An NFC device and a control method

Abstract

The present application provides an NFC device and a control method, relating to the field of communications, which can switch the Q value of the NFC coil according to the state of the NFC device without increasing the number of NFC coils. The NFC device includes: an NFC chip, a controller, an NFC coil, and a relay coil. The controller is respectively connected to the relay coil and the NFC chip. The NFC chip is also connected to the NFC coil. There is no electrical connection between the relay coil and the NFC coil. The projection of the area surrounded by the relay coil on the plane where the NFC coil is located at least partially coincides with the area surrounded by the NFC coil. The NFC chip is used to provide a signal source and obtain the signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state. The level of the signal in the first state is higher than the level of the signal in the second state. The controller is used to control the relay coil to disconnect when the signal state is the first state, and control the relay coil to close when the signal state is the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to an NFC device and a control method therefor. Background Art

[0002] NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless communication technology with a working frequency of 13.56 MHz and a communication distance of 0 - 20 cm. Devices supporting NFC technology are called NFC devices. NFC devices can achieve functions such as data exchange and energy transfer when they are close to each other. Based on this feature, NFC devices are widely used in fields such as mobile payment, electronic ticketing, access control, mobile identity recognition, and anti-counterfeiting.

[0003] With the development of communication technology, the working modes of NFC devices can be roughly divided into three working modes, namely, a transmission mode, a reception mode, and a wireless charging mode. When an NFC device is in different modes, the requirements for the Q value of the NFC coil are not exactly the same. For example, when the NFC device is in the transmission mode, since the NFC standard protocol has requirements for the switching time of high and low levels in the transmitted signal, when the transmitted signal is in the low-level state, the Q value of the NFC coil needs to be low, so as to increase the loss of the signal in the NFC coil and shorten the switching time of high and low levels. When the transmitted signal is in the high-level state, the Q value of the NFC coil needs to be high; in addition, when the NFC device is in the wireless charging mode, from the perspective of signal transmission efficiency or energy transmission efficiency, the higher the Q value of the NFC coil, the better.

[0004] In related technologies, multiple coils are usually set in an NFC device, and different coils are switched to work when the NFC device is in different states, so as to meet the requirements for the Q value of the NFC coil in each state. However, this will increase the volume of the NFC device and affect the user experience.

[0005] Therefore, how to design an NFC device that does not increase the number of NFC coils and can switch the Q value of the coil according to the state of the NFC device has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides an NFC device and a control method therefor, which can achieve switching the Q value of the NFC coil according to the state of the NFC device without increasing the number of NFC coils in the NFC device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions.

[0008] In a first aspect, an NFC device is provided, which includes an NFC chip, a controller, an NFC coil, and a relay coil. The controller is respectively connected to the relay coil and the NFC chip. The NFC chip is also connected to the NFC coil. There is no electrical connection between the relay coil and the NFC coil. The projection of the area surrounded by the relay coil on the plane where the NFC coil is located at least partially overlaps with the area surrounded by the NFC coil. The distance between the relay coil and the NFC coil is less than a preset distance. The NFC chip is used to provide a signal source and obtain a signal state when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state. The signal state includes a first state and a second state. The level of the signal in the first state is higher than the level of the signal in the second state. The controller is used to control the relay coil to disconnect when the signal state is the first state, and control the relay coil to close when the signal state is the second state.

[0009] Based on this solution, if the NFC coil operates in a transmitting state and the signal is in the second state, that is, the low-level state, the controller can control the relay coil to close. In this case, the change in the radio frequency field generated by the NFC coil will generate an induced current in the relay coil. According to Lenz's law, this induced current will hinder the change in the radio frequency field generated by the NFC coil. That is to say, when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state, the closing of the relay coil is equivalent to a load of the NFC coil, that is, the load of the NFC coil will increase, so the Q value will decrease. And the decrease in the Q value will increase the loss of the signal in the NFC coil and shorten the time for the high level to switch to the low level, thus meeting the requirements of the NFC standard protocol. If the NFC coil operates in a transmitting state and the signal is in the first state, that is, the high-level state, the controller can control the relay coil to disconnect. In this case, no induced current will be generated in the relay coil, so it will not affect the Q value of the NFC coil. The NFC coil is in a state with a higher Q value and a smaller internal resistance, which is beneficial to improving the signal transmission efficiency. In this way, without increasing the number of NFC coils in the NFC device, the Q value of the NFC coil can be switched according to the state of the NFC device, improving the user experience.

[0010] In a possible design, the NFC chip is also used to obtain the operating state of the NFC coil, and the operating state includes a transmitting state and a receiving state. The controller is also used to control the relay coil to close when the operating state of the NFC coil is the receiving state. Based on this solution, if the NFC coil operates in a receiving state, the controller can control the relay coil to close. In this case, the change in the radio frequency field generated by the NFC coil will generate an induced current in the relay coil. According to Lenz's law, this induced current will hinder the change in the radio frequency field generated by the NFC coil, thereby reducing the Q value of the NFC coil. When the Q value of the NFC coil is relatively low, the hindrance of the NFC coil to the high and low level switching will also be relatively small, facilitating the transmission of the signal in the NFC coil.

[0011] In a possible design, the relay coil includes a switch. The switch is connected to a controller. Specifically, the controller is configured to control the switch to open when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state and the signal state is the first state, so as to disconnect the relay coil. When the NFC coil is in the transmitting state and the signal state is the second state, the controller controls the switch to close, so as to close the relay coil. Based on this solution, the controller can conveniently control the closing and opening of the relay coil through the switch.

[0012] In a possible design, the operating state of the NFC coil further includes a wireless charging state. The controller is further configured to control the relay coil to open when the NFC coil is in the wireless charging state. Based on this solution, when the relay coil is open, no induced current will be generated in the coil, so it will not affect the Q value of the NFC coil, and the NFC coil can operate in a state with a higher Q value, thereby improving the wireless charging efficiency of the NFC device.

[0013] In a possible design, the NFC device further includes: a load element. The load element is connected in series with the relay coil. The load element is used to increase the load of the relay coil. Based on this solution, the influence of the closing of the relay coil on the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state can be adjusted by the load value of the load element.

[0014] In a possible design, the load element includes at least one of the following: a capacitor, a resistor. Based on this solution, the influence of the closing of the relay coil on the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state can be adjusted by the capacitance value of the capacitor or the resistance value of the resistor.

[0015] In a second aspect, a method for controlling an NFC device is provided, which is applied to the NFC device according to any one of the first aspect. The method includes: obtaining a signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state. The signal state includes a first state and a second state. The level of the signal in the first state is higher than the level of the signal in the second state. When the signal state is the first state, control the relay coil to open. When the signal state is the second state, control the relay coil to close.

[0016] In a possible design, obtaining the signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state includes: obtaining the operating state of the NFC coil, where the operating state includes a transmitting state and a receiving state. Obtain the signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state.

[0017] In a possible design, after obtaining the operating state of the NFC coil, the method further includes: when the operating state of the NFC coil is the receiving state, control the relay coil to close.

[0018] In a possible design, the operating state of the NFC coil further includes a wireless charging state. The method further includes: when the NFC coil is in the wireless charging state, controlling the relay coil to disconnect.

[0019] In a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, which is the NFC device according to any one of the first aspect.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories store computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device is caused to execute the NFC device control method according to any one of the second aspect.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium includes computer instructions, and when the computer instructions run, the NFC device control method according to any one of the second aspect is executed.

[0022] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes instructions, and when the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the NFC device control method according to any one of the second aspect according to the instructions.

[0023] It should be understood that for the technical solutions provided in the above second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, fifth aspect, and sixth aspect, their technical features can all correspond to the NFC device provided in the first aspect and its possible designs. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved are similar and will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an NFC device;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of another NFC device;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of an NFC device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of another NFC device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of another NFC device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 7Schematic diagram of another NFC device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a polling period provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of a relay coil provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of another relay coil provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of another relay coil provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 12 Flowchart of a method for controlling an NFC device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 13 Flowchart of another NFC control method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the composition of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the composition of a chip system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0039] In the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", "third", etc. are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to limit a specific order. In addition, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0040] For ease of understanding, the application background of the embodiments of the present application will be described first below.

[0041] First, the working modes of the NFC device are introduced. In the embodiments of the present application, the working modes of the NFC device can be divided into a wireless charging mode and a communication mode. Among them, the communication mode can be further divided into a transmission mode and a reception mode.

[0042] When the NFC device is in the transmission mode, the switching time between high and low levels in the transmitted signal is related to the Q value of the NFC coil. Specifically, when transmitting a low-level signal, the larger the Q value of the NFC coil, the smaller the loss of the signal on the NFC coil, and thus the longer the switching time between high and low levels in the transmitted signal; while the smaller the Q value of the NFC coil, the greater the loss of the signal in the NFC coil, and thus the shorter the switching time between high and low levels in the transmitted signal. Since the NFC standard protocol requires that the switching time between high and low levels in the signal transmitted by the NFC device be less than a preset threshold, therefore, when the NFC device transmits a low-level signal, the Q value of the NFC coil cannot be too high. From the perspective of signal transmission efficiency, when the NFC device transmits a high-level signal, the Q value of the NFC coil cannot be too low.

[0043] When the NFC device is in the receiving mode, the Q value of the NFC coil is small, and the hindrance of the NFC coil to the switching between high and low levels is also relatively small, which is convenient for the signal to be transmitted in the NFC coil.

[0044] In addition, when the NFC device is in the wireless charging mode, from the perspective of signal transmission efficiency or energy transmission efficiency, the higher the Q value of the NFC coil, the better.

[0045] It can be seen that when the NFC device is in different states, the requirements for the Q value of the NFC coil are not exactly the same.

[0046] In order to make the Q value of the NFC coil meet the requirements of different working modes. In some related technologies, multiple coils with different Q values are set in the NFC device. When the NFC device is in different working modes, different coils with different Q values are switched to work, so as to meet the requirements of each working mode for the Q value of the NFC coil. The following is through Figure 1 for exemplary illustration.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of an NFC device. As Figure 1 shown, the NFC device includes coil a and coil b. Among them, the Q value of coil a is higher than that of coil b. The NFC device can transmit high-level signals or perform wireless charging through coil a, and transmit low-level signals or receive signals through coil b. In this way, the requirements of different working modes of the NFC device for the Q value of the coil can be met.

[0048] However, as Figure 1 shown, setting multiple coils in the NFC device will increase the volume of the NFC device, making it not easy to carry and not easy to integrate into other electronic devices, resulting in a relatively average user experience.

[0049] In some other related technologies, the same NFC coil is shared when the NFC device is in the transmission signal, receiving signal, and wireless charging modes. The following is throughFigure 2 Exemplary illustration.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 2 , which is a schematic diagram of another NFC device. As Figure 2 shown, the NFC device includes a coil c. The NFC device transmits and receives radio frequency signals or performs wireless charging through the coil c.

[0051] It can be understood that Figure 2 Although the NFC device shown has a small volume, it necessarily sacrifices the working performance of a certain working mode. For example, when the coil c uses a coil with a low Q value, when the NFC device is transmitting a low-level signal, the switching time between high and low levels may be too long, which cannot meet the NFC standard protocol and affects the normal operation of the NFC device. It may also cause a low charging efficiency when the NFC device is in the wireless charging mode. And when the coil c uses a coil with a high Q value, it may cause the NFC device to be inconvenient to receive signals.

[0052] Therefore, how to design an NFC device that does not increase the number of NFC coils and can switch the Q value of the coil according to the state of the NFC device has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0053] To solve the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide an NFC device and a control method, which can switch the Q value of the NFC coil according to the state of the NFC device without increasing the number of NFC coils in the NFC device, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0054] The NFC device and the control method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to electronic devices. The electronic device can be, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device (such as a smart watch), a vehicle-mounted device, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. Exemplary embodiments of the terminal device include, but are not limited to, portable terminals equipped with or other operating systems.

[0055] As an example, please refer to Figure 3 , which is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device 300 provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0056] As Figure 3 shown, the electronic device 300 may include a processor 301, a communication module 302, a display screen 303, etc.

[0057] Among them, the processor 301 may include one or more processing units. For example, the processor 301 may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a memory, a video stream codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU), etc. Among them, different processing units may be independent devices or integrated in one or more processors 301.

[0058] The controller may be the nerve center and command center of the electronic device 300. The controller may generate operation control signals according to the instruction operation code and timing signals to complete the control of fetching and executing instructions.

[0059] A memory may also be provided in the processor 301 for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the processor 301 is a cache memory. This memory may save the instructions or data that the processor 301 has just used or recycled. If the processor 301 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly call it from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the processor 301, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0060] In some embodiments, the processor 301 may include one or more interfaces. The interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface 311, etc.

[0061] The electronic device 300 implements the display function through the GPU, the display screen 303, the application processor, etc. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connecting the display screen 303 and the application processor. The GPU is used to execute mathematical and geometric calculations for graphics rendering. The processor 301 may include one or more GPUs, which execute program instructions to generate or change the display information.

[0062] The display screen 303 is used to display images, video streams, etc.

[0063] The communication module 302 may include antenna x, antenna y, the mobile communication module 302A, and / or the wireless communication module 302B. Take the case where the communication module 302 includes antenna x, antenna y, the mobile communication module 302A, and the wireless communication module 302B at the same time.

[0064] The wireless communication function of the electronic device 300 can be implemented through antenna x, antenna y, the mobile communication module 302A, the wireless communication module 302B, the modulation and demodulation processor, the baseband processor, etc.

[0065] Antenna x and antenna y are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in the electronic device 300 can be used to cover a single or multiple communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve the utilization rate of the antennas. For example: Antenna x can be multiplexed as the diversity antenna of the wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antenna can be used in combination with a tuning switch.

[0066] The mobile communication module 302A can provide solutions for wireless communications including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, etc. applied to the electronic device 300. The mobile communication module 302A may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 302A can receive electromagnetic waves by antenna x, perform filtering, amplification, etc. on the received electromagnetic waves, and transmit them to the modulation and demodulation processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 302A can also amplify the signal modulated by the modulation and demodulation processor and convert it into electromagnetic waves through antenna x for radiation. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 302A can be provided in the processor 301. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 302A and at least some modules of the processor 301 can be provided in the same device.

[0067] The modulation and demodulation processor may include a modulator and a demodulator. Among them, the modulator is used to modulate the low-frequency baseband signal to be transmitted into a medium-high frequency signal. The demodulator is used to demodulate the received electromagnetic wave signal into a low-frequency baseband signal. Subsequently, the demodulator transmits the demodulated low-frequency baseband signal to the baseband processor for processing. After being processed by the baseband processor, the low-frequency baseband signal is transmitted to the application processor. The application processor outputs a sound signal through an audio device (not limited to the speaker 306A, the receiver 306B, etc.), or displays an image or a video stream through the display screen 303. In some embodiments, the modulation and demodulation processor may be an independent device. In other embodiments, the modulation and demodulation processor may be independent of the processor 301 and be provided in the same device as the mobile communication module 302A or other functional modules.

[0068] The wireless communication module 302B may provide solutions for wireless communications applied to the electronic device 300, including wireless local area networks (WLANs) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), infrared technology (IR), etc. The wireless communication module 302B may be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 302B receives electromagnetic waves via the antenna y, performs frequency modulation and filtering processing on the electromagnetic wave signal, and transmits the processed signal to the processor 301. The wireless communication module 302B may also receive the signal to be transmitted from the processor 301, perform frequency modulation on it, amplify it, and convert it into electromagnetic waves through the antenna y and radiate it out.

[0069] In some embodiments, the antenna x of the electronic device 300 is coupled to the mobile communication module 302A, and the antenna y is coupled to the wireless communication module 302B, so that the electronic device 300 can communicate with the network and other devices through wireless communication technologies. The wireless communication technologies may include global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), time-division code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), BT, GNSS, WLAN, NFC, FM, and / or IR technology, etc. The GNSS may include global positioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), beidou navigation satellite system (BDS), quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS), and / or satellite based augmentation systems (SBAS).

[0070] As Figure 3 shown, in some implementation manners, the electronic device 300 may further include an external memory interface 310, an internal memory 304, a universal serial bus (USB) interface 311, a charging management module 312, a power management module 313, a battery 314, an audio module 306, a speaker 306A, a receiver 306B, a microphone 306C, a headphone interface 306D, a sensor module 305, a key 309, a motor, an indicator 308, a camera 307, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface, etc.

[0071] The charging management module 312 is used to receive a charging input from a charger. The charger can be a wireless charger or a wired charger. In some embodiments of wired charging, the charging management module 312 can receive the charging input from a wired charger through the USB interface 311. In some embodiments of wireless charging, the charging management module 312 can receive the wireless charging input through the wireless charging coil of the electronic device 300. While charging the battery 314, the charging management module 312 can also supply power to the electronic device 300 through the power management module 313.

[0072] The power management module 313 is used to connect the battery 314, the charging management module 312, and the processor 301. The power management module 313 receives the inputs from the battery 314 and / or the charging management module 312 and supplies power to the processor 301, the internal memory 304, the external memory, the display screen 303, the camera 307, the wireless communication module 302B, etc. The power management module 313 can also be used to monitor parameters such as the capacity of the battery 314, the number of charge-discharge cycles of the battery 314, and the health status (leakage, impedance) of the battery 314. In some other embodiments, the power management module 313 can also be disposed in the processor 301. In some other embodiments, the power management module 313 and the charging management module 312 can also be disposed in the same device.

[0073] The external memory interface 310 can be used to connect an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the electronic device 300. The external memory card communicates with the processor 301 through the external memory interface 310 to implement the data storage function. For example, files such as music and video streams are saved in the external memory card.

[0074] The internal memory 304 can be used to store computer-executable program code, and the executable program code includes instructions. The processor 301 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device 300 by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 304.

[0075] The electronic device 300 can implement audio functions through the audio module 306, the speaker 306A, the receiver 306B, the microphone 306C, the headphone jack 306D, and the application processor, etc. For example, music playback, recording, etc.

[0076] The keys 309 include a power-on key, volume keys, etc. The keys 309 can be mechanical keys 309 or touch keys 309. The electronic device 300 can receive the input of the keys 309 and generate key signal inputs related to the user settings and function control of the electronic device 300.

[0077] The indicator 308 can be an indicator light, which can be used to indicate the charging status, power change, and can also be used to indicate messages, missed calls, notifications, etc.

[0078] The SIM card interface is used to connect the SIM card. The SIM card can be inserted into or removed from the SIM card interface to achieve contact and separation from the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 can support 1 or N SIM card interfaces, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. The SIM card interface can support Nano SIM cards, Micro SIM cards, SIM cards, etc. Multiple cards can be inserted into the same SIM card interface simultaneously. The types of the multiple cards can be the same or different. The SIM card interface can also be compatible with different types of SIM cards. The SIM card interface can also be compatible with external memory cards. The electronic device 300 interacts with the network through the SIM card to implement functions such as calls and data communication. In some embodiments, the electronic device 300 uses an eSIM, that is, an embedded SIM card. The eSIM card can be embedded in the electronic device 300 and cannot be separated from the electronic device 300.

[0079] The sensor module 305 in the electronic device 300 can include components such as a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, a proximity light sensor, an ambient light sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a temperature sensor, a bone conduction sensor, etc., to implement the function of sensing and / or acquiring different signals.

[0080] The above introduced the electronic device to which the NFC device and the control method provided by the embodiments of the present application are applied. It should be understood that the structure illustrated in this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device 300. In other embodiments, the electronic device 300 may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0081] Next, the NFC device provided by the embodiments of the present application will be introduced.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 4 for a schematic diagram of an NFC device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4As shown, the NFC device 400 includes an NFC chip 404, a controller 401, an NFC coil 402, and a relay coil 403. The controller 401 is respectively connected to the relay coil 403 and the NFC chip 404. The NFC chip 404 is also connected to the NFC coil 402. There is no electrical connection between the relay coil 403 and the NFC coil 402. The projection of the area surrounded by the relay coil 403 on the plane where the NFC coil 402 is located at least partially overlaps with the area surrounded by the NFC coil 402. The distance between the relay coil 403 and the NFC coil 402 is less than a preset distance. The NFC chip 404 is used to provide a signal source and obtain the signal state when the NFC coil 402 is in the transmitting state. The signal state includes a first state and a second state. The level of the signal in the first state is higher than the level of the signal in the second state. The controller 401 is used to control the relay coil 403 to disconnect when the signal state is the first state, and control the relay coil 403 to close when the signal state is the second state.

[0083] It should be noted that the connection lines between the NFC chip and the controller, and between the controller and the relay coil can both be control lines. And the connection line between the NFC chip and the NFC coil can be a radio frequency line.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, an external circuit can also be connected between the NFC chip and the NFC coil to implement some necessary functions of near-field communication. In some possible designs, the NFC chip, the external circuit, and the NFC coil can form an existing NFC device to implement the function of near-field communication. On this basis, the embodiment of the present application is an extension of the existing NFC device, introducing a relay coil and a controller to switch the Q value of the NFC coil according to the state of the NFC device without increasing the number of NFC coils in the NFC device.

[0085] Exemplarily, the NFC device provided by the embodiment of the present application can be an NFC device extended on the basis of a first NFC device. Please refer to Figure 5 , which is a schematic diagram of another NFC device provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 5 shown, the NFC device 1500 includes a first NFC device 1501, a controller 1502, and a relay coil 1503. The first NFC device 1501 includes an NFC chip 1511, an NFC coil 1512, and an external circuit 1513. That is, Figure 5 the thin line part in is a schematic diagram of the composition of the first NFC device 1501, and the thick line part is the extension of the embodiment of the present application on the first NFC device 1501. The thin line part and the thick line part together form the NFC device provided by the embodiment of the present application. Among them, the positional relationship between the relay coil 1503 and the NFC coil 1512 can refer to the foregoing description and will not be elaborated here.

[0086] In the embodiments of the present application, the NFC coil, i.e., the coil in the NFC device, can be one turn or multiple turns. The relay coil can also be one turn or multiple turns of coil. The preset distance can be a distance value preset according to actual needs. For example, the preset distance can be 0.5 mm, etc. It should be understood that the description of the specific value of the preset distance here is only exemplary and does not mean that the present application is limited thereto.

[0087] In the embodiments of the present application, the NFC coil and the relay coil can be in the same plane or in different planes, but the two need to meet the following conditions: there is no electrical connection between the relay coil and the NFC coil. The projection of the area surrounded by the relay coil on the plane where the NFC coil is located coincides at least partially with the area surrounded by the NFC coil. The distance between the relay coil and the NFC coil is less than the preset distance. A possible design is as Figure 4 shown, that is, the relay coil and the NFC coil are in the same plane, and the NFC coil is located within the area surrounded by the relay coil.

[0088] In some other design ways, the relationship between the relay coil and the NFC coil can also be as Figure 6 shown. Please refer to Figure 6 , which is a schematic diagram of another NFC device provided by the embodiments of the present application. It can be seen that Figure 6 in the NFC device 500 shown in

[0089] In some other design ways, the relationship between the relay coil and the NFC coil can also be as Figure 7 shown. Please refer to Figure 7 , which is a schematic diagram of another NFC device provided by the embodiments of the present application. It can be seen that Figure 7 in the NFC device 600 shown in

[0090] As described above through Figures 4 - 7Shows some possible setting ways of the relay coil and the NFC coil. It should be understood that the setting ways of the relay coil and the NFC coil are not limited to the above three, but only need to meet the requirements of the above position relationship, and the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0091] In addition, the above Figures 4 - 7 The number of turns of the NFC coil shown (3 turns) and the number of turns of the relay coil (1 turn) are only illustrative. The number of turns of the NFC coil and the number of turns of the relay coil can also be other values, and the present application does not make limitations on this either.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present application, the controller is respectively connected to the NFC coil, the NFC chip and the relay coil. Among them, the NFC chip is used to provide a signal source and implement various functions of near-field communication. The specific structure and functions of the NFC chip can refer to related technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present application, the NFC chip is also used to obtain the working state of the NFC coil, and obtain the signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state, and send the signal state to the controller. Among them, the signal state includes a first state and a second state. The level of the signal in the first state is higher than that of the signal in the second state. That is to say, the signal in the first state is a high-level signal, and the signal in the second state is a low-level signal.

[0094] The controller is used to control the relay coil to disconnect when the signal state is the first state, and control the relay coil to close when the signal state is the second state.

[0095] Based on the above limitations, it can be found that the NFC chip in the embodiment of the present application has the functions of obtaining the working state of the NFC coil and obtaining the signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state, and the controller has the function of controlling the relay coil to disconnect or close according to the signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state. And the relay coil has the ability to disconnect or close based on the control instruction of the controller. The following is a specific description.

[0096] First, the process of the NFC chip obtaining the working state of the NFC coil and obtaining the signal state when in the transmitting state will be described.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present application, the NFC chip can control the working state of the NFC coil in the polling cycle. Among them, polling is a working method for NFC devices to detect whether there are other NFC devices nearby, and the polling cycle is usually a value less than 200 ms. The following is through Figure 8 A specific description of the polling cycle will be given.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 8 , which is a schematic diagram of a polling cycle provided for the embodiment of the present application. AsFigure 8 As shown, the polling cycle can be divided into a first time period n1 and a second time period n2. During the first time period n1, the NFC chip detects whether there is a proximity card (PICC) in its working space through the NFC coil. Among them, the proximity card is a type of NFC device, such as bank cards, bus cards, access control cards, etc. The working space of the NFC coil can refer to the space area within 0 - 20 cm from the NFC coil. If there is one, the NFC chip instructs the NFC coil to work in the transmitting state. If no proximity card is detected in the working space of the NFC coil during the first time period n1, the NFC chip controls the NFC coil to enter the listening mode during the second time period n2. In the listening mode, the NFC chip detects whether there is a proximity coupling device (PCD), i.e., a reader, in its working space through the NFC coil. Among them, the reader is also a type of NFC device, and a common point of sales (POS) machine is a reader. If there is one, the NFC chip instructs the NFC coil to work in the receiving state.

[0099] Based on the above description, it can be seen that the NFC chip can control the working state of the NFC coil during the polling cycle, so it can also obtain the working state of the NFC coil and the signal state when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state.

[0100] After the controller obtains the working state of the NFC coil at the NFC chip, if the NFC coil is working in the receiving state, the controller can control the relay coil to close.

[0101] After the relay coil closes, the change in the radio frequency field generated by the NFC coil will generate an induced current in the relay coil. According to Lenz's law, this induced current will impede the change in the radio frequency field generated by the NFC coil. That is to say, the closing of the relay coil is equivalent to the load of the NFC coil, that is, the load of the NFC coil will increase, so the Q value will decrease. In this way, the hindrance of the NFC coil to the conversion from high level to low level can be reduced, facilitating the transmission of signals in the NFC chip.

[0102] After the controller obtains the working state of the NFC coil at the NFC chip, if the NFC coil is working in the transmitting state and the signal state is the second state, that is, the transmitted signal is a low-level signal, the controller can control the relay coil to close.

[0103] As described above, the closing of the relay coil will reduce the Q value of the NFC coil, thereby increasing the consumption of signals in the NFC coil and shortening the conversion time of high and low levels, which is beneficial to meeting the requirements of the NFC standard protocol for the high and low level switching time.

[0104] After the controller obtains the working state of the NFC coil at the NFC chip, if the NFC coil is operating in the transmitting state and the signal state is the first state, that is, the transmitted signal is a high-level signal, the controller can control the relay coil to disconnect.

[0105] When the relay coil is disconnected, no induced current is generated, so it will not affect the Q value of the NFC coil.

[0106] In this way, it is possible to switch the Q value of the NFC coil according to the state of the NFC device without increasing the number of NFC coils in the NFC device. Specifically, when the NFC coil transmits a low-level signal, the middle coil can be closed, thereby reducing the Q value of the NFC coil and shortening the switching time between high and low levels to meet the requirements of the NFC standard protocol; when the NFC coil receives a signal, the middle coil can also be closed to reduce the Q value of the NFC coil to facilitate the transmission of the signal in the NFC coil. When the NFC coil transmits a high-level signal, the relay coil can be disconnected to increase the Q value of the NFC coil and improve the data transmission efficiency, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0107] The above describes the process of the controller controlling the disconnection or closing of the relay coil. Next, the process of the relay coil disconnecting or closing based on the control instruction of the controller will be described.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 9 , which is a schematic diagram of a relay coil provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 9 shown, a switch 812 can be provided in the relay coil 802. The switch 812 is connected in series in the circuit of the relay coil 802 and is connected to the controller 801.

[0109] The switch is connected in series in the circuit of the relay coil. That is to say, when the switch is closed, the relay coil is also closed. When the switch is disconnected, the relay coil is also disconnected.

[0110] Therefore, the controller can control the disconnection or closing of the relay coil by controlling the switch. Specifically, after the controller obtains the working state of the NFC coil, if the NFC coil is operating in the transmitting state and the signal state is the second state, or the NFC coil is operating in the receiving state, the controller can control the switch to close, thereby closing the relay coil. After the controller obtains the working state of the NFC coil, if the NFC coil is operating in the transmitting state and the signal state is the first state, the controller can control the switch to disconnect, thereby disconnecting the relay coil.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present application, the type of the switch can be an electromagnetic switch, a contact switch, etc., which is not specifically limited herein.

[0112] In addition, the disconnection or closure of the relay coil can be achieved not only by connecting a switch in series with the relay coil, but also by connecting a band-stop circuit in series. Specifically, when a band-stop circuit is connected in series with the relay coil, the controller can control the conduction or disconnection of the band-stop circuit, thereby controlling the closure or disconnection of the relay coil. Of course, this is only an exemplary illustration and does not represent that the present application is limited thereto.

[0113] The above process of disconnecting or closing the relay coil based on the control instruction of the controller has been introduced. In the embodiment of the present application, a load element can also be connected in series with the relay coil to adjust the influence of the closure of the relay coil on the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC coil is in the transmitting state.

[0114] The above load element can be a capacitor. Please refer to Figure 10 , which is a schematic diagram of another relay coil provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 10 shown, the relay coil 902 includes a switch 912 and a first capacitor 922. The first capacitor 922 is connected in series in the circuit of the relay coil 902. The switch 912 is connected to the controller 901.

[0115] It can be understood that after the first capacitor is connected in series in the relay coil, when the relay coil is closed, the load of the NFC coil can be further increased, so as to ensure that the signal of the NFC coil can meet the NFC standard protocol when switching between high and low levels, and ensure the normal operation of the NFC device.

[0116] The above load element can also include a capacitor and a resistor. Please refer to Figure 11 , which is a schematic diagram of another relay coil provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 11 shown, the relay coil 1002 includes a switch 1012, a second capacitor 1022, and a first resistor 1032. The second capacitor 1022 and the first resistor 1032 are both connected in series in the circuit of the relay coil 1002. The switch 1012 is connected to the controller 1001.

[0117] It can be understood that after the second capacitor and the first resistor are connected in series in the relay coil, when the relay coil is closed, the load of the NFC coil can be further increased, so as to ensure that the signal of the NFC coil can meet the NFC standard protocol when switching between high and low levels, and ensure the normal operation of the NFC device.

[0118] With the continuous development of NFC technology, more and more NFC devices begin to support wireless charging. It should be understood that when an NFC device performs wireless charging, under the same other conditions, the higher the Q value of the NFC coil, the higher the energy transfer efficiency and the faster the charging rate. Therefore, when the NFC device detects that the NFC coil is in the wireless charging state, it can control the relay coil to disconnect, increase the Q value of the NFC coil, and thus improve the efficiency of wireless charging.

[0119] The above has described the NFC device provided by the embodiments of the present application. It can be understood that this NFC device can switch the Q value of the NFC coil according to the working mode of the NFC device without increasing the number of NFC coils in the NFC device, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0120] Next, the NFC device control method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 12 , which is a flowchart of an NFC device control method provided by the embodiments of the present application and is applied to the NFC device in any of the above embodiments. As Figure 12 shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0122] S1101. Obtain the working state of the NFC coil.

[0123] Among them, the working state of the NFC coil includes a transmitting state and a receiving state. All relevant content of this step can be cited from the description of the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0124] S1102. Determine whether the working state of the NFC coil is the transmitting state. If so, execute S1103a; if not, execute S1103b.

[0125] It should be understood that S1102 can also be to determine whether the working state of the NFC coil is the receiving state. If so, execute S1103b; if not, execute S1103a.

[0126] S1103a. Obtain the signal state.

[0127] S1103b. Control the relay coil to close.

[0128] S1104a. Determine whether the signal state is the first state. If so, execute S1105a; if not, execute S1105c.

[0129] It should be understood that S1104a can also be to determine whether the signal state is the second state. If so, execute S1105c; if not, execute S1105a.

[0130] S1105a. Control the relay coil to open.

[0131] S1105c. Control the relay coil to close.

[0132] All relevant content of the above steps can be cited from the description of the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0133] Based on the NFC device provided in the embodiments of the present application, the NFC device control method provided in the embodiments of the present application can reduce the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC device emits a low-level signal, so as to shorten the switching time of the high and low levels in the emitted signal and meet the requirements of the NFC standard protocol. It can also reduce the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC device receives information to facilitate the transmission of signals in the NFC coil. It can also increase the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC device emits a high-level signal to improve the information transmission efficiency.

[0134] In the embodiments of the present application, the working states of the NFC coil can include a communication state and a wireless charging state. Among them, the communication state can further include a transmitting state and a receiving state. On this basis, the flowchart of another NFC control method provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be as Figure 13 shown.

[0135] S1201. Obtain the working state of the NFC coil.

[0136] S1202. Determine whether the working state of the NFC coil is the wireless charging state. If so, execute S1203a; if not, execute S1203b.

[0137] It should be understood that S-1202 can also be to determine whether the working state of the NFC coil is the communication state. If so, execute S1203b, if not, execute S2103a.

[0138] S1203a. Control the relay coil to disconnect.

[0139] S1203b. Determine whether the working state of the NFC coil is the transmitting state. If so, execute S1204b; if not, execute S1204c.

[0140] S1204b. Obtain the signal state.

[0141] S1204c. Control the relay coil to close.

[0142] S1205b. Determine whether the signal state is the first state. If so, execute S1206b; if not, execute S1206d.

[0143] S1206b. Control the relay coil to disconnect.

[0144] S1206d. Control the relay coil to close.

[0145] The above Figure 13 All relevant contents of each step can be cited in the description of the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0146] It can be understood that Figure 13The provided NFC device control method can not only reduce the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC device emits a low-level signal to meet the requirements of the NFC standard protocol for the Q value of the NFC coil. It can also increase the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC device is wirelessly charging, thereby improving the data reception efficiency or charging efficiency of the NFC device and enhancing the user experience. It can also reduce the Q value of the NFC coil when the NFC device receives information to facilitate the transmission of signals in the NFC coil.

[0147] Please refer to Figure 14 , which is a schematic diagram of the composition of an electronic device 1300 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device 1300 can be any of the above-mentioned electronic devices. For example, the electronic device 1300 can be a mobile phone, a computer, etc. Exemplarily, as Figure 14 shown, the electronic device 1300 may include: a processor 1301 and a memory 1302. The memory 1302 is used to store computer execution instructions. Exemplarily, in some embodiments, when the processor 1301 executes the instructions stored in the memory 1302, the electronic device 1300 can perform any function of the electronic device in the above embodiments to implement any of the above NFC device control methods.

[0148] It should be noted that all relevant contents of the steps involved in the above method embodiments can be cited in the function descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the composition of a chip system 1400. The chip system 1400 can be disposed in an electronic device. For example, the chip system 1400 can be disposed in a mobile phone. Exemplarily, the chip system 1400 may include: a processor 1401 and a communication interface 1402, which are used to support the electronic device to implement the functions involved in the above embodiments. In a possible design, the chip system 1400 further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data of the electronic device. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. It should be noted that in some implementation manners of the present application, the communication interface 1402 can also be referred to as an interface circuit.

[0150] It should be noted that all relevant contents of the steps involved in the above method embodiments can be cited in the function descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and will not be repeated here.

[0151] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer storage medium, in which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions run on a terminal device, the terminal device is enabled to execute the above-related method steps to implement the method in the above embodiments.

[0152] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the above-related steps to implement the method in the above embodiments.

[0153] In addition, the embodiments of the present application also provide a device, which may specifically be a chip, a component or a module. The device may include a processor and a memory connected to each other. Among them, the memory is used to store computer-executable instructions. When the device runs, the processor can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0154] Among them, the terminal device, computer storage medium, computer program product or chip provided in the embodiments of the present application are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0155] The above mainly introduces the solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of electronic devices. To implement the above functions, it includes the corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, combining the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this article, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0156] The embodiments of the present application can divide the devices involved according to the above method examples into functional modules. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0157] The functions, actions, operations, steps, etc. in the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more integrated media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)), etc.

[0158] Although the present application has been described in connection with specific features and their embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the present application as defined by the appended claims and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the present application. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the present application is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. An NFC device, characterized in that, It includes an NFC chip, a controller, an NFC coil and a relay coil; the controller is respectively connected to the relay coil and the NFC chip; the NFC chip is also connected to the NFC coil; there is no electrical connection between the relay coil and the NFC coil; The projection of the area surrounded by the relay coil on the plane where the NFC coil is located coincides at least partially with the area surrounded by the NFC coil; The distance between the relay coil and the NFC coil is less than a preset distance; The NFC chip is used to provide a signal source and obtain a signal state when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state; the signal state includes a first state and a second state; the level of the signal in the first state is higher than the level of the signal in the second state; The controller is used to control the relay coil to disconnect when the signal state is the first state; and control the relay coil to close when the signal state is the second state.

2. The NFC device according to claim 1, wherein, The NFC chip is also used to obtain the working state of the NFC coil, and the working state includes the transmitting state and the receiving state; The controller is also used to control the relay coil to close when the working state of the NFC coil is the receiving state.

3. The NFC device according to claim 1, wherein The relay coil includes a switch; the switch is connected to the controller; Specifically, the controller is used to control the switch to disconnect when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state and the signal state is the first state, so that the relay coil disconnects; and control the switch to close when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state and the signal state is the second state, so that the relay coil closes.

4. The NFC device according to claim 2, wherein The working state of the NFC coil also includes a wireless charging state; The controller is also used to control the relay coil to disconnect when the NFC coil is in a wireless charging state.

5. The NFC device according to claim 1, wherein The NFC device further includes: a load element; The load element is connected in series in the relay coil; the load element is used to increase the load of the relay coil.

6. The NFC device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The load element includes at least one of the following: a capacitor, a resistor.

7. A method for controlling an NFC device, characterized in that, Applied to the NFC device according to any one of claims 1-6; the method includes: Obtaining a signal state when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state; the signal state includes a first state and a second state; the level of the signal in the first state is higher than the level of the signal in the second state; Controlling the relay coil to disconnect when the signal state is the first state; Controlling the relay coil to close when the signal state is the second state.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The obtaining the signal state when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state includes: Obtaining the working state of the NFC coil, and the working state includes the transmitting state and the receiving state; Obtaining the signal state when the NFC coil is in a transmitting state.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After obtaining the working state of the NFC coil, the method further includes: Controlling the relay coil to close when the working state of the NFC coil is the receiving state.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein The working state of the NFC coil also includes a wireless charging state; the method further includes: When the NFC coil is in a wireless charging state, control the relay coil to disconnect.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the NFC device according to any one of claims 1-6.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes one or more processors and one or more memories; the one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories store computer instructions; When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device is caused to execute the NFC device control method according to any one of claims 7-10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes computer instructions that, when run, execute the NFC device control method according to any one of claims 7-10.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when the computer program product runs on a computer, cause the computer to execute the NFC device control method according to any one of claims 7-10 according to the instructions.

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