Power Package with Built-in Radio Frequency Identification Tag

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a power supply package having a built-in radio frequency identification tag. The method includes: providing a power supply package (PSP) including a power supply (135), an RFID tag (100), and a power switch (139), wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal (113) of the RFID tag, and a load path terminal of the power switch is coupled between an output terminal (143) of the PSP and a first terminal (147) of the power supply, wherein a control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal that turns off the power switch; receiving, by the RFID tag, a second value for the control register of the RFID tag; and writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal that turns on the power switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and in particular embodiments, to a power supply package having an embedded RFID tag for anti-theft purposes. Background Art

[0002] RFID is used to uniquely identify articles using radio waves. A typical RFID system includes an RFID tag and an RFID reader (also referred to as a reader or reader device). The RFID reader sends an interrogation signal (e.g., a radio frequency signal) to the RFID tag, and the RFID tag responds with its unique information. RFID systems can operate in various frequency ranges (e.g., a low frequency (LF) range between 125 KHz and 134 KHz, a high frequency (HF) at 13.56 MHz, or a ultra high frequency range between 856 MHz and 928 MHz). There are various industry standards for RFID communication (e.g., ISO 15693, ISO 18000, and ISO 24730).

[0003] Near Field Communication (NFC) is a subset of RFID communication and operates at the same frequency as HF RFID readers and tags (e.g., 13.56 MHz). There are various standards for NFC (e.g., ISO / IEC 14443, ISO / IEC 18092, and ISO / IEC 21481). Although RFID systems can operate at distances up to several hundred meters, near field communication typically operates at very short distances (e.g., a few centimeters). Due to its short read range and the security associated with such short communication distances, NFC systems have been used in applications such as contactless payments, electronic ID cards, and electronic key cards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some embodiments, a method includes: providing a power supply package (PSP) that includes a power supply, an RFID tag coupled to the power supply, and a power switch, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, and a load path terminal of the power switch is coupled between an output terminal of the power supply package and a first terminal of the power supply, wherein a control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the first control signal turning off the power switch. The method further includes: receiving, by the RFID tag, a second value for the control register of the RFID tag; and writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

[0005] In some embodiments, the method includes: receiving a power supply package having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the power supply package including a power supply, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the power supply, and a power switch, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, and a load path terminal of the power switch is connected between the first output terminal and a first terminal of a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the power supply, wherein the RFID tag is pre-programmed to a first operating state, wherein in the first operating state, the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the first control signal turning off the power switch, wherein when the power switch is turned off, the power supply package is configured to be disabled; determining that the power supply package needs to be enabled; and in response to determining that the power supply package needs to be enabled, programming the RFID tag to a second operating state, wherein in the second operating state, the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power supply package includes: a first output terminal and a second output terminal; a power supply; a power switch coupled between the first output terminal and a first terminal of the power supply; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device coupled to the power supply and the power switch, the RFID device including: an RFID block configured to support RFID communication; a memory configured to store pulse width modulation (PWM) parameters; and a PWM circuit configured to generate a PWM signal at an output of the PWM circuit, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit is determined by the PWM parameters, wherein an output of the PWM circuit is coupled to a control terminal of the power switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally represent like components throughout the various views, and for the sake of brevity, like components will not generally be described again. To understand the invention more fully, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram of an RFID tag in some embodiments is illustrated;

[0009] Figure 2 A partitioning of a memory module of an RFID tag in some embodiments is illustrated;

[0010] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a power supply package having a built-in RFID tag in one embodiment is illustrated;

[0011] Figure 4 FIG. illustrates a schematic diagram of a power supply package with a built-in RFID tag in another embodiment;

[0012] Figure 5 FIG. illustrates a schematic diagram of a power supply package with a built-in RFID tag in yet another embodiment; and

[0013] Figure 6 FIG. illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a power supply package with a built-in RFID tag in some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The fabrication and use of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways of fabricating and using the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0015] The present invention will be described in a specific context with respect to exemplary embodiments, namely, a system and method for a power supply package with a built-in RFID tag for anti-theft purposes.

[0016] Figure 1 FIG. illustrates a block diagram of an RFID tag 100 in some embodiments. The RFID tag 100 includes an RFID block 101, a configuration and control (CC) circuit 103, a memory module 105, an oscillator 107, a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit 109, and a buffer 111. For simplicity, Figure 1 not all features of the RFID tag 100 are illustrated in. Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 can be formed as a stand-alone RFID tag or can be formed with additional functional blocks to form an RFID device with enhanced functionality.

[0017] The RFID block 101 includes circuitry that provides the RFID tag 100 with the ability to communicate wirelessly with a reader. The RFID block 101 can support one or more of the standards used for RFID communication and / or NFC communication. The RFID block 101 can also support proprietary wireless communication protocols. As Figure 1 shown, the RFID block 101 has a connection for an antenna (e.g., see Figure 3Terminal 115 of 133) therein. In some embodiments, with the aid of the RFID block 101, a reader device can access (e.g., read and / or write) the memory regions (e.g., register region 104) of the memory module 105 and the CC circuit 103. For example, with the aid of the RFID block 101, the reader device can write values to certain configuration registers (e.g., in the memory module 105) to set the operation mode of the RFID tag 100 and can send data to the RFID tag 100. Figure 1 Illustrates the data paths (e.g., bidirectional data paths or unidirectional data paths) between the various blocks of the RFID tag 100. The data paths can be used to transmit / receive signals for control purposes and / or for data access (e.g., read / write) purposes.

[0018] In some embodiments, the memory module 105 includes non-volatile memory (such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)). The memory module 105 can be divided into different regions to store different types of data. Figure 2 An example partition of the memory module 105 is illustrated.

[0019] In Figure 2 the example, the memory module 105 (e.g., EEPROM) is non-volatile memory and is divided into a first non-volatile memory region 123 and a second non-volatile memory region 125. The first non-volatile memory region 123 and the second non-volatile memory region 125 are password-protected regions such that access (e.g., read / write) to these regions is granted to an RFID reader that can provide the correct password. The memory module 105 can include other storage regions not illustrated Figure 2 herein. The other storage regions can include memory regions without password protection (e.g., that can be accessed by the RFID reader without using a password). In some embodiments, the memory module 105 has another memory region in certain operation modes for storing data that is sent to the PWM circuit 109 (e.g., with the aid of the CC circuit 103) during the operation of the RFID tag 100.

[0020] In Figure 2In the example, the first non-volatile memory region 123 includes one or more PWM registers 124 (also referred to as control registers or PWM control registers), and the one or more PWM registers 124 store PWM parameter values, which are used to determine various aspects of the operation of the RFID tag 100. For example, one of the PWM registers in the PWM registers 124 can store a value for determining the duty cycle of the PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit 109. The second non-volatile memory region 125 can store passwords for device authentication and / or protection (e.g., read / write access control). More details will be discussed below. Figure 2 The partitions illustrated in are merely examples, and other partitions of the memory module 105 are possible and are fully intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Referring again to Figure 1 , the RFID tag 100 includes a CC circuit 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the CC circuit 103 has a register region 104. In certain operating modes, the register region 104 can be used to store data passed through the PWM circuit 109. In some embodiments, the CC circuit 103 includes a state machine. In some embodiments, the state machine includes circuitry configured to perform a predetermined sequence of operations based on a sequence of events presented to the state machine. According to some embodiments, the state machine of the CC circuit 103 controls the operation of the RFID tag 100 based on the settings of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., PWM parameter values), and a microcontroller (e.g., MCU) is not used in the RFID tag 100. Note that the MCU here refers to a small computer on a single integrated circuit and can include one or more central processing units (CPUs) and integrated memory and input / output (IO) peripherals. By using a state machine instead of an MCU to control the operation of the RFID tag 100, the cost of the RFID tag 100 is significantly reduced.

[0022] The PWM circuit 109 includes circuitry for generating a PWM waveform (e.g., including "0" and "1" logic levels) with a specified frequency and duty cycle based on the PWM settings (e.g., PWM parameters) stored in the first non-volatile memory region 123. The PWM waveform can also be referred to as a PWM signal. In some embodiments, the PWM circuit 109 simultaneously generates one or more PWM signals and outputs the generated PWM signals at the output channel 110 (also referred to as an output port or output terminal) of the PWM circuit. In some embodiments, in the case where more than one PWM signal is simultaneously generated by the PWM circuit 109, the more than one PWM signals are independent of each other and the more than one PWM signals are generated based on different PWM parameters stored, for example, in the PWM registers 124 in the first non-volatile memory region 123.

[0023] In one embodiment, the PWM parameters include a PWM channel ID and a PWM tone value, where the PWM tone value further includes a PWM enable signal, a PWM frequency, and a PWM pulse width. The PWM channel ID indicates which one of the output channels 110 of the PWM circuit 109 is expected (e.g., controlled) by the PWM parameters. The PWM enable signal indicates the state (e.g., ON or OFF) of the PWM channel specified by the PWM channel ID. When the PWM enable signal is ON, the corresponding output channel is enabled and outputs a PWM signal; when the PWM enable signal is OFF, the corresponding output channel is turned off (e.g., no PWM signal is generated). The PWM frequency indicates the frequency of the PWM signal to be generated at the output channel indicated by the PWM channel ID. In some embodiments, the PWM signal is generated by the PWM circuit 109 using a digital waveform (e.g., a waveform derived from the output of the oscillator 107). In some embodiments, the PWM pulse width and the PWM frequency indicate the duty cycle of the PWM waveform. For example, the duty cycle of the PWM waveform can be determined by dividing the pulse width of the PWM waveform (e.g., represented by the PWM pulse width) by the period of the PWM waveform, and the period of the PWM waveform is inversely proportional to the frequency of the PWM waveform. In some embodiments, when the output channel is enabled (e.g., the PWM enable signal is ON), the PWM circuit 109 generates a PWM waveform at the output channel specified by the PWM channel ID based on the received PWM parameters, and the PWM waveform has a frequency specified by the PWM frequency and a duty cycle specified by the PWM pulse width and the PWM frequency.

[0024] Still referring to Figure 1 , the oscillator 107 provides a clock signal to drive the circuits of the RFID tag 100 and serves as a timing reference. Any suitable oscillator can be used and will not be elaborated here. Figure 1One or more buffers 111 are further illustrated, and the one or more buffers 111 are coupled between the output port 110 of the PWM circuit 109 and the corresponding output terminals 113 of the RFID tag 100. The buffer 111 can be any suitable buffer (e.g., a transistor, an open collector driving device) and can be used to shift the voltage of the PWM waveform from an internal power domain (e.g., the voltage level within the RFID tag 100) to an external power domain (e.g., the voltage level outside the RFID tag 100). In some embodiments, the buffer 111 is formed using NMOS and PMOS technologies and can have multiple parallel NMOS / PMOS stages to regulate the output current to, for example, provide improved driving capabilities at the output terminal 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the output of the buffer 111 is a digital signal (e.g., the PWM waveform buffered by the buffer 111) and is sent to the output terminal 113. In Figure 3 the example, the output terminal 113 is coupled to the control terminal (e.g., the gate) of a power switch 139 (e.g., a transistor) and is used to turn the power switch on or off. Thus, the PWM signal can also be referred to as a control signal. Additionally, Figure 1 a power supply terminal 117 (e.g., a voltage supply terminal Vdd) and a reference voltage terminal 118 (e.g., an electrical ground terminal GND) for the RFID tag 100 are illustrated.

[0025] Figure 3FIG. illustrates a schematic diagram of a power supply package 200 with a built-in RFID tag in one embodiment. The power supply package 200 includes a power supply 135, an RFID tag 100, a voltage regulator 137, a power switch 139, a resistor 145, and an antenna 133. The power supply 135 can be a battery, the voltage of the battery is between, for example, 5V and 24V, and as an example, the power supply 135 can be a rechargeable battery for devices such as mobile devices, consumer electronic devices, power tools, etc. As another example, the power supply 135 can be a switched-mode power supply (SMPS). In the following discussion, the battery is used as an example of the power supply 135, and thus the power supply 135 can be referred to as the battery 135, and the power supply package 200 can be referred to as the battery pack 200. Although the battery is used as an example of the power supply 135, the power supply 135 can be any suitable type of power supply (such as an SMPS). In one embodiment, the power switch 139 is a transistor (such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)) and the control terminal is the gate of the transistor. In addition to MOSFETs, other types of power switches (e.g., bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, etc.) can also be used as the power switch 139. In the discussion herein, the two terminals of the power switch 139 other than the control terminal are referred to as load path terminals. For example, the source / drain terminals of the MOSFET are referred to as the load path terminals of the MOSFET.

[0026] Conventional power supply packages (e.g., power supply packages without a built-in RFID tag 100 and power switch 139) may not have a built-in function to prevent theft in a retail environment. As an anti-theft measure, conventional power supply packages are typically packaged side by side with an anti-theft device (e.g., a magnetic stripe) in, for example, a plastic package. However, if the plastic package is cut open and the conventional power supply package is removed from the plastic package, the conventional power supply package itself cannot provide protection or prevent theft. In contrast, the currently disclosed power supply packages (e.g., 200, 200A, 200B) provide built-in anti-theft features by integrating the RFID tag 100 and the power switch 139 within the power supply package (e.g., within the outer housing of the power supply package). For example, the output of the power supply package 200 is pre-programmed to be disabled, for example, at the manufacturing facility of the power supply package. Subsequently, after it is determined that the power supply package 200 needs to be enabled (e.g., after payment is confirmed at a point of sale such as a retail store, or after receiving authorization to enable the power supply package 200), the power supply package 200 is enabled, for example, by a store clerk. Thus, since the output of the power supply package 200 is disabled, a stolen power supply package 200 is inoperable. Details of the disclosed power supply packages are discussed below.

[0027] In Figure 3In [the figure], a voltage regulator 137 is coupled between a battery 135 and an RFID tag 100. The voltage regulator 137 converts (e.g., down-converts) the voltage provided by the battery 135 into a voltage suitable for the RFID tag. For example, the battery 135 may provide a voltage Vb of 24V, and the voltage regulator 137 down-converts the voltage Vb to 3V and supplies the down-converted voltage to the voltage supply terminal Vdd of the RFID tag 100. As Figure 3 shown, the positive and negative terminals of the battery 135 are coupled to the first and second inputs of the voltage regulator 137, and the output of the voltage regulator 137 is coupled to the voltage supply terminal Vdd. The reference voltage terminal (e.g., GND terminal) of the RFID tag 100 is coupled to the negative terminal of the battery 135. The output from the voltage regulator 137 is used to drive the digital circuits (e.g., CC circuit 103, PWM circuit 109, oscillator 107, and buffer 111) of the RFID tag 100. Note that the RF portion of the RFID tag 100 (such as the RFID block 101) and its access to the memory module 105 (e.g., read / write) can operate by electromagnetic coupling using the energy from the RFID reader 131 and can thus operate without the battery 135.

[0028] In Figure 3 [the figure], a power package 200 has two output terminals 141 and 143. The output terminal 141 is coupled to the positive terminal of the battery 135, and the output terminal 143 is coupled to the first load path terminal (e.g., source / drain terminal) of a power switch 139 (e.g., MOSFET). The second load path terminal of the power switch 139 is coupled to a reference voltage node 147, which is connected to, for example, electrical ground and has the same voltage as the negative terminal of the battery 135. The control terminal (e.g., gate) of the power switch 139 is coupled to the output terminal 113 of the RFID tag 100. Figure 3 A resistor 145 is further illustrated, and the resistor 145 is coupled between the control terminal of the power switch 139 and the reference voltage node (e.g., electrical ground).

[0029] As Figure 3 shown, a terminal 115 of the RFID tag 100 is connected to an antenna 133. Additionally, Figure 3 an RFID reader 131 (e.g., an RFID (or NFC)-enabled smart phone) is illustrated, and the RFID reader 131 is used to wirelessly interact with the RFID tag 100 to read or write data in, for example, the memory module 105. Note that although illustrated in Figure 3 [the figure], the RFID reader 131 is not part of the power package 200.

[0030] As described above, the first non-volatile memory region 123 (see Figure 2 ) includes one or more PWM registers 124, and each PWM register in the PWM registers 124 is used to store PWM parameters. The PWM parameters may include values indicating the channel ID, the PWM signal frequency, and the duty cycle of the PWM signal generated for the identified channel. In one embodiment, for example, when manufacturing the power package 200 in a manufacturing facility, the values of the PWM registers 124 in the first non-volatile memory region 123 are set (e.g., pre-programmed) to values indicating a duty cycle of 0%. The channel ID of the PWM parameters stored in the PWM registers 124 points to the output channel of the PWM circuit 109, and the output channel of the PWM circuit 109 is coupled to Figure 3 the output terminal 113 in (e.g., the output terminal 113 connected to the power switch 139). The PWM frequency of the PWM parameters can be set to any PWM frequency value supported by the PWM circuit 109. Since in the present disclosure, the duty cycle of the PWM signal is set to a 0% duty cycle or a 100% duty cycle, the generated PWM signal is actually a direct current (DC) signal with a logic low or logic high value, and thus the PWM frequency can be set to any supported value.

[0031] Additionally, for example, at the manufacturing facility of the power package 200, a password is stored in the second non-volatile memory region 125. The password may be a unique message digest generated through a hashing process. For example, the password may be formed by concatenating the batch ID and the device ID to form a digital sequence, and then processing the digital sequence using a hashing process to generate a password (e.g., a 64-bit password). The batch ID may be a confidential ID number assigned to a specific manufacturing facility or multiple manufacturing facilities in a specific geographical area. The device ID is a unique ID (e.g., chip ID) assigned to each RFID tag 100 manufactured and stored in the RFID tag 100 and can be read by an RFID reader. Other ways of generating the password are possible and are fully intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] The password stored in the second non-volatile memory region 125 can be used to control access (e.g., writing and / or reading) to the password-protected region of the memory module 105. In the illustrated embodiment, when the RFID reader 131 reads from or writes to a password-protected region (e.g., the PWM register 124) in the memory module 105, the RFID reader 131 needs to first send the password to the RFID tag 100. The RFID tag 100 compares the received password with the password stored in the second non-volatile memory region 125. Access to the password-protected region of the memory module 105 is allowed only if the received password matches the stored password.

[0033] As described above, the PWM parameters stored in the PWM register 124 (see Figure 2 ) default to a duty cycle of 0% (e.g., from the manufacturing facility). Thus, when the battery 135 supplies voltage, e.g., after the (rechargeable) battery 135 has been charged, the PWM circuit 109 of the RFID tag 100 generates a PWM signal with a 0% duty cycle at the output terminal 113, which is a logic low signal, and the power switch 139 is turned off. As a result, the output terminal 143 of the power package 200 is disconnected from the reference voltage node 147 (e.g., electrical ground) and is electrically floating (e.g., disconnected from the rest of the circuitry in the power package 200). Thus, the output of the power package 200 is disabled. In other words, if a load is connected between the output terminals 141 and 143, no current will flow through the load. The resistor 145 serves as a pull-down resistor to ensure that the gate of the power switch 139 is grounded when the output terminal 113 is not driving the power switch 139. As an example, the resistance of the resistor 145 can be 100 KΩ. In some embodiments, the resistor 145 is omitted.

[0034] After it is determined that the power supply package 200 needs to be enabled, for example, at the point of sale (e.g., a retail store or a warehouse of an online shopping website), after the payment for the power supply package 200 is confirmed, the power supply package 200 is enabled by changing the duty cycle of the PWM signal to 100%. For example, a store clerk can use the RFID reader 131 to write a new value to the PWM register 124 such that the duty cycle indicated by the PWM parameter stored in the PWM register 124 indicates a 100% duty cycle. When the battery 135 supplies voltage, for example, after the (rechargeable) battery 135 is charged, the PWM circuit 109 of the RFID tag 100 generates a PWM signal with a 100% duty cycle at the output terminal 113. This PWM signal is a logic high signal, and the power switch 139 is turned on. As a result, the output terminal 143 of the power supply package 200 is coupled to the reference voltage node 147 (e.g., electrical ground). Therefore, the output of the power supply package 200 is enabled. In other words, if a load is connected between the output terminals 141 and 143, current will flow through the load.

[0035] To access (e.g., read / write) the password-protected area of the memory module 105, the RFID reader 131 needs to send a locally generated password to the RFID tag 100, and the locally generated password matches the password stored in the memory module 105. To obtain the locally generated password, a store clerk (or a computer program) can obtain a batch ID from a security server and then concatenate the batch ID with the device ID (which can be read from the RFID tag without using a password) to form a digital sequence and use a hashing process to process the digital sequence to generate the password.

[0036] Additionally, the memory module 105 may store a digital signature (e.g., a 128-bit binary sequence) that is used to verify that the power package 200 is an authentic (e.g., brand name) product rather than a counterfeit. While the (multiple) PWM parameters and the password of the RFID tag are stored in a password-protected area of the memory module 105, in some embodiments, the digital signature is stored in an unprotected area such that the RFID reader can read the stored digital signature without a password. To verify the authenticity of the power package 200, an authentication process may be performed. In an example authentication process, the digital signature stored in the memory module 105 is read out by the RFID reader and then decrypted by a public key verification process (e.g., Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)) using a public key that may be publicly obtained from the manufacturer. The ECDSA produces a decrypted output (e.g., a digital sequence), and the decrypted output is compared with the serial number (also referred to as the battery ID) of the power package 200, which may be printed on the package and / or on the outer housing of the power package 200. As an example, a match between the decrypted output and the serial number may indicate the authenticity of the power package 200, while a mismatch may indicate forgery. The manufacturer may or may not use the device ID of the RFID tag 100 as the serial number of the power package 200.

[0037] Note that the examples herein assume that the power switch 139 is turned off by a logic low voltage applied at the gate of the power switch and is turned on by a logic high voltage at the gate. Devices such as N-type transistors may have such properties. However, other types of devices (e.g., P-type transistors) may have the opposite polarity for the control voltage (e.g., the voltage applied at the gate of the transistor) to turn the transistor on or off. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that if the polarity of the control voltage of the power switch 139 is reversed, the duty cycle can be set to 100% to disable the power package and set to 0% to enable the power package.

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a power package 200A with a built-in RFID tag in another embodiment is illustrated. The power package 200A is similar to the power package 200 but has additional power switches. Specifically, a power switch 139A is coupled between the output terminal 141 and the positive terminal of the battery 135, and a power switch 139B is coupled between the output terminal 143 and a reference voltage node 147 (e.g., electrical ground). The power switches 139A and 139B may be the same as the power switch 139 in Figure 3 In Figure 4In the example, the PWM circuit 109 of the RFID tag 100 generates two PWM signals at two output terminals 113, where each of the PWM signals in the PWM signals is coupled to the control terminal of a corresponding power switch (e.g., 139A or 139B). Two PWM registers 124 can be used to store two different PWM parameters to control the two output channels of the PWM circuit 109. Similar to the power package 200, the PWM parameters controlling the PWM circuit can be pre-programmed to have a duty cycle of 0% (e.g., at the manufacturing facility) to disable the output of the power package 200A. When the power package 200A is disabled, both output terminals 141 and 143 are disconnected from the rest of the circuit of the power package 200A (e.g., are electrically floating). At the point of sale, the PWM parameters can be set (e.g., programmed) to have a duty cycle of 100% after payment is confirmed to enable the output of the power package 200A.

[0039] In some embodiments, as an additional layer of security, e.g., at the manufacturing facility, two different passwords are stored in the second non-volatile memory region 125 and the power package 200A is disabled. To enable the power package 200A, two passwords are locally generated and used to write new values (e.g., indicating a duty cycle of 100%) to the two PWM registers. A match between the first locally generated password and the first stored password will allow writing to the first PWM register, while a match between the second locally generated password and the second stored password will allow writing to the second PWM register. Thus, if one of the locally generated passwords does not match the corresponding stored password in the memory module 105, one of the power switches 139A / 139B remains off, thereby still rendering the power package 200A inoperable.

[0040] As Figure 4 shown, each power switch has a pull-down resistor (e.g., 145A or 145B). In another embodiment, similar to the example in Figure 5 only one pull-down resistor (e.g., 145A or 145B) is used and shared by the two power switches 139A and 139B.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, Figure 4 the power switch 139B and the resistor 145B in

[0042] Figure 5FIG. illustrates a schematic diagram of a power supply package 200B with a built-in RFID tag in yet another embodiment. The power supply package 200B is similar to the power supply package 200, but has an additional power switch (e.g., 139A) coupled between the output terminal 141 and the positive terminal of the battery 135. Figure 5 The power switches 139A and 139B in Figure 3 can be the same as the power switch 139 in Figure 5 . In the example of

[0043] Figure 6 , the same PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit 109 is coupled to the control terminals of both the power switches 139A and 139B. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the operation of the power supply package 200B is similar to the operation discussed above, and thus the details are not repeated. Figure 6 FIG. illustrates a flowchart of a method 1000 for operating a power supply package with a built-in RFID tag in some embodiments. It should be understood that Figure 6 the illustrated embodiment method is only one example of many possible embodiment methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. For example, as

[0044] shown, the various steps can be added, removed, replaced, rearranged, and repeated. Figure 6 , referring to

[0045] , at step 1010, a power supply package is provided, the power supply package including a power supply, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the power supply, and a power switch, wherein the control terminal of the power switch is coupled to the output terminal of the RFID tag, and the load path terminal of the power switch is coupled between the output terminal of the power supply package and the first terminal of the power supply, wherein the control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID that turns off the power switch. At step 1020, the RFID tag receives a second value of the control register of the RFID tag. At step 1030, the second value is written by the RFID tag to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

[0045] Embodiments can achieve advantages. For example, the disclosed power supply package provides effective features to prevent theft. The RFID tag 100 and the power switch (e.g., 139) are integrated (e.g., formed together) with the battery 135 to provide a low-cost anti-theft solution. The various embodiments allow flexibility in selecting different levels of security and different levels of cost (e.g., the cost of the additional power switch).

[0046] Example embodiments of the present invention are summarized herein. Other embodiments can also be understood from the entire specification and claims herein.

[0047] Example 1. In one embodiment, the method includes: providing a power supply package including a power supply, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the power supply, and a power switch, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, and a load path terminal of the power switch is coupled between an output terminal of the power supply package and a first terminal of the power supply, wherein a control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the first control signal turning off the power switch; receiving, by the RFID tag, a second value for the control register of the RFID tag; and writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

[0048] Example 2. The method according to Example 1, wherein the first control signal is a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generated by a PWM circuit of the RFID tag, wherein a first duty cycle of the first PWM signal is determined by the first value in the control register.

[0049] Example 3. The method according to Example 2, wherein the second control signal is a second PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit, wherein a second duty cycle of the second PWM signal is determined by the second value in the control register.

[0050] Example 4. The method according to Example 3, wherein the first duty cycle is 0%, and the second duty cycle is 100%.

[0051] Example 5. The method according to Example 3, wherein the first duty cycle is 100%, and the second duty cycle is 0%.

[0052] Example 6. The method according to Example 1, wherein writing the second value to the control register includes: receiving, by the RFID tag, a first password from an RFID reader; verifying, by the RFID tag, that the first password matches a second password stored in the RFID tag; and after verifying that the first password matches the second password, writing, by an RFID block of the RFID tag, the second value to the control register.

[0053] Example 7. The method according to Example 1, wherein the power supply is a battery or a switched mode power supply (SMPS).

[0054] Example 8. The method according to Example 1, wherein the power switch is a transistor, and the control terminal of the power switch is the gate of the transistor.

[0055] Example 9. The method according to Example 1, wherein the first terminal of the power supply is the positive terminal of the power supply.

[0056] Example 10. The method according to Example 1, wherein the first terminal of the power supply is the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0057] Example 11. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving a power supply package having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the power supply package including a power supply, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the power supply, and a power switch, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, and a load path terminal of the power switch is coupled between the first output terminal and a first terminal of a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the power supply, wherein the RFID tag is pre-programmed to a first operating state, wherein in the first operating state, the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the first control signal turning off the power switch, wherein when the power switch is turned off, the power supply package is configured to be disabled; determining that the power supply package needs to be enabled; and in response to determining that the power supply package needs to be enabled, programming the RFID tag to a second operating state, wherein in the second operating state, the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

[0058] Example 12. The method according to Example 11, wherein when the power switch is turned off, the first output terminal is electrically floating, and wherein when the power switch is turned on, the first output terminal has the same voltage as the positive terminal or the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0059] Example 13. The method according to Example 11, wherein the RFID tag includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit, the pulse width modulation circuit being configured to generate a PWM signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal is controlled by a control register of the RFID tag, wherein the control register is pre-programmed with a first value, the first value indicating a first duty cycle of the PWM signal.

[0060] Example 14. The method according to Example 13, wherein programming the RFID tag includes writing a second value to the control register, the second value indicating a second duty cycle different from the first duty cycle.

[0061] Example 15. The method according to Example 14, wherein the first duty cycle is 0%, and the second duty cycle is 100%.

[0062] Example 16. The method according to Example 14, wherein the first duty cycle is 100%, and the second duty cycle is 0%.

[0063] Example 17. In one embodiment, a power supply package includes: a first output terminal and a second output terminal; a power supply; a power switch coupled between the first output terminal and a first terminal of the power supply; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device coupled to the power supply and the power switch, the RFID device including: an RFID block configured to support RFID communication; a memory configured to store pulse width modulation (PWM) parameters; and a PWM circuit configured to generate a PWM signal at an output of the PWM circuit, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit is determined by the PWM parameters, and wherein the output of the PWM circuit is coupled to a control terminal of the power switch.

[0064] Example 18. The power supply package according to Example 17, wherein the power supply is a battery.

[0065] Example 19. The power supply package according to Example 17, wherein the power supply is a switched mode power supply (SMPS).

[0066] Example 20. The power supply package according to Example 17, wherein the first terminal of the power supply is the positive terminal of the power supply.

[0067] Example 21. The power supply package according to Example 17, wherein the first terminal of the power supply is the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0068] Example 22. The power supply package according to Example 17, wherein the PWM parameters indicate that the duty cycle of the PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit is 0% or the duty cycle is 100%.

[0069] Example 23. The power supply package according to Example 22, wherein the PWM parameters are pre-programmed to a first value, the first value indicating a first duty cycle of the PWM signal, and wherein the PWM parameters are configured to be subsequently set to a second value, the second value being different from the first value and the second value indicating a second duty cycle of the PWM signal.

[0070] Example 24. The power supply package according to Example 23, wherein the first duty cycle is 0% and the second duty cycle is 100%.

[0071] Example 25. The power supply package according to Example 23, wherein the first duty cycle is 100% and the second duty cycle is 0%.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, such description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the exemplary embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the present invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the specification. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for operating a power package having a built-in RFID tag, comprising: Providing a power package including a power source, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the power source, a voltage regulator, and a power switch, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, and a first load path terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the power package, and a second load path terminal of the power switch is coupled to a first terminal of the power source and has the same voltage as the first terminal of the power source, wherein the voltage regulator is coupled between the power source and the RFID tag, and wherein a control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the first control signal turning off the power switch; Receiving, by the RFID tag, a second value for the control register of the RFID tag; And Writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first control signal is a first PWM signal generated by a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit of the RFID tag, and wherein a first duty cycle of the first PWM signal is determined by the first value in the control register.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the second control signal is a second PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit, and wherein a second duty cycle of the second PWM signal is determined by the second value in the control register.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first duty cycle is 0%, and the second duty cycle is 100%.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first duty cycle is 100%, and the second duty cycle is 0%.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein writing the second value to the control register includes: Receiving, by the RFID tag, a first password from an RFID reader; Verifying, by the RFID tag, that the first password matches a second password stored in the RFID tag; And After verifying that the first password matches the second password, writing, by an RFID block of the RFID tag, the second value to the control register.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery or a switched mode power supply (SMPS).

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power switch is a transistor, and the control terminal of the power switch is a gate of the transistor.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal of the power source is a positive terminal of the power source.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal of the power supply is the negative terminal of the power supply.

11. A method for operating a power supply package having a built-in RFID tag, comprising: Receiving a power supply package having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the power supply package including a power supply, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the power supply, and a power switch, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, and a load path terminal of the power switch is coupled between the first output terminal and a first terminal of a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the power supply, wherein the RFID tag is pre-programmed to a first operating state, wherein in the first operating state, the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the first control signal turning off the power switch, wherein when the power switch is turned off, the power supply package is configured to be disabled; Determining that the power supply package needs to be enabled; And In response to determining that the power supply package needs to be enabled, programming the RFID tag to a second operating state, wherein in the second operating state, the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein when the power switch is turned off, the first output terminal is electrically floating, and wherein when the power switch is turned on, the first output terminal has the same voltage as the positive terminal or the negative terminal of the power supply.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the RFID tag includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit, the PWM circuit being configured to generate a PWM signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal is controlled by a control register of the RFID tag, wherein the control register is pre-programmed with a first value, the first value indicating a first duty cycle for the PWM signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein programming the RFID tag includes writing a second value to the control register, wherein the second value indicates a second duty cycle different from the first duty cycle.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first duty cycle is 0%, and the second duty cycle is 100%.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first duty cycle is 100%, and the second duty cycle is 0%.

17. A power supply package, comprising: A first output terminal and a second output terminal; A power supply; A voltage regulator; A power switch, including a first load path terminal coupled to the first output terminal and a second load path terminal coupled to a first terminal of the power supply and having the same voltage as the first terminal of the power supply; And A radio frequency identification (RFID) device, coupled to the power supply and the power switch, the RFID device comprising: an RFID block configured to support RFID communication; a memory configured to store pulse width modulation (PWM) parameters; and a PWM circuit configured to generate a PWM signal at an output of the PWM circuit, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit is determined by the PWM parameters, wherein the output of the PWM circuit is coupled to a control terminal of the power switch, wherein the voltage regulator is coupled between the power supply and the RFID device.

18. The power supply package according to claim 17, wherein the power supply is a battery.

19. The power supply package according to claim 17, wherein the power supply is a switched mode power supply (SMPS).

20. The power supply package according to claim 17, wherein the first terminal of the power supply is the positive terminal of the power supply.

21. The power supply package according to claim 17, wherein the first terminal of the power supply is the negative terminal of the power supply.

22. The power supply package according to claim 17, wherein the PWM parameters indicate a 0% duty cycle or a 100% duty cycle for the PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit.

23. The power supply package according to claim 22, wherein the PWM parameters are pre-programmed to a first value that indicates a first duty cycle of the PWM signal, wherein the PWM parameters are configured to subsequently be set to a second value that is different from the first value and that indicates a second duty cycle of the PWM signal.

24. The power supply package according to claim 23, wherein the first duty cycle is 0% and the second duty cycle is 100%.

25. The power supply package according to claim 23, wherein the first duty cycle is 100% and the second duty cycle is 0%.

26. A method for operating a power supply package having a built-in RFID tag, comprising: receiving a power supply package having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the power supply package including a power supply, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the power supply, a voltage regulator, and a power switch, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, wherein a first load path terminal of the power switch is coupled to the first output terminal, and a second load path terminal of the power switch is coupled to the positive terminal or the negative terminal of the power supply and has the same voltage as the positive terminal or the negative terminal of the power supply, wherein the voltage regulator is coupled between the power supply and the RFID tag, and wherein a control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag that turns off the power switch; Receiving, by the RFID tag, a second value for the control register of the RFID tag from an RFID reader; and Writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second control signal turning on the power switch.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein writing the second value by the RFID tag comprises: Receiving, by the RFID tag, a first password; Comparing, by the RFID tag, the first password with a second password stored in a memory area of the RFID tag; and In response to determining that the first password matches the second password, writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein the RFID tag includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit configured to generate a PWM signal at an output terminal of the RFID tag, wherein the first value of the control register of the RFID tag corresponds to a first duty cycle of the PWM signal, and the second value of the control register of the RFID tag corresponds to a second duty cycle of the PWM signal.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the first duty cycle is 0%, and the second duty cycle is 100%.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the power switch is an N-type transistor, and the control terminal of the power switch is the gate of the N-type transistor.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein the first duty cycle is 100%, and the second duty cycle is 0%.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the power switch is a P-type transistor, and the control terminal of the power switch is the gate of the P-type transistor.

33. The method according to claim 26, wherein the power supply is a battery or a switched mode power supply (SMPS).

34. The method according to claim 26, wherein when the power switch is off, the first output terminal is electrically floating, and when the power switch is on, the first output terminal has the same voltage as the positive terminal or the negative terminal of the power supply.

35. A method for operating a power supply package having a built-in RFID tag, comprising: A receiving power supply package, the power supply package including a power supply, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a voltage regulator, and a power switch, the RFID tag being coupled to the power supply, wherein a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, wherein a first load path terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the power supply package, and a second load path terminal of the power switch is coupled to a first terminal of the power supply and has the same voltage as the first terminal of the power supply, wherein the voltage regulator is coupled between the power supply and the RFID tag, wherein a control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the first PWM signal turning off the power switch; receiving, by the RFID tag, a second value for the control register of the RFID tag from an RFID reader; and writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second PWM signal at the output terminal of the RFID tag, the second PWM signal turning on the power switch.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the first PWM signal has a first duty cycle, and the second PWM signal has a second duty cycle, the second duty cycle being different from the first duty cycle.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the first duty cycle is 0%, and the second duty cycle is 100%.

38. The method according to claim 36, wherein the first duty cycle is 100%, and the second duty cycle is 0%.

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