Multi-planar inductively coupled coil array for electronic module

Abstract

The present document discloses an electronic module (200) characterized by comprising a plurality of planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C) designed to interact with corresponding inductive coupling coils (610). Each inductive coupling coil (312A, 312B, 312C) of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils is positioned in a different plane than the other coils, enabling efficient and reliable docking between the electronic module (200) and the external electronic device (604, 608). This innovative configuration facilitates seamless communication and power transfer by utilizing inductive coupling techniques in multiple planes, thereby enhancing versatility and performance of the electronic module (200).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 905,306, filed on October 3, 2024, entitled “Multi-Plane Inductive Coupling Coil Array for Electronic Module,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 745,991, filed on October 26, 2023, entitled “Antenna Assembly with Multiple Faces for Expanded Operating Volume,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to inductively coupled coils for near field communications, and more particularly to multi-planar inductively coupled coil arrays for electronic modules. Background Art

[0003] Near Field Communication (NFC) is an international standard for short-range radio frequency (RF) communication between electronic devices contained in ISO / IEC (International Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission) standard 18092. NFC functionality is built into many devices, such as mobile phones, NFC cards, badge readers, payment interfaces, wireless chargers, and digital key readers. NFC antennas are typically designed as wire loops or loop traces on rigid or flexible printed circuit board (PCB) substrates. The antenna is connected to an analog front-end integrated circuit via an impedance matching network, which is typically connected to a microcontroller via a serial peripheral interface (SPI), an internal integrated circuit (I2C), or other communication protocols. The microcontroller executes software or firmware that controls the analog front-end integrated circuit and implements the NFC protocol. The microcontroller can also be connected to another interface for other interactions with an external electronic module or directly with an end user. The NFC antenna and the electronic circuits connected to it are typically mounted in a housing made of a material that does not attenuate NFC radio communications. NFC has a carrier frequency of 13.56MHz.

[0004] Typically, NFC antennas are designed as loops in a 2D plane and are mounted just inside one plane of the module housing, so that the operating volume (or the area outside the module where devices can connect and communicate with the module) extends above the housing face. Active NFC antennas generate a magnetic field by passing an alternating current through a conductive loop. Figure 2The operating volume is shown. The magnetic field can inductively couple with similar antennas in other devices placed within the operating volume. The antennas in these other devices can be connected to active or passive circuits. The passive device draws energy from the field generated by the active NFC antenna and communicates with the active NFC antenna according to the NFC protocol by switching a small load, thereby modulating the carrier frequency.

[0005] The CCC Digital Key is an international standard developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) that enables the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) cards, NFC cards, mobile phones, or other electronic devices (key devices) as secure keys for unlocking and starting cars or other vehicles. The digital key standard utilizes three radio technologies to facilitate wireless connectivity between vehicles and key devices. The three radio technologies are (in order of communication distance from far to short): Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and NFC. Digital key devices can utilize a subset of these technologies. NFC has the shortest range and can work even if the battery in the digital key device is completely depleted. Automotive OEMs can provide a digital key "card" as a passive NFC card that is similar in size to a credit card.

[0006] A wireless charging module (WCM) can utilize NFC functionality for the purpose of RFID / NFC tag detection and protection (passive devices may be damaged by the wireless charging field if they are not detected before the wireless charging field is initiated). Additionally, a WCM integrated into a motor vehicle can also use NFC for Bluetooth pairing or other automated actions between a mobile device and the vehicle. Due to the increasing adoption of WCMs in vehicles and the increasing demand for digital keys, WCMs are potential applications for implementing digital key functionality via NFC. Typically, the NFC antenna is located above the user-accessible surface of the WCM, for example, the same surface that a mobile phone is placed near for wireless charging. Typically, the NFC antenna is disposed within a printed circuit board mounted near the inner side of that surface of the module. Summary of the invention

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module. The electronic module includes: a plurality of planar inductive coupling coils, the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils are configured to interface with corresponding inductive coupling coils, each of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils is arranged in a plane different from other inductive coupling coils of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module includes: a first inductive coupling coil, the first inductive coupling coil is configured to generate a first magnetic field having a first axis; and a second inductive coupling coil, the second inductive coupling coil is configured to generate a second magnetic field having a second axis, the second axis being non-coaxial with the first axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present disclosure may be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 An isometric view of an example operating volume of a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna defined by the NFC Forum according to the prior art is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An isometric view of a wireless charging module (WCM) is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 3 According to some embodiments Figure 2 An exploded view of the wireless charging module (WCM).

[0013] Figure 4 According to some embodiments Figure 2 A top view of the WCM’s NFC antenna array in its expanded form.

[0014] Figure 5 According to some embodiments Figure 4 Isometric top view of the NFC antenna array in folded form.

[0015] Figure 6 According to some embodiments Figure 2 Side view of the WCM, where Figure 5 The NFC antenna array covers three non-coplanar surfaces of the WCM.

[0016] Figure 7 According to some embodiments Figure 6 Isometric top view of a folded FPC antenna including reinforcement material on both sides.

[0017] Figure 8 According to some embodiments Figure 7 Isometric bottom view of the FPC antenna.

[0018] Fig. 9 According to some embodiments Figure 6 The ideal polarity of two adjacent FPC antennas makes the various magnetic fields additive.

[0019] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C They are shown respectively Figure 2 Side, top, and front views of three different areas of the operating volume of multiple NFC antennas in a WCM. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] and Figure 1 Unlike the single operating volume shown for the near field communication antenna, it may be advantageous to have multiple operating volumes on multiple sides of the housing of the electronic module.

[0021] A non-limiting example of an application of multiple operating volumes over multiple faces of a module is in conjunction with Figure 2 The illustrated automotive wireless charging module, hereinafter referred to as WCM 200, includes an inductive wireless charging coil configured to transfer at least one watt of electrical power to a corresponding inductive wireless charging coil in a consumer device.

[0022] Figure 3 An exploded view of the WCM 200 is shown. The WCM 200 includes a cover 302 that encloses an array of alignment magnets 304 and magnet holders 306. The cover 302 can provide a surface for charging a consumer device (such as a cellular phone). The cover can also be configured to hold the alignment magnets 304 and magnet holders 306 within a tower 308 of an upper housing 310. The WCM 200 also includes a plurality of planar inductive coils, hereinafter referred to as coils 312. The structure and function of the coils 312 will be explained in more detail below. In this example, the charging coil 314 is formed of Litz wire and is located within the tower 308 of the upper housing 310. The charging coil 314 is positioned adjacent to the ferrite 316. A circuit board 322 containing the electronic circuitry of the WCM 200 is disposed between an inner housing 324 and a bottom housing 326, and the upper housing 310 is attached to the lower housing 326.

[0023] like Figure 4 As further shown, the coil 312 is included in or on the single substrate 402. The coil 312 is configured for near field communication and is adapted to communicate with (one or more) corresponding inductively coupled coils (hereinafter referred to as (one or more) corresponding coils) 610 (see Figure 6 ) establishes near-field inductive coupling sufficient to support near-field communication to dock with one or more corresponding coils 610. For example, the corresponding coils may be included in a consumer device wirelessly charged by a WCM as described above in the background section of the present disclosure, and / or a digital key device.

[0024] like Figure 4As shown, each of coils 312A, 312B, and 312C is arranged in a plane different from other inductively coupled coils in the plurality of planar inductively coupled coils. Coil 312 is configured to support near field communications in a frequency range of 13.767 MHz to 15.553 MHz and is compliant with ISO / IEC standard 18092:2023. Substrate 402 may be formed of a rigid dielectric material such as FR4, a flexible dielectric material such as a flexible circuit board, a hybrid substrate including both rigid and flexible dielectric materials, or substrate 402 may be a stamped copper circuit. Figure 4 As shown, the coil may be connected to the transceiver via a pigtail 404 extending from a substrate 402 .

[0025] like Figure 5 As shown, the first coil 312A is configured to be located in the tower 308 above the charging coil 314 (eg, Figure 3 ), and is arranged in a first plane 502 that is substantially parallel and offset relative to a second plane 504 of the second coil 312B. The first coil 312A can be primarily used to establish communication with a consumer device. The first coil 312A can also or alternatively be used to communicate with another device (such as a digital key device). The second coil 312B is configured to be located on a surface adjacent to the tower 308, and can be primarily used to establish communication with the digital key device. The second coil 312B can also or alternatively be used to communicate with another device (such as a consumer device wirelessly charged by WDM). As Figure 5 As further shown, the third coil 312C is arranged in a third plane 506, which is substantially perpendicular to the first plane 502 and the second plane 504, and the third coil 312C can be mainly used to establish communication with the digital key device. In this example, a slot 602 designed to hold a digital key 604 is disposed near a side surface 606 of the WCM 200 adjacent to the third coil 312C, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown. Figure 6 Also shown in FIG. 6 is consumer device 608 positioned proximate tower 308 above charging coil 314 .

[0026] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Also shown are top and bottom views of substrate 402 with reinforcement material 702, such as polyimide, metal, or FR4. Reinforcement material 702 contains no electrical circuitry, but simply provides mechanical support to substrate 402 where needed (e.g., where components are placed to prevent solder joints from being damaged during bending, or near connector interfaces to provide rigidity to mate and meet thickness requirements of the connector).

[0027] like Fig. 9As shown, it may be advantageous to design coils 312A, 312B to be on parallel faces so that they have the same polarity as indicated by the arrows indicating current flow. In this manner, the magnetic fields created by coils 312A, 312B are coupled together / additive, thereby enhancing the magnetic fields generated by coils 312A, 312B and improving detection performance near the parallel face region. Fig. 9 As further shown, it may also be advantageous to design coils 312B, 312C on adjacent faces so that they have opposite polarity as indicated by the arrows indicating current flow. In this manner, the magnetic fields created by coils 312B, 312C are coupled together / additive, thereby enhancing the magnetic fields generated by coils 312B, 312C and improving detection performance near the adjoining area of ​​the faces.

[0028] like Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C As shown, the first coil 312A generates a first magnetic field having a first axis 1002, and the first coil 312A provides a first operating volume 1004; the second coil 312B generates a second magnetic field having a second axis 1006, the second axis 1006 is non-coaxial with the first axis, and the second coil 312B provides a second operating volume 1008; and the third coil 312C generates a third magnetic field having a third axis 1010, the third axis 1010 is perpendicular to the first axis 1002 and the second axis 1006, and the third coil 312C provides a third operating volume 1012. The second operating volume 1008 is laterally offset from the first operating volume 1004.

[0029] In alternative embodiments, any of coils 312A, 312B, and / or 312C may be configured to transfer up to one watt of electrical power.

[0030] Examples of near-field antenna arrays on multiple faces of a module are shown here in the context of an automotive wireless charging module, but other embodiments are also contemplated for other types of electronic modules that include NFC antennas (e.g., payment terminals, standalone digital key reader modules, etc.) where it would be advantageous to have an operating volume above more than one face of the module. Discussion of Possible Implementations

[0031] The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0032] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module. The electronic module includes: a plurality of planar inductive coupling coils, the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils are configured to interface with corresponding inductive coupling coils, each of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils is arranged in a plane different from other inductive coupling coils of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils.

[0033] The electronic module of the preceding paragraph may optionally include (additionally and / or alternatively) any one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0034] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which a plurality of planar inductively coupled coils are configured to establish inductive coupling with corresponding coils sufficient to support near field communications.

[0035] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which a plurality of planar inductively coupled coils are configured to establish inductive coupling with corresponding coils sufficient to support near field communications within a frequency range of 13.767 MHz to 15.553 MHz.

[0036] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which near field communication complies with ISO / IEC standard 18092:2023.

[0037] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which at least one of a plurality of planar inductively coupled coils and a corresponding coil are configured to establish inductive coupling sufficient to support near field communications at distances up to four centimeters.

[0038] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which a single substrate includes a plurality of planar inductively coupled coils.

[0039] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which a single substrate is formed of a flexible dielectric material.

[0040] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which a plurality of planar inductively coupled coils are formed from stamped copper circuits.

[0041] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module that further includes an inductive charging transmitter coil configured to transfer more than one watt of electrical power to an inductive charging receiver coil.

[0042] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which an inductively coupled coil of a plurality of planar inductively coupled coils is arranged in a plane that is substantially perpendicular relative to planes of other inductively coupled coils of the plurality of planar inductively coupled coils.

[0043] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic module in which an inductively coupled coil of a plurality of planar inductively coupled coils is arranged in a plane that is substantially parallel and offset relative to planes of other inductively coupled coils of the plurality of planar inductively coupled coils.

[0044] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module includes: a first inductive coupling coil, the first inductive coupling coil is configured to generate a first magnetic field having a first axis; and a second inductive coupling coil, the second inductive coupling coil is configured to generate a second magnetic field having a second axis, the second axis being non-coaxial with the first axis.

[0045] The wireless communication module of the preceding paragraph may optionally include (additionally and / or alternatively) any one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0046] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module in which a second axis of the second coil is laterally offset from a first axis of the first coil.

[0047] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module in which a first axis of a first coil is substantially perpendicular to a second axis of a second coil.

[0048] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module in which at least one of a first inductively coupled coil and a second inductively coupled coil is configured to transfer up to one watt of electrical power.

[0049] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module in which a single substrate includes a first inductively coupled coil and a second inductively coupled coil.

[0050] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module, which further includes a third inductive coupling coil, the third inductive coupling coil configured to generate a third magnetic field having a third axis, the third axis is laterally offset from the first axis of the first coil and substantially perpendicular to the second axis of the second coil.

[0051] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module that further includes a third inductive coupling coil configured to generate a third magnetic field having a third axis that is coaxial with the first axis of the first coil.

[0052] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module in which the third coil is configured to transmit more than one watt of electrical power.

[0053] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wireless communication module in which a first inductively coupled coil and a second inductively coupled coil are included in a single substrate.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described with reference to (one or more) exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and its elements may be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, various modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its main scope. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed (one or more) embodiments, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] As used herein, "one or more" includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed fashion), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0056] It should also be understood that, although in some instances, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of each of the embodiments, the first contact can be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact can be referred to as the first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0057] The terms used in the specification of various described embodiments herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. As used in the specification of various described embodiments and in the appended claims, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates other situations. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprising", "comprising", "including" and / or "including" when used in this specification indicate the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0058] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when" or "at" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if "[the condition or event] is detected" is optionally interpreted to mean "upon determination" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]," depending on the context.

[0059] In addition, although the terms of regulations or orientation may be used herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise specified, all regulations or orientations are used to distinguish one element from another element, and unless otherwise specified, do not represent any particular order, order of operation, direction or orientation.

Claims

1. An electronic module (200), comprising: A plurality of planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C) are configured to interface with corresponding inductive coupling coils (610), each of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C) being arranged in a plane different from other planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C) of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C).

2. The electronic module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of planar inductively coupled coils (312A, 312B, 312C) are configured to establish inductive coupling with the corresponding coil (610) sufficient to support near field communication.

3. The electronic module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: A single substrate (402) includes the plurality of planar inductively coupled coils (312A, 312B, 312C).

4. The electronic module (200) of claim 1, further comprising an inductive wireless charging coil (314), the inductive wireless charging coil (314) being configured to transfer more than one watt of electrical power to a corresponding inductive wireless charging coil.

5. The electronic module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: One inductive coupling coil (312C) of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C) is arranged in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the planes of the other inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B) of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C).

6. The electronic module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: One inductive coupling coil (312A) of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils is arranged in a plane that is substantially parallel and offset relative to planes of other inductive coupling coils (312B) of the plurality of planar inductive coupling coils (312A, 312B, 312C).

7. A wireless communication module (200), the wireless communication module (200) comprising: a first inductive coupling coil (312A) configured to generate a first magnetic field (1004) having a first axis (1002); and A second inductive coupling coil (312B, 312C) configured to generate a second magnetic field (1008, 1012) having a second axis (1006, 1010) that is non-coaxial with the first axis (1002).

8. The wireless communication module (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second axis (1006) of the second coil (312B) is laterally offset from the first axis (1002) of the first inductive coupling coil (312A).

9. The wireless communication module (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first axis (1002) of the first coil (312A) is substantially perpendicular to the second axis (1010) of the second coil (312C).

10. The wireless communication module (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that: At least one of the first inductively coupled coil and the second inductively coupled coil (312A, 312B, 312C) is configured to transfer up to one watt of electrical power.

11. The wireless communication module (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that: A single substrate (402) includes the first inductive coupling coil and the second inductive coupling coil (312A, 312B, 312C).

12. The wireless communication module (200) of claim 7, further comprising a third inductive coupling coil (312C), the third inductive coupling coil (312C) being configured to generate a third magnetic field (1012) having a third axis (1010), the third axis (1010) being laterally offset from the first axis (1002) of the first coil (312A) and being substantially perpendicular to the second axis (1006) of the second coil (312B).

13. The wireless communication module (200) of claim 7, further comprising a third inductive coupling coil (314), wherein the third inductive coupling coil (314) is configured to generate a third magnetic field having a third axis, wherein the third axis is coaxial with the first axis of the first coil (312A).

14. The wireless communication module (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first inductive coupling coil and the second inductive coupling coil (312A, 312B, 312C) are contained in a single substrate (402).

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