Communication device, chip and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the present specification discloses a communication device, a chip and equipment, comprising a first NFC tag, the first NFC tag is used for receiving the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device, transmitting the excitation signal, and transmitting the first information according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device to communicate with the active NFC device; and a controller, the controller is connected with the first NFC tag, the controller is used for controlling the first NFC tag to transmit the excitation signal when it is determined that the active NFC device is not woken up from the LPCD mode according to the radio frequency signal transmitted by the active NFC device received by the first NFC tag. The embodiment of the present specification can have a higher success rate when communicating with the equipment in the LPCD mode.

Description

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

[0002] This specification relates to the field of near-field communication technology, and more particularly to a communication device, chip, and equipment. Background Technology

[0003] The advent of Near Field Communication (NFC) provides a promising technological path for efficient contactless payment methods. Users can conveniently complete payment transactions by bringing an NFC-enabled terminal device (such as a mobile phone or tablet) close to the NFC sensing area of ​​a payment device that also has NFC functionality.

[0004] Currently, NFC-enabled terminal devices typically operate in active mode during payment. Furthermore, to reduce power consumption, these devices usually switch to Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) mode after NFC is activated in active mode. However, when a terminal device in LPCD mode is brought close to a payment device, the success rate of completing the communication and payment transaction is relatively low.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an NFC device with a high success rate in communicating with devices in LPCD mode.

[0006] The information in the background section is merely information known only to the inventor and does not imply that such information had entered the public domain before the date of this application, nor does it imply that it can be considered prior art in this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This specification provides a communication device, chip, and equipment that can achieve a high success rate when communicating with devices in LPCD mode.

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

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of this specification provide a communication device, comprising: a first NFC tag, the first NFC tag being configured to receive a radio frequency signal emitted by an active NFC device, emit an excitation signal, and sense the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit first information; and a controller, the controller being connected to the first NFC tag, the controller being configured to control the first NFC tag to emit the excitation signal when it is determined, based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device received by the first NFC tag, that the active NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first NFC tag includes a first NFC chip, a sampling circuit, and a first antenna. The first antenna is connected to both the first NFC chip and the sampling circuit. The sampling circuit is connected to the controller and is used to receive radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device sensed by the first antenna. The first NFC chip is connected to the controller and is used to transmit the excitation signal through the first antenna and to communicate with the active NFC device by sensing the radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device. The first NFC chip is written with the first information.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first antenna is connected to the first NFC chip via a matching circuit, the matching circuit being configured to match the resonant frequency of the first antenna with the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first antenna includes a ground terminal for grounding the first antenna.

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

[0014] In one possible implementation, the device further includes: a second NFC tag having signal amplification capability, used to sense the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit the first information.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the second NFC tag includes a second NFC chip and a second antenna interconnected with each other. The second NFC chip is connected to the controller and is used to communicate with the active NFC device by sensing the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device. The second NFC chip is written with the first information.

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

[0017] In one possible implementation, 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 the signal output by the second NFC chip.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the resonant frequency of the second antenna is matched with the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the antennas of the second NFC tag and the first NFC tag are arranged overlappingly, and the antennas of the second NFC tag are spaced apart by a preset distance.

[0020] In one possible implementation, one side of the antenna of the first NFC tag is used to sense the proximity of the 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 one possible implementation, the device further includes at least one third NFC tag, a portion of which has an antenna coupled to the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another portion extending outward, the at least one third NFC tag being used to amplify the area of ​​the region where the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag can mutually sense radio frequency signals with the active NFC device.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the at least one third NFC tag includes a third NFC chip and a third antenna interconnected. The third NFC chip is connected to the controller and is used to sense and communicate with the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device. The third NFC chip is written with the first information. A portion of the third antenna is coupled to the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another portion extends outward.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the resonant frequency of the third antenna is matched with the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device.

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

[0025] In one possible implementation, the controller is specifically configured to control the first NFC tag to transmit the excitation signal when the strength 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 one 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] Secondly, embodiments of this specification provide a communication chip for use in a communication device, the communication chip including any of the means described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0028] Thirdly, embodiments of this specification provide a communication device, including the means as described in any one of the first aspects or possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0029] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the communication device, chip, and equipment provided in this specification can receive radio frequency signals and transmit excitation signals emitted by an active NFC device through a set first NFC tag, and communicate with the active NFC device by sensing the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device. Therefore, when the active NFC device is close to the communication device, the first NFC tag can receive the radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device, thereby facilitating the controller to determine whether the active NFC device is in LPCD mode and has not been woken up based on the received radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device. Furthermore, when the active NFC device is in LPCD mode and has not been woken up, the communication device can use the first NFC tag to emit an excitation signal to stimulate the active NFC device, enabling the active NFC device to be woken up from LPCD mode and switch to standard mode, so that the active NFC device can re-communicate with the communication device in standard mode. In this way, the active NFC device in LPCD mode that is close to the communication device can be woken up in a timely manner, thereby avoiding the problem of communication failure due to the active NFC device not being woken up, and improving the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device.

[0030] Other functions of the communication devices, chips, and equipment provided in this specification will be partially listed in the following description. The inventive aspects of the communication devices, chips, and equipment provided in this specification can be fully understood through practice or by using the embodiments described in the detailed examples below. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

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

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the composition of another first NFC tag provided in the embodiments of this specification;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification;

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

[0038] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the composition of another second NFC tag provided in the embodiments of this specification;

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

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification;

[0041] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a third NFC tag provided in the embodiments of this specification; and

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna, provided for an embodiment of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following description provides specific application scenarios and requirements for this specification, intended to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the contents of this specification. Various partial modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein 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 embodiments shown, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the claims.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not restrictive. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or “containing” mean that the associated integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components are present, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups, or that other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups may be added to the system / method.

[0045] Considering the following description, these and other features of this specification, as well as the operation and function of the related components of the structure, and the economy of assembly and manufacture of the parts, can be significantly improved. All of these form part of this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 operations implemented according to some embodiments of this specification. It should be clearly understood that the operations in the flowcharts may not be implemented in a sequential order. Instead, the operations may be implemented in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, one or more additional operations may be added to the flowcharts. One or more operations may be removed from the flowcharts.

[0047] In this specification, "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 one of A, B, and C, or any combination of A, B, and C, as well as other possible content / elements. The arbitrary combination of A, B, and C can be A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC.

[0048] In this specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the relationships between structures can be direct or indirect. For example, when describing "A is connected to B," unless it is explicitly stated that A and B are directly connected, it should be understood that A can be directly connected to B or indirectly connected to B. Similarly, when describing "A is on top of B," unless it is explicitly stated that A is directly above B (AB is adjacent and A is above B), it should be understood that A can be directly above B or indirectly above B (AB is separated by other elements, and A is above B). And so on.

[0049] This specification provides a communication device. This communication device can be used in scenarios where an active NFC device is detected near its sensing area (typically the antenna coverage area), thereby enabling communication with that active NFC device. Specifically, the communication device can be an NFC device operating in passive mode, passively responding to radio frequency signals emitted by other active NFC devices, thus allowing information to be read / written by the active NFC device. An active NFC device can be an NFC device operating in active mode, acting 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 functionality, such as NFC-enabled mobile phones, tablets, and televisions.

[0050] This communication device can be used in scenarios involving NFC technology, such as making payments via NFC, ordering food via NFC, transmitting information via NFC, and connecting devices via NFC.

[0051] For example, consider a scenario where payments are made using NFC technology. The communication device can then act as a passive NFC device to interact with an active NFC device. For instance, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (a), when a user needs to make a payment, they can bring their NFC-enabled mobile phone 101 (i.e., the NFC-enabled mobile phone as the active NFC device) close to the device (or tag) 102 set up by the merchant, which includes the communication device provided in this embodiment. Thus, the device 102 can sense the user's mobile phone 101 and communicate with it to transmit payment information via the communication device. Then, as... Figure 1 As shown in (b), the user's mobile phone 101 can then display the corresponding payment page based on the payment information. After the user completes the payment by performing a payment operation on the mobile phone 101 according to the payment page (such as clicking the "Confirm Payment" control displayed on the payment page), as shown in (b), the user's mobile phone 101 will then display the corresponding payment page. Figure 1 As shown in (c), the user's mobile phone 101 can then display the payment completion interface, thereby completing the user's payment to the merchant.

[0052] For example, consider a scenario where food is ordered using NFC technology. The communication device can then act as a passive NFC device to interact with an active NFC device. For instance, such as... Figure 2 As shown in (a), when a user needs to order food, they can bring their NFC-enabled mobile phone 201 (i.e., the NFC-enabled mobile phone as the active NFC device) close to a device (or tag) 202 placed on the dining table, which includes the communication device provided in this embodiment. Thus, the device 202 can sense the user's mobile phone 201 and communicate with it to transmit order information via the communication device. Then, as... Figure 2 As shown in (b), the user's mobile phone 201 can then display the corresponding ordering page based on the order information. After the user completes the ordering operation on the mobile phone 201 based on this ordering page (e.g., the user selects "Item 1" and "Item 3" on the ordering page and then clicks the "Confirm Selection" control used to confirm the order), as shown in (b), the user can then proceed as follows: Figure 2 As shown in (c), the user's mobile phone 201 can display the order completion interface, thus enabling the user to conveniently place an order.

[0053] The communication device provided in this specification can be applied to various devices to enable them to perform NFC communication. Devices that can use this communication device include payment devices in payment scenarios, ordering devices in food ordering scenarios, and other devices requiring NFC capabilities, such as various NFC-enabled terminal devices; no limitations are imposed here. The communication device can be integrated into a device as part of a corresponding circuit, or it can be packaged as a chip and integrated into the device as a communication chip, etc.; no limitations are imposed here. Furthermore, when the communication device is packaged as a chip, it can be integrated into other communication chips or packaged as a separate chip; no limitations are imposed here.

[0054] It should be noted that the aforementioned terminal devices can also be referred to as terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), mobile terminals (MT), etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, smart TVs, wearable devices, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0055] Of course, in some other possible implementations of the embodiments in this specification, the communication device can also be configured as a standalone device, such as by encapsulating the communication device as an NFC card or tag.

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

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown.

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

[0059] The first NFC tag 310 can be used to receive radio frequency signals and transmission excitation signals emitted by the active NFC device, and to sense the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit first information. The controller 300 is connected to the first NFC tag 310, and the controller 300 is used to control the first NFC tag 310 to transmit excitation signals when it is determined, based on the radio frequency signals received by the first NFC tag 310 from the active NFC device, that the active NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode.

[0060] The first piece of information can be payment information in the aforementioned payment scenario, or ordering information in the ordering scenario, etc. The first piece of information can be configured according to the specific application scenario.

[0061] It should be noted that an active NFC device can act as a card reader, emitting radio frequency signals to identify and read NFC devices or apparatuses in passive mode. The communication device provided in this embodiment, however, can operate in passive mode, passively responding to the radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device to communicate, transmitting first information to the active NFC device so that the active NFC device can perform corresponding operations based on the first information.

[0062] To conserve power, active NFC devices typically enter LPCD mode shortly after activating NFC. In LPCD mode, the amplitude of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device is reduced compared to standard mode. The active NFC device will only wake up from LPCD mode and enter standard mode when the intensity change of its emitted radio frequency signal, detected by a nearby passive NFC device, exceeds or equals a preset threshold.

[0063] The connection between the controller 300 and the first NFC tag 310 can be an electrical connection, so as to enable the controller 300 to control the first NFC tag 310 and to transmit information between the first NFC tag 310 and the controller 300.

[0064] For this communication device, when an active NFC device approaches the device and emits a radio frequency (RF) signal for card detection, the device can receive the RF signal via the first NFC tag 310 and transmit it to the controller 300. The controller 300 can then determine whether the active NFC device has not been woken up from LPCD mode based on the RF 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 it. The intensity of this excitation signal is then superimposed on the intensity change generated by the first NFC tag 310 sensing the RF signal emitted by the active NFC device, ensuring that the superimposed intensity change exceeds the threshold used to wake the active NFC device from LPCD mode, thereby waking it up. This allows the active NFC device to re-identify and communicate with the communication device in standard mode.

[0065] Optionally, in the embodiments of this specification, in order to better wake up an active NFC device in LPCD mode via an excitation signal, the frequency band of the excitation signal can be set to include the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, and the bandwidth is 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 13.56MHz, the frequency band of the excitation signal can be set to a band around 13.56MHz, such as the 12MHz-14MHz band. Of course, in practical applications, the smaller the bandwidth of the excitation signal's frequency band (i.e., 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. The frequency band of the excitation signal can be set according to the actual situation.

[0066] As one possible implementation, the controller 300 determines that the active NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device. This can be achieved by the controller 300 determining that the strength of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device is lower than a preset threshold. Specifically, the controller 300 can control the first NFC tag 310 to emit an excitation signal when the strength 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 preset threshold can be lower than the strength of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in standard mode, and higher than the strength of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in LPCD mode. Of course, in practical applications, the preset threshold can also be set to be equal to the strength of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in standard mode, or equal to the strength of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in LPCD mode. The specific value of the preset threshold can be set according to the above range and actual conditions, and is not limited here. It should be noted that when the preset threshold is lower than the strength of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in standard mode, in practical applications, the controller 300 can also determine that the active NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode when it determines that the strength 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 a radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, the controller 300 can determine, based on the radio frequency signal, that an active NFC device is near the communication device provided in the embodiments of this specification. In this case, if the information (such as the first information) contained in the first NFC tag 310 that can be transmitted with the active NFC device is not read, it indicates that the NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode and has not successfully detected the first NFC tag 310. 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 controller 300 can determine that the active NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device by determining that the controller 300 has received the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device and that the information (such as the first information) of the first NFC tag 310 has not been read. That is, when the first NFC tag 310 receives the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device and the information that the first NFC tag 310 can transmit with the active NFC device (such as the first information) has not been read, the controller 300 can control the first NFC tag 310 to emit an excitation signal.

[0068] In the embodiments of this specification, the first NFC tag 310 in the communication device can receive radio frequency signals and transmit excitation signals transmitted by the active NFC device by setting up a radio frequency transmitting circuit and a radio frequency receiving circuit. Furthermore, by setting up an NFC chip containing the aforementioned first information, the first NFC tag 310 can contain the first information and can sense and communicate with the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signals transmitted by the active NFC device.

[0069] Of course, in the embodiments of this specification, the first NFC tag 310 can also receive radio frequency signals transmitted by an active NFC device by setting a sampling circuit.

[0070] For example, combining Figure 4 As shown, the first NFC tag 310 may include a first NFC chip 311, a sampling circuit 312, and a first antenna 313. The first antenna 313 can be connected to both the first NFC chip 311 and the sampling circuit 312. 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] 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 (RF) signal emitted by the active NFC device by collecting the voltage and / or current generated after the first antenna 313 senses the RF signal emitted by the active NFC device. Therefore, the first NFC tag 310 can receive the RF signal emitted by the active NFC device sensed by the first antenna 313 through the sampling circuit 312, and send the RF signal to the controller 300 through the sampling circuit 312. This allows the controller 300 to determine whether the active NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode based on the RF signal.

[0072] Optionally, in the embodiments of this specification, in addition to having terminals for connecting to the sampling circuit 312 and the first NFC chip 311, the first antenna 313 may also have a grounding terminal for grounding the first antenna 313. This can eliminate some noise in the signal sensed by the first antenna 313, improve the quality of the radio frequency signal received by the sampling circuit 312, and enable the controller 300 to better determine whether the active NFC device has not woken up from LPCD mode based on the received radio frequency signal.

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

[0074] The above method enables the first NFC tag 310 to receive radio frequency signals, transmit excitation signals, and sense radio frequency signals from active NFC devices to communicate and transmit first information. The structure is relatively simple and facilitates the integration and miniaturization of the first NFC tag 310.

[0075] For example, in the embodiments of this specification, the resonant frequency of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310, such as the first antenna 313 described above, can be a frequency that matches (e.g., is the same as or similar to) the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device. This facilitates the first NFC tag 310 to better receive and sense the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device.

[0076] For example, the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device can be 13.56MHz, therefore, the frequency of the first antenna 313 can be tuned to 13.56MHz or a frequency near that.

[0077] In practical applications, as one possible implementation method, such as Figure 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. This matching circuit 314 can be a circuit containing a capacitor, allowing it to form an LC circuit with the first antenna 313. In this case, 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. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the first antenna 313 can be adjusted by adjusting the capacitance in the matching circuit 314, thus tuning the first antenna 313 to the corresponding frequency.

[0078] Optionally, combined Figure 6 As shown in the embodiments of this specification, the communication device may further include a second NFC tag 320. This second NFC tag 320 can be connected to the controller 300.

[0079] The second NFC tag 320 can be an NFC tag with signal amplification capabilities. Therefore, the second NFC tag 320 can sense the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device and communicate with it to transmit the aforementioned 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 coverage when the communication device communicates with the active NFC device to transmit the first information, further increasing the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device.

[0080] For example, the second NFC tag 320 may amplify the signal by using an NFC chip with signal amplification capability, or by setting up an amplifier or amplification circuit; there is no limitation here.

[0081] For example, as one possible implementation method, combining Figure 7 As shown, the second NFC tag 320 may include a second NFC chip 321 and a second antenna 322 interconnected. The second NFC chip 321 can be connected to... Figure 6The controller 300 shown is connected, and the second NFC chip 321 can be written with the aforementioned first information. Therefore, the second antenna 322 can sense the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, and the second NFC chip 321 can communicate with the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device to transmit the aforementioned first information. That is, the first information can be written into the second NFC chip 321, and the controller 300 can make the second NFC chip 321 operate in passive mode. Of course, the second NFC chip 321 can also be an NFC chip that only supports passive mode; this is not a limitation.

[0082] The second NFC chip 321 can be an NFC chip with active load modulation capability, thereby enabling the signal amplification capability of the second NFC tag 320. Specifically, the NFC chip with active load modulation capability can actively transmit a subcarrier carrying the first information after sensing the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, so that the active NFC device can receive the subcarrier to complete communication and information transmission. Because the NFC chip with active load modulation capability can actively transmit the subcarrier, the signal strength of this subcarrier can be higher than the strength of the subcarrier generated by passively responding to the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, thereby achieving signal amplification during the communication process between the NFC chip and the active NFC device.

[0083] For example, as another possible implementation, based on Figure 7 The second NFC tag 320 shown, combined with Figure 8 As shown, 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 via the amplifier 323. This amplifier 323 can be a signal amplifier or a power amplifier, capable of amplifying the signal output by the second NFC chip 321 for transmission through the second antenna 322, thereby realizing the signal amplification capability of the second NFC tag 320. The selection and specific configuration of the amplifier 323 can be set according to actual conditions and are not limited here, as long as it can amplify the signal output by the second NFC chip 321.

[0084] For example, in the embodiments of this specification, the resonant frequency of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320, such as the second antenna 322 described above, can be a frequency that matches (is the same as or similar to) the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device. This facilitates the second NFC tag 320 in better sensing the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device.

[0085] For example, the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by an active NFC device can be 13.56MHz, therefore, the frequency of the second antenna 322 can be 13.56MHz or a frequency near that.

[0086] In practical applications, as one 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 a corresponding frequency. This matching circuit can be a circuit containing capacitors, allowing it to form an LC circuit with the second antenna 322. In this case, 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, thus tuning the second antenna 322 to the appropriate frequency.

[0087] For example, in the embodiments of this specification, in conjunction with Figure 9 As shown, the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (e.g., the second antenna 322) can overlap with the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (e.g., the first antenna 313). Furthermore, a preset distance can be maintained between the antennas of the second NFC tag 320 and the first NFC tag 310. This preset distance can be set according to actual conditions to reduce mutual interference between the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320. For example, the preset distance can be 1 cm, or other distances greater than or less than 1 cm.

[0088] In this way, the overlapping arrangement of antennas can save the area occupied by the antenna arrangement, 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 antennas of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320 to be superimposed and coupled, thereby increasing the load when the active NFC device senses the communication device, making it easier for the active NFC device to wake up from LPCD mode, and improving the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device. Furthermore, the spacing between the antennas of the two NFC tags can reduce the mutual inductance interference between the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320.

[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 nearby active NFC devices. The antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (such as the second antenna 322) can be placed on the other side of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (i.e., 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 capabilities, placing 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 arrangement while ensuring the normal performance of the second NFC tag 320 and the first NFC tag 310.

[0090] Optionally, combined Figure 10 As shown in the embodiments of this specification, the communication device 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 there is no limitation here.

[0091] The antenna of the third NFC tag 330 can be partially coupled to the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 and / or the second NFC tag 320, with the other part extending outwards. This third NFC tag 330 increases the area where the first NFC tag 310 and / or the second NFC tag 320 can mutually sense radio frequency signals with the active NFC device, thus expanding the coverage area for the communication device to sense the active NFC device provided in this embodiment. This improves the adaptability of the communication device to various active NFC devices with different antenna positions and increases the success rate of information transmission between the communication device and the active NFC device. Furthermore, the antenna of the third NFC tag 330 increases the load on the active NFC device when sensing the communication device, based on the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320, making it easier for the active NFC device to wake up from LPCD mode.

[0092] For example, combined Figure 11 As shown, the third NFC tag 330 may include a third NFC chip 331 and a third antenna 332 connected to each other. The third NFC chip 331 can be connected to... Figure 10The controller 300 shown is connected, and the third NFC chip 331 can be written with the aforementioned first information. Therefore, the third antenna 332 can sense the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device, and the third NFC chip 331 can sense the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device to communicate and transmit the aforementioned first information. That is, the first information can be written into the third NFC chip 331, and the controller 300 can make the third NFC chip 331 operate in passive mode. Of course, the third NFC chip 331 can also be an NFC chip that only supports passive mode; this is not a limitation. In this way, the third NFC tag 330 can expand the area coverage of the communication device sensing the active NFC device while also sensing the active NFC device to communicate and transmit the first information, improving the success rate of information transmission 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, such as the third NFC tag 330 including a fourth antenna. Thus, the fourth antenna is used as a relay to expand the area of ​​the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 and / or the area where the second NFC tag 320 and the active NFC device can mutually sense radio frequency signals.

[0094] In some other possible implementations, in conjunction with the above examples, some of the third NFC tags 330 may be configured to include a third NFC chip 331 and a third antenna 332, while others may be configured to include a fourth antenna.

[0095] For example, in the embodiments of this specification, the resonant frequency of the antenna of the third NFC tag 330, such as the third antenna 332 or the fourth antenna described above, can be a frequency that matches (e.g., the same as or similar to) the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device. This facilitates the third NFC tag 330 in better sensing the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device.

[0096] For example, the frequency of the radio frequency signal emitted by an active NFC device can be 13.56MHz. Therefore, the frequency of the third antenna 332 or the fourth antenna can be tuned to 13.56MHz or a frequency near that.

[0097] In practical applications, as one 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 a corresponding frequency. This matching circuit can be a circuit including a capacitor, allowing it to form an LC circuit with the third antenna 332. In this case, 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 it to the corresponding frequency. Alternatively, a matching circuit connected to a fourth antenna can be provided to adjust the resonant frequency of the fourth antenna to a corresponding frequency. This matching circuit can also be a circuit including a capacitor, allowing it to form an LC circuit with the fourth antenna. In this case, 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 it to the corresponding frequency.

[0098] For example, a portion 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, while the other portion extends outward. This could be that the antennas of each third NFC tag 330 are all coupled to a portion of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310, while the other portion extends outward. Alternatively, the antennas of each third NFC tag 330 could be coupled to a portion of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320, while the other portion extends outward. Or, the antennas of each third NFC tag 330 could be simultaneously coupled to a portion of the antennas of both the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320, while the other portion extends outward. Alternatively, some of the third NFC tags 330 could be coupled to a portion of the antenna of the first NFC tag 310, while the other portion extends outward, and others could be coupled to a portion of the antenna of the second NFC tag 320, while the other portion extends outward.

[0099] For example, consider an overlapping arrangement of the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 (e.g., first antenna 313) and the second NFC tag 320 (e.g., second antenna 322). Two third NFC tags 330 are also provided, with each third NFC tag 330's antenna (e.g., third antenna 332 or a fourth antenna; the third antenna 332 will be used as an example below) simultaneously coupled to a portion of the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320, with the other portion extending outwards. This is combined with... Figure 12As shown, the antennas of the two third NFC tags 330 (e.g., third antenna 332) can be located between the antenna of the first NFC tag 310 (e.g., first antenna 313) and the antenna of the second NFC tag 320 (e.g., second antenna 322), respectively. The antennas of the two third NFC tags 330 (e.g., third antenna 332) are coplanar, each partially coupled to both the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 (e.g., first antenna 313) and the second NFC tag 320 (e.g., second antenna 322), with the remaining portions extending beyond them. This allows the antennas of the third NFC tags 330 to simultaneously relay the antennas of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320, thereby simultaneously expanding the area where the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320 sense the radio frequency signals of the active NFC device, and improving the sensitivity of the first NFC tag 310 and the second NFC tag 320 to the active NFC device.

[0100] The communication device described in the above embodiments can receive radio frequency signals and excitation signals emitted by an active NFC device via a first NFC tag 310, and communicate with the active NFC device by sensing the radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device. Therefore, when an active NFC device approaches the communication device, the first NFC tag 310 can receive the radio frequency signals emitted by the active NFC device, allowing the controller 300 to determine whether the active NFC device is in LPCD mode and has not been woken up based on the received radio frequency signals. Furthermore, when the active NFC device is in LPCD mode and has not been woken up, the communication device can use the first NFC tag 310 to emit an excitation signal to stimulate the active NFC device, enabling it to be woken up from LPCD mode and switch to standard mode, allowing the active NFC device to re-communicate with the communication device in standard mode. This allows for timely wake-up of active NFC devices in LPCD mode that are close to the communication device, avoiding communication failures due to the active NFC device not being woken up, 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, this specification also provides a communication chip. This communication chip can include the communication device in the foregoing embodiments and can be applied in a communication device to enable the communication device to sense the proximity of the active NFC device and communicate with it to transmit information. Furthermore, it enables the communication device to actively wake up the active NFC device via an excitation signal when the active NFC device is not awakened from LPCD mode, thereby improving the success rate of communication between the communication device and the active NFC device.

[0102] Furthermore, this specification also provides a communication device, which may include the communication apparatus described in the foregoing embodiments. This communication apparatus may be configured on the communication device in the form of the aforementioned communication chip, or it may be configured on the communication device in other NFC implementation forms such as modules, cards, tags, or printed circuits; no limitation is made here. This communication device can sense the proximity of an active NFC device and communicate with it to transmit information. Moreover, it can actively wake up the active NFC device via an excitation signal when the active NFC device is not awakened from LPCD mode, thereby improving the success rate of communication between the two devices.

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

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

[0105] It should be understood that in the foregoing description of the embodiments in this specification, various features are combined in a single embodiment, drawing, or description for the purpose of simplifying the description and aiding in the understanding of a feature. However, this does not mean that the combination of these features is necessary, and those skilled in the art may readily identify some of the devices as separate embodiments when reading this specification. That is, the embodiments in this specification can also be understood as an integration of multiple secondary embodiments. It is also valid when each secondary embodiment contains fewer than all the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

[0106] Each patent, patent application, publication of patent applications, and other materials such as articles, books, specifications, publications, documents, articles, etc., cited herein may be incorporated by reference. For example, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the description, definition, and / or use of terms related to any of the included materials and those related to this document, the terms used herein shall prevail.

[0107] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described in 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 implement the applications described in this specification using alternative configurations based on the embodiments in this specification. Therefore, the embodiments in this specification are not limited to the embodiments precisely described in the applications.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: The first NFC tag is configured to receive radio frequency signals emitted by an active NFC device; The second NFC tag has signal amplification capabilities; as well as The controller is communicatively connected to the first NFC tag; wherein, In response to receiving the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device in Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) mode, the communication device controls the first NFC tag to emit an excitation signal to wake up the active NFC device from the LPCD mode via the controller, and sends first information to the active NFC device via the second NFC tag.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first information is written in both the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag; The controller is configured to: determine, based on the radio frequency signal, that the active NFC device is in the LPCD mode; and The communication device also sends the first information to the active NFC device via the first NFC tag.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, 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 apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first NFC tag includes: The 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 the first information through the first antenna.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The first antenna is connected to the first NFC chip via a matching circuit, which is used to match the resonant frequency of the first antenna with the frequency at which the active NFC device transmits the radio frequency signal.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The first antenna includes a ground terminal for grounding the first antenna.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The step of determining that the active NFC device is in Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) mode based on the radio frequency signal includes: If the strength of the radio frequency signal is lower than a preset threshold, the active NFC device is determined to be in the LPCD mode.

8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The step of determining that the active NFC device is in Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) mode based on the radio frequency signal includes: If 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 apparatus 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 arranged overlappingly, and the second antenna is spaced apart from the first antenna by a preset distance.

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

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second NFC tag includes: Second antenna; and The second NFC chip is communicatively connected to the second antenna and the controller, and is used to sense the radio frequency signal through the second antenna and transmit the first information to the active NFC device.

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

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

14. The apparatus 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 apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device further includes: At least one third NFC tag is communicatively connected to the controller; In this embodiment, a portion of the antenna of the at least one third NFC tag is coupled to the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, while another portion extends outward to amplify the area of ​​the active NFC device that the device senses.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one third NFC tag includes: 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 extending outward; and The third NFC chip, communicatively connected to the third antenna and the controller, is used to sense the active NFC device based on the radio frequency signal emitted by the active NFC device to communicate with it and transmit the first information.

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

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one third NFC tag includes: The fourth antenna, acting as a relay for the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, has a portion coupled to the antenna of the first NFC tag and / or the second NFC tag, and another portion extending outward.

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

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

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first information is used to enable the active NFC device to display a food ordering page, which is used to place an order.

22. A communication chip, applied to a communication device, said communication chip comprising the communication apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-21.

23. A communication device, comprising the communication apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-21.

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