System for enhancing NFC communication with programmable driver in metal housing

Abstract

A system (100) comprises an electronic device (200), the electronic device (200) comprising: an electronic component (210); the programmable driver (220) is configured to regulate the voltage or current supply of the electronic component (210); wherein the programmable driver (220) comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag (225) integrated with the antenna (226), and the NFC tag (225) is configured to assist an external NFC reader (400) in accessing the programmable driver (220) to configure the electronic component (210); the metal shell (230) comprises an opening (231) for inserting a plug; wherein the programmable driver (220) is placed within the metal housing (230) with an antenna (226) of the NFC tag (225) facing the opening (231); and a passive NFC repeater (300) configured to connect to the NFC tag (225) through the opening (231) to extend a communication range of the NFC tag (225) to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader (400).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of establishing a communication link with a programmable actuator, such as via Near Field Communication (NFC) communication. More specifically, various devices, systems, and methods related to NFC communication with a programmable actuator within a reinforced metal housing are disclosed herein. Background Art

[0002] Programmable drives are increasingly being adopted for reconfiguring electronic components. Control signals can be provided to the programmable drives via wires / cables or via wireless links. Wireless programmable drives bring great convenience and flexibility to the system, which is more attractive from an application perspective.

[0003] Most of the current commercially available wireless programmable drives are built on top of NFC technology. For example, the control signals of the programmable drive are provided from an external NFC reader to an NFC tag integrated in the programmable drive. Since the typical communication distance of the NFC link is only a few centimeters, this can be a problem when the programmable drive has to be assembled in a housing that includes many other electronic components. When the housing is a metal housing, the NFC link can even be completely shielded and the programmable drive cannot be reached from the outside. Therefore, a solution is needed to solve such a problem.

[0004] US2019147202A1 relates to systems and methods for programming a network transceiver via RFID communications. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and system for extending an NFC link of a programmable actuator placed in a metal housing. More specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by a system as claimed in claim 1 and by a kit for use as claimed in claim 8.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. A system includes an electronic device, the electronic device including an electronic component; a programmable driver configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component; wherein the programmable driver includes a near field communication NFC tag integrated with an antenna, and the NFC tag is configured to help an external NFC reader access the programmable driver to configure the electronic component; a metal housing, which includes an opening for inserting a plug; wherein the programmable driver is placed in the housing, wherein the antenna of the NFC tag faces the opening. The system also includes a passive NFC repeater, which is configured to be connected to the NFC tag through the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag to establish an NFC communication link with an external NFC reader; wherein the passive NFC repeater is integrated in an attachment for detachably inserting into the opening, and the attachment is a tool for configuring the electronic component using the passive NFC repeater placed at the end of the tool suitable for the opening.

[0007] Programmable drivers provide greater flexibility for configuring electronic components. One or more settings of an electronic component can be reconfigured during installation or during use. For example, one or more settings can be adapted to a deployment scenario or user preference.

[0008] The configuration of the programmable actuator is set via the NFC communication link. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enable communication between two electronic devices typically over a distance of 4 cm or less. NFC is based on inductive coupling between two antennas on an NFC-enabled device that communicate in one or two directions. Communication is typically carried out in a carrier frequency band of 13.56 MHz, which is a globally available unlicensed radio frequency ISM band.

[0009] Reconfiguring electronic components via this wireless link further improves the flexibility of the system. However, due to the limited communication distance of NFC and the shielding effect of metal shells on electromagnetic waves, in such a system, the NFC link may be damaged or even completely blocked.

[0010] An NFC repeater or NFC extender is configured to extend the communication range of an NFC tag, which can be implemented as a passive component that relays NFC signals. An NFC repeater is deployed to relay signals through holes in the metal housing of an electronic device, helping to establish a communication link between a built-in NFC tag and an external NFC reader.

[0011] Advantageously, the electronic component is a light source.

[0012] The light source or light emitter may be one of a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), or an edge emitting laser diode (EELD).

[0013] In one example, the electronic device is a lighting device, and the light source is used for lighting.

[0014] NFC is already being used in the lighting industry, for example for identification, control or configuration of components such as drivers. NFC programming of luminaire drivers is rapidly gaining popularity as a flexible and simple method to set the operating characteristics of drivers within luminaires.

[0015] A programmable driver can be a driver for a light source, such as an LED driver. NFC allows manufacturers to wirelessly set operating parameters of the LED driver, such as operating current, constant lumen output, and dimming level. This can be done on the production line without applying mains voltage to the driver, thereby reducing the workload on the production line to protect workers from mains voltage. This also allows users to wirelessly adjust settings according to user preferences.

[0016] An NFC reader is a hardware device used to exchange data with an NFC tag. An NFC reader can both read from an NFC tag and write to an NFC tag. An NFC tag is a chip that can be used as data storage, data can be read from an NFC reader, and in some cases data can be written to an NFC reader. The tag is a passive device and is activated by the energy contained in the signal emitted by the NFC reader. In an NFC programming system, an NFC reader can be connected to a host device and receive its instructions from the host device. The NFC reader wirelessly transmits programming data to the NFC tag within the LED driver. Parameters are programmed using an NFC reader in conjunction with LED driver vendor-specific software. The software typically runs on a standard host device such as a controller, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or debugging device. After such a programming phase, the LED driver operates the parameters at the desired settings.

[0017] Preferably, the passive NFC repeater comprises two coils electrically connected to each other.

[0018] The two coils can be connected by a metal wire. One coil picks up the electromagnetic waves and converts them into electric current, while the other coil generates electromagnetic waves again. One coil can be located at a transmitting antenna, such as the antenna of an NFC reader, and the other coil can be located near a receiving antenna, such as the antenna of an NFC tag.

[0019] Beneficially, the passive NFC repeater is configured to passively relay an electrical signal between the two coils.

[0020] As an option, the passive NFC repeater is implemented as a magnetic induction repeater using two coils electrically connected to each other and configured to have the same resonant frequency.

[0021] In a preferred arrangement, the passive NFC repeater is integrated in an add-on piece which is removably insertable into the opening.

[0022] The passive NFC repeater can be built into an additional piece that is independent of the electronic device and can be removably inserted into the opening. Therefore, the additional piece can only be inserted into the opening during the commissioning process and can be removed from the opening immediately after the commissioning process has been completed.

[0023] Advantageously, the passive NFC repeater is built into a housing having an elongated shape for insertion into the opening.

[0024] Preferably, the NFC repeater should be placed 1 cm or more away from the metal housing of the electronic device. The housing is made of non-metallic material, which also creates some space between the NFC repeater and the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0025] In one example, the housing is in the shape of a pen.

[0026] In one example, a passive NFC repeater is integrated into a tool for configuring an electronic component with the passive NFC repeater placed in an end of the tool that fits into an opening.

[0027] The tool may be a debugging tool for configuring electronic components.

[0028] In one option, an external NFC reader is included in a host device, such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, controller, or another commissioning device.

[0029] In another option, an external NFC reader is integrated with a passive NFC repeater in the tool.

[0030] In a preferred arrangement, the electronic device further comprises a plastic plug fixed to the opening, the opening having a cavity facing the interior of the electronic device, and the passive NFC repeater is configured to be detachably inserted into the cavity.

[0031] In one example, a passive NFC repeater is built into a plastic plug that fits into an opening of a metal housing of an electronic device. The plastic plug with an integrated passive NFC repeater may be detachably attached to the opening, or may be fixedly attached to the opening.

[0032] In another setup, a passive NFC repeater is built into a plastic plug that is secured to the opening.

[0033] It is also possible to have the NFC repeater integrated in a plastic plug fixed in the opening, instead of having the NFC repeater built into an add-on separate from the electronic device. In this option, the plastic plug is also part of the electronic device. Therefore, an external NFC reader needs to be placed close to the plastic plug from the outside to establish the NFC link to program the electronic component.

[0034] Since the NFC repeater should preferably be placed 1 cm or more away from the metal housing of the electronic device, it is beneficial that the housing of the add-on is a non-metallic material and has a certain thickness, so that such requirements can be met when the add-on is inserted.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided. An electronic device includes an electronic component; a programmable driver configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component; wherein the programmable driver includes a near field communication NFC tag integrated with an antenna, and the NFC tag is configured to help an external NFC reader access the programmable driver to configure the electronic component; a metal shell, which includes an opening for inserting a plug; wherein the programmable driver is placed in the shell, wherein the antenna of the NFC tag faces the opening; and a plastic plug fixed to the opening; wherein the plastic plug includes a passive NFC repeater, which is configured to be connected to the NFC tag through the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag to establish an NFC communication link with an external NFC reader.

[0036] Advantageously, the electronic component is a light source.

[0037] The light source or light emitter may be one of a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), or an edge emitting laser diode (EELD).

[0038] In one example, the electronic device is a lighting device, and the light source is used for lighting.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided. A kit for use, comprising an electronic device, comprising an electronic component; a programmable driver configured to adjust a voltage or current supply of the electronic component; wherein the programmable driver comprises a near field communication NFC tag integrated with an antenna, and the NFC tag is configured to help an external NFC reader access the programmable driver to configure the electronic component; a metal housing, comprising an opening for inserting a plug; wherein the programmable driver is placed in the housing, wherein the antenna of the NFC tag faces the opening; and a passive NFC repeater integrated in an additional part is used to be detachably inserted into the opening; wherein the passive NFC repeater is configured to be connected to the NFC tag via the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag to help the NFC tag establish an NFC communication link with an external NFC reader; wherein the additional part is a tool for configuring the electronic component using the passive NFC repeater placed at the end of the tool suitable for the opening.

[0040] In this option, a passive NFC repeater built into a removable add-on to an electronic device may be included in a kit for sale and use with the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to like parts throughout the different drawings. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0042] Figure 1 Demonstrates basic setup for NFC programming using a driver;

[0043] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the system;

[0044] Figure 3 Demonstrated implementation of a passive NFC repeater;

[0045] Figure 4 An example of one implementation of the system is shown;

[0046] Figure 5 Another example of an embodiment of the system is shown;

[0047] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an electronic device; and

[0048] Figure 7 A block diagram of a kit for use is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The embodiments set forth below represent information that enables those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. After reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the present disclosure and will recognize the application of these concepts not specifically mentioned herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] Programmable drivers provide greater flexibility for configuring electronic devices or components. One or more settings of an electronic component can be reconfigured during installation or during use. For example, one or more settings can be adapted to a deployment scenario or user preference. In commercially available products, one or more settings of a programmable driver are typically set via an NFC communication link. Near field communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enable communication between two electronic devices typically over a distance of 4 cm or less.

[0051] Figure 1 The basic setup for NFC programming with a drive is shown. The drive includes an integrated NFC tag. An NFC reader (or sometimes called: interface) is connected to the computer. The reader communicates with the NFC tag in the drive. The communication range with NFC is limited to a few centimeters.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in , a host device (such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or controller) may include software that sends instructions, control commands, or programming data to an NFC reader. The NFC reader may be integrated into the host device or communicatively coupled to the host device. The NFC reader wirelessly transmits the instructions, control commands, or programming data to an NFC tag within the programmable drive via an NFC link.

[0053] Reconfiguring the electronic components via this wireless link further increases the flexibility of the system. However, the programmable driver can be assembled in an electronic device with a metal housing. Due to the limited communication distance of NFC and the shielding effect of the metal housing on electromagnetic waves, in such a scenario, the NFC link may be impaired or even completely blocked. For example, when the driver is built into a metal illuminator, the communication may be severely impaired or even impossible due to the shielding of electromagnetic waves by the metal.

[0054] Figure 2A block diagram of a system 100 according to the present invention is shown. As a basic setting, the system 100 includes at least an electronic device 200 and a passive NFC repeater 300. The electronic device 200 also includes an electronic component 210, a programmable driver 220 and a metal housing 230. The programmable driver 220 is configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component 210. The programmable driver 220 includes an NFC tag 225 integrated with an antenna 226, and the NFC tag 225 is used to help an external NFC reader 400 access the programmable driver 220 to configure the electronic component 210. The metal housing 230 includes an opening 231 for inserting a plug. The programmable driver 220 is placed in the metal housing 230, wherein the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 faces the opening 231.

[0055] The passive NFC repeater 300 is configured to be connected to the NFC tag 225 through the opening 231 to extend the communication range of the NFC tag 225 to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader 400. The passive NFC repeater 300 is deployed to relay NFC signals through the hole 231 on the metal housing 230 of the electronic device 200, helping to establish a communication link between the built-in NFC tag 225 and the external NFC reader 400.

[0056] Figure 3 An embodiment of a passive NFC repeater 300 is shown. The passive repeater 300 can be made of 2 coils connected with wires. One coil picks up the electromagnetic waves, converts them into electric current, while the other coil creates electromagnetic waves again. One coil is located next to the NFC reader and operates as a "transmitting" antenna, while the other coil can be placed near the NFC antenna embedded in the driver.

[0057] In one example, the passive NFC repeater 300 is built into a plastic plug that fits into the opening 231 of the metal housing 230 of the electronic device 200. The plastic plug with the integrated passive NFC repeater may be detachably attached to the opening 231, or fixedly attached to the opening 231.

[0058] Figure 4 An example of an implementation of the system 100 is shown. In this example, the passive repeater 300 is built into a plug fixed to an opening 231 of a metal housing 230 of an electronic device 200, so that the plug is a part of the electronic device 200. As an example, the electronic device 200 is a lighting device, and the electronic component 210 is a light source such as an LED. The programmable driver 220 within the lighting device 200 is guided to one coil of the passive repeater 300 using the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225. And the external NFC reader 400 can establish an NFC communication link with the embedded NFC tag via the relay of the passive repeater 300.

[0059] Figure 5 2 shows a further example of an embodiment of the system 100. The passive repeater 300 may be built into an additional piece that is suitable for being assembled in an insert in the electronic device 200 for removable insertion into the opening 231. The additional piece is independent of the electronic device 200 and may be inserted into the opening only during the commissioning process and may be removed from the opening immediately after the commissioning process has been completed.

[0060] The additional piece may be used as a configuration tool for the electronic component 210. The additional piece or tool may have a housing of an elongated shape, which is suitable for being detachably inserted into the opening 231.

[0061] As an example, the passive repeater 300 can be built into a pen as a tool for configuration. For an illuminator 200 with a metal housing 230, since metal repels electromagnetic flux lines, it is not possible to perform NFC communication from the outside to access the programmable driver 220 within the illuminator 200. When there is enough space (such as 1 cm or more) between the passive repeater and the metal housing of the electronic device or another metal component within the electronic device, the pen with the passive repeater will bring the flux lines into the illuminator 200 via the opening 231.

[0062] Figure 6 A block diagram of an electronic device 201 is shown. The electronic device 201 includes an electronic component 210, a programmable driver 220, a metal housing 230 including an opening 231, and a plastic plug fixed to the opening 231. The programmable driver 220 is configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component 210. The programmable driver 220 includes a near field communication NFC tag 225 integrated with an antenna 226, and the NFC tag 225 is configured to help an external NFC reader 400 access the programmable driver 220 to configure the electronic component 210. The metal housing 230 includes an opening 231 for inserting the plug. The programmable driver 220 is placed in the metal housing 230, wherein the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 faces the opening 231. The plastic plug is fixed to the opening 231. The plastic plug includes a passive NFC repeater 300, which is configured to be connected to the NFC tag 225 through the opening 231 to extend the communication range of the NFC tag 225 to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader 400.

[0063] Figure 7A block diagram of a kit 500 for use is shown. The kit 500 includes an electronic device 200 and a passive NFC repeater 300 integrated in an add-on to the electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 includes an electronic component 210, a programmable driver 220, and a metal housing 230. The programmable driver 220 is configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component 210; wherein the programmable driver 220 includes a near field communication NFC tag 225 integrated with an antenna 226, and the NFC tag 225 is configured to help an external NFC reader 400 access the programmable driver 220 to configure the electronic component 210. The metal housing 230 includes an opening 231 for inserting a plug. The programmable driver 220 is placed in the housing, wherein the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 faces the opening 231. The passive NFC repeater 300 is integrated in an attachment for detachably inserting into the opening 231 , and is configured to be connected to the NFC tag 225 via the opening 231 to extend the communication range of the NFC tag 225 , for helping the NFC tag 225 to establish an NFC communication link with an external NFC reader 400 .

[0064] As an example, two coils of the passive NFC repeater 300 are electrically connected to each other. These coils are built into an add-on such as a pen. The programmable driver 220 within the illuminator 200 uses the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 to guide to one coil. The antenna of the NFC reader 400 can be guided outside the illuminator 200 towards the second coil of the passive repeater pen 300. When the operator needs to program the driver, the pen 300 can be moved in the insert. Once the programming is completed, the pen will be removed.

Claims

1. A system (100) comprising: - An electronic device (200), comprising: - an electronic component (210); - a programmable driver (220) configured to adjust a voltage or current supply of the electronic component (210); wherein the programmable driver (220) comprises a near field communication NFC tag (225) integrated with an antenna (226), and the NFC tag (225) is configured to help an external NFC reader (400) access the programmable driver (220) to configure the electronic component (210); and - a metal housing (230) comprising an opening (231) for inserting a plug; wherein the programmable driver (220) is placed inside the metal housing (230), wherein the antenna (226) of the NFC tag (225) faces the opening (231); The system (100) further comprises: - a passive NFC repeater (300) configured to be connected to the NFC tag (225) through the opening (231) to extend the communication range of the NFC tag (225) to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader (400); wherein the passive NFC repeater (300) is integrated in an additional piece for detachably inserting into the opening (231); wherein the additional piece is a tool for configuring the electronic component (210) using the passive NFC repeater (300) placed at the end of the tool suitable for the opening (231).

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the electronic component (210) is a light source.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the passive NFC repeater (300) comprises two coils electrically connected to each other.

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the passive NFC repeater (300) is configured to passively relay electrical signals between the two coils.

5. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passive NFC repeater (300) is built into a housing having an elongated shape for insertion into the opening (231).

6. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the external NFC reader (400) is integrated with a passive NFC repeater (300) in the tool.

7. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device (200) further comprises a plastic plug fixed to the opening (231), the opening (231) having a cavity facing the interior of the electronic device (200), and the passive NFC repeater (300) is configured to be removably inserted into the cavity.

8. A kit (500) for use comprising: - An electronic device (200), comprising: - an electronic component (210); - a programmable driver (220) configured to adjust a voltage or current supply of the electronic component (210); wherein the programmable driver (220) comprises a near field communication NFC tag (225) integrated with an antenna (226), and the NFC tag (225) is configured to help an external NFC reader (400) access the programmable driver (220) to configure the electronic component (210); - a metal housing (230) comprising an opening (231) for inserting a plug; wherein the programmable driver (220) is placed inside the housing, wherein the antenna (226) of the NFC tag (225) faces the opening (231); and - a passive NFC repeater (300) integrated in an attachment for detachably inserting into the opening (231); wherein the passive NFC repeater (300) is configured to be connected to the NFC tag (225) via the opening (231) to extend the communication range of the NFC tag (225) to help the NFC tag (225) establish an NFC communication link with an external NFC reader (400); The additional part is a tool for configuring the electronic component (210) using a passive NFC repeater (300) placed at the end of the tool adapted to the opening (231).

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