System, apparatus and method for multi-channel WLC power transfer

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for multi-channel wireless charging power delivery are provided. For example, a poller device may charge a plurality of listener devices. The poller device may have a separate antenna interface channel and a separate poller antenna for each listener device. The poller device may include a poller transmitter that may generate a different charge signal for each antenna interface channel that may be used to generate an electromagnetic field poller antenna. Each individual poller antenna may generate a different electromagnetic field to power the associated listener device. Each antenna interface channel may include one or more automatic antenna tuners that may be used to dynamically and individually tune each antenna interface channel. The poller device and listener devices may use NFC links to determine which listener devices may be charged and the level of charge to be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless power transfer, and more particularly to multi-channel wireless power transfer that can be delivered through a single chip. Background Art

[0002] In a variety of applications, near field communication (NFC) using wireless charging (WLC) has been used to charge devices (e.g., in-ear headphones, etc.). NFC utilizes a first transmitter, poller, or reader device that generates an electromagnetic field to communicate with a listener device. The electromagnetic field can be converted by the listener device into a supply voltage to power the battery of the listener device. The electromagnetic field can be generated by the poller device at a specific frequency, which can be a carrier frequency. The listener device can backscatter or otherwise transmit a second electromagnetic field of the same or different frequency back to the poller. For example, the listener device can have a passive or active response. The listener device can include a battery that can be charged. The battery of the listener device can also provide the power for transmitting the second electromagnetic field to the poller device. Conventional poller devices can charge listener devices simultaneously by generating a single electromagnetic field for all listener devices.

[0003] Exemplary applications include wireless in-ear headphones. In conventional NFC using WLC, multiple devices (e.g., in-ear headphones) are simultaneously charged via the antenna of the poller device. The single antenna of the poller device simultaneously transmits WLC to multiple devices without considering the characteristics or status of any one device.

[0004] The inventors have identified a number of areas for improvement in the prior art and methods, which are the subject of the embodiments described herein. Through the efforts, ingenuity, and innovation exerted by the inventors, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been solved by developing solutions including those in the embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The various embodiments described herein relate to wireless power transfer, and more particularly to multi-channel wireless power transfer.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an example device for wireless charging is provided. The device may include: a polling transmitter electrically connected to a plurality of antenna interface channels, wherein each antenna interface channel includes an output port configured to connect to a polling antenna among the plurality of polling antennas for wirelessly charging different listener devices among the plurality of listener devices; wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a plurality of charging signals, with a different charging signal being transmitted to each of the plurality of antenna interface channels; and wherein each antenna interface channel is configured to perform dynamic tuning independently of each other antenna interface channel among the plurality of antenna interface channels by adjusting the impedance of the corresponding antenna interface channel.

[0007] In some embodiments, each antenna interface channel includes a plurality of automatic antenna tuners, and each automatic antenna tuner is configured to change the impedance.

[0008] In some embodiments, the polling transmitter is configured to operate the first antenna interface channel separately from the second antenna interface channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of antenna interface channels include a first antenna interface channel and a second antenna interface channel, wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a first charging signal for the first antenna interface channel to generate a first output at a first RF output of the first antenna interface channel; wherein the polling transmitter is further configured to generate a second charging signal for the second antenna interface channel to generate a second output at a second RF output of the second antenna interface channel; wherein a first power of the first RF output is configured to be different from a second power of the second RF output.

[0010] In some embodiments, the polling transmitter is configured to establish an NFC link with each of the plurality of listener devices.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of antenna interface channels include three or more antenna interface channels.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device for wireless charging is incorporated into a semiconductor chip.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an example system for wireless charging is provided. The system may include: a battery; a polling transmitter electrically connected to the battery and electrically connected to a plurality of antenna interface channels, wherein each antenna interface channel is electrically connected to an associated polling antenna among the plurality of polling antennas; the plurality of polling antennas, wherein each polling antenna among the plurality of polling antennas is electrically connected to a different antenna interface channel among the plurality of antenna interface channels; wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a plurality of charging signals, wherein different charging signals are transmitted to each antenna interface channel among the plurality of antenna interface channels; and wherein each antenna interface channel is configured to perform dynamic tuning independently of each other antenna interface channel among the plurality of antenna interface channels by adjusting the impedance of the corresponding antenna interface channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, each antenna interface channel includes a plurality of automatic antenna tuners, and wherein each automatic antenna tuner is configured to change the impedance.

[0015] In some embodiments, the polling transmitter is configured to operate the first antenna interface channel separately from the second antenna interface channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of antenna interface channels includes a first antenna interface channel and a second antenna interface channel, wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a first charging signal for the first antenna interface channel to generate a first output at a first RF output of the first antenna interface channel; wherein the polling transmitter is further configured to generate a second charging signal for the second antenna interface channel to generate a second output at a second RF output of the second antenna interface channel; wherein a first power of the first RF output is configured to be different from a second power of the second RF output.

[0017] In some embodiments, the polling transmitter is configured to establish an NFC link with each listener device among the plurality of listener devices.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of antenna interface channels includes three or more antenna interface channels.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of listener devices is a pair of in-ear headphones or hearing aids.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method is provided. The method may include: establishing a plurality of NFC links between a poller device and a plurality of listener devices, wherein the poller device includes a poller transmitter electrically connected to a plurality of antenna interface channels, wherein each antenna interface channel is electrically connected to a corresponding polling antenna among a plurality of poller antennas, and wherein each listener device is associated with one of the antenna interface channels and a poller; determining which one of the plurality of listener devices to charge based on the plurality of NFC links; and charging at least one of the plurality of listener devices based on the determination of which one of the plurality of listener devices will be charged, wherein charging the at least one listener device is via a first charging signal transmitted to a first polling antenna via a first antenna interface channel.

[0021] In some embodiments, each antenna interface channel includes a plurality of automatic antenna tuners, wherein each automatic antenna tuner is configured to change the impedance.

[0022] In some embodiments, the poller transmitter is configured to operate the first antenna interface channel separately from the second antenna interface channel.

[0023] In some embodiments, charging at least one of the plurality of listener devices based on the determination of which one of the plurality of listener devices will be charged includes charging a first listener device at a first power and charging a second listener device at a second power.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of antenna interface channels includes three or more antenna interface channels.

[0025] In some embodiments, the plurality of listener devices is a pair of in-ear headphones or hearing aids.

[0026] The above summary is provided only to outline some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It should also be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes many potential embodiments other than those outlined herein, some of which will be described further below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described so generally above, and now reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of certain portions of a device having a plurality of channels in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 shows an exemplary circuit and block diagram of a single antenna interface channel in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 shows an exemplary capacitor bank in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a flowchart including an example operation for charging in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 shows an exemplary graph of a charging curve in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 shows an exemplary graph of current consumption versus matching impedance in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 7 shows an exemplary block diagram of a device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. In fact, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals always denote like elements.

[0036] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including but not limited to and should be construed in its ordinary sense as used in the patent context. The use of broader terms such as including, comprising, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and substantially consisting of.

[0037] Phrases such as "in various embodiments", "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", "in some embodiments", etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following such phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0038] The word "example" or "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as more preferred or advantageous than other implementations.

[0039] If the specification states that a component or feature “can”, “is able to”, “is capable of”, “should”, “preferably”, “may”, “typically”, “optionally”, “for example”, “frequently” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, it is not required that the particular component or feature be included or have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may optionally be included in some embodiments or may be excluded.

[0040] The use of the term “circuit” herein with respect to components of a system or device shall be understood to include specific hardware configured to perform functions associated with the specific circuit described herein. The term “circuit” shall be understood broadly to include hardware and, in some embodiments, software for configuring the hardware. For example, in some embodiments, “circuit” may include processing circuitry, communication circuitry, input / output circuitry, etc. In some embodiments, other elements may provide or supplement the functionality of a particular circuit.

[0041] Overview

[0042] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to improved wireless charging devices. Various embodiments may include a dual-channel wireless charging device that can be implemented on a single chip.

[0043] The present disclosure provides an improved wireless charging (WLC) for a near field communication (NFC) system. The WLC system may include a polling device (e.g., an in-ear headphone housing) and one or more listener devices (in-ear headphones, hearing aids, wearables, or hearing devices). The polling device may poll the one or more listener devices being polled and then respond. For example, the WLC system may include an in-ear headphone housing (i.e., the poller or polling device) and in-ear headphones (i.e., the listener device), where the WLC listener devices are related but independent, such as a pair of in-ear headphones. Each of the polling device and the listener devices may have a battery that needs to be charged. The WLC charging wirelessly charges the batteries of the listener devices through an electromagnetic field generated by two or more antennas in the polling device. In the present disclosure, the battery charge levels of the listener devices may be different. The currents provided to the respective antennas for wirelessly charging each listener device may be different to address the different charge levels and / or other parameters of each listener device.

[0044] The present disclosure utilizes multiple channels to charge different listener devices. Each of the multiple channels can simultaneously and independently provide charging with different charging power levels, which can allow charging the listener devices according to the current characteristics of one or more individual listener devices being charged. Each listener device can be associated with a separate channel for charging in a poller device. For example, the device can be a chip (e.g., an NFC chip) or a circuit board configured to interface with multiple channels of multiple antennas. There can be one channel and an associated antenna for each charging device. The device can have at least two output ports, and each output port can be configured for differential output to the antenna. In differential mode, the RF output ports can be set or adjusted to have different RF parameters, such as impedance and / or output power level. By independently setting such RF parameters, each channel can be used to independently charge the listener devices. This allows two or more listener devices to be charged according to their own parameters. Additionally or alternatively, independently adjusting the output power level of each channel can allow reducing the power consumption of the poller device, thus saving or extending the battery life and / or the availability for future charging of the listener devices without the need to recharge the battery of the poller device. The present disclosure also provides improved battery life for the batteries of the listener devices. This is achieved by charging the listener devices only as needed without overcharging the batteries of the listener devices.

[0045] Improvements are needed to address the characteristics and status of each device being charged. For example, some WLC-L devices are paired, such as in-ear headphones. The battery levels may be different, and thus the charging times and currents may be different.

[0046] The poller device can dynamically charge the listener devices by being configured with different outputs of antenna interface channels. This can be a differential mode, where the outputs of the antenna interface channels can be different, such as to accommodate different parameters. Alternatively, each antenna interface channel can be similarly configured, such as when two listener devices are both being charged for at least a period of time. This period of time can be referred to as a time slot. In either configuration, the poller device can utilize multiple antenna interface channels and associated multiple antennas to simultaneously charge multiple listener devices.

[0047] In various embodiments, the poller device can periodically check each listener device to determine whether charging is still needed. Once a listener device no longer needs charging, the poller device can turn off the antenna interface channel, thus stopping charging of one of the listener devices.

[0048] Exemplary systems, devices, and methods

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure herein include systems, devices, and methods for wirelessly charging a listener device using multiple channels for wireless power delivery.

[0050] Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of certain portions of a device having multiple channels in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In various embodiments, the polling device 100 may include multiple antenna interface channels 120. The polling transmitter 110 of the polling device 100 may generate multiple charging signals for each antenna interface channel 120, where at least one charging signal is for charging the listener device 150. The antenna 130 may be connected to the output of the antenna interface channel 120 via an RF output port located at the output of the antenna interface channel 120. The antenna interface channel 120 may include a filter 122A and a matching network 124A. These signals may be transmitted through each antenna interface channel 120 to the corresponding polling antenna 130 (e.g., 130A, 130B) of the polling device 100. In this way, the polling transmitter may poll each polling antenna 130 simultaneously or separately. It should be understood that although Figure 1 one antenna interface channel 120 is shown, there may be more than two antenna interface channels 120.

[0051] In various embodiments, the polling device 100 may be a chip that can be incorporated into a larger system. Alternatively, the polling device 100 may be a system having multiple circuit devices and / or components that are not located on one chip or circuit board. For example, in various embodiments, the system may include a polling transmitter 110 electrically connected to the antenna interface channel 120, and each antenna interface channel 120 is electrically connected to a corresponding polling antenna 130.

[0052] Each polling antenna 130 may generate an electromagnetic field that will be received by the corresponding listener antenna 152 of the listener device 150. Similarly, the listener devices 150 may each generate a corresponding electromagnetic field that will be received by the polling device 100. The polling device 100 and the listener devices 150 may communicate through their respective electromagnetic fields, including dynamically wirelessly charging each listener device 150.

[0053] Dynamic wireless charging may particularly include turning on and / or off each antenna interface channel 120. This may include generating or stopping providing signals to the corresponding polling antenna 130. In this way, the polling device 100 may dynamically change the power transmitted to each listener device by dynamically controlling, generating, and / or regulating the signals to the antenna interface channel 120 and / or tuning or regulating the antenna interface channel 120 to dynamically change the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna 152.

[0054] Various embodiments can dynamically control power in a variety of ways. For example, the polling transmitter 110 can turn on and / or off the signals provided to individual antenna interface channels 120 (e.g., 120A, 120B), thereby turning on and / or off the signals provided to the polling antennas 130 (e.g., 130A, 130B). Additionally or alternatively, the poller device 100 can tune each antenna interface channel 120 by tuning, adjusting, and / or varying one or more portions of the antenna interface channel 120, as described herein.

[0055] For example, the first antenna interface channel 120A can receive a first signal from the polling transmitter 110 at half the power of a second signal arriving at the second antenna interface channel 120B. This allows the first listener device 150A to receive a greater amount of energy via the first electromagnetic field and charge faster than the second listener device 150B. Multiple antenna interface channels 120 can allow for dynamic control by tuning, adjusting, or stopping the provision of corresponding signals to the antennas 130 of the listener devices 150.

[0056] In various embodiments, the poller device 100 can utilize a static mode and / or a negotiation mode.

[0057] In the static mode, the poller device 100 can provide power at a single power level. For example, a signal can be provided to the antenna interface channel 120 as on or off at a single voltage.

[0058] In the negotiation mode, the poller device can negotiate with each listener device 150 the power level to be delivered to the corresponding listener device 150. Each listener device 150 can have a different charge level for its listener battery 154, and the charging for the individual listener devices 150 can be dynamic and specific to the listener devices 150. Each listener device 150 can thus be charged independently. The negotiated power level can be based on a charging profile and / or one or more signals received from the listener device 150. The charging profile can be based, for example, on a charging profile for charging the battery of the listener device 150. This can in particular avoid overcharging, which is also beneficial for the battery of the poller device 100. For example, it can be beneficial for the battery life of the battery of the poller device 100. It can also save the power consumption of the poller device 100. Signals from the listener device 150 can be provided or used by the poller device 100 to determine the current charge of the battery 154 of the listener device 150. Thus, the poller device 100 can determine, for example, how much power to provide via the antenna 130 based on the charging profile.

[0059] This includes that a listener device 150 (e.g., 150A) can be charged via an associated poller antenna 130 (e.g., 130A), while other listener devices 150 (e.g., 150B) are not charged. For example, a user can use only one in-ear headphone at a time, thus depleting the battery charge of the in-ear headphone (e.g., the listener device 150), while the battery of the other in-ear headphone is fully charged.

[0060] Figure 2 An exemplary circuit and block diagram of a single-antenna interface channel in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. This can include an antenna interface channel 200 and a poller antenna 270. This illustrates a single-ended antenna configuration. The antenna interface channel 220 is an example of a plurality of antenna interface channels 120. The antenna interface channel 200 can include ports (e.g., 202, 204) to receive signals from a poller transmitter 110. In various embodiments, the port 202 can be an input port that transmits signals to the listener device 150, while the port 204 can be an output port that receives signals transmitted back from the listener device 150. The antenna interface channel 200 can include a filter 220. The antenna interface channel 200 can include a plurality of capacitors (e.g., 212, 214, 232, 242, 252), resistors (e.g., 260), inductors, an automatic antenna tuner (e.g., 234) and / or a voltage-controlled capacitor bank (e.g., 254). In various embodiments, the illustrated automatic antenna tuner 234 can alternatively be a capacitor bank or a voltage-controlled capacitor. A plurality of capacitors, resistors, and / or inductors can be used to set the impedance of the antenna interface channel 200, which can be adjusted as described herein. The antenna interface channel 200 can include an RF output 262 that can be electrically connected to the poller antenna 270.

[0061] In various embodiments, the filter 220 can be a low-pass filter that includes an inductor 222 and a capacitor 224, where the capacitor is grounded to ground 226. The low-pass filter can remove high frequencies above a threshold. Changing the capacitance and / or impedance of the low-pass filter can tune the threshold below which frequencies can pass. Additionally or alternatively, the filter 220 can include additional filters (e.g., a second filter) and / or replacement filters (e.g., high-pass, bandwidth, etc.). In various embodiments, the filter 220 can be configured to impedance match or mismatch to match the impedance of one or more other parts of the circuitry, such as the impedance at the RF output 262 and / or the antenna 270. For example, in various embodiments, a voltage-controlled capacitor or a capacitor bank can be added in parallel with the capacitor 224 to allow for dynamic tuning and / or adjustment of the impedance of the filter 220. This can allow for adjusting the impedance for impedance matching. The poller device 100 can dynamically tune and / or adjust these impedances, similar to the similar operations of tuning and / or adjusting other impedances described herein.

[0062] The power transmitted by the antenna interface channel 200 can be tuned, adjusted, changed, and / or varied by changing the impedance of the antenna interface channel 200. Tuning of the impedance can be performed during one or more operations by changing the capacitance and / or impedance and / or controlling the signals provided to each antenna interface channel 200.

[0063] The first automatic antenna tuner 234 and / or the second automatic antenna tuner 254 can include voltage-controlled capacitors and / or capacitor banks, and each capacitor and / or capacitor bank can be tuned based on one or more selection signals generated by the poller device 100 (such as the poller transmitter 110). Each automatic antenna tuner can be controlled to adjust the output power level transmitted to the associated listener device 150 through one or more antennas 270 of the poller device 100. For example, the first automatic antenna tuner 234 can include one or more voltage-controlled capacitors, which can be controlled by applying a voltage signal that changes the capacitance of the first automatic antenna tuner 234. The first selection signal associated with the first automatic antenna tuner 234 can be received by the first automatic antenna tuner 234 to tune its capacitance. The second automatic antenna tuner 254 can include a capacitor bank that includes a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel, and these capacitors can be connected or disconnected via a selection switch controlled by an associated second selection signal. Therefore, each automatic antenna tuner in the first automatic antenna tuner 234 and / or the second automatic antenna tuner 254 can be controlled by a first selection signal and a second selection signal provided to the antenna interface channel 200, such as from the poller transmitter 110 and / or the processor, respectively.

[0064] By tuning the impedance of the antenna interface channel 200, the impedance matching of the antenna 270 can be changed, such as by changing the multiple. In various embodiments, an automatic antenna tuner (e.g., 234, 254) can be used to determine the optimal impedance match to obtain the maximum amplitude of the carrier frequency signal or the best phase in the carrier frequency signal. Dynamically changing the impedance allows the RF matching of each antenna interface channel 200 to achieve dynamic output power control for each of the multiple antenna interface channels 120 for wireless charging. The current consumption of the poller device 100 is inversely proportional to the antenna matching impedance, so a higher impedance is associated with lower power transfer.

[0065] Figure 3An exemplary capacitor bank in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The capacitor bank 300 may include a first terminal 302 and a second terminal 304 and a plurality of capacitors 310. There may also be a plurality of switches, such as one switch for each of the plurality of capacitors 310. A selection signal provided to the capacitor bank 300 may control the plurality of switches 310 to connect or disconnect one or more of the capacitors 310. By turning on and / or off the capacitors, the impedance can be controlled by increasing or removing capacitance in the circuit. In various embodiments, the capacitor bank 300 may be used in the first automatic antenna tuner 234 and / or the second automatic antenna tuner 254.

[0066] Figure 4 A flowchart including example operations for performing charging in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] At operation 402, wireless charging begins. The beginning of wireless charging includes one or more of the following operations. The beginning of wireless charging may occur based on a trigger or a signal. Such a trigger or signal may be generated by a sensor of the polling device 100. In various embodiments (e.g., embodiments of an in-ear headphone housing having a space for accommodating in-ear headphones), an electrical sensor or a magnetic sensor may determine when the lid of the polling device 100 is turned off, and such a sensor may generate a signal for the polling device 100 to begin wireless charging.

[0068] At operation 404, an NFC link is established. The polling device 100 attempts to establish an NFC link with each listener device 150 to determine how many listener devices 150 are present and how many listener devices need to be charged. The NFC link between the polling device 100 and each listener device 150 may allow data identifying the listener device 150 and / or the charging status to be transmitted to the polling device 100.

[0069] At operation 406, it is determined whether the NFC link has been established. If the NFC link has not been established, operation 404 may be repeated. Alternatively, if the NFC is established, operation 408 may be performed.

[0070] At operation 408, it is determined that the number of listener devices to be charged is greater than 1. If the number of listener devices 150 to be charged is greater than 1, operation 410 may be performed. If the number of listener devices 150 to be charged is not greater than 1, operation 414 may be performed.

[0071] At operation 410, multiple listener devices are charged. When multiple listener devices 150 are detected via an established NFC link, charging of each of the multiple listener devices 150 is performed. To charge the listener devices 150, the poller device 100 uses or activates a corresponding antenna interface channel 120 to power the corresponding poller antenna 130. Thus, each poller antenna 130 can generate an electromagnetic field that will be provided to the corresponding listener device 150, particularly the associated antenna of the listener device 150. When the listener device 150 is charged, the poller device 100 can determine whether the device is fully charged to stop the provided charging, for example by deactivating the associated antenna interface channel 120.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the antenna interface channels 120 associated with the listener devices 150 can be tuned or adjusted to adjust the amount of power provided for charging the listener devices 150. The tuning and / or adjustment can utilize one or more antenna interface channels 120 and can be performed according to a charging curve. For example, each antenna interface channel 120 can have independently controlled voltage, independently controlled current, or independently controlled voltage and current. Additionally or alternatively, the impedance of each antenna interface channel 120 can be independently controlled. With such independent control, each antenna interface channel 120 can independently charge the corresponding listener device. In various embodiments, multiple antenna interface channels 120 can be used to activate and deactivate the associated antennas 130 to provide wireless charging to multiple listener devices dynamically and simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna interface channels 120 can each be tuned and / or adjusted based on a negotiation mode, where the listener device 150 can transmit one or more signals to the poller device 100 that are used to control the tuning and / or adjustment of the corresponding antenna interface channel.

[0073] In various embodiments, charging of one or more listener devices 150 can be performed according to the charging curve or characteristics of the individual listener devices 150. The poller device 100 can poll each listener device 150 individually to request information and / or data regarding the corresponding listener device 100. In response to such polling, the poller device 100 can receive information and / or data from the corresponding listener device 150, which, among other things, provides, for example, a power level, a current charge level, etc. The poller device 100 can poll the listener devices periodically and independently and dynamically control each power transfer to each listener device 150 according to the charging curve of each corresponding listener device 150. The dynamic control can include controlling the voltage, current, and / or impedance of one or more antenna interface channels 120, each of which can be controlled individually. Charging of multiple listener devices 150 can occur until only one listener device 150 needs to be charged.

[0074] For example, there may be two listener devices 150 that need to be charged from the poller device 100. The first listener device 150A may be associated with the first antenna interface channel 120A, and the second listener device 150B may be associated with the second antenna interface channel 120B. The poller device 100 may independently control the first antenna interface channel 120A by controlling voltage, current, and / or impedance to charge the first listener device 150A according to a first charging curve associated with the first listener device 150A. The poller device 100 may also independently control the second antenna interface channel 120B by controlling voltage, current, and / or impedance to charge the second listener device 150B according to a second charging curve associated with the second listener device 150B. Thus, the poller device 100 may independently vary the output power of each antenna interface channel 120 to control the charging of the corresponding listener device 150.

[0075] The independent control by the poller device 100 of one or more antenna interface channels 120 may occur periodically, for example, at various time intervals. For example, the poller device 100 may poll one or more listener devices 150 according to a first time period. As another example with two or more listener devices 150, the poller device 100 may poll each of the corresponding listener devices 150 at different time periods. Thus, the poller device 100 may check the power requirements of the individual listener devices 150.

[0076] Once one or more listener devices 150 (e.g., 150A) are determined to be charged and no longer need as much power, the poller device 100 may reduce the voltage, reduce the current, or increase the impedance of the antenna interface channel 120 associated with that listener device 150 (e.g., 150). If one or more listener devices 150 (e.g., 150B) are determined to be charged and need increased or more charging, the poller device 100 may increase the voltage, increase the current, or reduce the impedance of the antenna interface channel 120 associated with that listener device (e.g., 150). This independent and dynamic control of such independent antenna interface channels 120 may be performed periodically.

[0077] In operation 412, it is determined that only one listener device is to be charged. The polling device 100 may periodically check the charging process of the listener device 150 and tune the corresponding antenna interface channel 120 accordingly. When multiple listener devices 150 are being charged, one or more listener devices may reach full charge more quickly. This may occur until only one listener device 150 remains being charged. The poller device 100 continues to receive listener device information and / or data via the NFC link and will make a determination once only one listener device 150 remains being charged. If more than one listener device 150 continues to need charging, the poller device 100 will continue with operation 410. If only one listener device 150 is to be charged, proceed to operation 414. Additionally or alternatively, all antenna interface channels 120 and associated antennas 130 associated with listener devices 150 that are no longer being charged may be turned off and / or stopped from providing signals to those antenna interface channels 120.

[0078] In operation 414, charge one listener device. For one listener device 150 to be charged, the poller device 100 may turn on the associated antenna interface channel 120 to provide a signal to energize the associated antenna 130 to generate an electromagnetic field that will be received by the antenna associated with the listener device 150 to charge the listener device 150. The poller device 100 may charge the listener device 150 according to a charging curve, which may include tuning and / or adjusting the voltage, current, or impedance of the antenna interface channel 130, as described herein.

[0079] In operation 416, determine whether one listener device is fully charged. The poller device 100 may periodically check the charging process of one listener device 150 and tune the corresponding antenna interface channel 120 accordingly. The polling device 100 may determine whether one listener device 150 is fully charged via the NFC link. If one listener device 150 is not charged, the poller device 100 may continue to charge the listener device 150. If one listener device 150 is fully charged, the poller device 100 may stop charging that one listener device and stop wireless charging.

[0080] In operation 418, wireless charging stops.

[0081] Figure 5 An exemplary graph of a charging curve in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 The charging curve shown includes a first curve 510 of the battery voltage of an exemplary listener device 150 from empty charge to full charge. Figure 5The charging curve shown also includes a second battery charging curve 520. The charging curve shows that when the battery voltage is greater than the first level 512, the voltage 510 of the battery will be flat and the charging current 520 may decrease significantly, for example during charging. Thus, the wireless charger can provide the same power level to the listener device 150 but can reduce the current to the battery from the poller device 100, thereby reducing the power of the poller device 200. This reduction allows for better charging efficiency when otherwise power from the poller device 100 would be wasted. Given the power consumption and charging efficiency of the present disclosure, the poller device 100 can reduce the output power level by gradually reducing the current to the antenna (e.g., 270) to match the charging curve of the listener device 150. This can save power for the poller device 100. The adjustment of the power level can be performed by adjusting the impedance matching of the antenna (e.g., 270) of the poller device 100.

[0082] As shown, since the charging current to the antenna interface channel 120 is at the first level 512 (e.g., 45 A) until the battery of the listener device 150 is charged to the first level 512. The first level 512 can be a first threshold (e.g., 90%) where the battery of the listener device 150 can be considered fully charged or sufficiently charged to reduce the charging current provided to the associated polling antenna 130 and thus reduce the power in the electromagnetic field generated by the polling antenna 130. In various embodiments, other charging curves can include additional thresholds (e.g., 50%, 75%, 90%) that can be used in a negotiation mode to determine the amount of power provided to the polling antenna 130 via the associated antenna interface channel 120.

[0083] Figure 6 An exemplary graph of current consumption versus matching impedance in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the current consumption decreases as the amount of impedance matching increases, which is an increase in the impedance of the antenna interface channel 120. The current consumption of the poller device 100 is inversely proportional to the matching impedance of the antenna interface channel 120, which has a higher impedance associated with lower power transfer. By tuning and / or adjusting the impedance of the antenna interface channel 120, the power to the associated polling antenna 130 can be controlled to tune or adjust the amount of wireless charging provided. By tuning and / or adjusting each antenna interface channel 120 individually, the poller device 100 can dynamically and simultaneously control the wireless charging of multiple listener devices 150.

[0084] Figure 7An exemplary block diagram of a device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In various embodiments, the device 700 can be a polling device 100 or a listener device 150. The illustrated device 700 can be a system and / or device that includes a processor 702, a memory 704, a communication circuit 706, an input / output circuit 708, a battery 712, and all of these can be connected by a bus 710. Although these connections are shown as a bus 710, it is readily understood that there can be multiple other connections.

[0085] Although the processor 702 is shown as a single block, it can include multiple components and / or processor circuits. The processor 702 can be implemented as, for example, various components including one or more microprocessors and accompanying digital signal processors; one or more processors without accompanying digital signal processors; one or more coprocessors; one or more multi-core processors; processing circuits; and various other processing elements. The processor can include an integrated circuit. In various embodiments, the processor 702 can be configured to execute applications, instructions, and / or programs stored in the processor 702, the memory 704, or accessible to the processor 702. When executed by the processor 702, these applications, instructions, and / or programs can enable one or more operations and / or functions described herein to be performed. Whether configured by hardware, firmware / software methods, or a combination thereof, the processor 702 can include an entity capable of performing operations and / or functions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure when configured accordingly.

[0086] The memory 704 can include, for example, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or some combination thereof. Although shown as a single block, the memory 704 can include multiple memory components. In various embodiments, the memory 704 can include, for example, random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, a hard disk, a circuit configured to store information, or a combination thereof. The memory 704 can be configured to write or store data, information, applications, instructions, etc., such that the processor 702 can perform various operations and / or functions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in at least some embodiments, the memory 704 can be configured to buffer or cache data for processing by the processor 702. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments, the memory 704 can be configured to store program instructions executed by the processor 702. The memory 704 can store information in the form of static and / or dynamic information. When performing operations and / or functions, the stored information can be stored and / or used by the processor 702.

[0087] The communication circuit 706 can be implemented as a circuit, hardware, computer program product, or a combination thereof, which is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to another component or device. The computer program product can include computer-readable program instructions stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 704) and executed by a processor 702. In various embodiments, the communication circuit 706 (like other components discussed herein) can be at least partially implemented as part of the processor 702 or controlled by the processor 702. The communication circuit 706 can communicate with the processor 702, for example, via a bus 710. Such a bus 710 can be connected to the processor 702, and it can also be connected to one or more other components of the processor 702. The communication circuit 706 can include, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a network interface card, and / or supporting hardware and / or firmware / software, and can be used to establish communication with another component, device, and / or system. The communication circuit 706 can be configured to receive and / or transmit data that can be stored, for example, in the memory 704 by using one or more protocols available for communication between components, devices, and / or systems.

[0088] In various embodiments, the communication circuit 706 can include a polling transmitter 110, an antenna interface channel 120, and an antenna 130. The communication circuit 706 can be operated to establish an NFC link with multiple listener devices 150 and / or wirelessly charge the multiple listener devices 150.

[0089] The input / output circuit 708 can communicate with the processor 702 to receive instructions input by an operator and / or provide audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to the operator. The input / output circuit 708 can include supporting devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a user interface, a display, a touchscreen display, a light (e.g., a warning light) indicator, a speaker, and / or other input / output mechanisms. The input / output circuit 708 can include one or more interfaces to which the supporting devices can be connected. In various embodiments, aspects of the input / output circuit 708 can be implemented on a device used by the operator to communicate with the processor 702. The input / output circuit 708 can communicate with the memory 704, the communication circuit 706, and / or any other component, for example, via the bus 710.

[0090] In various embodiments, the battery 712 can provide power to the device 700. In various embodiments, the battery 712 can also be used to provide power to one or more polling antennas 130, which can generate an electromagnetic field to charge the battery of the listener device 150.

[0091] It should be readily understood that, in addition to those explicitly described herein, embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein can be configured in various additional and alternative ways.

[0092] Conclusion

[0093] The operations and / or functions of the present disclosure have been described herein, for example, in a flowchart. It will be understood that computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the operations and / or functions described in the flowchart blocks herein. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer, a processor, or other programmable apparatus to operate and / or function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the operations and / or functions described in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, a processor, or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer, the processor, or other programmable apparatus, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer, the processor, or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions and / or operations specified in the flowchart blocks. The flowchart blocks support combinations of apparatuses for performing the specified operations and / or functions and combinations of operations and / or functions for performing the specified operations and / or functions. It should be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart and combinations of blocks in the flowchart can be implemented by a computer system based on dedicated hardware that performs the specified operations and / or functions or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0094] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular disclosure. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Moreover, although features may have been described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0095] Although the operations and / or functions are shown in the figures in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that these operations and / or functions be performed in the particular order shown or sequentially, or that all of the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, it may be advantageous to alternate the ordering of the operations and / or functions. In some cases, the acts recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. Thus, although particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0096] Although this detailed description has set forth some embodiments of the present disclosure, the appended claims cover other embodiments of the present disclosure that differ from the described embodiments in various modifications and improvements.

[0097] In the appended claims, unless a particular term "means for... " or "step for... " is used in a given claim, the claim is not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6.

Claims

1. A device for wireless charging, comprising: a polling transmitter electrically connected to the plurality of antenna interface channels, wherein each antenna interface channel comprises an output port for connecting to a polling antenna of the plurality of polling antennas to wirelessly charge a different one of the plurality of listener devices; wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a plurality of charging signals, wherein a different charging signal is transmitted to each antenna interface channel of the plurality of antenna interface channels; as well as Each antenna interface channel is configured to be dynamically tuned independently of each other antenna interface channel in the plurality of antenna interface channels by adjusting the impedance of the corresponding antenna interface channel. 2 . The device for wireless charging of claim 1 , wherein each antenna interface channel comprises a plurality of automatic antenna tuners, and wherein each automatic antenna tuner is configured to change impedance. 3 . The device for wireless charging of claim 1 , wherein the polling transmitter is configured to operate the first antenna interface channel separately from the second antenna interface channel.

4. A device for wireless charging according to claim 1, wherein the multiple antenna interface channels include a first antenna interface channel and a second antenna interface channel, wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a first charging signal for the first antenna interface channel to generate a first output at a first RF output of the first antenna interface channel; wherein the polling transmitter is also configured to generate a second charging signal for the second antenna interface channel to generate a second output at a second RF output of the second antenna interface channel; wherein the first power of the first RF output is configured to be different from the second power of the second RF output. 5 . The device for wireless charging of claim 1 , wherein the polling transmitter is configured to establish an NFC link with each of the plurality of listener devices. 6 . The device for wireless charging according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of antenna interface channels comprises three or more antenna interface channels. 7 . The device for wireless charging according to claim 1 , wherein the device for wireless charging is incorporated in a semiconductor chip.

8. A system for wireless charging, comprising: Battery; a polling transmitter electrically connected to the battery and to a plurality of antenna interface channels, wherein each antenna interface channel is electrically connected to an associated polling antenna of a plurality of polling antennas; a plurality of polling antennas, wherein each polling antenna of the plurality of polling antennas is electrically connected to a different antenna interface channel of the plurality of antenna interface channels; wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a plurality of charging signals, wherein a different charging signal is transmitted to each antenna interface channel of the plurality of antenna interface channels; as well as Each antenna interface channel is configured to be dynamically tuned independently of each other antenna interface channel in the plurality of antenna interface channels by adjusting the impedance of the corresponding antenna interface channel.

9. The system for wireless charging of claim 8, each antenna interface channel comprising a plurality of automatic antenna tuners, and wherein each automatic antenna tuner is configured to change impedance.

10. The system for wireless charging of claim 8, wherein the polling transmitter is configured to operate the first antenna interface channel separately from the second antenna interface channel.

11. A system for wireless charging according to claim 8, wherein the multiple antenna interface channels include a first antenna interface channel and a second antenna interface channel, wherein the polling transmitter is configured to generate a first charging signal for the first antenna interface channel to generate a first output at a first RF output of the first antenna interface channel; wherein the polling transmitter is also configured to generate a second charging signal for the second antenna interface channel to generate a second output at a second RF output of the second antenna interface channel; wherein the first power of the first RF output is configured to be different from the second power of the second RF output. 12 . The system for wireless charging of claim 8 , wherein the polling transmitter is configured to establish an NFC link with each of the plurality of listener devices.

13. The system for wireless charging of claim 12, wherein the plurality of antenna interface channels comprises three or more antenna interface channels.

14. The system for wireless charging of claim 8, wherein the plurality of listener devices are a pair of in-ear headphones or hearing aids.

15. A method comprising: establishing a plurality of NFC links between a poller device and a plurality of listener devices, wherein the poller device comprises a poller transmitter electrically connected to a plurality of antenna interface channels, wherein each antenna interface channel is electrically connected to a respective one of a plurality of poller antennas, wherein each listener device is associated with one of the antenna interface channels and one of the poller antennas; determining which of the plurality of listener devices to charge based on the plurality of NFC links; as well as At least one of the plurality of listener devices is charged based on a determination of which of the plurality of listener devices is to be charged, wherein the charging of the at least one listener device is via a first charging signal, which is transmitted to a first polling antenna via a first antenna interface channel.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein each antenna interface channel comprises a plurality of automatic antenna tuners, and wherein each automatic antenna tuner is configured to vary impedance.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the polling transmitter is configured to operate the first antenna interface channel separately from the second antenna interface channel.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein charging at least one of the plurality of listener devices based on the determination of which of the plurality of listener devices is to be charged comprises: The first listener device is charged at a first power, and the second listener device is charged at a second power.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of antenna interface channels comprises three or more antenna interface channels.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of monitor devices are a pair of in-ear headphones or hearing aids.

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