PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8879272-B2
Application Number: US-201113312989-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multi-part substrate assemblies for low profile portable electronic devices

Abstract:
Multi-part substrate arrangements that yield low profile configurations are disclosed. One aspect pertains to portable electronic devices are able to have low profiles through use of multi-part substrate arrangements. Another aspect pertains to methods for assembling two or more separate substrates into a multi-part substrate. By use of multi-part substrate arrangements according to the invention, portable electronic devices are able to be thinner and more compact.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a plurality of electrical components; 
 a first printed circuit board including a plurality of distinct electrical conductors for interconnecting the electrical components being attached to the first printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board having a recessed portion; 
 a second circuit board placed within the recessed portion and attached and operatively coupled to the first printed circuit board, wherein the recessed portion comprises a first recessed portion of a first depth, wherein the first printed circuit board comprises a second recessed portion having a second depth that is greater than the first depth, wherein the first recessed portion abuts a first edge of the printed circuit board, and wherein the second recessed portion abuts a second edge of the printed circuit board; and 
 a third circuit board placed within the second recessed portion and attached and operatively coupled to the first printed circuit board, wherein the third circuit board extends from within the second recessed portion to beyond the second edge of the first printed circuit board, wherein a portion of the second circuit board overlaps the second recessed portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device defined in  claim 1  further comprising adhesive within the second recessed portion that mechanically bonds the third circuit board to the first printed circuit board in the region of the second recessed portion. 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device defined in  claim 1  wherein the second circuit board extends from within the first recessed portion to beyond the first edge of the first printed circuit board. 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device defined in  claim 1  wherein the first and second edges are on opposing sides of the first printed circuit board. 
     
     
       5. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a plurality of electrical components; 
 a first printed circuit board including a plurality of distinct electrical conductors for interconnecting the electrical components being attached to the first printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board having first and second recessed portions; 
 a second circuit board placed within the first recessed portion and attached and operatively coupled to the first printed circuit board, wherein the first recessed portion abuts an edge of the first printed circuit board on a first surface of the first printed circuit board; 
 a third circuit board placed within the second recessed portion and attached and operatively coupled to the first printed circuit board, wherein the second recessed portion abuts the edge of the first printed circuit board on a second surface of the first printed circuit board. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device defined in  claim 5  wherein the first and second surfaces respectively comprise top and bottom surfaces of the first printed circuit board. 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device defined in  claim 5  wherein the first and second surfaces comprise opposing surfaces of the first printed circuit board. 
     
     
       8. The portable electronic device defined in  claim 5  wherein the first and second recessed portions have a substantially similar depth in the first printed circuit board. 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device defined in  claim 5  wherein the second and third circuit boards each have a thickness that is less than or equal to the substantially similar depth of the first and second recessed portions.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/400,692, filed on Mar. 9, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,072,764 and entitled “MULTI-PART SUBSTRATE ASSEMBLIES FOR LOW PROFILE PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to substrates for electronic devices and, more particularly, to substrate assemblies for portable electronic devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years portable electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, portable media players, portable game players, have surged in popularity. Consequently, there is significant competition in the marketplace amongst competing products. As a result, there is pressure on companies to provide new and desirable products. On way to provide new and desirable products is to make the portable electronic smaller while at the same time making them even more powerful. Providing more is less space requires continuous innovative to continue to provide new and desirable products. 
     A principle component of a portable electronic device is a printed circuit board. Hence, the thickness of the printed circuit board with various electrical components attached often serves as a significant factor to the overall product thickness. Accordingly, the ability to reduce the height of the printed circuit board is of interest to product designers. It is not uncommon today for a portable electronic device to use one or more secondary circuit boards (or flexible circuits) with a main printed circuit board. In either case, the overall height utilized increases since the secondary circuit boards are stacked on the main printed circuit board where they are interconnected using connectors or soldered connections. Unfortunately, however, the increased height when using secondary circuit boards makes it difficult for portable electronic devices to continue to get thinner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to multi-part substrate arrangement that yield low profile configurations. One aspect of the invention pertains to portable electronic devices that are able to have low profiles through use of multi-part substrate arrangements. Another aspect of the invention pertains to methods for assembling two or more separate substrates into a multi-part substrate. By use of multi-part substrate arrangements according to the invention, portable electronic devices are able to be thinner and more compact. 
     The invention may be implemented in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, as a method, system, device, or apparatus. Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a portable electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: a plurality of electrical components; a first printed circuit board including a plurality of distinct electrical conductors for interconnecting the electrical components being attached to the first printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board having a recessed portion; and a second printed circuit placed within the recessed portion and attached and operatively coupled to the first printed circuit board. 
     As an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: a printed circuit board having a recessed portion near an edge of the printed circuit board; and a flexible circuit placed within the recessed portion and attached and operatively coupled to the printed circuit board via an anisotropic conductive film disposed between the flexible circuit and the printed circuit board. In one implementation, the combined thickness of the flexible circuit and the anisotropic conductive film is less than or equal to the depth of the recessed portion in the printed circuit board. 
     As a method for connecting a flexible circuit to a printed circuit board, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: obtaining a printed circuit board having a formed recess; placing a portion of a flexible circuit in the formed recess of the printed circuit board; and coupling the flexible circuit to the printed circuit board in the formed recess. 
     As a method for connecting a flexible circuit to a printed circuit board, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: forming a recessed region in printed circuit board, the recessed region including alignment targets; applying a conductive film within a portion of the recessed region; placing a flexible circuit within the recessed region over the conductive film; aligning the flexible circuit to the recessed region of the printed circuit board over the conductive film using the alignment targets in the recessed region; and applying heat and pressure to the conductive film to provide electrical interconnection and mechanical bonding between the flexible circuit and the printed circuit board. 
     Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of exemplary portable electronic device circuitry. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  are perspectives views of a multi-part substrate according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a multi-part substrate assembly process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a multi-part substrate assembly process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are cross-sectional side view diagrams illustrating operations of a multi-part substrate assembly process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a substrate arrangement having a base substrate with a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate coupled thereto, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a substrate arrangement having a base substrate with a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate coupled thereto, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a substrate arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a substrate arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a substrate arrangement according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to multi-part substrate arrangement that yield low profile configurations. One aspect of the invention pertains to portable electronic devices that are able to have low profiles through use of multi-part substrate arrangements. Another aspect of the invention pertains to methods for assembling two or more separate substrates into a multi-part substrate. By use of multi-part substrate arrangements according to the invention, portable electronic devices are able to be thinner and more compact. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the various figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes, as the invention extends beyond these embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a portable electronic device  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The portable electronic device  100  has a housing  102  that provides an external appearance for the portable electronic device  100 . Internal to the housing  102  is a multi-part substrate  104 . The multi-part substrate  104  can pertain to an assembly on two for more substrate parts. The substrate parts are substrates for electrical components, including electronic components, and provide conductive traces or pads for electrically connecting electrical components. In one embodiment, a first substrate part  106  can pertain to a base substrate, and a second substrate part  108  can pertain to a secondary substrate. The second substrate part  108  is able to be connected to the first substrate part  106  in a low profile manner, such that the height if the multi-part substrate  104  is less than the combined height of the first substrate part  104  and the second substrate part  108 . 
     Accordingly, as discussed in more detail below, the multi-part substrate  104  has a low profile configuration. The low-profile configuration of the multi-part substrate  104  is advantageous because it permits the housing  102  for the portable electronic device  100  to also be low-profile. Consequently, the use of the multi-part substrate  104  within the portable electronic device  100  enables the portable electronic device  100  to be dramatically thin and compact. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of exemplary portable electronic device circuitry  200 . The exemplary portable electronic device circuitry  200  can operate to provide the appropriate functionality to a portable electronic device, such as the portable electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The exemplary portable electronic device circuitry  200  is, for example, circuitry that can be coupled to a multi-part substrate, such as the multi-part substrate  104 . 
     The exemplary portable electronic device circuitry  200  includes a controller  202  that can control the overall operation of the portable electronic device  100 . The controller  202  can couple to a memory  204  that provides data and/or program storage. A user input device  206  and a display device  208  can be coupled to the controller  202 . The user input device  206  can pertain to a variety of different devices or input types, including a mouse, trackball, touchpad, touch surface, touch screen, and the like. The display device  208  is typically a small liquid crystal display. A communication interface  210  can also couple to the controller  202 . The communication interface  210  can permit the portable electronic device  102  communicate data across a wired or wireless connection. Still further, the exemplary portable electronic device circuitry  200  can include a battery  212  that provides power to the various electrical components supporting functionality of the portable electronic device. 
     The exemplary portable electronic device circuitry  200  is merely one embodiment of circuitry that can be electrically interconnected using a multi-part substrate according to the invention. However, it should be understood that the nature and the functionality of a portable electronic device will determine the circuitry to be supported by a multi-part substrate. The electrical components that together form portions of the circuitry for a portable electronic device can be placed on one or more of the parts of the multi-part substrate. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  are perspectives views of a multi-part substrate according to one embodiment of the invention. The multi-part substrate is, for example, suitable for use as the multi-part substrate  104  utilized in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a base portion  300  of a multi-part substrate according to one embodiment of the invention. The base portion  300  (or base part) is in one embodiment a multi-layered substrate, such as a printed circuit board having multiple laminated layers. The base portion  300  has at least a first surface  302  that has a plurality of electrical components  304  attached thereto. Other surfaces, although not shown, can also have electrical components attached thereto. The various electrical components  304  can very depend upon particular product application, but may include one or more of: integrated circuits, transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, batteries, display devices (e.g., liquid crystal displays), buttons, touch sensors or surfaces, and the like. In one embodiment, when the base portion  300  is a printed circuit board, the base portion  300  with the electrical component  304  attached thereto can be referred to as a printed circuit board assembly. 
     In addition, the base portion  300  includes a recessed portion  306 . The recessed portion  306  is a region of the base portion  300  that has a reduced thickness. The exposed surface of the recessed portion  306  contains traces  310  and pads  312  that serve as conductive interfaces. The traces  310  and the pads  312  are metal conductors that are not only exposed on the exposed surface  308  but also extend within the remaining region of the base portion  300  so as to provide various electrical interconnections. 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a multi-part substrate  320  having a flexible substrate  322  attached to the base portion  300  at the recessed portion  306 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B  the height of the flexible substrate  322  is less than or equal to the depth of the recessed portion  306 . Advantageously, the flexible substrate  322  is able to be mechanically and electrically connected to the base portion  300  without incurring any additional thickness beyond that required by the base portion  300 . 
     The flexible substrate  322  includes a first surface  324 . The first surface  324  can include conductive traces and/or pads as well as electrical components, although not illustrated in  FIG. 3B . The mechanical and electrical connection between the flexible substrate  322  and the base portion  300  is further discussed below. However, it should be noted that the electrical connection between the flexible substrate  322  and the base portion  300  utilizes the traces  310  and the pads  312  on the exposed surface  308  of the recessed portion  306  to electrically couple to corresponding conductive areas on the underside of the flexible substrate  322 . 
       FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a base portion  300 ′ of a multi-part substrate according to another embodiment of the invention. The base portion  300 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 3C  is similar to the base portion  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A , except that a recessed portion  306 ′ is configured differently than the recessed portion  306  illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Specifically, the recessed portion  306 ′ extends to a single and provides a slot or notch in the base portion  300 ′. The flexible substrate  322  shown in  FIG. 3B  can nevertheless couple to the recessed portion  306 ′ in the same manner. 
       FIG. 3D  is a perspective view of a base portion  300 ″ of a multi-part substrate according to another embodiment of the invention. The base portion  300 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 3D  is similar to the base portion  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A , except that the recessed portion  306  further illustrates one or more target markings  340  (or alignment targets) on the exposed surface  308  of the recessed portion  306 . The target markings  340  can be used by computerized equipment having machine vision to precisely position the flexible circuit  322  with respect to the recessed region  306  of the base portion  300 ″. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a multi-part substrate assembly process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The multi-part substrate assembly process  400  can obtain  402  a printed circuit board having a formed recess. The printed circuit board can also be more generally referred to as a base substrate or a rigid substrate. In one implementation, the formed recess is provided at an edge of the printed circuit board. In another implementation, the formed recess is a cavity in the printed circuit board and need not be formed at an edge of the printed circuit board. The formation of the recess in the printed circuit board can be achieved in a variety of different ways, thought it is typically formed during manufacturer of the printed circuit board. 
     Next, a portion of a flexible circuit is placed  404  in the formed recess of the printed circuit board. Here, the flexible circuit (or flexible substrate) that is to be mechanically and electrically connected to the printed circuit board and is placed  404  in the appropriate position. In some embodiments, precise alignment can be utilized so that electrical connections can be reliably made between the flexible circuit and the printed circuit board. 
     After the flexible substrate has been placed  404  with respect to the formed recess of the printed circuit board, the flexible circuit can be coupled  406 , both electrically and mechanically, to the printed circuit board in the formed recess. In one implementation, a conductive film can be interposed between the flexible circuit and the printed circuit board in the vicinity of the formed recess. The conductive film can facilitate the electrical connections (and possibly also the mechanical bonding) between the flexible circuit and the printed circuit board. The conductive film can also serve as an adhesive layer that secures the flexible circuit to the printed circuit board in the formed recess. In another implementation, a soldering technique (e.g., hand solder, bar solder) can be utilized to electrically and mechanically secure in the flexible substrate to the printed circuit board. Also, mechanical bonding can also be further provided through optional use of mechanical features or adhesive. After the flexible circuit has been coupled  406  to circuit board, the multi-part substrate assembly process  400  can end. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a multi-part substrate assembly process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The multi-part substrate assembly process  500  can initially form  502  a recessed region with alignment targets in a printed circuit board (PCB). Next, an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) layer can be applied  504  within a portion of the recessed region. Next, a flexible circuit can be placed  506  within the recessed region over the ACF layer. At this point, the flexible circuit can be aligned  508  to the recessed region of the printed circuit board (PCB) using the alignment targets in the recessed region. Here, computerized equipment having machine vision can locate in the alignment targets and precisely position the flexible circuit with respect to the recessed region of the printed circuit board (PCB). Once the flexible circuit has been aligned  508  to the printed circuit board, heat and pressure can be applied  510  to the ACF layer via the flexible circuit so as to provide electrical interconnection and mechanical bonding. After the flexible circuit has been electrically and mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board at the recessed region, the multi-part substrate assembly process  500  can end. 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  are cross-sectional side view diagrams illustrating operations of a multi-part substrate assembly process according to one embodiment of the invention. As one example, the diagrams illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6D  can pertain to operations of the multi-part substrate assembly process  500  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a printed circuit board  600 . The printed circuit board  600  is typically a primary electrical structure provided within a portable electronic device. For a portable electronic device that are to be thin, it is important that the printed circuit board also be thin. The particular thickness will, however, depend on the particular nature, design or type of portable electronic device. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the printed circuit board  600  can be in a range of 0.4 to 1.2 millimeters. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates the formation of a recessed region  602  in the printed circuit board  600 . The recessed region  602  has an exposed upper surface  604 . On the exposed upper surface  604  are conductive regions  606 , such as conductive traces and/or conductive pads. These conductive regions  606  can be electrically connected to other regions within the printed circuit board  600  to facilitate various electrical interconnections. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates a conductive film  608  being applied to the recessed region  602 . The conductive film  608  is placed over the conductive regions  606  on the exposed upper surface  604 . The conductive film  608  is, in one embodiment, an anisotropic conductive film. The thickness of the conductive film  608  (e.g., anisotropic conductive film) prior to compression is, for example, 100-300 microns. 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates a flexible substrate  610  being coupled to the printed circuit board  600  in the recessed region  602 . In one embodiment, the flexible substrate  610  is flexible printed circuit product, such as a flex circuit. In one implementation, these flexible printed circuit products utilize a polyimide film, such as Kapton®. As illustrated in  FIG. 6D , the flexible substrate  610  has been mechanically and electrically connected to the printed circuit board  600  using the conductive film  608 . Here, the conductive film  608  has been activated through application of heat and pressure to provide not only electrical connection (e.g., in the Z direction) but also mechanical bonding, such as through adhesive. The thickness of the conductive film  608  (e.g., anisotropic conductive film) following compression is now, for example, 5-15 microns. 
     It should be noted that once assembled, in one embodiment, the combined height of the flexible substrate  610  and the conductive film  608  is less than or equal to the depth of the recessed region  602 . For example, the depth of the recessed region  602  might be 0.2 mm, the thickness of the flexible substrate  610  might be 0.15 mm, and the thickness of the conductive film  608  might be 0.04 mm. In such an example, the combined thickness of the flexible substrate  610  and the conductive film  608  is 0.19 mm which is less than 0.2 mm, the depth of the recessed region  602 . 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates a single flexible substrate coupled to a base substrate (e.g., printed circuit board). More generally, however, one or more flexible substrates can be coupled to a base substrate at one or more recesses. The position and depth of the one or more recesses can vary. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a substrate arrangement having a base substrate  700  with a first flexible substrate  710  and a second flexible substrate  720  coupled thereto, according to one embodiment of the invention. The first flexible substrate  710  is coupled to the base substrate  700  at a first recessed region  702 . The second flexible substrate  720  is coupled to the base substrate  700  at a second recessed region  712 . 
     The first recessed region  702  has an exposed upper surface  704 . On the exposed upper surface  704  are conductive regions  706 , such as conductive traces and/or conductive pads. The conductive regions  706  can be electrically connected to other regions within the base substrate  700  to facilitate various electrical interconnections. A conductive film  708  can be placed over the conductive regions  706  on the exposed upper surface  704  at the first recessed region  702 . The conductive film  708  operates to mechanically and electrically connect the first flexible substrate  710  to the base substrate  700 . 
     The second recessed region  712  has an exposed upper surface  714 . On the exposed upper surface  714  are conductive regions  716 , such as conductive traces and/or conductive pads. The conductive regions  716  can be electrically connected to other regions within the base substrate  700  to facilitate various electrical interconnections. A conductive film  718  can be placed over the conductive regions  716  on the exposed upper surface  714  at the second recessed region  712 . The conductive film  718  operates to mechanically and electrically connect the second flexible substrate  720  to the base substrate  700 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a substrate arrangement having a base substrate  800  with a first flexible substrate  810  and a second flexible substrate  820  coupled thereto, according to one embodiment of the invention. The first flexible substrate  810  is coupled to the base substrate  800  at a first recessed region  802 . The second flexible substrate  820  is coupled to the substrate  800  at a second recessed region  812 . The substrate arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 8  is similar to the substrate arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 7 , except that the second flexible substrate  820  is placed on an opposite side of the base substrate  800 . 
     The first recessed region  802  has an exposed upper surface  804 . On the exposed upper surface  804  are conductive regions  806 , such as conductive traces and/or conductive pads. The conductive regions  806  can be electrically connected to other regions within the base substrate  800  to facilitate various electrical interconnections. A conductive film  808  can be placed over the conductive regions  806  on the exposed upper surface  804  at the first recessed region  802 . The conductive film  808  operates to mechanically and electrically connect the first flexible substrate  810  to the base substrate  800 . 
     The second recessed region  812  has an exposed upper surface  814 . On the exposed upper surface  814  are conductive regions  816 , such as conductive traces and/or conductive pads. The conductive regions  816  can be electrically connected to other regions within the base substrate  800  to facilitate various electrical interconnections. A conductive film  818  can be placed over the conductive regions  816  on the exposed upper surface  814  at the second recessed region  812 . The conductive film  818  operates to mechanically and electrically connect the second flexible substrate  820  to the base substrate  800 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a substrate arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, flexible substrates are attached to opposite sides of an edge of a base substrate. In particular, a base substrate  900  has a first recessed region that receives a first flexible substrate  902  and a second recessed region that receives a second flexible substrate  904 . The base substrate  900  is, for example, a printed circuit board. The first flexible substrate  904  and the second flexible substrate  904  can be parts of a common flexible substrate or be separate substrates. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a substrate arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the substrate arrangement has a base substrate  1000  with a flexible substrate  1010  coupled thereto. The flexible substrate  1010  is coupled to the base substrate  1000  at a recessed region  1002 . The recessed region  1002  has an exposed upper surface  1004 . On the exposed upper surface  1004  are conductive regions  1006 , such as conductive traces and/or conductive pads. The conductive regions  1006  can be electrically connected to other regions within the base substrate  1000  to facilitate various electrical interconnections. A conductive film  1008  can be placed over the conductive regions  1006  on the exposed upper surface  1004  at the recessed region  1002 . The conductive film  1008  operates to facilitate electrical (and possibly mechanical) connection of the flexible substrate  1010  to the base substrate  1000 . 
     The substrate arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 10  is generally similar to the substrate arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 6D . However, unlike  FIG. 6D , in this embodiment, additional material is utilized to secure the flexible substrate  1010  to the base substrate  700 . For example, the additional material can be an adhesive or an epoxy. In one embodiment, an adhesive layer  1012  can be provided on at least a portion of the recessed region  1002  in the base substrate  1000  to provide mechanical bonding between the flexible substrate  1010  and the recessed region  1002  of the base substrate  1002 . The adhesive layer  1012  is typically non-conductive. However, the adhesive layer  1012  could potentially be conductive, such as when the adhesive layer is an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) layer. In this embodiment, the conductive film  1008  need not, but may, provide mechanical bonding between the flexible substrate  1010  and the recessed region  1002  of the base substrate  1002 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a substrate arrangement according to still another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the substrate arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 11  is generally similar to the substrate arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 10  except that an adhesive layer  1012 ′ is provided in a second recessed region  1014 . Since the base substrate  1000  includes the second recessed region  1014 , the adhesive layer  1012 ′ is able to be thicker than the adhesive layer  1012  illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The thicker adhesive layer  1012 ′ can provide greater mechanical bonding of the flexible substrate  1010  to the base substrate  1000 . In one embodiment, the depth of the second recessed region  1014  is greater than the depth of the first recessed region  1002 . 
     In various embodiments discussed above and illustrated in various figures a conductive film or layer is provided between a base substrate and a secondary substrate. The conductive film or layer is provided to facilitate electrical connection between the base substrate and the secondary substrate. Given the small, high density characteristics of multi-part substrates according to various embodiments, use of a conductive film or layers, such as an ACF layer, can be more efficient than requiring soldering (e.g., hand soldering or bar soldering). However, it should be understood that various embodiments of the invention do not require use of any conductive file or layer between a base substrate and a secondary substrate. 
     It should also be noted that the recess or recessed region in a base substrate (e.g., printed circuit board) need not be linear or rectangular but can take any shape or geometry desired. Similarly, the shape or configuration of a secondary substrate (e.g., flexible circuit) can also be any shape or geometry, and need not match that of the recess or recessed region. The position of the recess or recessed region can be on any part or any significant surface of a base substrate. 
     The invention can be utilized in a variety of different devices (e.g., electronic devices) including, but not limited to including, portable and highly compact electronic devices (i.e., portable electronic devices) with limited dimensions and space. In one embodiment, a device utilizing the invention may be a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a media player, a mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), substantially any handheld electronic device, a computer mouse, a keyboard, a remote control, substantially any computer accessory, and/or substantially any computer peripheral. Typically, the electronic devices include at least one electrical component inside its housing. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more different advantages. One advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that portable electronic devices can be produced with low profiles. In other words, the invention enables portable electronic device to be thinner and thus more compact and more appealing. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20111206
Publication Date: 20141104
Grant Date: 20141104
Priority Date: 20090309
Inventors: YEATES KYLE H.
BILANSKI JAMES
PYPER DENNIS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K3/323", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09709", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/117", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09845", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2203/1572", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09845", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/323", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09845", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49155", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/117", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2203/1572", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09709", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49155", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09709", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/323", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/117", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2203/1572", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 42678099