PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10327326-B2
Application Number: US-201715819243-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device with encapsulated circuit assembly having an integrated metal layer

Abstract:
Embodiments are directed to a circuit assembly for an electronic device having an electromagnetic shield that defines a sensing element or contact pad along an outer surface of the assembly. The circuit assembly includes a group of electrical components attached to a surface of a printed circuit board. A molded structure may encapsulate the group of electrical components and at least a portion of the surface of the printed circuit board. A metal layer may be formed over an outer surface of the molded structure. The metal layer may define both a shield portion configured to provide shielding for one or more of the group of electrical components and an electrode configured to detect an input applied to the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A circuit assembly for an electronic device, comprising:
 a printed circuit board; 
 a group of electrical components attached to a surface of the printed circuit board; 
 a molded structure encapsulating the group of electrical components and at least a portion of the surface of the printed circuit board; and 
 a metal layer formed over an outer surface of the molded structure and defining:
 a shield portion configured to provide shielding for one or more of the group of electrical components; and 
 an electrode electrically isolated from the shield portion and configured to detect an input applied to the electronic device. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The circuit assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode forms a capacitive sensing element that is configured to detect a touch applied to the electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The circuit assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the electronic device comprises a sensing layer that is electrically coupled to the electrode of the circuit assembly; and 
 the input comprises a force applied to the electronic device; and 
 a capacitance between the sensing layer and the electrode changes in response to the force applied to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       4. The circuit assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the shield portion and the electrode are formed from a common material; and 
 the shield portion and the electrode are arranged substantially coplanar along the outer surface of the molded structure. 
 
     
     
       5. The circuit assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the electrode is a first electrode; 
 the metal layer defines a second electrode separated from the shield portion; 
 the first electrode and the second electrode are separated from the shield portion by a gap; and 
 the circuit assembly further comprises an electrical trace extending between the first electrode and the second electrode and positioned within the gap. 
 
     
     
       6. The circuit assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the molded structure is formed from a plastic doped with a metal material; and 
 the electrical trace is formed along the outer surface of the molded structure from a portion of the metal material remaining after a portion of the plastic has been ablated. 
 
     
     
       7. The circuit assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 electrically conductive vias extending through the molded structure electrically coupling the electrode with one or more electrical components of the group of electrical components. 
 
     
     
       8. The circuit assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the surface of the printed circuit board is a first surface; 
 the printed circuit board further defines a second surface opposite the first surface; 
 the molded structure is a first molded structure formed at least partially over the first surface; and 
 a second molded structure is formed at least partially over the second surface. 
 
     
     
       9. The circuit assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the circuit assembly further comprises a flexible circuit; and 
 the flexible circuit is electrically coupled to the metal layer at a first end and electrically coupled to an element of the printed circuit board at a second end opposite to the first end. 
 
     
     
       10. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; and 
 a circuit assembly positioned within the enclosure and comprising:
 a printed circuit board; 
 a group of electrical components attached and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board; 
 a molded structure encapsulating the group of electrical components; and 
 a metal layer formed over the molded structure and defining:
 an electromagnetic shield for one or more electrical components of the group of electrical components; and 
 an electrode electrically isolated from the electromagnetic shield and configured to electrically couple to an electrical component of the wearable electronic device that is distinct from the circuit assembly. 
 
 
 
     
     
       11. The wearable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the electrode forms a sensing element configured to detect an input received along an exterior surface of the wearable electronic device; and 
 one or more of the group of electrical components are responsive to the detected input. 
 
     
     
       12. The wearable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the enclosure defines an opening; 
 the wearable electronic device further comprises a touch sensitive display at least partially positioned within the opening and configured to depict a graphical output of the wearable electronic device; 
 the electrical component of the wearable electronic device is a sensing layer of the touch sensitive display; and 
 the graphical output is responsive to the detected input. 
 
     
     
       13. The wearable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the sensing layer moves inward toward the circuit assembly in response to receiving the input; and 
 the movement of the sensing layer results in a change in capacitance between the sensing layer and the electrode. 
 
     
     
       14. The wearable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the electrode defines a contact pad that is directly coupled with the electrical component of the electronic device. 
     
     
       15. The wearable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical component of the wearable electronic device is an antenna configured to receive a wireless communication signal. 
     
     
       16. The wearable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the wearable electronic device comprises a band coupled to the enclosure and configured to secure the wearable electronic device to a user; and 
 the electrode is configured to detect when the wearable electronic device is secured to the user. 
 
     
     
       17. A method of forming a circuit assembly, comprising:
 forming a molded structure over a group of electrical components positioned along a printed circuit board to encapsulate the group of electrical components within the molded structure; and 
 forming a metal layer along an outer surface of the molded structure to define:
 (1) an electrode electrically coupled to the group of electrical components, and 
 (2) a shield portion electrically isolated from the electrode and configured to shield the group of electrical components from electromagnetic interference. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein forming the metal layer further comprises:
 sputtering an electrically conductive material onto a surface of the molded structure. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein forming the metal layer further comprises forming an electrical trace to the electrode. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein:
 forming the molded structure further comprises flowing a plastic doped with a metal material along one or more surfaces of the group of electrical components; and
 forming the metal layer further comprises forming electrical traces along a gap between the electrode and the shield portion, the electrical traces generated by laser treating a portion of the plastic.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/546,875, filed Aug. 17, 2017 and titled “Electronic Device with Encapsulated Circuit Assembly Having an Integrated Metal Layer,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Due to the space constraints in many modern day electronic devices, it may be necessary or beneficial to shield a group of electronic components from another group of components or from external interference or sources of noise. However, layout and packaging constraints of some compact electronic devices may make it difficult to shield some electronic components. Thus, there is a need for systems and techniques that can be used to integrate electromagnetic shields and other conductive elements with the other electronic components to reduce the size of the electronic device without limiting the functionality or reducing the durability components or the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a circuit assembly having an electromagnetic shield with an integrated contact pad or electrode. In some embodiments, the circuit assembly is encapsulated in a molded structure that protects the electronic components of the circuit assembly. A metal layer may be formed over the molded structure and may serve as a shield, contact pad, or electrode for the electronic device. 
     In a first aspect, the present disclosure includes a circuit assembly for an electronic device. The circuit assembly includes a printed circuit board. The circuit assembly further includes a group of electrical components attached to a surface of the printed circuit board. The circuit assembly further includes a molded structure encapsulating the group of electrical components and at least a portion of the surface of the printed circuit board. The circuit assembly further includes a metal layer formed over an outer surface of the molded structure and defining a shield portion configured to provide shielding for one or more of the group of electrical components. The metal layer may further define an electrode configured to detect an input applied to the electronic device. 
     In a second aspect, the present invention includes a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device include an enclosure. The wearable electronic device further includes a circuit assembly positioned within the enclosure. The circuit assembly further includes a printed circuit board. The circuit assembly may further includes a group of electrical components attached and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The circuit assembly further includes a molded structure encapsulating the group of electrical components. The circuit assembly further includes a metal layer formed over the molded structure and defining an electromagnetic shield for one or more electrical components of the group of electrical components. The metal layer may further define an electrode configured to electrically couple to an electrical component of the wearable electronic device that is distinct from the circuit assembly. 
     In a third aspect, the present invention includes a method of forming a circuit assembly. The method includes forming a molded structure over a group of electrical components positioned along a printed circuit board to encapsulate the group of electrical components within the molded structure. The method further includes forming a metal layer along an outer surface of the molded structure to define an electrode electrically coupled to the group of electrical components. Forming the metal layer may also define a shield portion configured to shield the group of electrical components from electromagnetic interference. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       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 elements. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an example electronic device; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  having a circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a cross-sectional view of the circuit assembly of  FIG. 2 , taken along section A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the circuit assembly of  FIG. 2 , taken along second A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the circuit assembly of  FIG. 2 , taken along section A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3D  depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the circuit assembly of  FIG. 2 , taken along section A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example electronic device of  FIG. 2  in a first configuration, taken along section B-B of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example electronic device of  FIG. 2  in a second configuration, taken along section B-B of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of a circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of a circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 5C  depicts a cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of a circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 5D  depicts a cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of a circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts another sample electronic device having a circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the sample electronic device of  FIG. 6A , taken along section C-C of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  depicts another sample electronic device having a circuit assembly; 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the sample electronic device of  FIG. 7A , taken along section D-D of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method of forming a circuit assembly; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a functional block diagram of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalties of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and techniques related to circuit assemblies for an electronic device and, more particularly, to a circuit assembly having a molded layer encapsulating electronic components of the circuit assembly. The molded layer may provide a moisture barrier and protect the electronic components from contamination or corrosion. The circuit assembly also has a metal layer formed over the molded layer that defines both an electromagnetic shield and one or more electrodes. The electromagnetic shield or shield portion may inhibit propagation of electromagnetic signals into or from the electronic components of the circuit assembly. The electrode may be electrically coupled with one or more of a group of electrical components of the circuit assembly, which may be partially or fully encapsulated in a molded structure of the circuit assembly. In some cases, the electrode may form, or be a component of, a sensing element of the circuit assembly, such as a capacitive sensor, optical sensor, strain gauge, or the like. The electrode may also form a contact pad, terminal, or other conductive element used to facilitate an electrical connection with a separate element that is distinct from the circuit assembly, such as other components or assemblies of an electronic device. By forming the shield portion and the electrode with a metal layer positioned over the molded structure, the size and packaging of various components of the electronic device may be optimized, while enhancing the adaptability and functionality of the circuit assembly within the electronic device. 
     Broadly, the circuit assembly may include various electrical components arranged along a printed circuit board (PCB), electrical substrate, and/or other structure electrically coupling the electrical components. For example, the electrical components may be processing units, controllers, and/or other integrated circuits used to control various aspects of an electronic device. The circuit assembly may also include electrical components that perform various communication functions including, for example, wireless transceivers, antennas, and specialized communication integrated circuits. In this regard, the electrical components may be configured to cooperate with other components or assemblies of an electronic device, including sensors, switches, processing units or the like. The electrical components may be susceptible, in some cases, to moisture, contaminates, electromagnetic interference and/or other factors, and thus may be vulnerable when exposed. 
     The molded structure of the circuit assembly may be formed or molded over some or all of the electrical components (and associated region of the printed circuit board) to form a protective barrier that protects the electrical components from moisture or other potential contaminates. The molded structure may also provide a structural support for the electrical components and/or allow the electrical components to be more tightly spaced along the substrate. The molded structure may be formed from an injection moldable plastic or other suitable polymer; however, other materials are contemplated including ceramic and composite materials. In some cases, the molded layer may include a plastic doped with a metal material that may be used to form metal traces along the molded structure, as described herein, for example, using a laser direct structuring (LDS) technique. 
     The metal layer of the circuit assembly may be formed over the molded structure (and associated group of electrical components) and mitigate electromagnetic interference while forming an electrical contact or sensing element for the circuit assembly. In particular, the shield portion, formed along the surface of the molded structure, may be electrically isolated from the electrical components and substantially interrupt electromagnetic signals propagating into and out of the circuit assembly. The electrode, formed along the same or common surface of the molded structure as the shield portion, may be electrically coupled with one or more of the electrical components, for example, via an electrically conductive path between the electrode and the substrate (e.g., using conductive vias, flexible circuits, or the like). This may allow the electrode to facilitate a connection between one or more of the electrical components and another assembly or component of the electronic device and/or define a sensing element along an outer surface of the molded structure. In some cases, the electrode may be electrically coupled to the electrical substrate (e.g., the printed circuit board) without being coupled to one or more of the electrical components of the circuit assembly. For example, electrical signals from the electrode may be passed through the electrical substrate to a separate and/or distinct component without passing through or being connected to one or more of the electrical components of the circuit assembly. 
     To facilitate the foregoing, the shield portion and the electrode may be separated from one another along the surface of the molded structure. In particular, the metal layer may define a void, space, or gap between the shield portion and the electrode. This may electrically isolate the shield portion and the electrode from one another such that the shield portion inhibits electromagnetic signals while the electrode is electrically coupled with the electrical components of the circuit assembly. In some cases, the void may be filled with a dialectic material. A size of the void or the gap may be manipulated to control the inhibition of the electromagnetic signals by the metal layer. This may be beneficial, for example, where the circuit assembly is positioned proximate an auxiliary component of an electronic device (such as an antenna) that may be sensitive to electromagnetic signals emanating from the circuit assembly. The size of the void or the gap may also be manipulated to accommodate electrical traces, terminals, hot bars, and/or other components used to connect multiple different electrodes with one another and/or another component or assembly of the electronic device. 
     The metal layer may be formed from any appropriate electrically conductive material using a variety of techniques. As one possibility, the metal layer may be formed along and/or on an outer surface of the molded structure using a sputter deposition or other physical vapor deposition technique, as described herein, although other techniques are possible. The sputtering, deposition, and/or other technique may be selectively controlled so that the metal layer defines the shield portion, electrode(s), and/or void or gaps of appropriate size. As such, the metal layer may be formed over the molded structure and define the corresponding shapes and features. This may be facilitated by use of a masking layer; however, in some cases, a masking layer may not be required. Additionally or alternatively, the metal layer may be formed over the molded structure as a substantially uniform or continuous layer. Etching, or other removal process, may subsequently be employed to form the voids or gaps in the metal layer, thereby defining the resulting shield portion and electrode. 
     The circuit assembly may be used with a variety of electronic devices, including wearable electronic devices, such as a watch. Accordingly, the electrode may be used to form, or be a component of, various sensing elements, as may be appropriate for a particular application. To illustrate, in an embodiment where the electronic device is a watch, the electronic device may include a touch sensitive display having a graphical output. The circuit assembly may be arranged within a watch body or enclosure such that the electrode is capacitively coupled with a sensing layer or element or the touch sensitive display. The circuit assembly may thus detect a change in capacitance caused or induced by an input received along the touch sensitive display, which may allow the graphical output to be modified based on the received input. As another example, the electronic device may include a band coupled with the enclosure and configured to secure the watch to a user. The circuit assembly may be arranged within the enclosure to detect a position of the user relative to the watch band, for example, which may be used to control or inform one or more functions of the electronic device. For example, the graphical output of the touch sensitive display may be manipulated in a specified manner when the user is wearing the watch. 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing example sensing elements are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other sensing elements and configurations are contemplated and discussed herein, including using the electrode to define, or form a component or element of, an antenna of an electronic device. The antenna of the electronic device need not be formed on or with the circuit assembly. In other cases, the electrode provides an electrical terminal or contact pad that may be used to connect the circuit assembly with an auxiliary component of the electronic device, such as an antenna arranged within a device enclosure external to, or separated from, the circuit assembly. More generally, the electrode may form a terminal, connection node, or otherwise also be used to connect the circuit assembly to other types or auxiliary components with the electronic device, including charging assemblies, other sensors, processing units, and so on. Further, the electronic device is not limited to wearable electronic devices. The circuit assembly may be used in substantially any appropriate electronic device including smart phones and notebook computers, among other appropriate devices. 
     Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating various features of the present disclosure. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an electronic device  104 . The electronic device  104  includes a circuit assembly (e.g., circuit assembly  124  of  FIG. 2 ), such as the circuit assembly generally discussed above and described in greater detail below. The circuit assembly may include a metal layer that forms an electromagnetic shield and also defines an electrode or contact of the circuit assembly. 
     In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  104  may be a wearable electronic device, such as a smart watch. The electronic device  104  may include an enclosure  108  that defines a watch body. The enclosure  108  may define various openings configured to receive or partially receive components of the watch. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  104  may include a display  112  at least partially positioned within a first opening of the enclosure  108  defined along a top surface. The display  112  may be a touch sensitive display configured to depict a graphical output of the electronic device  104  (e.g., including indicia, symbols, text, icons, notifications, and so on). The electronic device may also include a crown  116  at least partially positioned within a second opening of the enclosure  108  defined along a side surface. The crown  116  may be configured to receive a translational and rotational input that are used to control a function of the electronic device  104 . For example, the graphical output of the display  112  may be modified in a first manner in response to translation input at the crown  116  and the graphical output of the display  112  may be modified in a second manner in response to rotational input at the crown  116 . The electronic device  104  may also include a band  120 . The band  120  may be coupled along an exterior surface of the enclosure  108  and configured to secure the electronic device  104  to a user. 
     It should be noted that the electronic device  104  may also include various other components, such as one or more ports (e.g., charging ports, data transfer ports, or the like), additional input/output buttons, and so on. Further, it is understood that the electronic device  104  may be any suitable device having a circuit assembly, as described herein. Other example electronic devices include notebook computers, desktop computers, smart phones, tablets, portable media players, other watches, pencils, and/or other appropriate electronic devices, including other wearable devices. Other examples of electronic devices may include health monitoring devices, digital cameras, printers, scanners, security systems or devices, or electronics for automobiles, building, structures, among other electronic devices. As such, the discussion of any electronic device, such as electronic device  104 , is meant as illustrative only. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of the electronic device  104 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  104  includes a circuit assembly  124 . The circuit assembly  124  may be operatively coupled to various components of the electronic device  104  and may function as a main logic board or main controller for the electronic device  104 . In the present example, the circuit assembly  124  may be operatively coupled to the display  112 . The circuit assembly  124  may also be operatively coupled to an internal power source (such as a battery) and/or charging assembly. The circuit assembly  124  may also be operatively coupled to various other components and assemblies of the electronic device  104 , including various sensors, antennas, processing units, speakers, buttons, microphones, biosensors, light sources, cameras, and so on, as described in greater detail below. While  FIG. 2  depicts the electronic device  104  as having a single circuit assembly (e.g., circuit assembly  124 ), some implementations may include multiple circuit assemblies that are interconnected with each other and with other various components of the electronic device  104 . 
     The circuit assembly  124  may include various electrical components that are used to control a function of the electronic device  104  and/or perform various communication functions. This may include, without limitations, processing units, controllers, integrated circuits, antennas, wireless transceivers, and so on, including various combinations thereof. For example, the circuit assembly  124  may include a group of electrical components  128  (shown in phantom). The group of electrical components  128  may be electrically coupled with one another within the circuit assembly  124  and be responsive to input applied to the electronic device  104 , as described herein. Rather than remain exposed within an interior volume of the enclosure  108 , the group of electrical components  128  may be encapsulated with one or more layers of the circuit assembly, including various molding, insulating, and/or electromagnetic shielding layers, as may be appropriate for a given application. For example, the group of electrical components  128  may be susceptible to various environmental and design considerations including moisture, dust, debris, contaminants, electromagnetic interference, sizing constrains, and so on; the various layers of the circuit assembly  124  may function to mitigate these considerations. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the group of electrical components  128  may be arranged along a surface of a substrate  132 . The substrate  132  may be a printed circuit board, electrical substrate, and/or other appropriate mounting surface for the group of electrical components  128 . For example, the substrate  132  may be a printed circuit board formed from a substantially rigid and optionally planar structure having features that engage (and electrically couple) the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  to one another. As such, the substrate  132  may include electrical traces that contact the group of electrical components  128  and electrically couple the group of electrical components  128  to the substrate  132 . The substrate  132  may be constructed from a variety of materials, including plastics, composites, synthetics, and so on, including materials that may be translucent or otherwise allow light to propagate therethrough. 
     The substrate  132  may be configured for attachment along an interior surface of the enclosure  108 . For example, the substrate  132  may include engagement features  134 . The engagement features  134  may be protrusions, eyelets, threaded features, and/or other structures (which may or may not include an opening) that are configured to secure the substrate  132  within the enclosure  108 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the engagement features  134  are shown extending away from a major surface of the substrate  132 ; however, in other embodiments, the engagement features may extend in other directions, including extending directly toward a bottom and/or top interior surface of the enclosure  108 . 
     To facilitate the foregoing, the enclosure  108  may include retention features  110  positioned along an interior surface  111 . The retention features  110  may be bosses, pins, studs and/or a variety of other features that cooperate with the engagement features  134  of the circuit assembly  124  to secure the circuit assembly  124  within the enclosure  108 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the retention features  110  may be bosses that are received by openings in the engagement features  134  of the circuit assembly  124 . In some cases, the retention features  110  and the engagement features  134  may be or have corresponding threaded features that are used to secure the circuit assembly  124  (optionally removeable) along the interior surface  111  of the enclosure  108 . Further, while the retention features  110  are shown along the interior surface  111  forming a bottom interior surface of the enclosure  108 , it will be appreciated that the retention features  110  may be positioned along substantially any interior surface of the enclosure  108 . For example, the retention features  110  may additionally or alternatively be positioned along interior sidewalls and/or interior top surfaces of the enclosure  108 , which may facilitate arranging the circuit assembly  124  in various configurations within the enclosure  108  (e.g., such as arranging the circuit assembly  124  proximate the display  112 , as described with respect to  FIG. 4B ). 
     The group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  may be partially or fully encapsulated within a molded structure. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the circuit assembly  124  may include a molded structure  136  formed or molded over some or all of the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132 . The molded structure  136  may form a protective barrier over the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  that inhibits moisture, debris, and other potential contaminants from reaching the group of electrical components  128  and/or other components or assemblies of the circuit assembly  124 . The molded structure  136  may also be a substantially rigid structure (when hardened) that provides structural support for the group of electrical components  128  within the circuit assembly  124 . This may allow the circuit assembly  124  to include multiple, tightly packing electrical components along the surface of the substrate  132 . This may be beneficial, for example, in the context of a portable and/or wearable electronic device, in which design and packaging constraints may limit the available footprint for the circuit assembly  124  within the electronic device  104 . The molded structure  136  may also help reduce the risk of damage caused by a physical impact or other form of mechanical shock. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the molded structure  136  may be formed completely over the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132 ; however, this is not required. In some cases, the molded structure  136  may be formed over selected regions of the electrical component  138  and/or the substrate  132 . For example, the molded structure  136  may cover a center region of the circuit assembly  124  (encapsulating the group of electrical components  128 ), while a periphery of the substrate  132  may remain exposed. This may facilitate physically attaching the substrate  132  to the enclosure  108 . In other cases, only a portion of the group of electrical components  128  may be covered by the molded structure  136 . Further, in cases where the circuit assembly  124  includes multiple electrical components, a subset of the electrical components may be encapsulated (or partially encapsulated) while others remain exposed on the substrate  132 . 
     The circuit assembly  124  shows the molded structure  136  covering or encapsulating a top surface of the substrate  132 . Other embodiments are contemplated, however, in which the molded structure  136  additionally or alternatively encapsulates or covers a side and/or bottom surface of the substrate  132  (e.g., as described with respect to  FIG. 3D ). Further, as explained in greater detail below, while the embodiment of  FIG. 2  shows the top surface of the substrate  132  (and associated portions of the molded structure  136 ) positioned proximate the display  112 , the circuit assembly  124  may be arranged in substantially any appropriate configuration with the enclosure  108 , including configurations in which the top surface of the substrate  132  (and associated portions of the molded structure  136 ) are positioned proximate the interior surface  111 . Accordingly, the circuit assembly  124  may be arranged such that the molded structure  136  is positioned proximate to or extend along any appropriate surface or component of the electronic device  104 . 
     The molded structure  136  may be formed from a variety of moldable or castable materials, including plastics, resins, ceramics, composites, and so on. Accordingly, the molded structure  136  may be formed by flowing a substantially liquefied or viscous material over one or more surfaces of the circuit assembly  124 . For example, material may be introduced into a form containing the group of electrical components  128  and/or the substrate  132  and caused to harden or solidify around one or more surfaces of the group of electrical components  128  and/or the substrate  132 . This may allow the molded structure  136  to encapsulate the group of electrical components  128  on the surface of the substrate  132 . Such techniques may also allow the molded structure  136  to be positioned within narrow regions, gaps, spaces, or the like of the circuit assembly  124  (e.g., such as between a narrow passage between electrical components positioned along the substrate  132 ), thereby facilitating use of the molded structure  136  as a structural component of the circuit assembly  124 , particularly along complex or irregular geometries of the circuit assembly  124 . 
     The molded structure  136  may, in some cases, be formed form a dielectric material to prevent or reduce electrical conduction between the electronic components  128 . In some instances, the molded structure  136  may also be configured to form part or all of the metal layer of the circuit assembly  124 . For example, the molded structure  136  may be formed from a plastic doped with a metal material. The metal-doped plastic material may be substantially any plastic material having a relatively small amount of metallic material added to the plastic material. The metallic material may be activated by a laser directed along a surface of the metal-doped plastic material to form the metal layer. The metal layer may include a shield portion, one or more electrodes and/or a metalized or conductive path along a surface of the material. In some instances, this technique may be used to create electrical traces along the surface of the molded structure  136 , as described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 5A . For example, the electrical traces may be formed on an outer surface of the molded structure  136  from a portion of the metal material remaining after a portion of the plastic material has been ablated. Additionally or alternatively, such techniques may also be used to define an electromagnetic shield, contact pad, sensing element, or other feature of the circuit assembly  124 . 
     The circuit assembly  124  may be configured to inhibit the propagation of electromagnetic signals within the electronic device  104 . For example, the circuit assembly  124  may include an electromagnetic shield formed partially or fully around the group of electrical components  128 , the substrate  132 , and/or the molded structure  136  that may block or limit electromagnetic signals or other radiation from entering or exiting the circuit assembly. The electromagnetic shield may also be tailored or tuned to limit electromagnetic interference to a specified level, which may be beneficial for auxiliary components of the electronic device  104  (separate from the circuit assembly  124 ), such as an antenna, sensor, processing unit, and so on that operate optimally at the specified level of interference, as described herein. Further, the electromagnetic shield includes an electrode (e.g., integrated contact pad or sensing element) of the circuit assembly  124 . This may allow the circuit assembly  124  to be both electromagnetically shielded (to various degrees) and have a contact pad or sensing element positioned along an outer surface of the circuit assembly  124 , such as an outer surface of the molded structure  136 . 
     To facilitate the foregoing, the circuit assembly  124  includes a metal layer  140 . The metal layer  140  may be an electrically conductive layer formed around the molded structure  136 . The metal layer  140  may be separated from the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  by the molded structure  136 . A portion of the metal layer  140  may be electrically isolated from the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  and form the electromagnetic shield, while another portion of the metal layer  140  may be electrically coupled to a group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  and form the electrode. 
     Accordingly, the metal layer  140  may define a shield portion  144  and one or more electrodes, such as electrode  148  shown in  FIG. 2 . The shield portion  144  and the electrode  148  may be formed or positioned along a common surface of the molded structure  136  and separated from one another by a void or gap within the metal layer  140 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148  are separated from one another by a void  152 . The void  152  (also referred to herein as a space or gap) may electrically isolate the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148 . In some cases, the void  152  may be filled with a dialectic material and/or include or be positioned along electrical traces of the circuit assembly  124 , for example, as described with respect to  FIG. 5A . 
     The shield portion  144  of the metal layer  140  may be tuned to limit electromagnetic signal interference within the circuit assembly  124  and more generally within the electronic device  104 . For example, the shield portion  144  may be constructed according to various material and/or geometric parameters that may control the reflection and absorption of energy across the metal layer. Such parameters may include, without limitation, the thickness, conductivity, and the continuity of the shield portion  144 . Accordingly, the shield portion  144  may inhibit a predefined level of electromagnetic signals, as may be appropriate for the specific configuration of the electronic device  104 . For example, a specified level of electromagnetic interference may be acceptable based on the design and performance characteristics of various other components and assemblies with the electronic device  104 , and thus, the shield portion  144  may be constructed to meet the specified level. The material and geometric properties of the shield portion  144  may also be at least partially influenced by a size and/or shape of the electrode  148 . For example, the available footprint of the shield portion  144  along the molded structure  136  may be limited by a size and shape of the electrode  148  (also positioned along the molded structure  136 ), and thus various other parameters may be tuned (e.g., thickness, conductivity, and so on) such that the shield portion  144  controls electromagnetic signals at a desired level. Depending on the implementation, the shield portion  144  may be electrically grounded, connected to an electrical voltage source, or be allowed to electrically float. 
     The electrode  148  of the metal layer  140  may be electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128  that are positioned within (or partially within) the molded structure  136 . Broadly, the electrode  148  may be an electrical conductive surface or element positioned along or formed into the molded structure  136  and that is configured to receive an input or signal, such as an electrical, optical, magnetic, or capacitive signal and so on. The electrode  148  may be electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128  such that the group of electrical components  128  is responsive to, or otherwise receives or registers, the input received by the electrode  148 . Conversely, the electrode  148  and the group of electrical components  128  may be electrically coupled such that the electrode  148  receives or is otherwise responsive to a signal generated by the group of electrical components  128  and/or other component or feature of the substrate  132 . As such, despite being fully or partially encapsulated within the molded structure  136 , the group of electrical components  128  may be coupled with various components and assemblies of the electronic device  104  and/or be used to sense various internal and/or external environments or signals of the electronic device  104  using the electrode  148 , as described herein. 
     The electrode  148  and the group of electrical components  128  may thus be electrically coupled in a variety of manners to facilitate the foregoing functionality. In one embodiment, the electrode  148  and the group of electrical components  128  may be electrically connected by a conductive path. This may take numerous forms, and various embodiments of such are described herein. As possible examples, the circuit assembly  124  may include electrically conductive vias extending substantially through the molded structure  136  and electrically connecting the substrate  132  and the electrode  148  (e.g., as described with respect to  FIG. 3B ) and/or a flexible circuit positioned along (or otherwise electrically coupled with) the electrode  148  and extending along a curve around the molded structure  136  (e.g., as described with respect to  FIG. 3C ). In other circumstances, the electrode  148  and the group of electrical components  128  may additionally or alternately be capacitively, magnetically, and/or optically coupled to one another. For example, the electrode  148  may form, or be a component of, a capacitive, magnetic, or optical-based sensor that cooperates with the group of electrical components  128  in a corresponding manner to detect an input. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the electrode  148  may also define a sensing element. The sensing element may be formed along an outer surface of the circuit assembly  124  and be configured to detect one or more inputs, as described herein. For example, the electrode  148  may be, or form a component of, a capacitive sensor, optical sensors, antenna, strain gauge, magnetic sensors, among various other possibilities. As such, the group of electrical components  128  may be responsive to (and/or used in conjunction with) the electrode  148  to detect various inputs associated with the electronic device  104 , despite being partially or fully encapsulated within the molded structure  136 . Possible inputs may include a touch and/or force input received along a portion of the enclosure  108  (such as a sidewall or back surface), the display  112 , and/or other region or electronic device  104 . This may also include externals or wireless signals or inputs such as an input from an interconnected charging assembly and/or a wireless signal (where the electrode  148  forms an antenna). As such, the electrode  148  may be employed in a variety of configurations within an electronic device  104  in order to facilitate various communication and control functions of the electronic device  104  (e.g., as described in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). 
     The circuit assembly  124  may not be limited to defining a single sensing element or establishing a single electrical connection with another component or assembly of the electronic device  104 . For example, the electrode  148  may be one of a group of electrode pads (e.g., first electrode, second electrode, third electrode, and so on) defined by the metal layer  140  along a surface of the molded structure  136 . Each of the first, second, third, etc. electrodes may define a distinct sensing element and/or contact pads. As one possibility, a first electrode may define a sensing element (e.g., such as a capacitive, optical, strain, magnetic sensor, or the like) and a second electrode may define a contact pad used to electrically couple the group of electrical components  128  with another component or assembly of the electronic device  104 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the electrode  148  may be one of a group of four contact pads; however, other embodiments, including circuit assemblies having more or fewer than four contacts pads, are possible. 
     The shield portion  144  and the electrode  148  may be formed or positioned along a common or substantially continuous surface of the molded structure  136 . For example, the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148  may be formed directly on or along a surface of the molded structure  136  opposite the substrate  132  by a deposition technique, including a sputter deposition or other physical vapor deposition process or technique. As such, a masking layer may be used to define the voids  152  separating the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148 ; however, this is not required. The voids  152  may be etched or excavated as needed to define the various features. Printing, coating, or plating may also be appropriate to apply the metal layer  140 . Additionally or alternatively, as described above, the molded structure  136  may be formed from a metal-doped plastic material. As such, in some embodiments, the metal layer  140  may be formed from the metal-doped plastic material of the molded structure  136  by using a laser direct structuring (LDS) technique. In other cases, the metal layer  140  may be a separate substrate, film, sheet, or other layer applied to a target surface or region of the molded structure  136 . 
     The circuit assembly  124  may be arranged in a variety of manners within the enclosure  108  based at least in part on a configuration of the electrode  148  to detect a specified input. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the electrode  148  is positioned proximate display  112 , and thus may be used to detect an input along the display  112 , such as a force input, as one example. In other implementations, such as that described with respect to  FIG. 4A , the electrode  148  may be positioned proximate the interior surface  111 , which may be beneficial for detecting a position of a user relative to the band  120 ; however, other configurations and sensors are contemplated herein. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  depict cross-sectional views of the circuit assembly  124  of  FIG. 2 , taken along line A-A, according to various configurations. In particular,  FIGS. 3A-3D  depict the group of electrical components  128 , the substrate  132 , the molded structure  136 , and the metal layer  140  in various different arrangements that allow the metal layer  140  to provide an electromagnetic shield for the group of electrical components  128  and define an electrode (e.g., a contact pad or sensing element) or other electrical element that is electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128 , as described herein. To facilitate the foregoing, and as described herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , the metal layer  140  may include the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148 , which may be separated (and electrically isolated) from one another by the void  152  (e.g., a space or gap). 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the group of electrical components  128  may be positioned along a surface of the substrate  132 , such as surface  133 . The substrate  132  may be a structural component of the circuit assembly  124 , and the surface  133  may be used as a mounting surface or the like to secure the group of electrical components  128  with the circuit assembly  124 . The substrate  132  may be a printed circuit board, printed circuit, or other board or sheet having electrical traces that are configured to electrically couple the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132 . The group of electrical components  128  are depicted in  FIG. 3A  as including three electrical components as a sample illustration; more or fewer electrical components may be included within the circuit assembly  124 . 
     The molded structure  136  may be formed over the surface  133  and the group of electrical components  128  (and/or a subset or entire group of electrical components). As shown in  FIG. 3A , the molded structure  136  may encapsulate substantially all of the surface  133  and the group of electrical components  128 . In other embodiments, however, the molded structure  136  may partially cover the group of electrical components  128  and/or the surface  133 . The molded structure  136  need not be a continuous structure along the substrate  132 , but rather, in some cases, may be multiple discrete molded structures that form the molded structure  136 . 
     The metal layer  140  may be positioned along, on or over the molded structure  136  opposite the surface  133 . As such, the molded structure  136  may physically separate the metal layer  140  and the group of electrical components  128  and/or the substrate  132 . This may help electrically isolate portions of the metal layer  140  (e.g., shield portion  144 ) from the group of electrical components  128  and/or the substrate  132 . The metal layer  140  may define voids  152  (e.g., spaces or gaps) that separate the shield portion  144  from the electrode  148  along the surface of the molded structure  136 . 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , the electrode  148  of the metal layer  140  may also be separated from the group of electrical components  128  by the molded structure  136 . The electrode  148  and the group of electrical components  128  may be physically separated while being electrically coupled to one another. For example, the electrode  148  and the group of electrical components  128  may be electrically coupled to one another via a conductive path, via, terminal, or other circuit, including a flexible circuit (e.g., as described with respect to  FIGS. 3B and 3C ). The electrode  148  may also be electrically coupled to one another using other techniques, including being capacitively, magnetically, and/or optically coupled to one another (e.g., as may be the case where the electrode  148  and the electrical component cooperate to form a capacitive touch-sensor, among other possibilities). In some cases, the electrode  148  may be electrically coupled to the substrate  132  without being coupled to one or more of the electrical components  128  of the circuit assembly  124 . For example, electrical signals from the electrode  148  may be passed through the substrate  132  to a separate component without passing through or being connected to one or more of the electrical components  128  of the circuit assembly  124 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3B , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the electrode  148  and the group of electrical components  128  are shown being electrically coupled using a conductive via  154 . The conductive via  154  may form an electrically conductive path through the molded structure  136 . For example, the conductive via  154  may extend from the electrode  148  (or a region about a periphery of the electrode  148 ) through the molded structure  136  and to the substrate  132 . The conductive via  154  may be connected with one or more electrical traces on the substrate  132 . As such, electrical signals may be transmitted between the electrode  148  and the substrate  132  using or via the substrate  132  and the conductive via  154 . 
     The conductive via  154  may be formed using a variety of techniques that may produce an electrically conductive path extending through all, or a portion of, the molded structure  136 . In one embodiment, holes or openings may be formed in the molded structure  136  and a substantially liquefied or viscous conductive material may be introduced into the hole or opening of the molded structure  136 . Such material may subsequently be allowed to harden and form the conductive via  152 . As such, it may be desirable to form the conductive via  152  prior to forming the metal layer  140  over the molded structure  136 ; however, this is not required. In other cases, the conductive via  152  may be a separate post, protrusion, wire, or the like that is inserted directly into the molded structure  136  (or corresponding hole or opening extending therethrough). 
     With reference to  FIG. 3C , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in a third configuration. In the third configuration, the circuit assembly  124  is shown having multiple metal layers separated by an insulating (e.g., non-conductive) layer. For example, the circuit assembly  124  may include metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  that are separated within the circuit assembly  124  by an insulating layer  142 . The metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  may be substantially analogous to the metal layer  140  described with respect to  FIGS. 2-3B  in that the metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  may provide an electromagnetic shield for the group of electrical components  128  and define a contact pad, sensing element, or other component that is electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128 . For example, the metal layer  140   a  may include a shield portion  144   a  configured to inhibit electromagnetic signals and an electrode  148   a  separated from the shield portion  144   a  by a void  152   b  that is electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128 . The insulating layer  142  may be any suitable non-conductive material, including silicon, rubber, various plastics, foam, and so forth. 
     The arrangement of multiple metal layers, separated by an insulating layer, may allow the circuit assembly  124  to mitigate various different levels of electromagnetic interference better than that of a single metal layer configuration, such as that shown in the configurations of  FIGS. 5A and 5B . For example, the metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  may have distinct material and geometric parameters that may cooperate with one another to absorb and reflect a specified level of energy. This may include an embodiment where the metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  exhibit distinct thickness, electrical conductivities, and/or continuities (including distinct openings or other geometric features formed therein). As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3C , the metal layer  140   b  may define a series of voids  152 . The voids  152  may be tuned (e.g., sized, shaped, orientated, and so on) such the metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  collectively inhibit a particular source or predefined level of electromagnetic interference. 
     The third configuration of the circuit assembly  124 , shown in  FIG. 3C , also depicts another technique for electrically coupling an electrode (such as electrode  148   a  or any contact pad described herein) and the group of electrical components  128 . In particular,  FIG. 3C  shows the electrode  148   a  and the electrical component electrically coupled using a flexible circuit  158 . The flexible circuit  158  may form an electrically conductive path around the molded structure  136 . For example, the flexible circuit  158  may be positioned along the metal layer  140   a  (electrically connected with the electrode  148   a ) and extend along a curve around the molded structure  136  toward the substrate  132 . The flexible circuit  158  may be connected with one or more electrical traces on the substrate  132 . As such, electrical signals may be transmitted between the electrode  148   a  and the substrate  132  using or via the substrate  132  and the flexible circuit  158 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3D , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in a fourth configuration. In the fourth configuration, the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  may be partially or fully encapsulated between various molded and metal layers. The multiple molded layers may facilitate forming a protective barrier between the group of electrical components  128  and an external environment and providing an electromagnetic shield with an integrated contact pad, as described herein. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3D , the circuit assembly may include molded layers  136   a ,  136   b . The molded layers  136   a ,  136   b  may be substantially analogous to the molded structure  136  described above with respect to  FIG. 2-3C  in that the molded layers  136   a ,  136   b  may be structural components of the circuit assembly  124  that partially or fully encapsulate the group of electrical components  128 . The first molded structure  136   a  may be formed along a first surface  133   a  of the substrate  132  and partially or fully over one or more surfaces of the group of electrical components  128 . The second molded structure  136   b  may be formed along a second surface  133   b  of the substrate  132 , opposite the first surface  133   a . In this regard, the substrate  132  may be positioned directly between the molded layers  136   a ,  136   b  such that the substrate  132  may be fully encapsulated within a molded material, such as an injection moldable plastic, in certain embodiments. In other circumstances, only selected regions of the substrate  132  may be fully encapsulated within a molded material, for example, which may be the case where the first molded structure  136   a  extends over substantially all of the first surface  133   a  and the second molded structure  136   b  extends over only selective portions or regions of the second surface  133   b.    
     The circuit assembly  124  of  FIG. 3D  may also include metal layers  140   a ,  140   b . The metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  may be positioned along the molded layers  136   a ,  136   b  respectively. In particular, the metal layer  140   a  may be positioned along the molded structure  136   a  and the metal layer  140   b  may be positioned along the molded structure  136   b . In this regard, the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  may be positioned between the metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  and partially or full enclosed therein. The metal layers  140   a ,  140   b  may cooperate to inhibit electromagnetic interference and define one or more contact pads, sensing elements, terminals or the like that are electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128 . As one possibility, the metal layer  140   b  may define or include a shield portion  144   b  and an electrode  148   b . The shield portion  144   b  may be electrically isolated from the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132  and configured to inhibit electromagnetic interference. The electrode  148   b  may be electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128  and used to detect an input associated with an electronic device (e.g., electronic device  104  of  FIG. 1 ). As shown in  FIG. 3D , the electrode  148   b  may be electrically coupled to the group of electrical components  128  via the conductive via  154  which may extend through the molded structure  136   b  and electrically connect the substrate  132  and the electrode  148  according to techniques described herein; however, other techniques for electrically coupling the electrode  148   b  and the group of electrical components  128  are possible. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict cross-sectional views of the electronic device  104  and circuit assembly  124 , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 2 . In particular,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict the circuit assembly  124  positioned in various different orientations and configurations within the enclosure  108  of the electronic device  104 . The various different orientations and configurations described herein may facilitate use of the circuit assembly  124  and associated contact pads to detect an input and/or perform a control and/or communications function of the electronic device  104 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the electronic device  104  is shown as having the display  112  at least partially positioned within an opening defined in a top surface of the enclosure  108 . The display  112  may be a touch and/or force sensitive display that is responsive to input received along an exterior surface of the display  112 . The display  112  may be a multi-layered structure having various components that allow the display  112  to form an exterior surface of the electronic device  104 , display a graphical output (e.g., an icon, graphic, text, or the like) along the exterior surface, and/or be responsive to the received touch and/or force input. As such, as depicted in  FIG. 4A , the display  112  may include a cover layer  112   a , a display layer  112   b , and a sensing layer  112   c . The cover layer  112   a  may be a transparent or translucent structure that forms an exterior surface of the electronic device  104 . Sample materials include sapphire, silica glass, or the like. The display layer  112   b  may be a light emitting layer that includes various components (light emitting diodes (LEDs), micro-LEDs, a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), fluorescent light, and so on) that emit light toward the cover layer  112   a  to render a graphical output (e.g., an icon, symbol, glyph, graphic, or the like) along the exterior surface of the cover layer  112   a.    
     The sensing layer  112   c  may be used to detect a touch and/or force input received along the display  112  (e.g., along or proximal to the cover layer  112   a ). In one embodiment, the sensing layer  112   c  may be, or form a component of, a capacitive sensor that uses a mutual or self-capacitance configuration to detect a touch input (contact) or proximity of a user relative to the cover layer  112   a . The sensing layer  112   c  may also form a component of a capacitive force-sensor to detect a force input (deflection) of the cover layer  112   a  inward into the enclosure as the result of a user input. 
     In some instances, the sensing layer  112   c  may be configured to cooperate with the electrode  148 , group of electrical components  128 , and/or other components or assemblies of the circuit assembly and/or the electronic device  104  to detect a slight bending or deformation of the cover layer  112   a  caused by a user input using a change in capacitance measured between the sensing layer  112   c  and the cooperating component of the electronic device  104 . More specifically, one or more electrodes of the sensing layer  112   c  may be separated from one or more electrodes  148  of the circuit assembly by an air gap or a compressible layer. When a force is applied to an external surface of the device  104  (e.g., to a surface of the display  112 ), a portion of the device  104  may deflect and reduce the gap or distance between the sensing layer  112   c  and the electrodes  148 . The change in distance may result in a change in capacitance between the sensing layer  112   c  and the electrodes  148 , which may be sensed and correlated to the applied force. The sensing layer  112   c , however, is not limited to embodiments in which an input is capacitively detected; other sensors are contemplated herein, including magnetic sensors, optical sensors, strain sensors, and so on. 
     As described herein, the electronic device  104  may include multiple electrical components, assemblies, or the like that may facilitate a control and/or communication function of the electronic device  104 . As depicted in the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the electronic device  104  may include an auxiliary component  114 . The auxiliary component  114  may be representative of one or more of the multiple electrical components of the electronic device  104  that may be external to, or otherwise separated from, the circuit assembly  124 . In this regard, it will be appreciated that the auxiliary component  114  may include substantially any appropriate electronic (or non-electronic) component configured for use with the electronic device  104 . As described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 4B , the circuit assembly  124  and the electrode  148  may be positioned proximate to the auxiliary component  114  in order to facilitate a control and/or communication function of the electronic device  104 . 
     In one configuration, the auxiliary component  114  may define, or be a component of, a communications component or assembly, such as an antenna of the electronic device  104 . For example, the auxiliary component  114  may be a structure or assembly configured to receive and/or transmit a wireless communication signal containing data or other information used to control a function of the electronic device  104 . As such, various components of the electronic device  104  (such as the display  112 ) may be responsive to, or otherwise manipulated by, the signal received and/or transmitted by the auxiliary component  114 . The auxiliary component  114  may thus include or be operably connected to an antenna that is configured to transmit and receive wireless communication signals. As described with respect to  FIG. 5 , the antenna, or any other component or assembly, may be configured to operate in a particular set of electromagnetic conditions. In some instances, one or more elements of the metal layer of the circuit assembly  124  may be configured to facilitate or optimize the electromagnetic conditions for an antenna associated with the auxiliary component  114 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more elements of the metal layer of the circuit assembly  124  may be configured to shield electronic components of the circuit assembly  124  from electromagnetic interference generated by the auxiliary component  114  (or any other source or electromagnetic noise or interference). 
     Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary component  114  may define, or be a component of, a sensing element, such as a position or proximity sensor of the electronic device  104 . For example, the auxiliary component  114  may be a structure or assembly configured to detect a position of a user relative to the band  120  and/or the electronic device  104 . This may be accomplished via capacitive, magnetic, strain, optical and/or other sensing techniques. As one possibility, the auxiliary component  114  may be an electrode of a capacitance-based sensor that may use a mutual or self-capacitance configuration to detect a touch input (contact) and/or proximity of a user relative to the enclosure  108  (e.g., relative to the interior surface  111  along which the auxiliary component  114  may be positioned). This information may be correlated with a known or given position and/or orientation of the band  120  to estimate the proximity of position of a user relative to the band  120 . Accordingly, one or more components or assemblies of the electronic device  104 , including the circuit assembly  124  and associated electrical component (e.g., group of electrical components  128 ), may use this information to estimate various associated parameters, including estimating a user wearing the electronic device  104  (detecting an “on-wrist” configuration), a tightness or pressure of the electronic device  104  on the user, and/or tilt of the electronic device  104  relative to a user, among other possible parameters. Subsequently, various components of the electronic device  104  (such as display  112 ) may be responsive to, or otherwise manipulated by, the parameters or conditions detected by the auxiliary component  114 . As one possibility, icons or graphics depicted at the display  112  may be manipulated in a particular manner based on a detection or estimation that the user is wearing the electronic device  104 , the electronic device  104  is being worn too tight or too loose, the electrical device is tilted, and so on. 
     Further, the auxiliary component  114  may define, or be a component of, a charging assembly, including an inductive and/or hardwired charging assembly or region of the electronic device  104 . For example, the auxiliary component  114  may be a structure or assembly configured to detect and receive an electrical charge. The electrical charge may be received from a variety of external devices and/or sources and used to charge or recharge a battery or other power storage component or system of the electronic device  104 . 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the auxiliary component  114  is presented for purposes of illustration only. Rather than be limited to the foregoing example, the auxiliary component  114  may be substantially any component of the electronic device  104 , including various other antennas, sensors, switches, processing units, charging assemblies, and so on. Further, while the auxiliary component  114  is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  as being positioned along the interior surface  111 , the auxiliary component  114  may be positioned along any surface of the electronic device  104 , including external surfaces and/or within or partially within a sidewall defining the enclosure  108 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , the electronic device  104  is shown as having the circuit assembly  124  and the electrode  148  positioned proximate the display  112 . In particular, the electrode  148  may be positioned proximate the sensing layer  112   c . This may allow the sensing layer  112   c  and the electrode  148  to cooperate to detect a touch and/or force input along an exterior surface of the electronic device  104 , such as that defined by the cover layer  112   a . In a particular embodiment, the display  112  may be configured to slightly bend or deflect into the enclosure  108  in response to a force input received at the cover layer  112   a . Accordingly, the sensing layer  112   c  and the electrode  148  may be configured to form, or define various components of, a capacitive-based force sensor. For example, the sensing layer  112   c  and the electrode  148  may be separated by a gap within the enclosure  108 . Deflection or bending of the display  112  may alter a size of the gap, and thus alter a capacitance measured between the sensing layer  112   c  and the electrode  148 . The sensing layer  112   c  and the electrode  148  may cooperate to detect such alterations in the capacitance. The alteration in the capacitance may be used by the circuit assembly  124  (or other component or assembly of the electronic device  104 ) to estimate a force received along the display  112 . 
     The circuit assembly  124  and the electrode  148  may be positioned proximate to the display  112  in a variety of other configurations. For example, the electrode  148  may be used to electrically connect the display  112  or another associated component to the circuit assembly  124 . Additionally or alternatively, the electrode  148  may form a sensing element of another type, including an optical, magnetic, or strain-based sensing element that may or may not be directly coupled with the display  112 . Further, it may be beneficial to arrange the circuit assembly  124  proximate to the display  112  for design and packaging considerations of the electronic device  104  (e.g., arranging the circuit assembly  124  proximate the display  112  may maximize available volume within the enclosure  108  for other components and assemblies of the electronic device  104 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 4B , the electronic device  104  is shown as having the circuit assembly  124  and the electrode  148  positioned proximate the auxiliary component  114 . This may allow the electrode  148  and the auxiliary component  114  to cooperate to detect one or more inputs of the electronic device, including one or more inputs along a portion of the enclosure  108  and/or those associated with the band  120  (such as detecting or estimating a position of a user relative to the band  120 ). In some cases, the electrode  148  may be separated from the auxiliary component  114  (as shown in  FIG. 4B ) in order to facilitate detecting the input (e.g., as may be the case where the electrode  148  and the auxiliary component cooperate to define a capacitance based sensor). In other cases, the electrode  148  and the auxiliary component  114  may be directly electrically connected. Where the auxiliary component is an antenna (or other electrical component sensitive to electromagnetic radiation), the circuit assembly  124  may be configured such that the electromagnetic shield of the circuit assembly  124  limits interference with the auxiliary component  114 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  depict cross-sectional top views of the circuit assembly  124 . In particular,  FIG. 5A-5D  depict cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the metal layer  140  and the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148 . As described above, the shield portion  144  may be configured to limit electromagnetic signals within the circuit assembly  124  and the electronic device  104 . The electrode  148  may be electrically coupled with an electrical component (e.g., group of electrical components  128  of  FIG. 2 ) and used to detect a signal, input, and/or other parameters. The embodiments of  FIGS. 5A-5D  depict various different geometries and configurations of the electrode  148  (and corresponding shield portion  144 ) that may be used to detect various different types of input, for example, by defining various different sensing elements. The shield portion  144  may also be modified to vary the level of electromagnetic interference. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5A , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in a configuration in which the electrode  148  is one of a group of four contact pads. The group of contact pads may be separated from the shield portion by the void  152  (e.g., a space or gap). As such, the void  152  may be shaped to accommodate each of the group of contact pads (e.g., each of the group of contact pads may be separated from the shield portion  144 , and from one another, by the void  152 ). The void  152  may also be shaped to accommodate electrical traces or other electrically conductive paths that may electrically connect various elements of the circuit assembly  124 . 
     As shown in embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the circuit assembly  124  may include electrical traces  150 . The electrical traces  150  may be positioned within and/or along the void  152  and remain electrically isolated or separated from the shield portion  144 . For example, the electrical traces  150  may be formed into a surface of the molded structure  136  (described with respect to  FIG. 2 ) using an LDS technique. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical traces  150  may be a separate wire, solder, connector, or other component positioned along a surface of the molded structure  136  and with the void  152 . 
     The electrical traces  150  may electrically connect particular ones of the group of contact pads to one another. The electrical traces  150  may also connect particular ones of the group of electrical traces to one or more other components of the circuit assembly  124  and/or other components and/or assemblies of the electronic device  104 , as may be appropriate for a given application. It will be appreciated that the particular configuration of the electrical traces  150  depicted in  FIG. 2  is presented for purposes of illustration only. The electrical traces  150  may be arranged in any appropriate manner to facilitate an electrical connection with one or more or all of the group of contact pads. As such, in some cases, the particular configuration of the electrical traces  148  may be based on the configuration of the particular one of contact pads (e.g., a different configuration of electrical traces  150  may be appropriate when the electrode  148  defines a capacitive sensor as compared to an embodiment where the electrode  148  defines an antenna, as one example). 
     With reference to  FIG. 5B , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in an embodiment in which various different voids, openings, holes, through portions, or the like are selectively defined within the metal layer  140 . This may be used to tune the shield portion  144  and control a level of electromagnetic interference within the circuit assembly  124  and the electronic device  104 . For example, as described above, the material and geometric properties of the shield portion  144  may be modified in order to control a level of energy reflected and absorbed by the shield portion  144 , including factors such as conductivity, thickness, and continuity. In this regard, the shape of the shield portion  144  may impact the level of electromagnetic interference within the circuit assembly  124  and the electronic device  104 . 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 5B , the shield portion includes voids  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c . The voids  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c  may each be a distinct shape and size and may cooperate together such that the shield portion  144  exhibits a predefined characteristic that limits a specified amount of electromagnetic interference. For example, the void  152   a  may be a rectangular shaped opening that surrounds the electrode  148 . The void  152   b  may be a U-shaped opening that is positioned at least partially around the void  152   a . The void  152   c  may be an elongated opening. It will be appreciated that the particular size and orientation of the voids  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c  is presented for purposes of illustration. Other sizes and orientations are contemplated as may be beneficial to control a level of electromagnetic interference within the circuit assembly  124  and the electronic device  104 . 
     Selectively controlling a level of electromagnetic interference may be beneficial, for example, in order to limit, or otherwise define a level of electromagnetic interference experienced by another component or assembly of the electronic device  104 , such as an auxiliary component or antenna of the electronic device  104  (e.g., auxiliary component  114  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). For example, an antenna of the electronic device  104 , external to, or separated from, the circuit assembly  124 , may be optimally or efficiently operated at a specified or certain level of electromagnetic interference. For some antennas, peak efficiency may be achieved in an environment with a particular amount of electromagnetic interference; too little or too much electromagnetic interference and performance may decline. Accordingly, the metal layer  140  may inhibit electromagnetic signals (e.g., of the circuit assembly  124 ) at a level corresponding to the specified level of electromagnetic interference for the antenna. To illustrate, the voids  152   a ,  152 ,  152   c  may be specifically calibrated to control a level of energy reflected and absorbed by the shield portion  144  and thus cause the metal layer to exhibit the resulting characteristics that may contribute to inhibiting the desired amount of electromagnetic signals. Furthermore, the shield portion  144  may be grounded, coupled to a voltage source, or be allowed to electrically float, depending on the application. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5C , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in a configuration in which the electrode  148  defines an antenna, portion of an antenna, or otherwise be configured to facilitate wireless communications. The antenna may be a component or assembly formed or positioned along the outer surface of the circuit assembly  124  (along the molded structure  136 ) and configured to receive and/or transmit various wireless signals. The antenna may be electrically coupled with one or more electrical components of the circuit assembly  124  (e.g., group of electrical components  128  of  FIG. 2 ). This may allow the circuit assembly  124  to receive the signals of the antenna and optionally use the signals to control a function of the electronic device  104 . By incorporating the antenna on the circuit assembly  124 , the size or relative footprint of the control and/or communication components of the electronic device  104  may be reduced. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5D , the circuit assembly  124  is shown in a configuration in which the electrode  148  defines a strain sensor. The strain sensor may be a component or assembly formed or positioned along the outer surface of the circuit assembly  124  (along the molded structure  136 ) and configured to detect strain along the outer surface. For example, the circuit assembly  124  may be momentarily bent or deformed in response to a user input. This may cause the strain sensor defined by the electrode  148  to correspondingly elongate or contract. An electrical property of the electrode  148  may be sensitive to the contraction or elongation. The electrical property may therefore be measured to estimate the force input that caused the contraction or elongation. The strain sensor defined by the electrode  148  may be electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128  (or other component) of the circuit assembly  124 . This may allow the electrical component to cooperate with the electrode  148  to measure the resulting strain (from the elongation and contraction) and estimate the force input. By incorporating the strain sensor on the circuit assembly  124 , the size or relative footprint of the control and/or communication components of the electronic device  104  may be reduced. In other embodiments, the electrode  148  may define other sensing elements, as described herein. 
       FIGS. 6A-7B  depict various electronic devices having a circuit assembly, such as the circuit assembly  124  described herein. Broadly, a circuit assembly having an electromagnetic shield with an integrated contact pad may be used in substantially any appropriate electronic device. The electromagnetic shield may have a shield portion configured to inhibit electromagnetic interference within the circuit assembly and corresponding electronic device. The electromagnetic shield may also have a contact pad, separated from the shield portion, electrically coupled with an electrical component of the circuit assembly and used to detect an input associated with the corresponding electronic device. 
       FIG. 6A  depicts an electronic device  604 . The electronic device  604  may be a smart phone. For purposes of illustration, the electronic device  604  is shown as having an enclosure  608 , a display  612 , one or more input/output members  616 , and a speaker  618 . It should be noted that the electronic device  604  may include various other components, such as one or more ports (e.g., charging ports, data transfer ports, or the like), additionally input/out buttons, and so on. As such, the discussion of any electronic device, such as electronic device  604  is meant as illustrative only. 
     The electronic device  604  may also include a circuit assembly  624  (shown in phantom line). The circuit assembly  624  may be substantially analogous to the circuit assembly  124  described with respect to  FIGS. 2-5D . For example, the circuit assembly  624  may have a metal layer or an electromagnetic shield configured to inhibit electromagnetic interference. The electromagnetic shield may also include an integrated electrode (e.g., a contact pad or sensing element) electrically coupled to an electrical component of the circuit assembly  624  (or other component or assembly of the electronic device  604 ) and configured to detect an input associated with the electronic device  604 . 
       FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the electronic device  604 , taken along line C-C of  FIG. 6A . In particular,  FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the circuit assembly  624  within the electronic device  604 . As depicted in  FIG. 6B , the circuit assembly  624  may be positioned within an interior volume  609  defined by the enclosure  608 . Analogous to the components described with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-5D , the circuit assembly  624  may include: a group of electrical components  628 ; a substrate  632 ; a molded structure  636 ; a metal layer  640 ; a shield portion  644 ; an electrode  648 ; and a void  652 . The shield portion  644  may be configured to inhibit electromagnetic interference within the circuit assembly  624  and the electronic device  604 . The electrode  648  may be electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  628 . The electrode  648  may be used to connect the circuit assembly  624  with another component and/or assembly of the electronic device  604  and/or define a sensing element configured to detect one or more inputs associated with the electronic device  604 . 
       FIG. 7A  depicts an electronic device  704 . The electronic device  704  may be a notebook computer. For purposes of illustration, the electronic device is shown as having an enclosure  708 , a display  712 , a key assembly  714 , and one or more input/output members  716 . It should be noted that the electronic device  704  may also include various other components, such as one or more ports (e.g., charging ports, data transfer ports, or the like), additional input/output buttons, and so on. As such, the discussion of any electronic device, such as electronic device  704 , is meant as illustrative only. 
     The electronic device  704  may also include a circuit assembly  724  (shown in phantom line). The circuit assembly  724  may be substantially analogous to the circuit assembly  124  described with respect to  FIGS. 2-5D . For example, the circuit assembly  724  may have an electromagnetic shield or metal layer configured to inhibit electromagnetic interference. The electromagnetic shield may also include an integrated contact pad electrically coupled to an electrical component of the circuit assembly  724  (or other component or assembly of the electronic device  704 ) and configured to detect an input associated with the electronic device  704 . 
       FIG. 7B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the electronic device  704 , taken along line D-D of  FIG. 7A . In particular,  FIG. 7B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the circuit assembly  724  within the electronic device  704 . As depicted in  FIG. 7B , the circuit assembly  724  may be positioned within an interior volume  709  defined by the enclosure  708 . Analogous to the components described with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-5D , the circuit assembly  724  may include: a group of electrical components  728 ; a substrate  732 ; a molded structure  736 ; a metal layer  740 ; a shield portion  744 ; an electrode  748 ; and a void  752 . The shield portion  744  may be configured to inhibit electromagnetic interference within the circuit assembly  724  and the electronic device  704 . The electrode  748  may be electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  728 . The electrode  748  may be used to connect the circuit assembly  724  with another component and/or assembly of the electronic device  704  and/or define a sensing element configured to detect one or more inputs associated with the electronic device  704 . 
     To facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the various functionalities of the embodiments discussed herein, reference is now made to the flow diagram in  FIG. 8 , which illustrates process  800 . While specific steps (and orders of steps) of the methods presented herein have been illustrated and will be discussed, other methods (including more, fewer, or different steps than those illustrated) consistent with the teachings presented herein are also envisioned and encompassed with the present disclosure. 
     In this regard, with reference to  FIG. 8 , process  800  relates generally to forming a circuit assembly. The process  800  may be used to form or manufacture any of the circuit assemblies described herein, for example, such as circuit assembly  124 ,  624 , and  724 , and variations and embodiments thereof. 
     At operation  804 , a molded structure may be formed over a group of electrical components positioned along a printed circuit board. The molded structure may fully or partially encapsulate the group of electrical components. For example and with reference to  FIGS. 2-3A , the molded structure  136  may be formed over the group of electrical components  128 . The group of electrical components  128  may be positioned along the substrate  132 . As such, the molded structure  136  may be formed over and partially or fully encapsulate the group of electrical components  128  and the substrate  132 . 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , the molded structure  136  may be formed using a variety of techniques and appropriate materials. For example, the molded structure  136  may be formed from a moldable or castable material, including injection moldable plastics, ceramics, synthetics, composites, and so on. Accordingly, the molded structure  136  may be formed by flowing a substantially liquefied or viscous material over one or more surfaces of the circuit assembly  124 . For example, material may be introduced into a form containing the group of electrical components  128  and/or the substrate  132  and caused to harden or solidify around one or more surfaces of the group of electrical components  128  and/or the substrate  132 . This may allow the molded structure  136  to encapsulate the group of electrical components  128  on the surface of the substrate  132 . In some cases, the molded material may be subsequently cured or hardened, including undergoing a heat or chemical treatment to cool and/or solidify the molded material around the group of electrical components  128  and/or the substrate  132 . 
     At operation  808 , a metal layer may be formed over a region of the molded structure. The metal layer may define an electrode electrically coupled with the group of electrical components. For example and with reference to  FIGS. 2-3A , the metal layer  140  may be formed over a region of the molded structure  136 . This may be accomplished by a sputtering or other physical vapor deposition technique, as described herein. The metal layer  140  may define the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148 , which may be separated from one another along the molded structure  136  by a void  152 . The electrode  148  may be electrically coupled with the group of electrical components  128 . The shield portion  144  may be configured to inhibit electromagnetic signals. 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , the metal layer  140  (including the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148 ) may be formed and/or positioned along the molded structure  136  using a variety of techniques and various materials. For example, the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148  may be formed directly on or along a surface of the molded structure  136  opposite the substrate  132  by a deposition technique, including a sputter deposition or other physical vapor deposition process or technique. As such, a masking layer may be used to define the voids  152  separating the shield portion  144  and the electrode  148 ; however, this is not required. The voids  152  may be etched or excavated as needed to define the various features. Printing, coating, or plating may also be appropriate to apply the metal layer  140 . Additionally or alternatively, as described above, the molded structure  136  may be formed from a metal-doped plastic material. As such, in some embodiments, the metal layer  140  may be formed from the metal-doped plastic material of the molded structure  136  by using a laser direct structuring (LDS) technique. In other cases, the metal layer  140  may be a separate substrate, film, sheet, or other layer applied to a target surface or region of the molded structure  136 . In other cases, other techniques are possible. 
       FIG. 9  presents a functional block diagram  900  of a sample electronic device, such as the electronic device  104  described with respect to  FIGS. 1-5D . It will be appreciated, however, that the functional block diagram described herein of electronic device  104  may include components substantially analogous to components of other electronic devices or the like described herein. In this regard, the schematic representation in  FIG. 9  may correspond to the electronic device depicted in  FIGS. 1-5D , described above. However, the schematic representation in  FIG. 9  may also correspond to the other electronic devices or the like described herein, for example, such as electronic devices  604  and  704  described with respect to  FIGS. 6A-7B . The electronic device  104  may include any appropriate hardware (e.g., computing devices, data centers, switches), software (e.g., applications, system programs, engines), network components (e.g., communication paths, interfaces, routers) and the like (not necessarily shown in the interest of clarity) for use in facilitating any appropriate operations disclosed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the electronic device  104  may include a processing unit  908  operatively connected to computer memory  912  and computer-readable media  916 . The processing unit  908  may be operatively connected to the computer memory  912  and computer-readable media  916  components via an electronic bus or bridge (e.g., such as system bus  910 ). The processing unit  908  may include one or more computer processors or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. The processing unit  908  may be a central processing unit of the electronic device  104 . Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit  908  may be other processors within the device including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. 
     The computer memory  912  may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory  912  is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. Computer-readable media  916  may also include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media including, for example, a hard-drive storage device, a solid state storage device, a portable magnetic storage device, or other similar device. The computer-readable media  916  may also be configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. 
     In this example, the processing unit  908  is operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on the computer memory  912  and/or computer-readable media  916 . The computer-readable instructions may adapt the processing unit  908  to perform the operations or functions described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-12C . The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a computer-program product, software application, or the like. It should be appreciated that, where the electronic device  104  is a stylus, the processing unit  908  may be located in an electronic device associated with the stylus, rather than the stylus itself. In such embodiments, data may be transmitted from the stylus to and from the electronic device, such that the processing unit in the electronic device may operatively control the stylus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the electronic device  104  may also include a display  918 . The display  918  may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, light emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. If the display  918  is an LCD, the display may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If the display  918  is an OLED or LED type display, the brightness of the display  918  may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include a battery  924  that is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the electronic device  104 . The battery  924  may include one or more power storage cells that are linked together to provide an internal supply of electrical power. In this regard, the battery  924  may be a component of a power source  928  (e.g., including a charging system or other circuitry that supplies electrical power to components of the electronic device  104 ). The battery  924  may be operatively coupled to power management circuitry that is configured to provide appropriate voltage and power levels for individual components or groups of components within the electronic device  104 . The battery  924 , via power management circuitry, may be configured to receive power from an external source, such as an AC power outlet or interconnected computing device. The battery  924  may store received power so that the electronic device  104  may operate without connection to an external power source for an extended period of time, which may range from several hours to several days. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include one or more sensors  940  that may be used to detect a touch and/or force input, environmental condition, orientation, position, or some other aspect of the electronic device  104 . Example sensors  940  that may be included in the electronic device  104  may include, without limitation, one or more accelerometers, gyrometers, inclinometers, goniometers, or magnetometers. The sensors  940  may also include one or more proximity sensors, such as a magnetic hall-effect sensor, inductive sensor, capacitive sensor, continuity sensor, or the like. In some implementations, one or more of the sensors  940  may include or be configured to operate in conjunction with an electrode of a metal layer of a circuit assembly, as described herein. For example, an electrode of the metal layer may for a sensing element for a touch and/or force sensor that is configured to detect an input along a surface of the device  104 . 
     The sensors  940  may also be broadly defined to include wireless positioning devices including, without limitation, global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, Wi-Fi circuitry, cellular communication circuitry, and the like. The electronic device  104  may also include one or more optical sensors including, without limitation, photodetectors, photosensors, image sensors, infrared sensors, or the like. In one example, the sensor  940  may be an image sensor that detects a degree to which an ambient image matches a stored image. As such, the sensor  940  may be used to identify a user of the electronic device  104 . The sensors  940  may also include one or more acoustic elements, such as a microphone used alone or in combination with a speaker element. The sensors  940  may also include a temperature sensor, barometer, pressure sensor, altimeter, moisture sensor or other similar environmental sensor. The sensors  940  may also include a light sensor that detects an ambient light condition of the electronic device  104 . 
     The sensor  940 , either alone or in combination, may generally be a motion sensor that is configured to determine an orientation, position, and/or movement of the electronic device  104 . For example, the sensor  940  may include one or more motion sensors including, for example, one or more accelerometers, gyrometers, magnetometers, optical sensors, or the like to detect motion. The sensors  940  may also be configured to determine one or more environmental conditions, such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, and so on. The sensors  940 , either alone or in combination with other input, may be configured to estimate a property of a supporting surface including, without limitation, a material property, surface property, friction property, or the like. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include a camera  932  that is configured to capture a digital image or other optical data. The camera  932  may include a charge-coupled device, complementary metal oxide (CMOS) device, or other device configured to convert light into electrical signals. The camera  932  may also include one or more light sources, such as a strobe, flash, or other light-emitting device. As discussed above, the camera  932  may be generally categorized as a sensor for detecting optical conditions and/or objects in the proximity of the electronic device  104 . However, the camera  932  may also be used to create photorealistic images that may be stored in an electronic format, such as JPG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, raw image file, or other similar file types. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include a communication port  944  that is configured to transmit and/or receive signals or electrical communication from an external or separate device. The communication port  944  may be configured to couple to an external device via a cable, adaptor, or other type of electrical connector. In some embodiments, the communication port  944  may be used to couple the electronic device  104  with a computing device and/or other appropriate accessories configured to send and/or receive electrical signals. The communication port  944  may be configured to receive identifying information from an external accessory, which may be used to determine a mounting or support configuration. For example, the communication port  944  may be used to determine that the electronic device  104  is coupled to a mounting accessory, such as a particular type of stand or support structure. 
     Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Further, the term “exemplary” does not mean that the described example is preferred or better than other examples. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses 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 the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the 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: 20171121
Publication Date: 20190618
Grant Date: 20190618
Priority Date: 20170817
Inventors: BOOZER, BRAD G.
ELY, COLIN M.
CARDINALI, STEVEN P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0216", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/185", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/284", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/064", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/064", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/284", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0216", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960765", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2203/1316", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/181", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2203/1316", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/181", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960765", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/064", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/284", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/185", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0216", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 65360841