
     (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/127,043 entitled “THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE STRUCTURE FOR DISSIPATING HEAT IN A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE” by HOOTON et al. filed Sep. 10, 2018; 
     (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/127,055 entitled “PLATE FOR MAGNETIC SHIELDING OF AN OPERATIONAL COMPONENT IN A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE” by WAH et al. filed Sep. 10, 2018; 
     (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/127,064 entitled “STRUCTURES FOR SECURING OPERATIONAL COMPONENTS IN A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE” by RAMMAH et al. filed Sep. 10, 2018; and 
     (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/126,984 entitled “SUBSTRATE MARKING FOR SEALING SURFACES” by HAWTHORNE et al. filed Sep. 10, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a flexible cable for electrically connecting operational components of a portable electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to a single flexible cable that incorporates multiple data signal transmission lines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent consumer demand has led manufacturers to incorporate additional operational components (e.g., processors, antennas, front cameras, rear cameras, haptic feedback components, etc.) into portable electronic devices. However, these portable electronic devices are generally characterized as having enclosures with small cavities. Therefore, the amount of available space within these small cavities to incorporate these additional operational components is severely limited. Further exacerbating the limited amount of available space is that each of these additional operational components requires a cable to transmit/receive data signals with one or more processors. Accordingly, there is a need for more space-efficient solutions for incorporating these operational components into portable electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a flexible cable for electrically connecting operational components of a portable electronic device. In particular, the various embodiments relate to a single flexible cable that incorporates multiple data signal transmission lines. 
     According to some embodiments, a cable for a portable electronic device, where the portable electronic device includes operational components having connectors that are capable of being electrically coupled to the cable, is described. The cable includes a dielectric substrate that encloses grounding planes, a first signal transmission line that is overlaid by one of the grounding planes, and a second signal transmission line, where the first and second signal transmission lines are disposed between the grounding planes, and the dielectric substrate is capable of electromagnetically shielding the first and second signal transmission lines. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes operational components that are separated by a pathway, where the operational components include connectors, and a cable that traverses a length of the pathway, the cable being electrically coupled to the connectors. The cable includes grounding planes, and first and second signal transmission lines that are overlaid by the grounding planes, where the cable includes (i) a first section having a first set of dimensions that correspond to a first region of the cable pathway, and (ii) a second section having a second set of dimensions that are different than the first set of dimensions, where the second set of dimensions correspond to a second region of the cable pathway. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a cable having (i) a first signal transmission line, and (ii) a second signal transmission line, where the first and second signal transmission lines are separated by grounding planes, a circuit board that is electrically coupled to an operational component, and a connector that electrically couples the cable to the circuit board, the connector including at least one row of pins that is electrically coupled to the first and second signal transmission lines. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate perspective views of a portable electronic device that includes a flexible cable for transmitting data signals between operational components, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a portable electronic device that includes a flexible cable for transmitting data signals between operational components, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a circuit board that is capable of being electrically connected to a flexible cable, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate various views of a flexible cable for transmitting data signals between operational components, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate various embodiments of a flexible cable for transmitting data signals between operational components, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate various embodiments of a flexible cable for transmitting data signals between operational components, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart for electrically coupling operational components of a portable electronic device with a flexible cable, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a system diagram of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The embodiments described herein relate generally to a flexible cable that is capable of electrically connecting operational components of a portable electronic device. In particular, the various embodiments relate to a single flexible cable that incorporates multiple data signal transmission lines. As described herein, the data signal transmission line can include radio-frequency (RF) signals. As described herein, the term “flexible” can refer to a material that is capable of deforming from its original shape, and subsequently, when deformed, capable of returning to its pre-deformed shape with little to no loss in structural rigidity, stiffness, and material composition. In some examples, the flexible material can refer to a thermoplastic material. 
     Although recent technological advances and increased consumer demand have led the drive for manufacturers to incorporate additional operational components (e.g., processors, antennas, front cameras, rear cameras, haptic feedback components, etc.) into portable electronic devices such as a task becomes progressively more challenging due to the small cavities of the enclosures of these portable electronic devices. Further problematic, each of these additional operational components requires a cable to transmit/receive data signals with one or more processors (e.g., via a logic board). In some examples, each cable (e.g., coaxial cable) is characterized as having a round shape which is generally incompatible with the shapes of these portable electronic devices (e.g., smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.), which have more angular shapes (e.g., cuboid). Therefore, it is challenging to incorporate these multiple operational components into these portable electronic devices. 
     Further complicating matters is that conventional portable electronic devices incorporate numerous electrical components that themselves generate signal noise and/or are susceptible to performance degradation due to external electromagnetic interference (EMI). While conventional cables may incorporate protection mechanisms for EMI shielding and grounding elements, these protection mechanisms are generally fraught with structural and/or material inconsistencies. As an example, coaxial cables may lack a continuous layer for shielding an underlying data signal line. Furthermore, ribbon cables generally include multiple conducting wires running parallel to each other, but each ribbon cable is capable of carrying only a single data signal line (i.e., the same data signal line across the multiple conducting wires). Moreover, conventional ribbon cables may interfere with peripheral components with portable electronic devices due to their awkward shape, length, and size. 
     To cure the aforementioned deficiencies, the systems and technique described herein relate to a single flexible cable having a variable cross-section so as to accommodate different dimensions of a cable pathway. Furthermore, the single flexible cable is capable of carrying multiple data signal transmission lines. Beneficially, the single flexible cable described herein is capable of incorporating antenna arrays, switching components, sensors, and the like. Furthermore, the single flexible cable described herein incorporates matching components (e.g., antenna lines, etc.) and/or non-matching components (e.g., non-antenna lines and antenna lines), thereby significantly increasing the utility of the single flexible cable as a multi-diverse electrical connector for operational components. Beneficially, relative to conventional cables, the single flexible cable described herein promotes stronger signal integrity, less susceptibility to signal noise, more diverse grounding opportunities, and greater adaptability to variable local dimensions of a cable pathway. 
     According to some embodiments, a cable for a portable electronic device, where the portable electronic device includes operational components having connectors that are capable of being electrically coupled to the cable, is described. The cable includes a dielectric substrate that encloses grounding planes, a first signal transmission line that is overlaid by one of the grounding planes, and a second signal transmission line, where the first and second signal transmission lines are disposed between the grounding planes, and the dielectric substrate is capable of electromagnetically shielding the first and second signal transmission lines. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B, 2-3, 4A-4D, 5A-5C, 6A-6B, and 7-8 . 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. 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate a portable electronic device that includes support structures, in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, the support structures are capable of supporting operational components that are carried within a cavity of an enclosure of the portable electronic device. According to some examples, the portable electronic device can include a computing device, a smartphone, a laptop, a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, a mobile phone, a wearable consumer device, and the like. The enclosure of the portable electronic device can also be referred to as a housing. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a first perspective view of the portable electronic device  100 , where the portable electronic device  100  includes an enclosure  110  having walls that define a cavity (not illustrated), where one or more operational components are carried within the cavity. The enclosure  110  includes a top wall  112 -A, a bottom wall  112 -B, and side walls  112 -C. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates that the portable electronic device  100  includes a display assembly  102  that covers a majority of a top surface of the enclosure  110 . The display assembly  102  can include a capacitive unit and/or a force detection unit that is capable of detecting an input at the display assembly  102  and presenting a corresponding graphical output at the display assembly  102 . In some embodiments, the display assembly  102  is overlaid by a protective cover  108 , where the protective cover  108  is secured with a trim structure  106 . In particular, the trim structure  106  may be joined to the enclosure  110  with an attachment feature, such as an adhesive, a weld, and the like. The protective cover  108  may prevent surface abrasions and scratches from damaging the display assembly  102 . The protective cover  108  may be formed from a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the top wall  112 -A may be separated from the bottom wall  112 -B by a dielectric material  116 -A, B, and the side walls  112 -C may be separated from the top wall  112 -A and the bottom wall  112 -B by the dielectric material  116 -A, B. The dielectric material  116 -A, B can include plastic, injection-molded plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyether ether ketone (“PEEK”), ceramic, and the like. By incorporating the dielectric material  116 -A, B, the walls  112 -A, B, C are capable of being electrically isolated from each other. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  includes a protruding trim structure  140  and a switch  142  that are carried along the side wall  112 -C. The bottom wall  112 -B includes a connector  120  that is capable of providing data and/or power to the portable electronic device  100 . In some examples, the connector  120  refers to a bus and power connector. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  includes a notch  122  in proximity to the top wall  112 -A. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the notch  122  is defined by a cut-out of the protective cover  108 . The notch  122  includes one or more electronic components  124  (e.g., infrared detector, front-facing camera, etc.). In some examples, the one or more electronic components  124  may be utilized for facial recognition. It should be noted that the supporting structures described herein may be utilized to secure these electronic components  124  such as to prevent these electronic components  124  from becoming dislodged or misaligned when the portable electronic device  100  experiences a load event. 
     According to some examples, at least one of the top wall  112 -A, the bottom wall  112 -B, or the side wall  112 -C may be formed of material other than metal. Beneficially, the use of non-metal material can reduce the amount of electromagnetic interference associated with the enclosure  110  and a wireless transceiver that is carried within the enclosure  110 . Additionally, the use of non-metal material reduces the amount of parasitic capacitance between any metal support structures that are carried within the cavity and the enclosure  110 . According to some examples, the non-metal material includes glass, plastic, ceramic, and the like. Although non-metal material such as glass is beneficial in permitting electromagnetic waves to pass through the enclosure  110 , the glass is also more susceptible than metal to cracking or deforming when the portable electronic device  100  experiences a drop event. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  carries one or more operational components within a cavity (not illustrated) of the portable electronic device  100 . These operational components may include a circuit board, an antenna, a multi-core processor, a haptic feedback module, a camera, a sensor, an IR detector, an inductive charging coil, and the like. It should be noted that the operational component can generate a large amount of thermal energy, e.g., between about 60 W-100 W of thermal energy. Indeed, circuits and processors are capable of generating a large amount of thermal energy due to constant switching of transistors. Because the operational component can generate a large amount of thermal energy (e.g., heat, etc.), the enclosure  110 , such as the side walls  112 -C can absorb a significant amount of the thermal energy which can render a feeling of discomfort when a user handles the portable electronic device  100 . Furthermore, generating a large amount of thermal energy may lead to increasing operating temperature within the portable electronic device  100 ; thus, leading to decreased operating performance and potential premature failure of components. 
     Additionally, the amount of the thermal energy that is absorbed by the enclosure  110  is further exacerbated by the materials of the enclosure  110 . In particular, the materials of the enclosure  104  may have a low rate of thermal conductivity. For example, the enclosure  110  can include one or more types of materials such as metal, polymers, glass, ceramic, and the like. In some examples, the metal can include at least one of a steel alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, copper, and the like. In some examples, the enclosure  110  can include a metal oxide layer that is formed from a metal substrate. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a second perspective view of the portable electronic device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , an operational component  150  is carried at least in part within a protruding trim structure  140 . The protruding trim structure  140  is disposed in proximity to a corner  108  of the enclosure  110 . In some examples, proximity may refer to the operational component  150  is a distance of less than about 50 mm from the corner  108 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the operational component  150  is a camera system having dual lenses (e.g., wide and a telephoto, etc.). Additionally, the camera system may include a flash module. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the protruding trim structure  140  is secured to and extends from a back wall  130  of the portable electronic device  100 . According to some examples, the back wall  130  is formed of a material other than metal. The non-metal material enables a magnetic field to pass through the enclosure  110  in order to charge wireless charging coils  160 , such as magnetic cores that include ferrites. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a partial overhead view of internal components of a portable electronic device  200  taken along the A-A reference line of the portable electronic device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 2  illustrates the portable electronic device  200  without a display assembly  102  and a protective cover  108 , thereby revealing a flexible cable  230  that is carried within a cavity of the enclosure  110 . According to some examples, the enclosure  110  is formed of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and the like such that the enclosure  110  functions as an active antenna. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the portable electronic device  200  carries operational components—e.g., a power supply unit  220  (e.g., lithium-ion battery, etc.), an antenna  260 , a logic board  270 , and a wireless transceiver  290 . According to some examples, these operational components are separated by a cable pathway  210 . In particular,  FIG. 2  illustrates the cable pathway  210  that is capable of electrically connecting the logic board  270  and the antenna  260  and the wireless transceiver  290 . In some embodiments, the flexible cable  230  is capable of electrically connecting matching components (e.g., antenna lines, etc.) and/or non-matching components (e.g., non-antenna lines and antenna lines). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a first end of the flexible cable  230  is electrically joined to the logic board  270 . The flexible cable  230  is capable of transmitting one or more radio-frequency (RF) signals between these operational components. In some examples, the logic board  270  includes a liquid crystal polymer substrate. The logic board  270  includes a connector  272  with pins—e.g., a connector with a single row of pins (MLC) or a connector with multiple rows of pins (MLD). In contrast to coaxial cable connectors, the flexible cable  230  is capable of utilizing the connector  272  to transmit/receive multiple different data signals (e.g., three data signals, four data signals, etc.) from the logic board  270 . Whereas a single coaxial cable is capable of only providing a single data signal transmission line. Consequently, providing multiple coaxial cables with different multiple data signal transmission lines would require multiple connectors electrically coupled to a logic board. Beneficially, utilizing the connector  272  with the flexible cable  230  permits for increased space-efficiency in a small cable pathway, especially when multiple different data transmission signals are being transmitted between these operational components. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the flexible cable  230  traverses through different sections of the cable pathway  210 —e.g., a first section  210 -A, a second section  210 -B, and a third section  210 -C. It should be noted that each of these sections of the cable pathway  210  have different dimensions (e.g., surface area, height, etc.) which places certain restrictions on the dimensions of the flexible cable  230  that passes through these different sections of the cable pathway  210 . As will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D , the flexible cable  230  is characterized as having a variable cross-section such that different sections of the flexible cable  230  accommodate for the different dimensions of the different sections of the cable pathway  210 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the flexible cable  230  diverges or splits to terminate into a coaxial connection  244  with the antenna  260  and a flex cable connection  240  with the wireless transceiver  290 . In particular, the flexible cable  230  is illustrated as having integrated antenna traces  242 . Beneficially, because the flexible cable  230  has a flexible cable connection  240 , there is no need to modify the flexible cable  230  (e.g., form soldering connections) to electrically couple with the wireless transceiver  290 . According to some embodiments, the flexible cable  230  may incorporate integrated switching components(s)  246  that enable the flexible cable  230  to switch between transmitting data signals between the coaxial connection  244  established with the antenna  260  and the flex cable connection  240  with the wireless transceiver  290 . Additionally, the flexible cable  230  is capable of incorporating any combination of RF signals or antenna signals into a single flexible cable. In some examples, the multiple RF signals and/or antenna signals may be transmitted by the flexible cable  230  at least one of sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Although  FIG. 2  illustrates the flexible cable  230  include coaxial connections and flexible cable connections, the flexible cable  230  is capable of terminating and electrically coupling with operational component(s) using at least one of a hot bar connector, board-to-board connector, coaxial connector, or surface mounted connector (SMT). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the flexible cable  230  includes integrated system ground contacts  232 -A, B. Although in other examples, the flexible cable  230  may include exposed ground surface(s)/contact(s) that come into direct contact with a grounding element  212  of the portable electronic device  200 . Beneficially, making direct contact between the grounding element  212  and a grounding surface/plane of the flexible cable  230  results in promoting stronger signal integrity. Additionally, the flexible cable  230  may be simply adhered or mounted onto the grounding element  212  to ground together the flexible cable  230  to the portable electronic device  200  (e.g., a chassis of the portable electronic device). Whereas a single coaxial cable includes an annular grounding ring that surrounds only a single data signal transmission line. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the flexible cable  230  is situated in an operating environment with the presence of signal noise and operational components that are capable of generating electromagnetic interference (EMI). In order to minimize and/or prevent signal noise and EMI issues, the flexible cable  230  may be strategically located further from operational components—e.g., processors of the logic board. Beneficially, because the flexible cable  230  has a variable cross-section design, the flexible cable  230  may be strategically located in regions with minimal signal noise and/or susceptibility to EMI, thereby significantly reducing signal noise associated with data signal transmission. 
     Additionally,  FIG. 2  illustrates that the portable electronic device  200  does not include clips, springs, or other mounting hardware that is generally associated with mounting coaxial cables. Indeed, clips and springs are generally inefficient at maximizing available space due to their inability to scale-down to different cross-sections of a cable pathway. In other words, the shapes of these clips and springs are generally inflexible and their shapes are not adaptable to the different cross-sections of the cable pathway. In contrast, the flexible cable  230  has a variable cross-section while still promoting excellent signal integrity. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a partial overhead view of a logic board  300 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some examples, the logic board  300  corresponds to the logic board  270 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , logic board  300  includes a substrate  310 , such as liquid crystal polymer. In some examples, the logic board  300  is electromagnetically shielded. According to some examples, the logic board  300  includes a data storage device, non-volatile computer readable storage medium, one or more processors, and the like. 
     The logic board  300  includes a connector  320  with pins  322 —e.g., an MLC connector or an MLD connector. The connector  320  is capable of being electrically coupled to the flexible cable  230 . In contrast to a coaxial cable connection, the connector  320  is capable of transmitting and/or receiving multiple data signal transmission lines by way of the pins  322 . In other words, the connector  320  illustrated in  FIG. 3  may be capable of transmitting and/or receiving up to three data signal transmission lines. However, increasing the number of data signal transmission line—e.g., five data signal transmission lines may merely involve incorporating an additional row of pins  322  into the connector  320 . In this manner, the connector  320  imparts increased space-efficiency in a small cable pathway in contrast to conventional connectors. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate various views of a flexible cable  400  that is capable of transmitting data signals between operational components of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. In some examples, the flexible cable  400  corresponds to the flexible cable  230 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the flexible cable  400  includes a first end  450  that is electrically coupled to a logic board—e.g. the logic board  300 . The flexible cable  400  further includes a second end  460  that splits into a first terminal connection—e.g. a coaxial connection  444  for the antenna—e.g. the antenna  260  and a second terminal connection e.g. a flexible cable connection  440  for the wireless transceiver—e.g. the wireless transceiver  290 . In some examples, the flexible cable  400  includes an integrated switching component  446  that is capable of switching the data transmission signals between the first and second terminal connections so as to permit a defined amount of electromagnetic power to pass through. As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the flexible cable connection  440  is electrically coupled to antenna traces  442 . Indeed, the flexible cable  400  includes separate data signal transmission lines for each of the antenna and the wireless transceiver. Although it should be noted that the flexible cable  400  is capable of including any number of data signal transmission lines due to its architecture and generally polygonal and/or flat structure, as will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the flexible cable  400  includes separate RF signal transmission lines  452  for the antenna and the wireless transceiver. In other words, the flexible cable  400  includes dedicated data signal transmission lines for each passing data signals to/from the antenna and the wireless transceiver while packaging these dedicated data signal transmission lines into a single package having a variable cross-section. In some examples, the multiple RF signals and/or antenna signals may be transmitted by the flexible cable  400  at least one of sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. 
     The flexible cable  400  includes grounding elements  432 -A, B that are capable of grounding the flexible cable  400 , such as to the chassis of the portable electronic device—e.g., the portable electronic device  100 . In other examples, the flexible cable  400  may include exposed ground planes that are capable of being in direct contact with a grounding contact of the portable electronic device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the flexible cable  400  is characterized as having a variable cross-section. In particular, the flexible cable  400  includes a first section  410 - 1  having a first cross-section reference line B-B, a second section  410 - 2  having a second cross-section reference line C-C, and a third section  410 - 3  having a third cross-section reference line D-D. Each of these sections  410 - 1 ,  2 ,  3  have different cross-sections so as to enable the flexible cable  400  to fit in a small cable pathway having a non-linear geometry (e.g., circular, stepped, etc.). Indeed, due to the flexible characteristics of the dielectric substrate material that forms the flexible cable  400 , the flexible cable  400  is associated with an ample bend radius that enables the flexible cable  400  to negotiate tight junctions between structural components/operational components. 
       FIGS. 4B-4D  illustrate the variable cross-section of the flexible cable  400  of  FIG. 4A , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 4B  illustrates a flexible cable  400 -B that corresponds to the first cross-section reference line B-B. The flexible cable  400 -B includes a dielectric substrate  410  having dielectric material, such as glass, ceramic, plastic, and the like. Although in some examples, the flexible cable  400 -B is preferably made from a material, such as plastic that is capable of bending. The dielectric substrate  410  surrounds and covers a first grounding plane  420 -A and a second grounding plane  420 -B. In some examples, the first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B span an entire width of the dielectric substrate  410 . In other examples, the first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B may span a partial width of the dielectric substrate  410 . In some examples, the first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B are characterized as having polygonal shape (e.g., rectangular, etc.) or a planar shape. Beneficially, this enables the flexible cable  400 -B to negotiate tight junctions. 
     According to some examples, the dielectric substrate  410  is capable of providing electrical insulating properties for a data signal transmission line  430 . Additionally, the dielectric substrate  410  is capable of providing electromagnetic shielding against ambient EMI from the operating environment. The dielectric substrate  410  may be a shield that surrounds the data signal transmission line  430 . Beneficially, the architecture of the dielectric substrate  410  may impart improved uniform shielding for the data signal transmission line  430  that enables the data signal transmission line  430  to operate at higher frequencies. Indeed, it is difficult to ensure uniform shielding for coaxial cables. In some examples, the dielectric substrate  410  can reflect electromagnetic energy waves. In some examples, the dielectric substrate  410  can pick up noise and conduct it to ground. Additionally, the dielectric substrate  410  protects the data signal transmission line  430  from abrasions, moisture, debris, and the like. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates that the data signal transmission line  430  is disposed between the first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B. In some examples, the data signal transmission line  430  is capable of transmitting an RF signal. In some examples, the data signal transmission line  430  is also characterized as having a polygonal shape or a planar shape or a shape that corresponds to the shape of the dielectric substrate  410 . In some examples, the data signal transmission line  430  is equidistant from the first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B. The first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B may be grounded together with a grounding element  422 . Additionally, the data signal transmission line  430  may be tied to a ground. In some examples, the material of the dielectric substrate fills the flexible cable  400 -B. According to some examples, the data signal transmission line  430  is formed of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, and the like. 
     In some examples, one or more of the grounding planes  420 -A, B or the data signal transmission line  430  has a generally polygonal shape, planar shape, or asymmetrical shape. In some examples, the dielectric substrate  410  may be characterized as having a generally polygonal shape, planar shape, or asymmetrical shape. However, preferably, the dielectric substrate  410  may be of a planar shape so as to fit within tight junctions of a cable pathway—e.g. the cable pathway  210 . In contrast, coaxial cable connections are generally characterized as having only a rounded shape. However, this rounded shape is generally space inefficient and makes it difficult to incorporate multiple coaxial cable connections in a small cable pathway. Furthermore, because each coaxial cable connection is only capable of transmitting a single data signal transmission line, multiple coaxial cable connections quickly make it cumbersome to utilize in small cavities, especially as portable electronic devices incorporate additional components. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a flexible cable  400 -C that corresponds to the second cross-section reference line C-C. The flexible cable  400 -C is similar to the construction of the flexible cable  400 -B, except that the cross-section of the flexible cable  400 -C is smaller than the flexible cable  400 -B as indicated by the reference outline  402  that corresponds to the dimensions of the flexible cable  400 -B. Indeed, the cross-section of the flexible cable  400 -C may be smaller than the flexible cable  400 -B such that the flexible cable  400 -C is capable of bending along a tight radius, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . It should be noted that the aspect ratio of the flexible cable  400 -C is similar to the aspect ratio of the flexible cable  400 -B. 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates a flexible cable  400 -D that corresponds to the third cross-section reference line D-D. The flexible cable  400 -D is similar to the construction of the flexible cable  400 -B, C, except that the cross-section of the flexible cable  400 -D is elongated in a vertical manner. Indeed, the cross-section of the flexible cable  400 -D no longer corresponds to the aspect ratio of the flexible cable  400 -B, C so that the flexible cable  400 -D is capable of fitting within a narrow pathway, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D incorporates a continuous grounding plane—e.g., the grounding planes  420 -A, B throughout the length and width of the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D. Additionally the continuous grounding plane(s) are also incorporated into the connections that the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D establishes with the operational components. Beneficially, the continuous grounding planes ensures that the data signal transmission line  430  is entirely surrounded by the grounding planes, which ensures better signal insulation. Indeed, coaxial cable connections are fraught with exposed areas that are unintentionally shielded, thereby degrading signal quality. 
     Additionally, as described in the various embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the RF performance of the data signal transmission lines can be tuned to match the available dimensional constraints of the cable pathway  210 . For example, if the cable pathway passes through a tight junction, then the thickness of the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D may be reduced to improve RF performance in that tight junction so as to ensure that RF performance does not suffer. In other words, the thickness, shape, and dimensions of the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D adapt to the different sections of the cable pathway  210 . In another example, if the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D passes through a junction of the cable pathway  210  that is exposed to signal noise or numerous switching of components, the thickness of the dielectric substrate  410  can be increased to increase the EMI shielding at a local level. 
     In some examples, the thickness of the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D is between about 0.10 mm to about 0.6 mm. This reduced thickness relative to coaxial cables is due in part to utilizing the same dielectric substrate and the same grounding planes for shielding multiple data signal transmission lines instead of duplicating each of these layers for each data signal transmission line as is the case for coaxial cables. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a flexible cable—e.g., the flexible cable  500 -A, B, C that is capable of transmitting data signals between operational components of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. In some examples, the flexible cable corresponds to the flexible cable  230 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the flexible cable  500 -A includes a dielectric substrate  510  having dielectric material. The dielectric substrate  510  surrounds and covers a single grounding plane  520 . Additionally, in contrast to the flexible cable  400 -B, C, D, the flexible cable  500 -A lacks a lower grounding plane. Instead the flexible cable  500 -A is characterized as having a two-layer architecture where a data signal transmission line  530  is directly exposed to a chassis or grounding element of the portable electronic device that is situated just below the data signal transmission line. In some examples, the data signal transmission line  530  is referred to as a micro strip. In some examples, the dielectric substrate  510  does not surround the data signal transmission line  530 . 
     As described herein, one or more portions of the upper and/or lower dielectric substrate  510 -A, B may be removed from any one of the embodiments of the flexible cable—e.g., the flexible cable  500 -A as described herein such as to directly expose the data signal transmission line  530 . In other words, direct exposure may mean that the data signal transmission line  530  is not enclosed by any material (e.g., dielectric substrate  510 , etc.). As a result, the data signal transmission line  530  is directly exposed to an external environment of the portable electronic device such that any type of surface-mounted device (SMD) component or through-hole component may be directly attached to a surface of the data signal transmission line  530 . For example, directly exposing the data signal transmission line  530  significantly increases the functionality of the flexible cable  500 -A to also include passive circuits, active circuits, and/or electromechanical components, which represents a significant advantage over conventional coaxial cables. Although  FIG. 5A  illustrates a single data signal transmission line  530 , it should be noted that the flexible cable may include any number of data signal transmission lines that are directly exposed to the external environment. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-section of a flexible cable  500 -B where a portion  524 -A of an upper dielectric substrate  510 -A is removed so as to expose an upper grounding plane  520 -A. In other words, the external surface of the upper grounding plane  520 -A corresponds to a portion of an exterior surface of the flexible cable  500 -B. In some examples, the upper grounding plane  520 -A is directly in contact with a grounding contact of the portable electronic device. In some examples, the portion  524 -A of the upper dielectric substrate  510 -A may be selectively removed in order to strategically ground the upper grounding plane  520 -A with the specific location of the grounding contact of the portable electronic device while preserving the benefits of the EMI shielding and electrical insulating properties of the upper dielectric substrate  510 -A throughout a majority of the external surface of the flexible cable  500 -B. This is in contrast to coaxial cables, where there is a general inability to selectively remove only portions of a dielectric substrate so as to expose a grounding plane to only a position of a grounding contact of the portable electronic device. Beneficially, the flexible cable  500 -B does not require any specialized grounding plane along the portable electronic device, as the flexible cable  500 -B may be merely pressed against a printed circuit board via the exposed portion  524 -A of the upper dielectric substrate  510 -A. In other examples, a speaker module can be utilized to hold down the flexible cable  500 -B. In other examples, a conductive adhesive may be utilized to adhere the flexible cable  500 -B to the printed circuit board. In other examples, any mechanical or electrical components can be incorporated directly into the flexible cable  500 -B. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates that the lower dielectric substrate  510 -B of the flexible cable  500 -B is intact and spans the entire width of the flexible cable  500 -B. In some examples, the material of the dielectric substrate fills the flexible cable  500 -B. 
       FIG. 5B  further illustrates a lower grounding plane  520 -B, where the lower grounding plane  520 -B is grounded together with the upper grounding plane  520 -A with a grounding element  522 . Additionally, the data signal transmission line  530  may be tied to a ground. In some examples, the data signal transmission line  530  is characterized as having a polygonal shape or a planar shape or a shape that corresponds to the shape of the dielectric substrate. In some examples, the data signal transmission line  530  is equidistant from the upper and lower grounding planes  520 -A, B. 
       FIG. 5C  further illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a flexible cable  500 -C that is similar to the flexible cable  500 -B except that a portion  524 -B of the lower dielectric substrate  510 -B is also removed so as to expose the lower grounding plane  520 -B. In other words, the external surface of the lower grounding plane  520 -B corresponds to a portion of an exterior surface of the flexible cable  500 -C. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a flexible cable—e.g., the flexible cable  600 -A, B that is capable of transmitting data signals between operational components of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. In some examples, the flexible cable corresponds to the flexible cable  230 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexible cable  600 -A, in accordance with some embodiments. Similar to the flexible cable  400 -B of  FIG. 4B , the flexible cable  600 -A includes data signal transmission line that is separated by grounding planes. In contrast,  FIG. 6A  illustrates multiple data signal transmission lines. Indeed, the architecture of the flexible cable described herein is capable of incorporating any number of data signal transmission lines so long as the flexible cable fits within a cable pathway that electrically connects operational components of a portable electronic device. In particular,  FIG. 6A  illustrates the flexible cable  600 -A includes a dielectric substrate  610  that carries within multiple grounding planes—e.g.,  620 -A, B, C, D and multiple data signal transmission lines  630 -A, B, C, D. Of note, the multiple grounding planes  620  A, B, C, D are oriented generally parallel to each other and stacked in a generally vertical manner. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates that a first grounding plane  620 -A and a second grounding plane  620 -B separates a first data signal transmission line  630 -A. Additionally, the second grounding plane  620 -B and a third grounding plane  620 -C separates a second data signal transmission line  630 -B and a third data signal transmission line  630 -C. Moreover, the third grounding plane  620 -C and a fourth grounding plane  620 -D separate a fourth data signal transmission line  630 -D.  FIG. 6A  illustrates that each of the grounding planes  620 -A, B, C, D are grounded together with grounding element(s)  622 . 
     The dielectric substrate  610  of the flexible cable  600 -A may be comprised of dielectric material that is capable of bending between tight junctions between operational components and/or support structures of the portable electronic device  100 . In some examples, one or more of the grounding planes  620 -A, B, C, D or the data signal transmission lines  630 -A, B, C, D have a generally polygonal shape, planar shape, round shape or asymmetrical shape. In some examples, the dielectric substrate  610  may be characterized as having a generally polygonal shape, planar shape, round shape or asymmetrical shape. However, preferably, the dielectric substrate  610  may be of a planar shape so as to fit within tight junctions of a cable pathway—e.g. the cable pathway  210 . In some examples, the thickness of the flexible cable  600 -A, B is between about 0.10 mm to about 0.6 mm despite the multiple data signal transmission lines. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexible cable  600 -B, in accordance with some embodiments. Similar to the flexible cable  600 -A of  FIG. 6A , the flexible cable  600 -B includes multiple data signal transmission lines that are separated by multiple grounding planes. The architecture of the flexible cable described herein is capable of incorporating any number of data signal transmission lines so long as the flexible cable fits within a cable pathway that electrically connects operational components of a portable electronic device. Of note, the flexible cable  600 -B includes data signal transmission lines  630 -A, B, C that are oriented generally parallel and planar to each other. Additionally, the data signal transmission lines  630 -A, B, C are generally parallel to an upper grounding plane  620 -A and a lower grounding plane  620 -B. Additionally, intermediary grounding planes  620 -B are disposed between the upper and lower grounding planes  620 -A, B. Additionally, the intermediary grounding planes  620 -B also separate the data signal transmission lines  630 -A, B, C from each other. The upper, intermediary, and lower grounding planes  620 -A, B, C may be grounded together with grounding element(s)  622 . 
     It should be noted that the various embodiments of the flexible cable as described with relation to  FIG. 3 ,  FIGS. 4A-4D, 5A-5C, and 6A-6B  may incorporate any combination of architecture, number of layers (e.g., grounding plane, data signal transmission line, dielectric), materials, structural elements (e.g., moisture-resist, abrasion-resist, etc.), functional components (e.g., EMI shielding, grounding, signal conductivity, noise reduction, etc.) as sufficient to carry out the purpose of electrically connecting operational components via a cable pathway of a portable electronic device—e.g., the portable electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  700  for establishing an electrical connection between operational components of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the method  700  optionally begins at step  702  that includes determining dimensions of a flexible cable pathway—e.g., the cable pathway  210 —between at least first and second operational components of a portable electronic device—e.g., the portable electronic device  200 . In some examples, the dimensions may include height, surface area, width, shape (e.g., linear, non-linear, irregular, etc.), surface texture of operational components and/or support structures, and the like. It should be noted that the method  700  may apply to any number of the various embodiments of the flexible cable described herein. 
     Step  704  includes forming a first section of the flexible cable—e.g., the flexible cable  400 . In particular, the first section of the flexible cable  400  includes a signal transmission line e.g., the signal transmission line  430  that is disposed between first and second grounding planes e.g., the first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B. In some embodiments, the first section of the flexible cable  400  has a first set of dimensions that is based on a first region of the cable pathway  210 . 
     Step  706  includes forming a second section of the flexible cable  400 . In particular, the second section of the flexible cable  400  includes the signal transmission line  430  that is disposed between the first and second grounding planes  420 -A, B. In some embodiments, the second section of the flexible cable  400  has a second set of dimensions that is different than the first set of dimensions, and the second set of dimensions is based on a second region of the cable pathway  210 . 
     Step  708  includes joining the first and second sections of the flexible cable  400  together. Although in other embodiments, the first and second sections of the flexible cable  400  may be integrally formed with each other (i.e., unibody construction). 
     Step  710  includes securing the flexible cable  400 —that includes the first and second sections that are joined together—to the first and second operational components of the portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a system diagram of a portable electronic device  800  that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. In particular, the detailed view illustrates various components that can be included in the portable electronic device  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the portable electronic device  800  can include a processor  810  for controlling the overall operation of the portable electronic device  800 . The processor  810  includes at least one switching component  812  for directing a pathway for multiple data signals via the flexible cable—e.g., the flexible cable  230 . The portable electronic device  900  can include a display  890 . The display  890  can be a touch screen panel that can include a sensor (e.g., capacitance sensor). The display  890  can be controlled by the processor  810  to display information to the user. A data bus  802  can facilitate data transfer between at least one memory  820  and the processor  810 . The portable electronic device  800  can also include a network/bus interface  804  that couples a wireless antenna  860  to the processor  810  and a network/bus interface  806  that couples a wireless transceiver  850  to the processor  810 . As described herein, the network/bus interfaces  804 ,  806  may correspond to the flexible cable as described herein. Additionally, the at least one switching component  812  is capable of switching signals between the wireless antenna  860  and the wireless transceiver  850 . 
     The portable electronic device  800  can include a user input device  880 , such as a switch. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  includes a sensor  870 , such as a barometric pressure sensor, capacitance sensor, and the like. The portable electronic device  800  includes a power supply unit, such as a lithium-ion battery. 
     The portable electronic device  800  also includes a memory  820 , which can comprise a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory  820 . In some embodiments, the memory  820  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The portable electronic device  800  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the portable electronic device  800 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180910
Publication Date: 20200630
Grant Date: 20200630
Priority Date: 20170911
Inventors: SLOEY, JASON
HELMORE, SIMON C.
SMITH, JAMES B.
Assignee: APPLE INC
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Family ID: 65630378