Near field communication system

Abstract

The invention relates to a near field communication system. A near field communication (NFC) system is disclosed, where the NFC system is implemented in applications in a vehicle. The NFC system includes an antenna and an NFC device having a device housing. The NFC device and the antenna are two separate components connected to each other using a flexible connection that forwards current between the NFC device and the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a near field communication (NFC) system, wherein the NFC system is implemented in an application in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range communication technology that is mainly used for mobile payments and ticketing. Recently, the automotive industry has started implementing NFC systems to establish vehicle access systems or vehicle ignition systems, etc. For example, NFC systems can also be located in lift gates or any other location. Summary of the invention

[0003] However, today's vehicles are equipped with more and more electronic devices, making the space for positioning NFC systems in vehicles very limited. In addition, the difficulty of positioning NFC systems increases considering the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the antenna position. Testing NFC systems for EMC, compliance with regulatory requirements and production applications is very costly, making it important to design an NFC system that has a flexible form factor and can be used in many applications and locations.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an NFC system that is easier to locate in a vehicle.

[0005] This object is solved by a near field communication (NFC) system, wherein the NFC system is implemented in an application in a vehicle, such as a vehicle access system or a vehicle ignition system. The NFC system comprises an antenna and an NFC device having a device housing. The NFC device and the antenna are two separate components connected to each other using a flexible connection, which forwards an electric current between the NFC device and the antenna. In other words, the NFC device and the antenna are two modular building blocks connected to each other via a flexible connection. The basic idea is that the NFC system comprises an NFC device and an antenna as separate components, which can be moved relative to each other due to the flexible connection. In this way, it is easier to position the antenna inside the vehicle and the NFC system becomes more versatile due to easier adjustment.

[0006] Typically, the antenna is used to receive and send signals, for example, to receive and generate electromagnetic fields, and the NFC device is used to process the received signals (i.e., the received electromagnetic fields). In addition, the NFC device can also generate signals to be sent, for example, to generate electromagnetic fields, by means of an antenna connected to the NFC device.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the device housing has a fastening mechanism so that the antenna can be reversibly attached to the device housing of the NFC device. Depending on the vehicle application of the NFC system, the antenna can be attached to the NFC device so that a "standard" NFC device design is provided in order to save space in certain applications. However, if necessary, the antenna can be detached from the device housing of the NFC device so that the antenna and the NFC device are at a certain distance from each other in the installed state.

[0008] Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises a snap member or a clip member. In other words, the device housing has a fastening mechanism capable of clipping the antenna to the device housing of the NFC device.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the antenna and the NFC device are movable relative to each other so as to be mounted in separate locations. This means not only that a standard NFC device design can be implemented, making the NFC system more adjustable, but also that the antenna can be positioned in an optimized position without having to worry about having enough space for the device housing at the same location. In addition, the impact of interfering electromagnetic sources can be reduced by positioning the antenna differently. This is possible because a flexible connection is established between the antenna and the NFC device.

[0010] In particular, the length of the flexible connector between the NFC device and the antenna can be changed according to the required distance between the NFC device and the antenna. For example, the flexible connector can be replaced by another flexible connector with a different length to ensure the desired distance between the NFC device and the antenna.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the antenna is located on a frame, wherein the frame is connected to the NFC device. In particular, the frame of the antenna can be provided by a layer of glue or double-sided tape on either side of the antenna. Alternatively, the frame can also be a clip, a slider or a flexible structure.

[0012] Preferably, the frame is a flexible structure, thereby allowing even more possibilities for positioning of the antenna.

[0013] In particular, the device housing may comprise a recess into which the frame may be placed and / or clipped. Thus, if desired, a compact overall design may be obtained.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the antenna is placed in an antenna housing. Compared to the frame, the antenna housing is more rigid and thus provides more protection for the antenna. In other words, the antenna housing is a rigid housing containing the antenna, while the frame only provides a certain support for the antenna. However, the antenna housing also requires more space than the frame. In practice, whether to use a frame or an antenna housing may depend on the respective application scenario and / or the installation space.

[0015] In order to provide a reversible fastening mechanism, the device housing and / or the antenna housing has a snap member that can establish a snap-fit ​​connection. By providing a snap-fit ​​connection, it can be ensured that the antenna (located in the antenna housing) and the device housing can be separated or connected to each other, thereby providing the desired adjustability.

[0016] The antenna housing may also include a center bar and a surrounding frame, which surrounds the space divided by the center bar so that two windows are provided. This allows the antenna frame to accommodate two separate antennas, so that coverage in dual areas is provided. In this way, the two antennas can be used independently for two external devices, or coverage can be improved when one antenna is blocked or fails. In addition, two different antennas with two different positions enable one NFC system to be used for different applications located close to each other. The two antennas may also have different characteristics. For example, one antenna may have a high Q factor to provide long-distance wake-up and charging, while the other antenna has a low Q factor for data communication.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the flexible connection between the NFC device and the antenna includes at least two flexible wirings. By utilizing the wirings to connect the NFC system components, material can be saved because these wirings are used to forward current between the NFC device and the antenna. In other words, no additional flexible connection is required in addition to the connection provided by the flexible wirings.

[0018] The at least two flexible wirings providing the flexible connection may be associated with the positive pole and the negative pole, respectively. In fact, the at least two flexible wirings may be two completely separate wirings.

[0019] Preferably, at least two flexible wirings are formed separately, which means that there is no connection between the wirings themselves.

[0020] Furthermore, at least two flexible wirings may be in parallel and close to each other so that possible emissions from the wirings are minimized.

[0021] In order to mitigate emissions from connection points of the wiring, a ground plate may be attached to one side of at least two flexible wirings.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment, the flexible connection comprises a flat conductor cable. Such a flat conductor cable provides more stability than two separate flexible wirings.

[0023] Furthermore, inside the device housing a circuit board may be located. This circuit board is required in order to decode any signals received via the antenna, since these signals provide information required, for example, to access the vehicle.

[0024] Preferably, the circuit board is a printed circuit board.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the antenna is attached to the device housing on the side opposite to the circuit board. This maximizes the space between the circuit board and the antenna, thereby improving the performance of the antenna because possible interference caused by the circuit board and / or other electrical devices is minimized.

[0026] The NFC system may also include a connector or header placed on the circuit board. In this case, an access opening is provided in the device housing, through which the connector is accessible. The connector enables a connection to be established between the NFC device and other electrical components in the vehicle (e.g., a locking mechanism of the vehicle), so that a car access system can be provided.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the antenna is a flexible antenna, or the antenna is placed on a thin plate structure. By having a flexible antenna more options are available for positioning the antenna, while the thin plate structure minimizes the space occupied by the antenna itself. In the case of using a thin plate structure for the antenna, the antenna is preferably made of FR4 (i.e. glass reinforced epoxy laminate).

[0028] In general, the antenna can have any shape and is not limited to being rectangular, circular, triangular or having any other polygonal structure. The antenna can also be any kind of three-dimensional structure that provides a curvature that best matches the surface it is to be mounted to. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claimed subject matter will be more readily appreciated and better understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an NFC system according to the present invention, wherein the NFC device and the antenna are separated from each other;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment is shown, wherein an NFC device and an antenna are connected to each other;

[0032] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the NFC device and the antenna are separated from each other;

[0033] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein an NFC device and an antenna are connected to each other;

[0034] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment is shown, and

[0035] Figure 6A schematic diagram of a vehicle with an NFC system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is provided only as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

[0037] For the purposes of this disclosure, for example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all additional possible permutations when more than three elements are listed. In other words, the term "at least one of A and B" generally refers to "A and / or B," i.e., "A" alone, "B" alone, or "A and B."

[0038] Figure 1 A near field communication (NFC) system 10 is shown and includes an NFC device 12 and an antenna 14 .

[0039] The antenna 14 may be a flexible antenna, or the antenna 14 may be placed on a thin plate structure that provides support to the antenna 14 , in particular the electrical conductors of the antenna 14 .

[0040] In the case of a thin plate structure, the antenna 14 is preferably made of FR4 (ie, glass reinforced epoxy laminate) so that it can be adapted to a thin structure.

[0041] Alternatively, the thin plate structure may be provided by glue, double-sided tape, clips, sliders, etc., or a flexible printed circuit board (PCB).

[0042] In the case of a flexible antenna 14, its shape as well as its size may vary. The flexible antenna 14 may be a 2D structure in the form of a circle, triangle, trapezoid or any other polygon, or it may be a 3D structure providing different curvatures in order to adapt to a mounting surface.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, the NFC system 10 is intended to be implemented in an application in a vehicle 16 , for example, as a vehicle access system.

[0044] Typically, the NFC device 12 includes a circuit board 18 and a connector 20, which are placed inside a device housing 22 and can be connected to the NFC device 12. Figure 5 Seen in.

[0045] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment of the NFC system 10 , the antenna 14 is surrounded by an antenna housing 24 .

[0046] The antenna 14 is connected to the NFC device 12 , in particular the circuit board 18 of the NFC device 12 , in a transmitting manner so that the NFC device 12 (ie, the circuit board 18 ) can decode the signal received via the antenna 14 .

[0047] Here and hereinafter, the term "connected in a signaling manner" is understood to mean a connection configured to transmit signals between respective devices or components.

[0048] In particular, the NFC device 12 and the antenna 14 are designed as two separate components. The two components are connected to each other using a flexible connection 26, wherein the flexible connection 26 is configured to forward current between the NFC device 12 and the antenna 14.

[0049] The flexible connection 26 may include at least two flexible wirings 28 that are formed separately and positioned in parallel and close to each other. In this way, the emission of the wires can be minimized.

[0050] At least two wirings 28 can be associated with the positive pole and the negative pole, respectively. In fact, they can be two separate wirings.

[0051] For example Figure 2 As shown, the two components making up the NFC device 12 and the antenna 14 are reversibly attached to each other via a fastening mechanism 30 .

[0052] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of the NFC system 10 , the fastening mechanism 30 includes a snap member 32 capable of establishing a snap-fit ​​connection between the antenna housing 24 and the device housing 22 .

[0053] Although in Figure 1 It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the device housing 22 provides a snap feature 32 , but the antenna housing 24 may alternatively or additionally include a snap feature 32 to establish a snap-fit ​​connection between the two components.

[0054] Since the antenna 14 is reversibly attached to the device housing 22 , the NFC system 10 may be implemented in the vehicle 16 with the antenna housing 24 attached to the device housing 22 , or alternatively, the NFC system 10 may be implemented with the two components separated from each other.

[0055] This enables more flexible placement of the NFC system 10 , which is particularly advantageous as vehicles 16 are equipped with more and more electronics, leaving limited space in the vehicle 16 for the NFC system 10 .

[0056] Furthermore, placement of the antenna 14 is more critical to optimizing the performance of the NFC system 10 than placement of the NFC device 12. Depending on the desired location of the NFC system 10 in the vehicle 16 and depending on the available space, the NFC device 12 and antenna 14 may be placed in separate locations.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna housing 24 optionally includes a center strip 34 and a surrounding frame 36. Specifically, the space surrounded by the surrounding frame 36 is divided by the center strip 34 so that two windows 38 are provided.

[0058] With the antenna housing 24 constructed in this manner, two separate antennas 14 can be included in the surrounding frame 36 so that the operating range and performance of the NFC system 10 can be extended or optimized, respectively, particularly when the antennas 14 are operated with different Q factors. A high Q factor provides a longer detection and charging range or longer operation for low data rates, while a low Q factor provides faster data communications. In addition, one antenna can be used for NFC applications, while the other antenna can be used in the same manner for Bluetooth / Bluetooth light or even UHF remote keyless applications.

[0059] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the disclosed NFC system 10 can be seen in . In this embodiment, the antenna 14 is located on a frame 40 , which can be placed on the device housing 22 of the NFC device 12 .

[0060] By having the antenna 14 located on a frame 40 that is smaller than the device housing 22, more possibilities are created for positioning the antenna 14. In particular, the frame 40 is more flexible than the antenna housing 24 so that the antenna 14 and frame 40 can be snug relative to a mounting surface.

[0061] In practice, the frame 40 ensures that the antenna 14 placed on the frame 40 can bend.

[0062] exist Figure 3 It can also be seen in the embodiment shown that the flexible connection 26 consisting of two flexible wirings 28 is attached to the ground plane 42 .

[0063] The ground plane 42 can mitigate the emissions of the two wires, particularly at the connection points of the two wires with the frame 40 , or alternatively the antenna housing 24 and the device housing 22 , or the circuit board 18 .

[0064] Figure 4 and Figure 5A third embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the antenna 14 is also placed on a frame 40 which is placed into a recess 44 of the device housing 22 .

[0065] In particular, the standing structure 46 includes a clip member 48 such that the device housing 22 of the NFC device 12 , and therefore the antenna 14 , may be clipped to the standing structure 46 .

[0066] The third embodiment is also shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In FIG. 4 , the flexible connection 26 is provided by a flat conductor cable 50 . The flat conductor cable 50 provides a signal transmission connection between the antenna 14 and the NFC device 12 (particularly the circuit board 18 ) while connecting the frame 40 to the device housing 22 .

[0067] The connection between the antenna 14 and the circuit board 18 is Figure 5 Best visible in.

[0068] also, Figure 5 A connector 20 for the NFC device 12 is shown placed on the circuit board 18. The connector 20 enables the NFC device 12 to be connected to other electrical components, such as Figure 6 Vehicle access system shown. To establish these electrical connections, the connector 20 is accessible via an access opening 52 provided in the device housing 22 .

[0069] As already described above, the NFC system 10 can be implemented with the antenna 14 attached to the NFC device 12, or alternatively, the NFC device 12 and the antenna 14 can be installed at two separate locations. When the NFC system 10 is implemented with the antenna 14 clipped to or attached to the NFC device 12, the antenna 14 is attached to the device housing 22 on the side opposite to the circuit board 18.

[0070] Due to the distance between the circuit board 18 and the antenna 14, the performance of the antenna 14 is increased, since possible interference between the antenna 14 and the circuit board 18 or between the antenna 14 and other electrical components is reduced.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, in order to use the NFC system 10 as part of a vehicle access system, at least the antenna 14 needs to be positioned close to a door handle 54 or a B-pillar or any other access / activation location of a vehicle 16. By approaching a vehicle 16 having an expected NFC tag 56, the NFC device 12, and in particular the circuit board 18, can decode the signal (electromagnetic field) received via the antenna 14 so that access to the vehicle 16 is authorized.

[0072] Alternatively, the NFC system 10 may also be used as a starting mechanism for the vehicle 16 by placing the NFC system 10 inside the vehicle 16, such as near a key fob or vehicle ignition. By bringing the NFC tag 56 into proximity with the antenna 14 of the NFC device 12, permission to start the engine of the vehicle 16 may be granted.

[0073] Similarly, by placing the NFC system 10 accordingly, such an NFC system 10 may also be used to authorize access to tire pressure monitoring sensors.

[0074] Generally, the antenna 14 should be placed in a location that can be easily accessed by the operator of the vehicle 16, which can be located at a distance from the NFC device 12 that processes the received signal (e.g., the received electromagnetic field). This is possible because a flexible connection is established between the NFC device 12 and the antenna 14.

[0075] Note that the NFC system 10 disclosed herein, and in particular the module features, may also be used in ultra-wideband systems and Bluetooth low energy systems.

[0076] Here and in the following, the term "module" is understood to describe suitable hardware, suitable software, or a combination of hardware and software configured to have certain functions.

[0077] The hardware may include, among other things, a CPU, GPU, FPGA, ASIC, or other type of electronic circuitry.

[0078] Certain embodiments disclosed herein, in particular, various modules and / or units utilize circuit systems (e.g., one or more circuits) to implement the standards, protocols, methods or technologies disclosed herein, operably couple two or more components, generate information, process information, analyze information, generate signals, encode / decode signals, convert signals, send and / or receive signals, control other devices, etc. Any type of circuit system may be used.

[0079] In an embodiment, the circuit system includes, among other things, one or more computing devices, such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), etc., or any combination thereof, and may include discrete digital circuit elements or analog circuit elements or electronic devices, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the circuit system includes a hardware circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation in an analog circuit system, an implementation in a digital circuit system, etc., and a combination thereof).

[0080] In an embodiment, the circuit system includes a combination of circuits and a computer program product having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer-readable memories that function together to cause the device to perform one or more protocols, methods, or techniques described herein. In an embodiment, the circuit system includes circuits that require software, firmware, etc. to operate, such as, for example, a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor. In an embodiment, the circuit system includes one or more processors or portions thereof and accompanying software, firmware, hardware, etc.

[0081] The present application may quote quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, these quantities and numbers are not considered to be limiting, but rather examples of possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to quote quantities or numbers. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number more than one, such as two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," "close to," etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the value.

[0082] Reference numerals

[0083] 10 NFC system

[0084] 12 NFC device

[0085] 14 Antenna

[0086] 16 Vehicles

[0087] 18 Circuit Board

[0088] 20 Connectors

[0089] 22 Device housing

[0090] 24 Antenna housing

[0091] 26 Flexible connector

[0092] 28 Flexible wiring

[0093] 30 Fastening mechanism

[0094] 32 snap-fit ​​components

[0095] 34 Center Bar

[0096] 36 Surround frame

[0097] 38 Window

[0098] 40 Frames

[0099] 42 Ground plate

[0100] 44 recess

[0101] 46 Vertical structure

[0102] 48 Clamping member

[0103] 50 Flat Conductor Cable

[0104] 52 Access opening

[0105] 54 Door handle

[0106] 56 NFC tags

Claims

1. A near field communication (NFC) system, wherein: The NFC system is implemented in an application in a vehicle, the NFC system includes an antenna and an NFC device having a device housing, wherein the NFC device and the antenna are two separate components connected to each other using a flexible connector, and the flexible connector forwards current between the NFC device and the antenna.

2. The NFC system according to claim 1, wherein: The device housing has a fastening mechanism such that the antenna is reversibly attached to the device housing of the NFC device, in particular wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a snap member or a clip member.

3. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device housing has a fastening mechanism capable of clipping the antenna to the device housing of the NFC device.

4. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The antenna and the NFC device are movable relative to each other so as to be mounted in separate locations.

5. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The antenna is located on a frame, wherein the frame is small compared to the device housing of the NFC device.

6. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The antenna is placed into an antenna housing.

7. The NFC system according to claim 6, wherein: The device housing has snap-fit ​​features that can establish a snap-fit ​​connection with the antenna housing, and / or wherein the antenna housing has snap-fit ​​features that can establish a snap-fit ​​connection with the device housing.

8. The NFC system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The antenna housing includes a center bar and a surrounding frame that surrounds a space divided by the center bar so that two windows are provided.

9. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible connection includes at least two flexible wirings.

10. The NFC system according to claim 9, wherein: The at least two flexible wirings are formed separately, and / or wherein the at least two flexible wirings are parallel and close to each other.

11. The NFC system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: A ground plate is attached to one side of the at least two flexible wirings.

12. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible connector includes a flat conductor cable.

13. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A circuit board is positioned inside the device housing, in particular wherein the antenna is attached to the device housing on a side opposite to the circuit board.

14. The NFC system according to claim 13, wherein: A connector for the NFC device is placed on the circuit board, and wherein an access opening is provided in the device housing, via which the connector is accessible.

15. The NFC system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The antenna is a flexible antenna, or the antenna is placed on a thin plate structure.

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