Methods for electrically isolating areas of a metal body

• Main Authors: Marcinkowski, Joseph B, Chan, Collin D, Ferretti, Francesco, Engbersen, Tom H
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 29.05.2018
• Subjects: ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS; BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION

Unitary structures having conductive portions electrically separated by non-conductive portions are described. In some embodiments, the non-conductive portions are made of metal oxide. In some embodiments, the method involves an oxidizing process adapted to convert an entire thickness at a selected portion of a metal substrate to a metal oxide, thereby creating metal portions that are electrically isolated from one another. In some embodiments, the thickness of the metal substrate is reduced at certain regions prior to oxidizing in order to provide a sufficiently thin metal for complete oxidization through the entire thickness. In some embodiments, the oxidizing process involves a plasma electrolytic oxidation process. In some embodiments, the plasma is concentrated at certain regions of the substrate for preferential oxidation. Applications for the substrate include enclosures and electrical components for electronic devices that use radio frequency communication.