Communication device, chip and equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a communication device, a chip and equipment, and the device comprises a first NFC label which is used for receiving a radio frequency signal transmitted by active NFC equipment, transmitting an excitation signal, and sensing the active NFC equipment according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC equipment for communication and transmission of first information; and the controller is connected with the first NFC tag, and the controller is used for controlling the first NFC tag to emit an excitation signal when the active NFC equipment is determined not to be awakened from the LPCD mode according to the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC equipment and received by the first NFC tag. The embodiments of the present specification can have a high success rate when communicating with the device in the LPCD mode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application date of February 8, 2024, the application number of 2024101772008, and the invention title of "Communication Device, Chip and Equipment". Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of this specification relate to the field of near field communication technology, and particularly to a communication device, a chip and equipment. Background Art

[0003] The birth of Near Field Communication (NFC) provides a good technical route for efficient contactless payment methods. It enables users to conveniently complete payment operations by bringing a terminal device with NFC function (such as a mobile phone, tablet, etc.) close to the NFC sensing area of a payment device that also has NFC function.

[0004] Currently, the terminal devices with NFC function used by users usually work in the active mode during the payment process. And usually to reduce power consumption, the terminal device will enter the LowPower Card Detection (LPCD) mode after the NFC function is turned on to the active mode. However, when the terminal device in the LPCD mode is close to the payment device for payment operations, the success rate of completing the communication interaction with the payment device to achieve the payment operation is relatively low.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an NFC device with a relatively high success rate in communicating with a device in the LPCD mode.

[0006] The content in the background art section is only the information known to the inventor personally, and does not mean that the above information has entered the public domain before the filing date of this disclosure, nor does it mean that it can become the prior art of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of this specification provide a communication device, a chip and equipment, which can have a relatively high success rate when communicating with a device in the LPCD mode.

[0008] To achieve the above purpose, the embodiments of this specification adopt the following technical solutions:

[0009] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this specification provides a communication device, including: a first NFC tag, which is used to receive a radio frequency signal transmitted by an active NFC device, transmit an excitation signal, and sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit first information; and a controller, which is connected to the first NFC tag, and the controller is used to control the first NFC tag to transmit the excitation signal when it is determined according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device received by the first NFC tag that the active NFC device has not been awakened from the LPCD mode.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the first NFC tag includes a first NFC chip, a sampling circuit, and a first antenna. The first antenna is respectively connected to the first NFC chip and the sampling circuit, the sampling circuit is connected to the controller, the sampling circuit is used to receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device sensed by the first antenna, the first NFC chip is connected to the controller, the first NFC chip is used to transmit the excitation signal through the first antenna and sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate, and the first information is written in the first NFC chip.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first antenna is connected to the first NFC chip through a matching circuit, and the matching circuit is used to make the resonance frequency of the first antenna match the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, the first antenna includes a grounding end, and the grounding end is used to ground the first antenna.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the frequency band of the excitation signal includes the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device, and the width of the frequency band is less than or equal to a preset value.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes: a second NFC tag, which has signal amplification ability and is used to sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit the first information.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the second NFC tag includes a second NFC chip and a second antenna connected to each other. The second NFC chip is connected to the controller, and the second NFC chip is used to sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate, and the first information is written in the second NFC chip.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the second NFC chip has active load modulation capability.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the second NFC tag further includes an amplifier. The second NFC chip and the second antenna are connected through the amplifier, and the amplifier is used to amplify the signal output by the second NFC chip.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the resonant frequency of the second antenna matches the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the antenna of the second NFC tag and the antenna of the first NFC tag are overlapped, and a preset distance is provided between the antenna of the second NFC tag and the antenna of the second NFC tag.

[0020] In a possible implementation, one side of the antenna of the first NFC tag is used to sense the approaching active NFC device, and the antenna of the second NFC tag is located on the other side of the antenna of the first NFC tag.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the device further includes at least one third NFC tag. A part of the antenna of the at least one third NFC tag is coupled with the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another part extends outward. The at least one third NFC tag is used to increase the area of the region where the radio frequency signals that can be mutually sensed between the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag and the active NFC device are located.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the at least one third NFC tag includes a third NFC chip and a third antenna connected to each other. The third NFC chip is connected to the controller. The third NFC chip is used to sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device for communication. The first information is written in the third NFC chip. A part of the third antenna is coupled with the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another part extends outward.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the resonant frequency of the third antenna matches the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the at least one third NFC tag includes a fourth antenna, a part of the fourth antenna is coupled to the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another part extends outward, and the resonance frequency of the fourth antenna matches the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the controller is specifically configured to control the first NFC tag to transmit the excitation signal when the intensity of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device received by the first NFC tag is lower than a preset threshold.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the controller is specifically configured to control the first NFC tag to transmit the excitation signal when the first NFC tag receives the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device and the first information has not been read.

[0027] In a second aspect, an embodiment of this specification provides a communication chip, which is applied to a communication device, and the communication chip includes the device according to any one of the first aspect or the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0028] In a third aspect, an embodiment of this specification provides a communication device, which includes the device according to any one of the first aspect or the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0029] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the communication device, chip, and device provided in this specification can receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device through the provided first NFC tag, transmit the excitation signal, and sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate. Therefore, when the active NFC device approaches the communication device, the first NFC tag can receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device, so that it is convenient for the controller to determine whether the active NFC device is in the LPCD mode and not awakened according to the received radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device. Furthermore, when the active NFC device is in the LPCD mode and not awakened, the communication device can use the first NFC tag to transmit the excitation signal through the controller, so as to excite the active NFC device through the excitation signal, so that the active NFC device can be awakened from the LPCD mode and converted to the standard mode, so that the active NFC device can communicate with the communication device again in the standard mode. In this way, the active NFC device in the LPCD mode approaching the communication device can be awakened in time, thereby avoiding the problem that the communication fails between the active NFC device and the communication device due to the active NFC device not being awakened, and improving the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device.

[0030] Other functions of the communication device, chip, and equipment provided in this specification will be partially listed in the following specification. The creative aspects of the communication device, chip, and equipment provided in this specification can be fully explained by practicing or using the embodiments described in the detailed examples below. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an application scenario of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of another application scenario of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0033] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0034] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the composition of a first NFC tag provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0035] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the composition of another first NFC tag provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0036] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the composition of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0037] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the composition of a second NFC tag provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0038] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the composition of another second NFC tag provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0039] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a first antenna and a second antenna provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0040] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the composition of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0041] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the composition of a third NFC tag provided in an embodiment of this specification; and

[0042] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna provided in an embodiment of this specification. Detailed Embodiments

[0043] The following description provides specific application scenarios and requirements of this specification, aiming to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the content in this specification. For those skilled in the art, various partial modifications to the disclosed embodiments are obvious, and the general principles defined here can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification. Therefore, this specification is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but has the broadest scope consistent with the claims.

[0044] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and are not limiting. For example, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may also include the plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", and / or "having" mean that the associated integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components exist, but do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups in the system / method.

[0045] In view of the following description, these features of this specification and other features, as well as the operations and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination and manufacturing economy of the components can be significantly improved. Referring to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this specification. It should also be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0046] The flowcharts used in this specification illustrate the operations implemented by the system according to some embodiments in this specification. It should be clearly understood that the operations in the flowchart may not be implemented in sequence. On the contrary, the operations may be implemented in reverse order or simultaneously. In addition, one or more other operations may be added to the flowchart. One or more operations may be removed from the flowchart.

[0047] In this specification, the expression "X includes at least one of A, B, or C" means that X includes at least A, or X includes at least B, or X includes at least C. That is, X may include only any one of A, B, C, or may include any combination of A, B, C and other possible contents / elements at the same time. Any combination of A, B, C may be A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC.

[0048] In this specification, unless otherwise clearly stated, the association relationships generated between structures can be direct association relationships or indirect association relationships. For example, when describing that "A is connected to B", unless it is clearly stated that A is directly connected to B, it should be understood that A can be directly connected to B or can be indirectly connected to B; for another example, when describing that "A is above B", unless it is clearly stated that A is directly above B (A and B are adjacent and A is above B), it should be understood that A can be directly above B, or A can be indirectly above B (there are other elements between A and B and A is above B). And so on.

[0049] An embodiment of this specification provides a communication device. This communication device can be used in a scenario where it senses an active NFC device in its induction area (usually the antenna coverage area) close to it and then communicates with this active NFC device. Among them, this communication device can be an NFC device operating in passive mode to passively respond to the radio frequency signals emitted by other active NFC devices, so as to be read / written with information by the active NFC device. The active NFC device can be an NFC device operating in active mode to act as a card reader to emit radio frequency signals to identify and read NFC devices or apparatuses in passive mode. The active NFC device can be a dedicated NFC device or other electronic devices with NFC functions, such as mobile phones, tablets, TVs, etc. with NFC functions.

[0050] This communication device can be applied to scenarios involving NFC technology, such as payment through NFC technology, ordering food through NFC technology, information transmission through NFC technology, device connection through NFC technology, etc.

[0051] Exemplarily, taking the scenario of payment through NFC technology as an example. Then this communication device can be used as a passive NFC device to interact with an active NFC device. For example, as shown in (a) of Figure 1 , when the user needs to make a payment, the user can bring their mobile phone 101 with NFC function (regarding the mobile phone with NFC function as an active NFC device) close to the device (or tag) 102 set by the merchant and including the communication device provided in the embodiment of this specification. Thus, the device 102 can sense the user's mobile phone 101 through the communication device and communicate with it to transfer payment information. After that, as shown in (b) of Figure 1 , the user's mobile phone 101 can display a corresponding payment page according to the payment information. When the user completes the payment operation on the mobile phone 101 according to this payment page (such as the user clicks the payment control "confirm payment" displayed on the payment page), as shown in (c) of Figure 1 , the user's mobile phone 101 can display a payment completion interface, thus completing the payment from the user to the merchant.

[0052] As another example, take the scenario of ordering food through NFC technology. Then the communication device can act as a passive NFC device to interact with an active NFC device. For example, as shown in (a) of Figure 2 , when the user needs to order food, they can bring their NFC-enabled mobile phone 201 (regarding the NFC-enabled mobile phone as an active NFC device) close to the device (or tag) 202 provided in this specification's embodiment and set on the dining table. Thus, through the communication device, the device 202 can sense the user's mobile phone 201 and communicate with it to transfer the food ordering information. After that, as shown in (b) of Figure 2 , the user's mobile phone 201 can display the corresponding food ordering page according to the food ordering information. When the user completes the food ordering operation on the mobile phone 201 according to this food ordering page (for example, after the user selects "Dish 1" and "Dish 3" on the food ordering page and clicks the control "Confirm Selection" for determining the order), as shown in (c) of Figure 2 , the user's mobile phone 201 can display the food ordering completion interface, thus completing the user's operation of convenient food ordering.

[0053] The communication device provided in this specification can be applied to various devices to enable them to perform NFC communication as communication devices. The devices to which this communication device can be applied can be payment devices in payment scenarios, or food ordering devices in food ordering scenarios, or other devices that require NFC capabilities, such as various terminal devices that require NFC capabilities, etc., which are not limited here. Among them, the way this communication device is applied to a device can be to set this communication device as a corresponding circuit configuration into the device, or to package this communication device as a chip and configure it as a communication chip into the device, etc., which are not limited here. And when this communication device is packaged as a chip, it can be packaged into other communication chips or packaged as an independent chip, which is also not limited here.

[0054] It should be noted that the above terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, smart TV, wearable device, tablet computer (Pad), computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, and so on. The specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application are not limited.

[0055] Of course, in some other possible implementation manners of the embodiments of this specification, the communication device can also be set as an independent device. For example, the communication device can be encapsulated and used as an NFC card or tag.

[0056] Next, the communication device in the embodiments of this specification will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided by the embodiments of this specification is shown.

[0058] As Figure 3 shown, the communication device may include a first NFC tag 310 and a controller 300.

[0059] Among them, the first NFC tag 310 can be used to receive the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, emit an excitation signal, and sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit the first information. The controller 300 is connected to the first NFC tag 310. The controller 300 is used to control the first NFC tag 310 to emit an excitation signal when it is determined according to the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device received by the first NFC tag 310 that the active NFC device has not been awakened from the LPCD mode.

[0060] Among them, the first information may be payment information in the aforementioned payment scenario, or ordering information in the ordering scenario, etc. According to the specific application scenario, the first information can be adaptively configured.

[0061] It should be noted that the active NFC device can act as a card reader, emitting a radio frequency signal to identify and read the NFC device or device in the passive mode. And the communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification can be a device operating in the passive mode, which can passively respond to communicate under the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, so as to transmit the first information to the active NFC device, so that the active NFC device can perform corresponding operations according to the first information.

[0062] Generally, in order to save power consumption, the active NFC device will enter the LPCD mode after a short time of starting the NFC function. In this LPCD mode, the amplitude of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device will be reduced compared to the standard mode. When the active NFC device receives the intensity change generated by the induction of the radio frequency signal it emits by the NFC device or device in the passive mode close to it, and the intensity change is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the active NFC device will wake up from the LPCD mode and enter the standard mode.

[0063] Among them, the connection between the controller 300 and the first NFC tag 310 can be an electrical connection to realize the control of the first NFC tag 310 by the controller 300 and the information transmission between the first NFC tag 310 and the controller 300.

[0064] For this communication device, when the active NFC device approaches the communication device and emits a radio frequency signal for card detection, the communication device can receive the radio frequency signal through the first NFC tag 310 and send the radio frequency signal to the controller 300. Thus, the controller 300 can determine whether the active NFC device has not woken up from the LPCD mode according to the radio frequency signal. If so, the controller 300 can control the first NFC tag 310 to emit an excitation signal, so that the active NFC device can sense the excitation signal, so as to superimpose the intensity of the excitation signal on the intensity change generated after the first NFC tag 310 senses the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, so that the superimposed intensity change can be higher than the threshold for waking up the active NFC device from the LPCD mode, and then wake up the active NFC device. So that the active NFC device can re-identify and communicate with the communication device in the standard mode.

[0065] Optionally, in the embodiments of this specification, in order to better wake up the active NFC device in the LPCD mode through the excitation signal, the frequency band of the excitation signal can be set to a frequency band that includes the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device and has a width less than or equal to a preset value. For example, taking the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device as 13.56 MHz, the frequency band of the excitation signal can be set to a frequency band near 13.56 MHz. For example, the 12 MHz - 14 MHz frequency band, etc. Of course, in practical applications, the smaller the width of the frequency band of the excitation signal (that is, the closer the frequency of the excitation signal is to the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device), the better the wake-up effect of the excitation signal on the active NFC device, and the frequency band of the excitation signal can be set according to the actual situation.

[0066] As a possible implementation manner, the way for the controller 300 to determine that the active NFC device has not been woken up from the LPCD mode based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device can be that when the controller 300 determines that the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device is lower than a preset threshold, it determines that the active NFC device has not been woken up from the LPCD mode. That is, when the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device received by the first NFC tag 310 is lower than the preset threshold, the controller 300 controls the first NFC tag 310 to emit an excitation signal. Among them, the preset threshold can be lower than the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in the standard mode and higher than the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in the LPCD mode. Of course, in practical applications, the preset threshold can also be set to be equal to the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in the standard mode, or equal to the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in the LPCD mode. The specific value of the preset threshold can be set according to the above range in combination with the actual situation, and is not limited here. It should be noted that when the preset threshold is a value lower than the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in the standard mode, in practical applications, the controller 300 can also determine that the active NFC device has not been woken up from the LPCD mode when it determines that the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device is equal to the preset threshold.

[0067] As another possible implementation, when the first NFC tag 310 receives the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device, the controller 300 can determine, based on this radio frequency signal, that an active NFC device is approaching the communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification. At this time, if the information (such as the first information) that can be transmitted to the active NFC device included in the first NFC tag 310 has not been read, it indicates that the NFC device has not successfully detected the first NFC tag 310 when waking up from the LPCD mode, and the communication between the active NFC device and the communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification fails, and the active NFC device has not read the first information of the first NFC tag 310. Therefore, the way for the controller 300 to determine that the active NFC device has not woken up from the LPCD mode based on the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device can be that when the controller 300 determines that it has received the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device and the information (such as the first information) of the first NFC tag 310 has not been read, it determines that the active NFC device has not woken up from the LPCD mode. That is, the controller 300 can control the first NFC tag 310 to emit an excitation signal when the first NFC tag 310 receives the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device and the information (such as the first information) that can be transmitted to the active NFC device by the first NFC tag 310 has not been read.

[0068] In the embodiments of this specification, the first NFC tag 310 in the communication device can implement the functions of receiving the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device and emitting the excitation signal by setting up a radio frequency transmitting circuit and a radio frequency receiving circuit. And by setting up an NFC chip including the above-mentioned first information, the first NFC tag 310 can include the first information and can sense the active NFC device for communication based on the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0069] Of course, in the embodiments of this specification, the first NFC tag 310 can also implement the function of receiving the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device by setting up a sampling circuit.

[0070] For example, as shown in Figure 4 the first NFC tag 310 can include a first NFC chip 311, a sampling circuit 312, and a first antenna 313. Among them, the first antenna 313 can be connected to the first NFC chip 311 and the sampling circuit 312 respectively. And the sampling circuit 312 can also be connected to the controller 300, and the first NFC chip 311 can also be connected to the controller 300.

[0071] Among them, the sampling circuit 312 can be a voltage sampling circuit and / or a current sampling circuit. The sampling circuit 312 can receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device by collecting the voltage and / or current generated after the first antenna 313 senses the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device. Thus, the first NFC tag 310 can receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device sensed by the first antenna 313 through the sampling circuit 312, and send the radio frequency signal to the controller 300 through the sampling circuit 312. So that the controller 300 can determine whether the active NFC device fails to wake up from the LPCD mode according to the radio frequency signal.

[0072] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present specification, in addition to the terminals for connecting to the sampling circuit 312 and the first NFC chip 311, the first antenna 313 can also be provided with a grounding terminal for grounding the first antenna 313. Thereby, part of the noise in the signal sensed by the first antenna 313 can be eliminated, and the quality of the radio frequency signal received by the sampling circuit 312 can be improved, so that the controller 300 can better determine whether the active NFC device fails to wake up from the LPCD mode according to the received radio frequency signal.

[0073] As an example, the first NFC chip 311 can be an NFC chip that simultaneously has an active mode and a passive mode. Thus, the first NFC tag 310 can use the active mode of the first NFC chip 311 to transmit an excitation signal through the first antenna 313, and use the passive mode of the first NFC chip 311 to sense the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate with the active NFC device and transmit the first information. Correspondingly, the first information can be written into the first NFC chip 311.

[0074] By using the above method to implement the first NFC tag 310 to receive radio frequency signals, transmit excitation signals, and sense the radio frequency signals of active NFC devices to communicate and transmit the first information, the structure is relatively simple, which is convenient for the integration and miniaturization of the first NFC tag 310.

[0075] Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present specification, the resonant frequency of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310, such as the above-mentioned first antenna 313, can be a frequency that matches (such as the same or similar) the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device. Thus, it is convenient for the first NFC tag 310 to better receive and sense the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0076] For example, the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device can be 13.56 MHz. Therefore, the frequency tuned by the first antenna 313 can be 13.56 MHz or a frequency near this frequency.

[0077] In practical applications, as a possible implementation manner, such asFigure 5 As shown, in the first NFC tag 310, a matching circuit 314 can be connected between the first antenna 313 and the first NFC chip 311 to adjust the resonant frequency of the first antenna 313 to a corresponding frequency through the matching circuit 314. The matching circuit 314 can be a circuit including a capacitor, so that the matching circuit 314 and the first antenna 313 can form an LC circuit. At this time, the resonant frequency of the first antenna 313 is related to the inductance of the first antenna 313 and the equivalent capacitance of the matching circuit 314. Thus, the resonant frequency of the first antenna 313 can be adjusted by adjusting the capacitance in the matching circuit 314 to tune the first antenna 313 to the corresponding frequency.

[0078] Optionally, in combination with Figure 6 As shown, in the communication device provided in the embodiment of this specification, a second NFC tag 320 may further be included. The second NFC tag 320 can be connected to the controller 300.

[0079] Among them, the second NFC tag 320 can be an NFC tag with signal amplification ability. Thus, the second NFC tag 320 can sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device and communicate with it to transmit the above-mentioned first information. That is, the second NFC tag 320 can communicate with the active NFC device with a stronger signal to transmit the same information (i.e., the first information) as the first NFC tag 310, thereby improving the signal strength and signal coverage when the communication device communicates with the active NFC device to transmit the first information, and further improving the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device.

[0080] Exemplarily, the second NFC tag 320 can achieve signal amplification by adopting an NFC chip with signal amplification ability, or can also achieve signal amplification by setting an amplifier or an amplification circuit, which is not limited here.

[0081] For example, as a possible implementation manner, in combination with Figure 7 As shown, the second NFC tag 320 can include a second NFC chip 321 and a second antenna 322 that are connected to each other. Among them, the second NFC chip 321 can be and Figure 6is connected to the controller 300 shown in the figure, and the above-mentioned first information may be written in the second NFC chip 321. Thus, the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device can be sensed through the second antenna 322, and the active NFC device can be sensed according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device through the second NFC chip 321 to communicate and transmit the above-mentioned first information. That is, the first information can be written in the second NFC chip 321, and the second NFC chip 321 can be made to work in the passive mode through the controller 300. Of course, the second NFC chip 321 can also be an NFC chip that only supports the passive mode, and no limitation is made here.

[0082] The second NFC chip 321 can adopt an NFC chip with active load modulation ability, so as to realize the signal amplification ability of the second NFC tag 320 through the second NFC chip 321. Among them, the NFC chip with active load modulation ability can, after sensing the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device, actively transmit a subcarrier for carrying the first information according to the radio frequency signal of the active NFC device, so that the active NFC device can receive the subcarrier to complete communication and information transmission. Since the NFC chip with active load modulation ability can actively transmit a subcarrier, the signal intensity of the subcarrier can be higher than the intensity of the subcarrier generated by the passive response to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device, thereby realizing signal amplification in the communication process between the NFC chip and the active NFC device.

[0083] For another example, as another possible implementation manner, based on Figure 7 the second NFC tag 320 shown in the figure, in combination with Figure 8 shown in the figure, the second NFC tag 320 may further include an amplifier 323 connected between the second NFC chip 321 and the second antenna 322. That is, the second NFC chip 321 and the second antenna 322 can be connected through the amplifier 323. The amplifier 323 can be a signal amplifier or a power amplifier, and can amplify the signal output by the second NFC chip 321 to be transmitted through the second antenna 322, so as to realize the signal amplification ability of the second NFC tag 320. Among them, the selection type and specific configuration method of the amplifier 323 can be set according to the actual situation, and no limitation is made here, as long as the signal output by the second NFC chip 321 can be amplified.

[0084] Exemplarily, in the embodiments of this specification, the resonance frequency of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320, such as the second antenna 322 described above, can be a frequency that matches (such as the same or similar) the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device. Thus, it is convenient for the second NFC tag 320 to better sense the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0085] For example, the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device can be 13.56 MHz. Therefore, the frequency tuned by the second antenna 322 can be 13.56 MHz or a frequency near this frequency.

[0086] In practical applications, as a possible implementation, a matching circuit can be connected between the second antenna 322 and the second NFC chip 321 to adjust the resonant frequency of the second antenna 322 to the corresponding frequency through the matching circuit. The matching circuit can be a circuit including a capacitor, so that the matching circuit and the second antenna 322 can form an LC circuit. At this time, the resonant frequency of the second antenna 322 is related to the inductance of the second antenna 322 and the equivalent capacitance of the matching circuit. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the second antenna 322 can be adjusted by adjusting the capacitance in the matching circuit to tune the second antenna 322 to the corresponding frequency.

[0087] Exemplarily, in the embodiments of this specification, in combination with Figure 9 As shown, the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (such as the second antenna 322) can be overlapped with the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (such as the first antenna 313). And a preset distance can be set between the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 and the antenna of the first NFC tag 310. This preset distance can be set according to the actual situation to reduce the mutual inductance interference between the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320. For example, this preset distance can be 1 cm, or other distances greater than or less than 1 cm.

[0088] In this way, the area occupied by the antenna layout can be saved through the overlapping setting of the antennas, thereby reducing the space occupied by the communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification, facilitating the miniaturization of the communication device, and enabling the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 to be superimposed and coupled, so as to increase the load when the active NFC device senses this communication device, making it easier for the active NFC device to wake up from the LPCD mode and improving the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device. And through the interval between the antennas of the two NFC tags, the mutual inductance interference between the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 can be reduced.

[0089] Optionally, in practical applications, continue to refer to Figure 9As shown, one side of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (such as the first antenna 313) can be used to sense a nearby active NFC device. The antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (such as the second antenna 322) can be arranged on the other side of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (that is, the side of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 away from the active NFC device). Since the second NFC tag 320 has signal amplification ability, arranging the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 on the other side of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 can save the area occupied by the antenna layout while ensuring the normal performance of the second NFC tag 320 and the first NFC tag 310.

[0090] Optionally, in combination with Figure 10 As shown, in the communication device provided in the embodiment of this specification, it may further include at least one third NFC tag 330 (two third NFC tags are shown as an example in the figure). The third NFC tag 330 may or may not be connected to the controller 300, and this is not limited here.

[0091] Among them, a part of the antenna of the third NFC tag 330 can be coupled with the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and / or the second NFC tag 320, and the other part extends outward. Through the third NFC tag 330, the area of the region where the radio frequency signals that can be mutually sensed between the first NFC tag 310 and / or the second NFC tag 320 and the active NFC device can be amplified, that is, the coverage area of the region where the communication device provided in the embodiment of this specification senses the active NFC device is expanded, thereby improving the adaptability of the communication device to various active NFC devices with different antenna positions and improving the success rate of communication and information transmission between the communication device and the active NFC device. And, through the antenna of the third NFC tag 330, the load when the active NFC device senses the communication device can be increased on the basis of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320, so that the active NFC device is more likely to be awakened from the LPCD mode.

[0092] Exemplarily, in combination with Figure 11 As shown, the third NFC tag 330 may include a third NFC chip 331 and a third antenna 332 that are connected to each other. Among them, the third NFC chip 331 can be and Figure 10The controller 300 shown in [description] is connected, and the above-mentioned first information may be written in the third NFC chip 331. Thus, the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device can be sensed through the third antenna 332, and the active NFC device can be sensed through the third NFC chip 331 according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit the above-mentioned first information. That is, the first information can be written in the third NFC chip 331, and the third NFC chip 331 can be made to work in the passive mode through the controller 300. Of course, the third NFC chip 331 can also be an NFC chip that only supports the passive mode, and no limitation is made here. In this way, while the third NFC tag 330 can expand the area coverage of the communication device for sensing the active NFC device, it can also sense the active NFC device to communicate and transmit the first information, improving the success rate of communicating and transmitting information between the communication device and the active NFC device.

[0093] Of course, in the embodiments of this specification, the third NFC tag 330 may not include an NFC chip. For example, the third NFC tag 330 includes a fourth antenna. Thus, the fourth antenna is used as a relay to expand the area of the region where the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and / or the second NFC tag 320 and the active NFC device can mutually sense radio frequency signals.

[0094] In some other possible implementation manners, in combination with the above examples, some of the third NFC tags 330 may be set to include the third NFC chip 331 and the third antenna 332, and some may be set to include the fourth antenna.

[0095] Exemplarily, in the embodiments of this specification, the resonance frequency of the antenna of the third NFC tag 330, such as the above-mentioned third antenna 332 or the fourth antenna, may be a frequency that matches (such as being the same or similar) the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device. Thus, it is convenient for the third NFC tag 330 to better sense the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0096] For example, the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device may be 13.56 MHz. Therefore, the frequency tuned by the third antenna 332 or the fourth antenna may be 13.56 MHz or a frequency near this frequency.

[0097] In practical applications, as a possible implementation, a matching circuit can be connected between the third antenna 332 and the third NFC chip 331 to adjust the resonant frequency of the third antenna 332 to the corresponding frequency through the matching circuit. The matching circuit can be a circuit including a capacitor, so that the matching circuit can form an LC circuit with the third antenna 332. At this time, the resonant frequency of the third antenna 332 is related to the inductance of the third antenna 332 and the equivalent capacitance of the matching circuit. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the third antenna 332 can be adjusted by adjusting the capacitance in the matching circuit to tune the third antenna 332 to the corresponding frequency. Alternatively, a matching circuit connected to the fourth antenna can be set to adjust the resonant frequency of the fourth antenna to the corresponding frequency through the matching circuit. The matching circuit can be a circuit including a capacitor, so that the matching circuit can form an LC circuit with the fourth antenna. At this time, the resonant frequency of the fourth antenna is related to the inductance of the fourth antenna and the equivalent capacitance of the matching circuit. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the fourth antenna can be adjusted by adjusting the capacitance in the matching circuit to tune the fourth antenna to the corresponding frequency.

[0098] Exemplarily, a part of the antenna of the third NFC tag 330 is coupled to the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and / or the second NFC tag 320, and the other part extends outward. It can be that the antennas of each third NFC tag 330 are all coupled to a part of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and the other part extends outward. Or, it can be that the antennas of each third NFC tag 330 are all coupled to a part of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 and the other part extends outward. Or, it can be that the antennas of each third NFC tag 330 are all coupled to a part of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and a part of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 at the same time, and the other part extends outward. Or, it can also be that some of the third NFC tags 330 are coupled to a part of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and the other part extends outward, and some are coupled to a part of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 and the other part extends outward.

[0099] For example, taking the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (such as the first antenna 313) and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (such as the second antenna 322) being overlapped, and there are two third NFC tags 330, and the antennas of each third NFC tag 330 (such as the third antenna 332 or the fourth antenna, hereinafter the third antenna 332 will be taken as an example for description) are coupled to a part of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and a part of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 at the same time, and the other part extends outward as an example. Then in combination with Figure 12As shown, the antennas of two third NFC tags 330 (such as the third antenna 332) can be respectively located between the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (such as the first antenna 313) and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (such as the second antenna 322). And the antennas of the two third NFC tags 330 (such as the third antenna 332) are coplanar, and a part of each is coupled with the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (such as the first antenna 313) and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (such as the second antenna 322), and the remaining part extends outside the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (such as the first antenna 313) and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (such as the second antenna 322). In this way, the antenna of the third NFC tag 330 can relay the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320 at the same time, so as to simultaneously expand the area of the radio frequency signals sensed by the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320 for the active NFC device, and improve the sensing sensitivity of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320 to the active NFC device.

[0100] By using the communication device in the above embodiment, the first NFC tag 310 can be set to receive the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, transmit the excitation signal, and sense the active NFC device according to the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device for communication. Therefore, when the active NFC device approaches the communication device, the first NFC tag 310 can receive the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, so that it is convenient for the controller 300 to determine whether the active NFC device is in the LPCD mode and not awakened according to the received radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device. Furthermore, when the active NFC device is in the LPCD mode and not awakened, the communication device can use the first NFC tag 310 to transmit the excitation signal through the controller 300 to excite the active NFC device with the excitation signal, so that the active NFC device can be awakened from the LPCD mode and converted to the standard mode, so that the active NFC device can communicate with the communication device again in the standard mode. In this way, the active NFC device in the LPCD mode approaching the communication device can be awakened in time, thus avoiding the problem that the communication fails because the active NFC device is not awakened, and improving the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device.

[0101] Corresponding to the communication device in the foregoing embodiments, an embodiment of this specification further provides a communication chip. The communication chip may include the communication device in the foregoing embodiments and may be applied to a communication device so that the communication device can sense an active NFC device approaching and communicate with it to transmit information. Moreover, it can enable the communication device to actively wake up the active NFC device through an excitation signal when the active NFC device has not been woken up from the LPCD mode, so as to improve the success rate of communication with the active NFC device.

[0102] In addition, an embodiment of this specification further provides a communication device, which may include the communication device in the foregoing embodiments. The communication device may be configured on the communication device in the form of the foregoing communication chip, or may also be configured on the communication device in other NFC implementation forms such as a module form, a card form, a tag form, a printed circuit form, etc., which is not limited here. The communication device can sense an active NFC device approaching and communicate with it to transmit information. Moreover, it can enable the communication device to actively wake up the active NFC device through an excitation signal when the active NFC device has not been woken up from the LPCD mode, so as to improve the success rate of communication with the active NFC device.

[0103] In summary, after reading this detailed disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing detailed disclosure may be presented only by way of example and may not be restrictive. Although not explicitly stated here, those skilled in the art can understand that this specification is intended to encompass various reasonable changes, improvements, and modifications to the embodiments. These changes, improvements, and modifications are intended to be proposed by this specification and are within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this specification.

[0104] In addition, certain terms in this specification have been used to describe the embodiments of this specification. For example, "an embodiment", "embodiments" and / or "some embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and understood that two or more references to "embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "alternative embodiments" in various parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, the specific features, structures or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of this specification.

[0105] It should be understood that in the foregoing description of the embodiments of this specification, for the purpose of helping to understand a feature and for the purpose of simplifying this specification, this specification combines various features in a single embodiment, drawing, or its description. However, this does not mean that the combination of these features is necessary. When reading this specification, those skilled in the art may very well mark out some of these devices as separate embodiments for understanding. That is to say, the embodiments in this specification can also be understood as the integration of multiple sub-embodiments. And it also holds when the content of each sub-embodiment is less than all the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

[0106] Each patent, patent application, published patent application, and other materials cited herein, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, documents, items, etc., may be incorporated herein by reference. For example, if there is any inconsistency or conflict between the description, definition, and / or use of the terms associated with any of the included materials and the terms, descriptions, definitions, and / or in this document, the terms in this document shall prevail.

[0107] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments of the application disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of this specification. Other modified embodiments are also within the scope of this specification. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples and not limitations. Those skilled in the art can adopt alternative configurations according to the embodiments in this specification to implement the application in this specification. Therefore, the embodiments of this specification are not limited to the embodiments precisely described in the application.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: The first NFC tag and the second NFC tag respectively receive radio frequency signals transmitted by the active NFC device; as well as A controller is communicatively connected with the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag, and is configured to: In response to the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag receiving the radio frequency signal, first information is sent to the active NFC device through the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag, and the signal strength of the second NFC tag sending the first information is greater than the signal strength of the first NFC tag sending the first information.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is also configured to: Determining, according to the radio frequency signal, that the active NFC device is in a low power card detection (LPCD) mode; The sending of the first information to the active NFC device through the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag includes: transmitting an excitation signal via the first NFC tag to wake up the active NFC device from the LPCD mode, and The first information is sent to the active NFC device through the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The frequency band of the excitation signal includes the frequency at which the active NFC device transmits the radio frequency signal, and the width of the frequency band is less than or equal to a preset value.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The first NFC tag comprises: A first antenna is communicatively connected to the first NFC chip and the sampling circuit respectively; The sampling circuit is communicatively connected to the controller and is used to receive the radio frequency signal sensed by the first antenna; and The first NFC chip is communicatively connected to the controller, and is used to transmit the excitation signal and transmit the first information through the first antenna.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first antenna is connected to the first NFC chip through a matching circuit, and the matching circuit is used to match the resonant frequency of the first antenna with the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first antenna includes a ground terminal, and the ground terminal is used to ground the first antenna.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The determining, according to the radio frequency signal, that the active NFC device is in a low power consumption card detection (LPCD) mode includes: When the strength of the radio frequency signal is lower than a preset threshold, it is determined that the active NFC device is in the LPCD mode.

8. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The determining, according to the radio frequency signal, that the active NFC device is in a low power consumption card detection (LPCD) mode includes: In a case where the first NFC tag receives the radio frequency signal and the first information is not read, it is determined that the active NFC device is in the LPCD mode.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first NFC tag includes a first antenna for sensing the radio frequency signal. The second NFC tag includes a second antenna for sensing the radio frequency signal, The first antenna and the second antenna are overlapped, and the second antenna is spaced a preset distance from the first antenna.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: One side of the first antenna is used to sense the approaching active NFC device, and the second antenna is located on the other side of the first antenna.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second NFC tag comprises: a second antenna; and The second NFC chip is communicatively connected with the second antenna and the controller, and is used for sensing the radio frequency signal through the second antenna and transmitting the first information to the active NFC device.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The second NFC chip has active load modulation capability.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The second NFC tag further includes an amplifier, through which the second NFC chip and the second antenna are connected, and the amplifier is used to amplify a signal output by the second NFC chip.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The resonant frequency of the second antenna matches the frequency at which the active NFC device transmits the radio frequency signal.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device also includes: at least one third NFC tag, each of which is in communication with the controller; Part of the antenna of the at least one third NFC tag is coupled with the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another part extends outward to enlarge the coverage area of ​​the area where the apparatus senses the active NFC device.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one third NFC tag comprises: a third antenna, a portion of which is coupled to the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another portion of which extends outward; and The third NFC chip is communicatively connected with the third antenna and the controller, and is used for inducing the active NFC device to communicate with the first information according to the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The resonant frequency of the third antenna matches the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

18. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one third NFC tag comprises: The fourth antenna serves as a relay of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, a portion of which is coupled with the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another portion of which extends outward.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The resonant frequency of the fourth antenna matches the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first information is used to enable the active NFC device to display a payment page, and the payment page is used to perform a payment operation.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first information is used to enable the active NFC device to display an ordering page, and the ordering page is used to perform an ordering operation.

22. A communication chip, applied to a communication device, the communication chip comprising the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A communication device, comprising the communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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