PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12206969-B2
Application Number: US-202217818813-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Sensor shift flexure arrangements for improved signal routing

Abstract:
Various embodiments include sensor shift flexure arrangements for improved signal routing. For example, a camera with sensor shift actuation may include a flexure for suspending an image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera, and for allowing motion of the image sensor enabled by one or more actuators of the camera. The flexure may be configured to convey electrical signals between the image sensor and a flex circuit in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the flexure may include a stack of layers comprising an electrical grounding portion that has an additional conductive layer adjacent to a base layer, which may reduce the overall resistivity of a ground current return path. In some embodiments, the flexure may additionally or alternatively include an impedance adjusting feature configured to adjust the impedance of an electrical signal pad used to connect the flexure with another component of the camera.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group; 
 an image sensor; 
 an actuator to move the image sensor relative to the lens group; and 
 a flexure that suspends the image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera and that allows motion of the image sensor enabled by the actuator, the flexure comprising:
 a plurality of layers stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane defined by the image sensor, the plurality of layers comprising:
 an electrical grounding portion, comprising:
 a base layer comprising a metal alloy; and 
 a conductive layer adjacent the base layer, wherein the conductive layer provides a ground plane that reduces ground current resistance of the flexure, relative to a ground current resistance of the base layer without the conductive layer. 
 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the conductive layer is a first conductive layer; and 
 the plurality of layers further comprises:
 a second conductive layer; 
 a dielectric layer positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and 
 a via configured to convey electrical current from the second conductive layer to the first conductive layer, wherein the via extends, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, through the dielectric layer. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive layer is a copper layer having a thickness ranging from about 2 microns to about 30 microns. 
     
     
       4. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of layers further comprises:
 a signal trace interconnect portion, comprising:
 an electrical signal pad for attaching the flexure with one or more other components; and 
 
 an intermediate portion, comprising:
 a dielectric layer positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the conductive layer of the electrical grounding portion and the signal trace interconnect portion; and 
 
 wherein a portion of the electrical grounding portion defines an impedance adjusting feature comprising (i) a void or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material, and wherein the impedance adjusting feature is positioned along an axis that intersects with the signal trace interconnect portion. 
 
     
     
       5. The camera of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the conductive layer is a first conductive layer; 
 the intermediate portion comprises:
 an adhesion layer adjacent the first conductive layer; and 
 a dielectric layer adjacent the adhesion layer; 
 
 the signal trace interconnect portion further comprises:
 a second conductive layer defining an electrical signal trace; 
 wherein the electrical signal pad is positioned adjacent the electrical signal trace; and 
 
 the impedance adjusting feature is configured to increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad to a target impedance that is closer to the impedance of electrical signal trace, relative to an impedance of the electrical signal pad if the flexure did not include the impedance adjusting feature. 
 
     
     
       6. The camera of  claim 5 , wherein the impedance adjusting feature is an empty void. 
     
     
       7. The camera of  claim 5 , wherein the impedance adjusting feature is an epoxy-filled cavity. 
     
     
       8. A device, comprising:
 one or more processors; 
 memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operations of a camera; and 
 the camera, comprising:
 a lens group; 
 an image sensor; 
 an actuator to move the image sensor relative to the lens group; and 
 a flexure that suspends the image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera and that allows motion of the image sensor enabled by the actuator, the flexure comprising:
 a plurality of layers stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane defined by the image sensor, the plurality of layers comprising:
 an electrical grounding portion, comprising: 
  a base layer comprising a metal alloy; and 
  a conductive layer adjacent the base layer, wherein the conductive layer provides a ground plane that reduces ground current resistance of the flexure, relative to a ground current resistance of the base layer without the conductive layer. 
 
 
 
 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the conductive layer is a first conductive layer; and 
 the plurality of layers further comprises:
 a second conductive layer; 
 at least one dielectric layer positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and 
 a via configured to convey electrical current from the second conductive layer to the first conductive layer, wherein the via extends, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, through the at least one dielectric layer. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the flexure comprises:
 an inner frame fixedly coupled with the image sensor; 
 an outer frame fixedly coupled with the stationary structure of the camera; 
 one or more flexure arms that are connected to the inner frame and to the outer frame; and 
 electrical traces on at least a portion of the one or more flexure arms, wherein the electrical traces are configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame and the outer frame. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the inner frame, the outer frame, or the one or more flexure arms comprise the plurality of layers stacked in the direction orthogonal to the image plane. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that includes:
 a magnet; and 
 a coil positioned proximate the magnet, such that the coil is capable of electromagnetically interacting with the magnet to produce Lorentz forces that move the image sensor. 
 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the actuator is configured to move the image sensor in at least one of:
 the direction orthogonal to the image plane; or 
 directions parallel to the image plane. 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the base layer has a thickness ranging from 30 microns to 150 microns; and 
 the conductive layer is a copper layer having a thickness ranging from 2 microns to 30 microns. 
 
     
     
       15. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group; 
 an image sensor at an image plane; 
 an actuator to move the image sensor relative to the lens group; and 
 a flexure that suspends the image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera and that allows motion of the image sensor enabled by the actuator, the flexure comprising:
 a plurality of layers stacked in a first direction, the plurality of layers comprising:
 an electrical grounding portion, comprising a first conductive layer; 
 a signal trace interconnect portion, comprising:
 an electrical signal pad for attaching the flexure with one or more other components; and 
 a second conductive layer defining an electrical signal trace; 
 wherein the electrical signal pad is positioned adjacent the electrical signal trace; and 
 
 an intermediate portion, comprising:
 a dielectric layer positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the electrical grounding portion and the signal trace interconnect portion; 
 
 wherein a portion of the electrical grounding portion defines an impedance adjusting feature comprising (i) a void or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material, and wherein the impedance adjusting feature is positioned along an axis that intersects with the signal trace interconnect portion. 
 
 
 
     
     
       16. The camera of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the intermediate portion further comprises:
 an adhesion layer adjacent the first conductive layer and the dielectric layer; and 
 
 the impedance adjusting feature is configured to increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad to a target impedance that is closer to the impedance of the electrical signal trace, relative to an impedance of the electrical signal pad if the flexure did not include the impedance adjusting feature. 
 
     
     
       17. The camera of  claim 15 , wherein the impedance adjusting feature is an empty void. 
     
     
       18. The camera of  claim 15 , wherein the impedance adjusting feature is an epoxy-filled cavity. 
     
     
       19. The camera of  claim 15 , wherein the first conductive layer comprises:
 a base layer comprising a metal alloy. 
 
     
     
       20. The camera of  claim 15 , wherein the electrical grounding portion further comprises:
 a base layer comprising a metal alloy; 
 wherein the first conductive layer is adjacent the base layer, and wherein the conductive layer provides a ground plane that reduces ground current resistance of the flexure, relative to a ground current resistance of the base layer without the conductive layer.

Description:
This application is a claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/234,155, filed Aug. 17, 2021, entitled “Sensor Shift Flexure Arrangements for Improved Signal Routing”, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to sensor shift flexure arrangements for improved signal routing. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example camera system that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a top view of example sensor shift flexure that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  illustrate schematic block diagrams of portions of example cameras that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 A  shows a portion of an example camera including a flexure that is bonded to a flex circuit.  FIG.  3 B  shows a portion of an example camera including a flexure-circuit hybrid structure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a schematic diagram of an example sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  illustrate schematic diagrams of example sensor shift flexure arrangements.  FIG.  5 A  shows an example sensor shift flexure arrangement, comprising a stack of layers with a ground path that includes a base layer without an adjacent conductive layer.  FIG.  5 B  shows another example sensor shift flexure arrangement, comprising a stack of layers with a ground path that includes a base layer and an additional conductive layer (e.g., adjacent the base layer), in accordance some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  illustrate schematic diagrams of example stacks of layers that may be included in sensor shift flexure arrangements.  FIG.  6 A  shows an example of a stack of layers that does not include an impedance adjusting feature.  FIGS.  6 B- 6 D  show other examples of stacks of layers, that include an impedance adjusting feature, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example camera that may include one or more actuators and a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic representation of an example device that may include a camera with a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example computer system that may include a camera with a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure. 
     “Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.). 
     “Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks. 
     “First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value. 
     “Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact. 
     The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments include sensor shift flexure arrangements for improved signal routing, e.g., in cameras with sensor shift actuation. For example, a camera system may include a lens group, an image sensor package, a flexure (which may include one or more aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangements disclosed herein), and/or a flex circuit. Furthermore, the camera system may include one or more actuators (e.g., voice coil motor (VCM) actuator(s)). In some embodiments, the actuator(s) may be used to move the image sensor package relative to the lens group to provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. In various embodiments, the flexure may be used to suspend the image sensor package (e.g., from a base structure of the camera system) and to allow motion of the image sensor package enabled by the actuator(s). In some embodiments, the flexure may be coupled with the image sensor package and the flex circuit. The flexure may be configured to convey electrical signals between the image sensor package and the flex circuit. Furthermore, the flex circuit may be configured to convey electrical signals between the flexure and one or more external components that are external to the camera module. 
     In various embodiments, the flexure may include a stack of layers that are arranged so as to improve signal routing, relative to other camera systems that are arranged differently. As an example, the flexure may include an electrical grounding portion that has an additional conductive layer adjacent to a base layer, which may reduce the overall resistivity of ground and improve performance without impacting the mechanical stiffness requirements for sensor shift optical image stabilization (OIS). As another example, the flexure may additionally or alternatively include an impedance adjusting feature configured to increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad to a target impedance that is closer to the impedance of a signal trace, relative to an impedance of the electrical signal pad if the flexure did not include the impedance adjusting feature. In various embodiments a portion of the electrical grounding portion may define the impedance adjusting feature. In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature may comprise (i) a void or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material (e.g., epoxy). 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example camera system  100  that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. According to various embodiments, the camera system  100  may include a lens group  102 , an image sensor package  104 , a flexure  106  (which may include sensor shift flexure arrangement), and/or a flex circuit  108 . Furthermore, the camera system  100  may include one or more actuators (e.g., voice coil motor (VCM) actuator(s), as discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  7   ). The lens group  102  may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis  110 . Additionally, or alternatively, the camera system  100  may have an optical axis that is orthogonal to an image plane defined by an image sensor (e.g., image sensor  704  in  FIG.  7   ) in the image sensor package  104 . The image sensor may receive light that has passed through the lens group  102  and/or one or more other lens elements of the camera system  100 . Furthermore, the image sensor may be configured to convert the captured light to image signals. 
     In various embodiments, the actuator(s) may be configured to move the image sensor package  104  (also referred to herein as “sensor shift actuation”) and/or the lens group  102 . For example, the actuator(s) may be used to move the image sensor package  104  relative to the lens group  102  to provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. For example, the actuator(s) may be used to shift the image sensor package  104  in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., in the Z-axis direction), to provide AF functionality in some embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator(s) may be used to shift the image sensor package  104  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  110  (e.g., in the x-axis and/or Y-axis directions), to provide OIS functionality in some embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator(s) may be used to move the lens group  102  relative to the image sensor package  104  to provide AF and/or OIS functionality. 
     As further discussed with reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the flexure  106  may be used to suspend the image sensor package  104  (e.g., from a base structure of the camera system  100 ) and to allow motion of the image sensor package  104  enabled by the actuator(s). In some embodiments, the flexure  106  may be coupled with the image sensor package  104  and the flex circuit  108 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  1   . As discussed with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , flexure  106  may be configured to convey electrical signals between the image sensor package  104  and the flex circuit  108 . Furthermore, the flex circuit  108  may be configured to convey electrical signals between the flexure  106  and one or more external components  112  that are external to the camera module. 
     In various embodiments, the flexure  106  may include a stack of layers that are arranged so as to improve signal routing, relative to other camera systems that are arranged differently. As an example, the flexure  106  may include an electrical grounding portion that has an additional conductive layer adjacent to a base layer, which may reduce the overall resistivity of ground and improve performance without impacting the mechanical stiffness requirements for sensor shift optical image stabilization (OIS), as similarly discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 5 B . As another example, the flexure  106  may additionally or alternatively include an impedance adjusting feature configured to increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad to a target impedance that is closer to the impedance of a signal trace, relative to an impedance of the electrical signal pad if the flexure did not include the impedance adjusting feature. In various embodiments a portion of the electrical grounding portion may define the impedance adjusting feature. In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature may comprise (i) a void or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material (e.g., epoxy), e.g., as similarly discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a top view of example sensor shift flexure  106  that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, the flexure  106  may include an inner frame  202 , an outer frame  204 , and/or one or more flexure arms  206 . The inner frame  202  may be fixedly coupled with the image sensor (e.g., via the image sensor package  104 ). In some embodiments, the image sensor package  104  may include a substrate (e.g., substrate  310  in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , substrate  712  in  FIG.  7   , etc.) to which the image sensor is fixedly attached, and the substrate may be fixedly attached to the inner frame  202 . The outer frame  204  may at least partially encircle the inner frame  202 . The outer frame  204  may be fixedly coupled with a stationary structure (e.g., stationary structure  724  in  FIG.  7   ) of the camera. The flexure arm(s)  206  may be connected to the inner frame  202  and to the outer frame  204 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  2   . According to various embodiments, the flexure  106  may include electrical traces on at least a portion of the flexure arm(s)  206 . The electrical traces may be configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame  202  and the outer frame  204 , and vice-versa. In various embodiments, different patterns of electrical traces may be routed from the inner frame  202  to the outer frame  204 , and/or from the outer frame  204  to a flex circuit (e.g., flex circuit  304  in  FIG.  3 A ). The electrical trace(s) may be insulated (e.g., via a dielectric layer and/or a cover layer) in various embodiments. 
     According to some embodiments, the flexure  106  may include one or more electrical signal pad regions, such as, but not limited to, electrical signal pad region  208  (e.g., comprising electrical signal pad  210 ) on the inner frame  202  and/or electrical signal pad region  212  (e.g., comprising electrical signal pad  214 ) on the outer frame  204 . In various embodiments, electrical traces  216  may be routed on the inner frame  202 , the flexure arm(s)  206 , and/or the outer frame  204 . According to various embodiments, electrical traces may be routed from the electrical signal pads on the inner frame  202  to the electrical signal pads on the outer frame  204 , via the flexure arm(s)  206 . In some embodiments, the electrical signal traces may follow routing paths that correspond to the paths of the flexure arm(s)  206  as they extend from the inner frame  202  to the outer frame  204 . The electrical signal traces may be routed above and/or below the flexure arm(s)  206  in some embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, the electrical signal traces may be at least partially embedded within the flexure arm(s)  206  in some embodiments. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  illustrate schematic block diagrams of portions of example cameras that may include a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 A  shows a portion of an example camera  300   a  including a flexure  302  that is attached to a flex circuit  304 , e.g., via an electrical signal pad  306 .  FIG.  3 B  shows a portion of an example camera  300   b  including a flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308 . In various embodiments, anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding may be used to attach components together; however, it should be appreciated that one or more other attachment processes (e.g., a surface-mount technology (SMT) attachment process, a hot bar bonding process, etc.) may additionally, or alternatively, be used for attachment of components in various embodiments. 
     As indicated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , the cameras  300   a  and  300   b  may include a substrate  310  that is bonded to the flexure  302  (in  FIG.  3 A ) or to the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  (in  FIG.  3 B ), e.g., via electrical signal pad  412 . The substrate  310  may be bonded to an image sensor (e.g., image sensor  704  in  FIG.  7   ). In some embodiments, the image sensor and/or the substrate  310  may be included in the image sensor package  104  in  FIG.  1   . Instead of bonding a flexure to a flex circuit (as in  FIG.  3 A ), the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  may be a single component that integrates structural and/or functional aspects of the flexure and the flex circuit, thus eliminating the need for the electrical signal pad ( FIG.  3 A ). 
     In camera  300   a , the flex circuit  304  may be bonded to one or more external components  314 , e.g., via electrical signal pad  316 . The flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  in camera  300   b  may be bonded to external component(s)  314 , e.g., via electrical signal pad  316 . In  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , the components (and/or portions of components) within broken rectangle  318  may be located within the corresponding camera module, while the components (and/or portions of components) outside of the broken rectangle  318  may be considered external to the camera module. The exterior component(s)  314  bonded to the flex circuit  304  ( FIG.  3 A ) or to the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  ( FIG.  3 B ) are shown as being outside of the broken rectangle  318  to indicate that the external component(s)  314  are external to the corresponding camera module. 
     Electrical signals may be routed between the image sensor and the external component(s)  314  at least partly via the flexure  302  ( FIG.  3 A ) or the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  ( FIG.  3 B ). For example, electrical signals may be routed along a path that includes the image sensor, an electrical signal pad (not shown) for interconnecting the image sensor with the substrate  310 , the substrate  310 , electrical signal pad  312 , the flexure  302  ( FIG.  3 A ) or the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  ( FIG.  3 B ), electrical signal pad  306  ( FIG.  3 A ), the flex circuit  304  ( FIG.  3 A ), electrical signal pad  316 , and the external component(s)  314 , in that order from the image sensor to the external component(s)  314 , and/or vice-versa. Additionally, or alternatively, the camera  300   a  may include a via  320  that is used to route electrical signals from one side (e.g., a bottom side) of the flex circuit  304  to the opposite side (e.g., a top side) of the flex circuit  304 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a schematic diagram of an example sensor shift flexure arrangement  400  for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  400  may be included in one or more portions of a sensor shift flexure (e.g., flexure  106  in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , flexure  302  in  FIG.  3 A , and/or flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  in  FIG.  3 B , etc.). It is also contemplated that aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  400  may be used in combination with aspects of one or more other embodiments of sensor shift flexure arrangements described herein. As a non-limiting example, aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  400  may be used in combination with aspects of the sensor shift flexure arrangement described herein with reference to  FIG.  6 B . 
     In various embodiments, the sensor shift flexure arrangement  400  may comprise layers of material that are stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane of an image sensor, e.g., as indicated in the schematic diagram of layers  402 - 408 . According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer  402 , a conductive layer  404  (also referred to herein as “first conductive layer”), one or more intermediate layers  406 , and/or another conductive layer  408  (also referred to herein as a “second conductive layer”). In some embodiments, the second conductive layer may form one or more electrical traces used to convey electrical signals and/or power. Furthermore, the base layer  402  and the first conductive layer  404  may, together, comprise an electrical grounding portion that is used in a ground current return path, e.g., to carry a return current from the image sensor and/or an AF/OIS driver. For example, the sensor shift flexure arrangement  400  may include a via  410  that extends in a direction (as indicated by arrow  412 ) orthogonal to the image plane, to convey electrical current from the second conductive layer  408  to the electrical grounding portion (e.g., to the first conductive layer  404  and/or base layer  402 , as indicated by arrows  414  and  416 ). In some non-limiting examples, the via  410  (and/or one or more other vias) may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame  202  in  FIG.  2   ) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame  204  in  FIG.  2   ) of the flexure. As a non-limiting example, the via  410  may be located in electrical signal pad region  208  indicated in  FIG.  2   . As another non-limiting example, the via  410  may be located in electrical signal pad region  212  indicated in  FIG.  2   . 
     As will be discussed in further detail herein with reference to  FIG.  5 B , the first conductive layer  404  may comprise a material with a relatively high conductivity. The first conductive layer  404  may be used to reduce ground current resistance of the flexure, relative to the ground current resistance if the flexure were to use only the base layer  402 , without the first conductive layer  404  (e.g., excluding the first conductive layer, as indicated in  FIG.  5 A ) in the electrical ground current return path. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer(s)  406  may include one or more layers positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the first conductive layer  404  and the second conductive layer  408 . As further discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  5 B , the intermediate layer(s) may include one or more adhesion layers (e.g., adhesion layer  522 ) and/or one or more dielectric layers (e.g., dielectric layer  524 ). 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  illustrate schematic diagrams of example sensor shift flexure arrangements.  FIG.  5 A  shows an example sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   a  comprising a stack of layers with a ground path that includes a base layer without an adjacent conductive layer.  FIG.  5 B  shows another sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   b , comprising a stack of layers with a ground path that includes a base layer and an additional conductive layer (e.g., adjacent the base layer), in accordance some embodiments. 
     In various embodiments, the sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   a  ( FIG.  5 A ) may comprise layers of material that are stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane of an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor included in the image sensor package  104  in  FIG.  1   , image sensor  704  in  FIG.  7   , etc.), e.g., as indicated in the schematic diagram of layers  502 - 510 . According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer  502 , one or more intermediate layers (e.g., comprising adhesion layer  504  and/or dielectric layer  506 , a seed layer  508 , and a conductive layer  510 . 
     In some embodiments, the conductive layer  510  may form one or more electrical traces used to convey electrical signals and/or power. Furthermore, the base layer  502  may comprise an electrical grounding portion that is used in a ground current return path. For example, the sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   a  may include a via  512  that extends in a direction (as indicated by arrow  514 ) orthogonal to the image plane, to convey electrical current from the conductive layer  510  to the electrical grounding portion (e.g., to the base layer  502 , as indicated by arrow  516 ). In some non-limiting examples, the via  512  (and/or one or more other vias) may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame  202  in  FIG.  2   ) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame  204  in  FIG.  2   ) of the flexure. 
     In various embodiments, the sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   b  ( FIG.  5 B ) may comprise layers of material that are stacked in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, e.g., as indicated in the schematic diagram of layers  518 - 528 . According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer  518 , a first conductive layer  520 , one or more intermediate layers (e.g., comprising adhesion layer  522  and/or dielectric layer  524 ), a seed layer  526 , and a second conductive layer  528 . 
     In some embodiments, the second conductive layer  528  may form one or more electrical traces used to convey electrical signals and/or power. Furthermore, the base layer  518  and the first conductive layer may comprise an electrical grounding portion that is used in a ground current return path. For example, the sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   b  may include a via  530  that extends in a direction (as indicated by arrow  532 ) orthogonal to the image plane, to convey electrical current from the second conductive layer  528  to the electrical grounding portion (e.g., to the first conductive layer  520  and/or to the base layer  518 , as indicated by arrows  534  and  536 ). In some non-limiting examples, the via  530  (and/or one or more other vias) may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame  202  in  FIG.  2   ) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame  204  in  FIG.  2   ) of the flexure. 
     As previously discussed, the sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   a  ( FIG.  5 A ) does not include an additional conductive layer that is similar to the first conductive layer  520  of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  500   b  ( FIG.  5 B ). By adding a highly conductive and relatively thin ground plane, such as the first conductive layer  520 , to the electrical grounding portion comprising the base layer (which may be designed to provide sufficient stiffness for suspending the image sensor from the stationary structure(s), and which may comprise a metal alloy having a relatively low conductivity), the overall resistivity of the electrical grounding portion and/or the ground current return path may be reduced. Signal routing performance of the flexure may be improved without impacting the mechanical stiffness requirements for the sensor shift flexure. For example, reduced ground direct current resistivity (DCR) may result in lower voltage drop of the camera module power rails in some examples. Furthermore, improved ground impedance and alternating current (AC) return path may reduce camera module to camera module variation in image quality performance in some examples. Furthermore, the lower voltage drop may improve camera module thermals, which may result in relatively higher streaming times in some examples. 
     According to some embodiments, base layer  502  and/or base layer  518  may be configured to provide sufficient rigidity so that the sensor shift flexure is capable of suspending an image sensor package from a stationary structure of the camera. Furthermore, at least a portion of base layer  502  and/or base layer  518  (e.g., a portion of the base layer used to form the flexure arm(s)) may be configured to have sufficient compliance for allowing motion of the image sensor in the direction(s) enabled by the actuator. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments, base layer  502  and/or base layer  518  may comprise a nickel-cobalt (NiCo) alloy and/or a copper titanium (CuTi) alloy (e.g., having an electrical conductivity of 10%-40% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS)). In some embodiments, base layer  502  and/or base layer  518  may comprise electro-formed NiCo for areas of the flexure portion  302 , to increase rigidity in those areas. Furthermore, base layer  502  and/or base layer  518  may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 30 um to 150 um. 
     According to various embodiments, conductive layer  520  may be positioned adjacent base layer  518 . In some embodiments, first conductive layer  520  may comprise copper. For example, first conductive layer  520  may comprise electroplated copper. Furthermore, first conductive layer  520  may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 2 um to 30 um in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, adhesion layer  504  in  FIG.  5 A  may be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, adjacent base layer  502  (e.g., between base layer  502  and dielectric layer  506 ). Adhesion layer  522  in  FIG.  5 B  may be positioned adjacent first conductive layer  520  (e.g., between first conductive layer  520  and dielectric layer  524 ). According to some embodiments, adhesion layer  504  and/or adhesion layer  522  may comprise chromium (e.g., physical vapor deposited (PVD) chromium). Furthermore, adhesion layer  504  and/or adhesion layer  522  may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 50 nm to 200 nm in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, dielectric layer  506  in  FIG.  5 A  may be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between adhesion layer  504  and seed layer  508  (e.g., adjacent adhesion layer  504  and seed layer  508 ). Dielectric layer  524  in  FIG.  5 B  may be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between adhesion layer  522  and seed layer  526  (e.g., adjacent adhesion layer  522  and seed layer  526 ). According to some embodiments, dielectric layer  506  and/or dielectric layer  524  may comprise polyimide (e.g., photosensitive polyimide) and/or a build-up film (e.g., a dry insulation build-up film), etc. Furthermore, dielectric layer  506  and/or dielectric layer  524  may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 8 um to 14 um in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, seed layer  508  in  FIG.  5 A  may be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between dielectric layer  506  and conductive layer  510  (e.g., adjacent dielectric layer  506  and conductive layer  510 ). Seed layer  526  in  FIG.  5 B  may be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, between dielectric layer  524  and second conductive layer  528  (e.g., adjacent dielectric layer  524  and second conductive layer  528 ). According to some embodiments, seed layer  508  and/or seed layer  526  may comprise chromium (e.g., physical vapor deposited (PVD) chromium). Furthermore, seed layer  508  and/or seed layer  526  may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 50 nm to 200 nm in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, conductive layer  510  in  FIG.  5 A  may be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, adjacent seed layer  508 . Second conductive layer  528  in  FIG.  5 B  may be positioned, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, adjacent seed layer  526 . According to some embodiments, conductive layer  510  and/or conductive layer  528  may comprise copper. For example, conductive layer  510  and/or conductive layer  528  may comprise electroplated copper. Furthermore, conductive layer  510  and/or conductive layer  528  may have a thickness, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 2 um to 30 um in some embodiments. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  illustrate schematic diagrams of example sensor shift flexure arrangements.  FIG.  6 A  shows an example sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   a  comprising a stack of layers that does not include an impedance adjusting feature.  FIGS.  6 B- 6 D  show other example sensor shift flexure arrangements  600   b - 600   d  comprising a stack of layers that includes an impedance adjusting feature, in accordance with some embodiments. As discussed herein, one or more impedance adjusting features may be used to adjust (e.g., increase) the impedance of electrical signal pads used to interconnect the flexure with other components, e.g., to better match pad impedance to channel impedance requirements, which may enable various signal routing improvements.  FIGS.  6 B- 6 D  provide non-limiting examples of how the size of the electrical coupling area (e.g., the area between an electrical signal pad and the reference plane) may be reduced by employing the impedance adjusting feature (e.g., a region where a portion of the conductive layer and/or the base layer is removed). The coupling area affects impedance at the signal pad. By appropriately sizing the impedance adjusting feature the coupling area, and thus the signal pad impedance, can be tuned. For example, it may be desirable to tune the signal pad impedance to match the impedance of a signal interconnect (trace) connecting to the signal pad. 
     In various embodiments, each of the sensor shift flexure arrangements  600   a - 600   d  may comprise layers of material that are stacked in a direction orthogonal to an image plane of an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor included in the image sensor package  104  in  FIG.  1   , image sensor  704  in  FIG.  7   , etc.). According to various embodiments, the stack-up of layers may include a base layer  602 , a first conductive layer  604 , an adhesion layer  606 , a dielectric layer  608 , a seed layer  610 , and/or a second conductive layer  612 . These layers may have characteristics that are the same as, or similar to, the layers in the stack-ups described herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 5 B . While first conductive layer  604  is included in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  (like in the stack-ups shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5 B ), it should be appreciated that in various embodiments the first conductive layer may not be included (like in the stack-up shown in  FIG.  5 A , where the adhesion layer  504  is adjacent the base layer  502 ). 
     Furthermore, the sensor shift flexure arrangements  600   a - 600   d  may include one or more electrical signal pads  614  (e.g., high-speed signal pads and/or electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) pads, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more portions of the sensor shift flexure arrangements  600   a - 600   d  may include a cover layer  616  (e.g., polyimide, a Flex-finer material, etc.), such as the one positioned, in a direction parallel to the image plane, between signal pad  614   a  and signal pad  614   b . In some embodiments, the cover layer  616  may cover conductive layer  612  in certain portions of the flexure, e.g., such that the covered portions of conductive layer  612  are sandwiched between the cover layer  616  and one or more other layers (e.g., the seed layer  610 ). 
     As indicated in  FIG.  6 B , in some embodiments the base layer  602  and the conductive layer  604  (or, in some examples, just the base layer  602 ) may comprise an electrical grounding portion  618  (which may comprise a reference plane), e.g., as also discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 5 B . The adhesion layer  606  and/or the dielectric layer  608  may comprise an intermediate portion  620 , e.g., as similarly discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 5 B . The seed layer  610 , the conductive layer  612  and/or the electrical signal pad(s)  614  may comprise a signal trace interconnect portion  622  that may be used to interconnect signal traces on the flexure with one or more other components, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3 B . 
     In some embodiments, the signal trace interconnect portion  622  may be located at the inner frame (e.g., inner frame  202  in  FIG.  2   ) and/or the outer frame (e.g., outer frame  204  in  FIG.  2   ) of the flexure. As a non-limiting example, the signal trace interconnect portion  622  may be located in electrical signal pad region  208  indicated in  FIG.  2   . For example, electrical signal pad(s)  614  may include an electrical signal pad used for connecting the inner frame of the flexure with an image sensor substrate (and/or another component of the image sensor package), e.g., as does electrical signal pad  312  with respect to connecting flexure  302  to substrate  310  in  FIG.  3 A . As another non-limiting example, the signal trace interconnect portion  622  may be located in electrical signal pad region  212  indicated in  FIG.  2   . For example, electrical signal pad(s)  614  may include an electrical signal pad used for connecting the outer frame of the flexure with a flex circuit (and/or one or more other components), e.g., as does electrical signal pad  306  with respect to connecting flexure  302  to flex circuit  304  in  FIG.  3 A . 
     In various embodiments, the electrical signal pad(s)  614  may be constrained to a relatively large size of width and/or length by the type of process(es) used for attaching the flexure with other component(s). Non-limiting examples of attachment processes may include an ACF bonding process, an SMT attachment process, and/or a hot bar bonding process, etc. The large size of the electrical signal pad(s)  614  may cause the electrical signal pad(s)  614  to have a relatively low impedance which may result in poor channel performance for electrical signals (e.g., high-speed signals) when there is a mismatch between the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s)  614  and the corresponding signal channel(s) (e.g., the electrical signal trace(s) formed by the conductive layer  612 ). 
     As indicated in  FIG.  6 A , the signal trace interconnect portion  622  of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   a  may have a relatively large amount of coupling  624 , via the intermediate portion  620 , to electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . By comparison, as indicated in  FIG.  6 B , the signal trace interconnect portion  622  of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   b  may have a relatively smaller amount of coupling  626 , via the intermediate portion  620 , to electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . The smaller amount of coupling  626  in the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   b  may be achieved by including one or more impedance adjusting features (e.g., impedance adjusting feature  628 ) in the electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . The impedance adjusting feature  628 , for example, may be designed to reduce the amount of coupling and thereby increase the impedance of the electrical signal pad  614   a  to better match the target channel impedance, thereby enabling time domain reflectometry (TDR) improvements. For example, better matching pad impedance to the channel impedance may help reduce channel return loss. Reducing channel return loss may improve signal integrity. Improving signal integrity may enable a higher bandwidth for the channel. Furthermore, improving signal integrity may help reduce system power consumption, e.g., by reducing signal/power transmitter swing and/or optimizing signal/power receiver equalization needs. 
     In various embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature  628  may comprise (i) a void (e.g., an empty space) and/or (ii) a cavity that is at least partially filled with an insulating material (e.g., epoxy). In various embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature  628  may be positioned along an axis that intersects with the signal trace interconnect portion  622  whose impedance is being adjusted using the impedance adjusting feature  628 . For example, the impedance adjusting feature  628  may be located within a space underneath a given electrical signal pad  614 . While  FIG.  6 B  indicates the presence of a single impedance adjusting feature  628 , it should be appreciated that multiple discrete impedance adjusting features  628  may be included below the electrical signal pad  614 . 
     In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature(s)  628  may be offset from a center of the electrical signal pad  614 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  6 B . In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature(s)  628  may be centered with the electrical signal pad  614 . Characteristics of the impedance adjusting feature(s)  628 , such as, but not limited to, size (e.g., depth and/or width), position, location, shape, material, amount of fill, etc., may be determined based at least in part on a predetermined target impedance (for the electrical signal pad(s)  614 ) that the impedance adjusting feature(s)  628  are designed to achieve, e.g., to match the signal channel impedance requirements, and/or to adjust the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s) to within a threshold impedance value proximity to the signal channel impedance. 
     In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature(s)  628  may comprise a slot formed using one or more subtractive manufacturing processes (e.g., etching and/or lithography, etc.). The slot may have a depth, in the direction orthogonal to the image plane, that extends through at least a portion of the electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . That is, at least a portion of the electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618  may define the impedance adjusting feature(s)  628 . In some embodiments, the depth of the slot may extend through a portion of the first conductive layer  604  or through the whole depth of the first conductive layer  604  without extending into the base layer  602 . In some embodiments, the depth of the slot may extend through the first conductive layer  604  and a portion of the base layer  602 . In some embodiments, the depth of the slot may extend through the first conductive layer  604  and through the whole depth of the base layer  604 . In some embodiments, e.g., where the first conductive layer  604  is not present (such as in  FIG.  5 A ), the depth of the slot may extend through a portion of the base layer  518  or through the whole depth of the base layer  518 . 
     According to some embodiments, the slot may have a width, in a direction parallel to the image plane, that extends a portion of the width of the electrical signal pad  614  or that extends the whole width of the electrical signal pad  614 . In various embodiments, the slot may have an outermost periphery, in the direction parallel to the image plane, that is smaller than or equal to the outermost periphery of the electrical signal pad  614 . Furthermore, the outermost periphery of the slot may be constrained to a position within the outermost periphery of the electrical signal pad  614 , e.g., if both outermost peripheries were projected onto the image plane. 
     As previously mentioned regarding  FIG.  6 A , the signal trace interconnect portion  622  of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   a  may have a relatively large amount of coupling  624 , via the intermediate portion  620 , to electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . By comparison, as indicated in  FIG.  6 C , the signal trace interconnect portion  622  of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   c  may have a relatively smaller amount of coupling  630 , via the intermediate portion  620 , to electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . The smaller amount of coupling  630  in the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   c  may be achieved by including one or more impedance adjusting features (e.g., impedance adjusting feature  632 ) in the electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . 
     In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature  632  in  FIG.  6 C  may be a blind pocket formed using an additive manufacturing process, e.g., by plating up the conductive layer  604 , except for a portion or all of the space underneath the signal trace interconnect portion  622 . In other words, the space at which the conductive layer  604  is not plated up may be the blind pocket/impedance adjusting feature  632 . In some non-limiting examples, the impedance adjusting feature  632  may be a blind pocket in the conductive layer  604 , between the base layer  602  and the adhesion layer  606 , and underneath the signal trace interconnect portion  622 . 
     Characteristics of the impedance adjusting feature  632 , such as, but not limited to, size (e.g., depth and/or width), position, location, shape, material, amount of fill, etc., may be determined based at least in part on a predetermined target impedance (for the electrical signal pad(s)  614 ) that the impedance adjusting feature  632  is designed to achieve, e.g., to match the signal channel impedance requirements, and/or to adjust the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s) to within a threshold impedance value proximity to the signal channel impedance. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  6 D , the signal trace interconnect portion  622  of the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   d  may have a relatively smaller amount of coupling  634  (as compared to the relatively large amount of coupling  624  in  FIG.  6 A ), via the intermediate portion  620 , to electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . The smaller amount of coupling  630  in the sensor shift flexure arrangement  600   d  may be achieved by including one or more impedance adjusting features (e.g., impedance adjusting feature  636 ) in the electrical grounding portion/reference plane  618 . 
     In some embodiments, the impedance adjusting feature  636  in  FIG.  6 D  may be an open pocket formed using a subtractive manufacturing process (e.g., an etching process) that removes one or more portions of the base layer  602 , the conductive layer  604 , and/or the adhesion layer  606 . As a non-limiting example, the open pocket/impedance adjusting feature  636  may be formed during an etching process that also removes other portions of the flexure, e.g., to form flexure arms (e.g., flexure arms  206  in  FIG.  2   ). In some non-limiting examples, the open pocket/impedance adjusting feature  636  may be formed by etching through at least a portion of the base layer  602 , the conductive layer, and the adhesion layer  606 , underneath the signal trace interconnect portion  622 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  6 D . 
     Characteristics of the impedance adjusting feature  636 , such as, but not limited to, size (e.g., depth and/or width), position, location, shape, material, amount of fill, etc., may be determined based at least in part on a predetermined target impedance (for the electrical signal pad(s)  614 ) that the impedance adjusting feature  636  is designed to achieve, e.g., to match the signal channel impedance requirements, and/or to adjust the impedance of the electrical signal pad(s) to within a threshold impedance value proximity to the signal channel impedance. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example camera  700  that may include one or more actuators and a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, camera  700  may include a lens group  702 , an image sensor  704 , and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module  706 . The lens group  702  may define an optical axis. The image sensor  704  may be configured to capture light passing through the lens group  702  and convert the captured light into image signals. In some cases, the VCM actuator module  706  may be one of multiple VCM actuator modules of the camera  700 . For instance, the camera  700  may include four such VCM actuator modules  706 , such as two pairs of VCM actuator modules  706  that oppose one another relative to the lens group  702 . The VCM actuator modules  706  may be configured to move the lens group  702  along the optical axis (e.g., in the Z-axis direction, to provide autofocus (AF) functionality) and/or tilt the lens group  702  relative to the optical axis. Furthermore, the VCM actuator module(s)  706  may be configured to move the image sensor  704  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., in the X-axis and/or Y-axis directions, to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality). 
     In various embodiments, the VCM actuator module  706  may include a magnet  708  (e.g., a stationary single pole magnet), a lens holder  710 , a substrate  712 , a top flexure (not shown), and a bottom flexure  714  (e.g., comprising one or more sensor shift flexure arrangements disclosed herein). In various embodiments, the bottom flexure  714  may be the same as, or similar to, flexure  106  in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , flexure  302  in  FIG.  3 A , and/or flexure-circuit hybrid structure  308  in  FIG.  3 B . Furthermore, the VCM actuator module  706  may include an AF coil  716  and a bottom sensor positioning (SP) coil  718 . 
     In some embodiments, the lens holder  710  may hold, or otherwise support, the AF coil  716  proximate a side of the magnet  708 . The lens holder  710  may be coupled to the lens group  702  such that the lens group  702  shifts together with the lens holder  710 . 
     In various embodiments, the substrate  712  may hold, or otherwise support, the bottom SP coil  718  proximate a bottom side of the magnet  708 . The substrate  712  may be coupled to the image sensor  704  such that the image sensor  704  shifts together with the substrate  712 . In some embodiments, the substrate  712  may also be coupled with, or may otherwise support, an infrared cut-off filter (IRCF)  720  (and/or one or more other optical elements), e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  7   . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator module  706  may include a position sensor  722  (e.g., a Hall sensor) for position detection based on movement of the SP coil  718  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, the position sensor  722  may be located on the substrate  712  proximate to the SP coil  718 . 
     The flexure  714  may be configured to provide compliance for motion of the substrate  712  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. Furthermore, the flexure  714  may be configured to suspend the substrate  712  and the image sensor  704  from one or more stationary structures  724  of the camera  700 . 
     The top flexure (not shown) may be configured to mechanically and electrically connect the lens holder  710  to the shield can  726  and/or to one or more other stationary structures (e.g., stationary structure  724 ). The top flexure may be configured to provide compliance for movement of the lens holder  710  along the optical axis and for tilt of the lens holder  710  relative to the optical axis. The shield can  726  may encase, at least in part, an interior of the camera  700 . The shield can  726  may be a stationary component that is static relative to one or more moving components (e.g., the lens holder  710  and substrate  712 ). 
     In some embodiments, the stationary magnet  708  may be fixed to a stationary structure (e.g., magnet holder  728 ). In some examples, each of the AF coil  716  and the SP coil  718  may be a race track coil. 
     Electromagnetic interaction between the AF coil  716  and the magnet  708  may produce Lorentz forces that cause the lens holder  710  to move along the optical axis and/or to tilt relative to the optical axis. Electromagnetic interaction between the SP coil  718  and the magnet  708  may produce Lorentz forces that cause the substrate  712  to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. The lens group  702  may shift together with (e.g., in lockstep with) the lens holder  710 . Furthermore, the image sensor  704  may shift together with (e.g., in lockstep with) the substrate  712 . 
     As also discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6 B , electrical contacts/connections may allow for electrical signals (e.g., image signals) to be conveyed from the image sensor  704  to a controller (not shown). For instance, the image sensor  704  may be in electrical contact with the substrate  712  via one or more contacts, and thus image signals may be conveyed from the image sensor  704  to the substrate  712 . The image signals may be conveyed from the substrate  712  to one or more external components (e.g., external component(s)  314  in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ) via the flexure  714  and a flex circuit (e.g., flex circuit  108  in  FIG.  1   , flex circuit  304  in  FIG.  3 A , etc.). According to various examples, electrical contacts/connections may allow for current to be conveyed from the controller to the substrate  712  to drive the SP coil  718 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic representation of an example device  800  that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device  800  may include a camera system having a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, such as the camera systems and sensor shift flexure arrangement described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   . In some embodiments, the device  800  may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device  800  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the device  800  may include a display system  802  (e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras  804 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system  802  and/or one or more front-facing cameras  804   a  may be provided at a front side of the device  800 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  8   . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras  804   b  may be provided at a rear side of the device  800 . In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras  804 , some or all of the cameras  804  may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras  804  may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)  804  may be different than those indicated in  FIG.  8   . 
     Among other things, the device  800  may include memory  806  (e.g., comprising an operating system  808  and/or application(s)/program instructions  810 ), one or more processors and/or controllers  812  (e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors  814  (e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device  800  may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)  816 , cloud service(s)  818 , etc., via one or more networks  820 . For example, the device  800  may include a network interface (e.g., network interface  910  in  FIG.  9   ) that enables the device  800  to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)  820 . Additionally, or alternatively, the device  800  may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example computer system  900  that may include a camera having a sensor shift flexure arrangement for improved signal routing, e.g., as described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 8   . In addition, computer system  900  may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device  800  (described herein with reference to  FIG.  8   ) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the described herein. 
     The computer system  900  may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  900  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  900  includes one or more processors  902  coupled to a system memory  904  via an input/output (I/O) interface  906 . Computer system  900  further includes one or more cameras  908  coupled to the I/O interface  906 . Computer system  900  further includes a network interface  910  coupled to I/O interface  906 , and one or more input/output devices  912 , such as cursor control device  914 , keyboard  916 , and display(s)  918 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  900 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  900 , may be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system  900  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  900  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  902 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  902  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  902  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  902  may be general-purpose or embedded processors implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors  902  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  904  may be configured to store program instructions  920  accessible by processor  902 . In various embodiments, system memory  904  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, existing camera control data  922  of memory  904  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions  920  and/or data  922  may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  904  or computer system  900 . In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system  900 . 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  906  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  902 , system memory  904 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  910  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  912 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  906  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  904  into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  902 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  906  may include support for devices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/O interface  906  may be split into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in some embodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface  906 , such as an interface to system memory  904 , may be incorporated directly into processors  902 . 
     Network interface  910  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  900  and other devices attached to a network  924  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  900 . Network  924  may in various embodiments include one or more networks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g., an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface  910  may support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/or protocol. 
     Input/output device(s)  912  may, in some embodiments, include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or accessing data by one or more computer systems  900 . Multiple input/output devices  912  may be present in computer system  900  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  900 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  900  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  900  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  910 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  900  is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system  900  may also be connected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead may operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and/or other additional functionality may be available. 
     Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by an appropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system  900  may be transmitted to computer system  900  via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium or memory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as network and/or a wireless link. 
     The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, the order of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220810
Publication Date: 20250121
Grant Date: 20250121
Priority Date: 20210817
Inventors: PATEL, HIMESH
Sommer, Phillip R
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10371", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0154", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/323", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10121", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 85132294