Rectifying electronic circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic carrier for rectifying electronic circuits, such as antennas for smart cards, comprising two electronic circuits. The first electronic circuit includes a first line antenna configured to provide energy to an electrical load used by the smart card and a first diode connected to the first line antenna and having a first forward bias; the second electronic circuit includes a second line antenna configured to provide energy to the electrical load and a second diode connected to the second line antenna and having a second forward bias. An induced current is generated in the first and second line antennas when the first and second line antennas are exposed to the alternating magnetic field. The first diode and the second diode are arranged on the rectifying electronic circuit in the following way: under the condition that a predefined direction of the alternating magnetic field is given, only one diode has a forward bias allowing the induction current to flow; an induced current can alternately flow through the first electronic circuit or the second electronic circuit to provide energy to the electrical load in the form of a rectified signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rectifying electronic circuit, such as an electronic carrier for a smart card, provided with a rectifier system for rectifying an electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an active device comprising a rectifying electronic circuit and an electrical load powered by the rectified electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pre-laminated structure for a smart card and a smart card comprising the active device. Background Art

[0002] OLEDs and other active and passive devices in pre-laminated structures and smart cards typically require external rectifier components to be able to receive harvested energy from an HF antenna (e.g., an antenna with a resonant frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz) and provide direct current (DC) current and DC voltage to the device.

[0003] These solutions are typically based on the use of a diode bridge, a four-diode bridge rectifier circuit used to convert alternating current (AC) from the input terminals into a direct current (DC) with a fixed polarity at the output terminals. The input voltage received from the energy harvesting (EH) antenna is typically an AC signal. When the input voltage enters the bridge diodes, the negative half-cycle of the AC input signal is reversed, resulting in a positive voltage at the output. Therefore, regardless of the polarity of the input signal, the output polarity will always be the same.

[0004] Additional capacitors can be added to the bridge rectifier circuit for frequency smoothing. Since the unipolar output voltage is pulsed rather than linear in nature, the capacitor discharge process can be advantageously used to further rectify the signal.

[0005] Using an electronic circuit consisting of four diodes and a capacitor has several disadvantages. First, the diode bridge has inherent energy losses due to the use of diodes with a predefined forward voltage drop. This energy loss is at least twice the forward voltage drop of a single diode, as the input voltage to be rectified must pass through two diodes. Furthermore, this circuit is typically expensive due to the numerous components required.

[0006] Given all the challenges outlined above (ie, the large number of electronic components required and the resulting high costs), smart cards with LEDs or OLEDs or other electrical loads (such as batteries, etc.) are generally very expensive and cannot be mass-produced to match market demand. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rectifying electronic circuit that overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an active device having an electrical load powered by a rectified electromagnetic system that is superior to the prior art. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pre-laminated structure for a smart card and a smart card incorporating a rectifying electronic circuit that is superior to the prior art.

[0008] The rectifying electronic circuit, the active device, the pre-laminated structure and the smart card according to the invention are as set out in the appended claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, a rectifying electronic circuit is provided, wherein the rectifying electronic circuit comprises the following elements:

[0010] - a first electronic circuit comprising a first wire antenna configured to provide energy to an electrical load and a first diode connected to the first wire antenna, the first diode having a first forward bias;

[0011] - a second electronic circuit comprising a second linear antenna configured to provide energy to the electrical load and a second diode connected to the second linear antenna, the second diode having a second forward bias,

[0012] wherein, when the first and second linear antennas are exposed to an alternating magnetic field, an induced current is generated in the first and second linear antennas, and wherein the first and second diodes are located on corresponding electronic circuits in such a manner that, given a predefined direction of the alternating magnetic field, only one of the first and second diodes has a forward bias that allows the flow of the induced current, such that the induced current is allowed to alternately flow through the first or second electronic circuit to provide energy to the electrical load.

[0013] The advantage of this configuration is that the two electronic circuits function as a rectifier system that rectifies the induced current generated by the alternating magnetic field. For example, the induced current generated by the alternating magnetic field can be a sinusoidal signal; the rectifier system of the present invention functions as a module, resulting in a positive output signal that can power an electrical load. Compared to other rectifier systems known in the art (such as single diodes or bridge diodes), the rectifier system of the present invention reduces energy losses and maximizes the energy delivered to the electrical load.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the rectifying electronic circuit is the electronic carrier of the antenna used in the smart card.

[0015] In the present disclosure, an alternating magnetic field refers to a magnetic field whose amplitude varies with time within a predefined period. The reference frame of the present disclosure is oriented so that the alternating magnetic field is parallel to an axis of the Cartesian reference frame, such as the z-axis. An alternating magnetic field is defined as one that changes direction relative to an axis parallel to the Cartesian reference frame (e.g., the z-axis) while oscillating between positive and negative phases of a periodic function.

[0016] According to the present invention, given a predefined direction of an alternating magnetic field (e.g., a positive direction parallel to the z-axis), an induced current is generated in the first and second circuits. Due to the configuration (i.e., position and forward bias) of the first and second diodes in the electronic carrier of the present invention, the induced current is allowed to flow through the first or second electronic circuit to provide energy to an electrical load.

[0017] When an alternating magnetic field is applied in a direction opposite to the previous direction (e.g., a negative direction parallel to the z-axis), an induced current is generated in the first and second circuits, the induced current flowing in a direction opposite to the previous flow direction. Due to the configuration (i.e., position and forward bias) of the first and second diodes in the electronic carrier of the present invention, the induced current is allowed to flow through the first or second electronic circuit to supply energy to an electrical load. The electronic circuit that supplies power to the electrical load in this configuration with a negative alternating magnetic field does not contribute to the previous configuration with a positive alternating magnetic field.

[0018] For example, if an induced current generated by a component of an alternating magnetic field having a positive direction parallel to the z-axis flows through the first electronic circuit, an induced current generated by a component of an alternating magnetic field having a negative direction parallel to the z-axis flows through the second electronic circuit, or vice versa. By switching the alternating magnetic field between the positive and second directions, the induced current is allowed to alternately flow through the first and second electronic circuits, supplying energy to an electrical load. As a result, the output signal generated by the electronic circuit of the present invention will be a rectified signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the following description, reference is made to the following drawings:

[0020] Figure 1A Schematically illustrated is a top view of an electronic carrier comprising two EH antennas with two corresponding diodes according to an embodiment of the present invention during a use step.

[0021] Figure 1B Schematically illustrates the process during further use steps according to Figure 1A FIG. 1 is a top view of an electronic carrier comprising two EH antennas with two corresponding diodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2ASchematically illustrates the Figure 1A An enlarged view of the two diodes connected to the two antennas of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2B Schematically illustrates Figure 2A Details of the antenna of an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2C An example of an induced current signal according to the present invention is schematically illustrated.

[0025] Figure 2D Schematically illustrates the use of Figure 1A and Figure 1B Example of an output signal generated by an electron carrier.

[0026] Figure 3A Schematically illustrated is a top view of an electronic carrier comprising two EH antennas with two corresponding diodes according to another embodiment of the present invention during a use step.

[0027] Figure 3B Schematically illustrates the process during further use steps according to Figure 3A FIG. 1 is a top view of an electronic carrier comprising two EH antennas with two corresponding diodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3C Schematically illustrates Figure 3A and Figure 3B Details of the antenna of an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4A Schematically illustrated is a top view of an electronic carrier comprising two EH antennas with two corresponding diodes according to another embodiment of the present invention during a use step.

[0030] Figure 4B Schematically illustrates the process during further use steps according to Figure 4A FIG. 1 is a top view of an electronic carrier comprising two EH antennas with two corresponding diodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 A top view of an electronic carrier comprising two EH antennas with two corresponding diodes and two corresponding capacitors according to another embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated.

[0032] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of a card body for a smart card according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] This description is presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined in the appended claims. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments are selected and described to best illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the various modifications suitable for the specific purposes envisioned. Finally, those areas that are considered to be known to those skilled in the art will not be described to avoid covering the described invention in a useless manner.

[0034] In the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "right," "left," etc. must be interpreted with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that in the context of the present disclosure, according to the embodiments described below, there is no preferred orientation of the electronic carrier, active device, pre-laminated structure, and / or smart card.

[0035] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1A A top view of an electronic carrier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention during a use step is schematically illustrated.

[0037] According to the present invention, two EH antennas 102 and 104 are formed on an electronic carrier 100 for providing energy to an electrical load 210 .

[0038] Electrical load 210 may be, for example, a lighting element, such as a nano-LED die, an LED array, an LED light guide including at least one LED as a light source, and / or an organic LED (OLED). The lighting element may be used to illuminate a predefined area of ​​the smart card, such as a portion bearing a logo. Furthermore, the lighting element may serve as an indicator of the operating status of the smart card, such as a successful transaction.

[0039] Other non-limiting examples of loads that can be provided in an electrical device according to the invention are batteries for active smart cards, loudspeakers (even ultrasonic), buzzers, pumps, actuators such as electric motors, electromagnets, piezoelectric devices (loudspeakers or micro-vibration devices) or heaters / coolers, etc.

[0040] Generally, any electricity consumer suitable for DC voltage can be provided as an electrical load in an electrical device for use with a smart card according to the invention.

[0041] exist Figure 1AIn the configuration, the two EH antennas 102 and 104 are concentric with each other. The first antenna 102 is the innermost antenna, and the second antenna 104 is the outermost antenna. Preferably, the first antenna 102 includes two wire loops. However, it should be understood that this configuration is not limiting, and the first antenna 102 may include one, three, four, or more wire loops. Preferably, the second antenna 104 includes two wire loops. However, it should be understood that this configuration is not limiting, and the second antenna 104 may include one, three, four, or more wire loops.

[0042] exist Figure 1A In the configuration, first antenna 102 and second antenna 104 have the same winding direction, that is, a counterclockwise winding direction when points S2 and S4 are considered as starting points. S2 is the outermost point of first antenna 102 connected to terminal portion 102B. S4 is the outermost point of second antenna 104 connected to terminal portion 104A.

[0043] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the configuration, the first diode 202 and the second diode 204 have the same forward current direction, ie, from the lower part of the page to the upper part of the page.

[0044] In an alternative configuration (not shown), the surface of the electronic carrier 100 may include two portions (eg, two symmetrical portions), and each of the two EH antennas 102 and 104 may be formed on a portion of the electronic carrier 100 .

[0045] like Figure 1A As shown, the EH antenna 102 is connected to two terminal portions or lines 102A and 102B. Terminal portion 102A is connected to a diode 202. Similarly, the EH antenna 104 is connected to two terminal portions or lines 104A and 104B. Terminal portion 104A is connected to a diode 204. In this manner, the electronic carrier 100 is provided with a first electronic circuit including the first EH antenna 102 and the first diode 202, and a second electronic circuit including the second EH antenna 104 and the second diode 204.

[0046] During use of the electronic carrier 100, the write / read electromagnetic device is used to generate an alternating magnetic field B, i.e., a magnetic field whose amplitude varies with time and with a periodic phase. According to known physical principles, any change in the magnetic flux of the alternating magnetic field B over an area generates an electric field strength, the influence of which depends on the material properties of the surrounding area. If the change in magnetic flux is associated with a nearly closed conductor loop, an open-circuit voltage or induced voltage is established across the ends of the nearly closed conductor loop. Consequently, an induced current and an induced alternating magnetic field are associated with the conductor loop.

[0047] Therefore, when the electronic carrier 100 is exposed to the alternating magnetic field B of a radio frequency identification device (RFID) reader, a current signal and, therefore, a voltage signal are induced in each of the two EH antennas 102 and 104. The voltage signal can be used to power the electrical load 210. Preferably, the two EH antennas 102 and 104 have similar dimensions so that the induced voltage generated in the EH antenna 102 is similar to the induced voltage generated in the EH antenna 104 (i.e., the same frequency and an amplitude ratio comprised between 100:1 and 1:100).

[0048] The induced current can be a sinusoidal current with a positive part and a negative part. Therefore, a rectifier system such as a single diode or a bridge diode is required to rectify the induced sinusoidal current. However, both solutions result in significant energy losses. For example, when a sinusoidal current enters a single diode, a portion of the signal (such as its negative part) is blocked because the diode allows current to flow in only one direction. Therefore, the sinusoidal signal is rectified, but the negative part of the sinusoidal current is lost. On the other hand, the energy loss of a bridge diode is at least twice the forward voltage drop of a single diode because the input current to be rectified needs to pass through two diodes.

[0049] The invention is based on the use of two electronic circuits with two independent diodes and it allows reducing this energy loss.

[0050] In the following disclosure, the operating principle of the present invention is described by considering two components (i.e., a first component Bi1 and a second component Bi2) having opposite phases of the induced alternating magnetic field Bi. As schematically indicated in the figure, the first component Bi1 is considered to enter the area defined by the first linear antenna 102 and / or the second linear antenna 104, while the second component Bi2 is considered to leave the area defined by the first linear antenna 102 and / or the second linear antenna 104.

[0051] Figure 1A The case where the induced current i1 flows in the EH antennas 102 , 104 of the electronic carrier 100 in a clockwise direction and the associated magnetic field component Bi1 points towards the inside of the page (as defined by the right-hand rule) is schematically illustrated.

[0052] When the current flowing in the terminal portion 102A of the first antenna 102 passes through the diode 202, it is blocked because the forward direction of the diode 202 is opposite to the direction of current flow (as schematically indicated by the intersecting arrows). Therefore, no current flows in the first circuit, and the first antenna 102 does not power the electrical load 210.

[0053] When the current flowing in the terminal portion 104A of the second antenna 104 passes through the diode 204, it can only flow in one direction (i.e., by Figure 1A 106 and terminal 104B. The positive portion of the sinusoidal voltage associated with second antenna 104 contributes to the output voltage that powers electrical load 210.

[0054] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As schematically indicated in FIG, at points E and F, there is no electrical connection between lines 106 and 108, so current cannot flow between the two lines at these points. Line 106 is connected to line 104B at point G, so that current from the second antenna 104 can flow from line 106 to line 104B after power has been supplied to electrical load 210. As described below with reference to FIG. Figure 1B As shown, line 108 is connected to line 102A at point D so that current can flow from line 102A to line 108 .

[0055] Figure 2A , the configurations of the first diode 202 and the second diode 204 on the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 104 and the corresponding induced current i1 are illustrated in more detail. Figure 2B Schematically illustrates Figure 2A Detail of the antenna of the embodiment, where the starting points S2 and S4 of the antennas 102 and 104 are clearly visible.

[0056] Figure 1B The case where the induced current i2 flows in the EH antennas 102 , 104 of the electronic carrier 100 in a counterclockwise direction and the associated magnetic field component Bi2 points outwards of the page (as defined by the right-hand rule) is schematically illustrated.

[0057] When the induced current flowing in the terminal portion 102A of the first antenna 102 passes through the diode 202, it can only be directed in one direction (i.e., by Figure 1B 106 and the terminal portion 102B. In this manner, the positive portion of the sinusoidal voltage associated with the first antenna 102 contributes to the output voltage V that supplies power to the electrical load 210. outHave contributed.

[0058] When the current flowing in the terminal portion 104A of the second antenna 104 passes through the diode 204, it can only travel in one direction. Since the forward direction of the diode 204 is opposite to the direction of current flow (as schematically indicated by the crossed arrows), the current in the terminal portion 104A is blocked and cannot be used to power the electrical load 210.

[0059] Since the induced alternating magnetic field Bi associated with the alternating magnetic field B generated by the writing / reading device is characterized by the alternation of a first component Bi1 and a second component Bi2, the reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The described situations occur alternately during use of the electron carrier 100 in a magnetic field B. Figure 1A In the case shown, the positive portion of the induced sinusoidal current (or voltage) at the terminal portion 104A of the second antenna 104 has an influence on the output signal V used to power the electrical load 210. out Contribute, and Figure 1B In the case shown, the positive part of the induced sinusoidal current (or voltage) at the terminal portion 102A of the first antenna 102 has an influence on the output signal V out Therefore, depending on the direction of the induced alternating magnetic field Bi1 or Bi2 and the direction of the associated induced current i1 or i2, the output voltage V of the electrical load 210 out The second antenna 104 and the first antenna 102 are alternately generated.

[0060] Figure 2C Schematically illustrates the Figure 2A FIG. 2 is an example of the induced current into the first diode 202 (see dashed line) and the second diode 204 (solid line) in the configuration of FIG.

[0061] exist Figure 2D The output voltage signal V which can be obtained with an electronic carrier comprising two electronic circuits according to the invention after exposure to an alternating magnetic field is schematically illustrated in FIG. out Output voltage signal V out is a positive signal with a constant polarity and represents a rectified signal that can be used to power the electrical load 210. Figure 2D As schematically shown, the output voltage V out Each half-wave is derived from an induced voltage signal alternately generated by the first component and the second component of the alternating magnetic field.

[0062] It should be understood that even Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe configuration shows that the first diode 202 is placed on the terminal portion 102A of the first antenna 102 and the second diode 204 is placed on the terminal portion 104A of the second antenna. Other configurations would also be possible, in which the first diode 202 is placed on the terminal portion 102B of the first antenna 102 and the second diode 204 is placed on the terminal portion 104B of the second antenna 104. Depending on the position of the diode 202 or 204 close to the starting point S2, S4 of the antenna or opposite thereto, the induced current i1 or i2 can be blocked at the beginning or end of its flow path. In these alternative configurations (not shown), the basic physical principles are the same, and the output voltage V out In other words, regardless of whether the diode 202 is positioned at the beginning or end of the first antenna 102, if the induced current i1 or i2 of the first circuit is blocked by the diode 202 due to opposite forward bias, then for a given direction of the induced magnetic field component, there is no current associated with the first circuit, and the electrical load 210 is powered by the second circuit. Similarly, regardless of whether the diode 204 is positioned at the beginning or end of the second antenna 104, if the induced current i1 or i2 of the second circuit is blocked by the diode 204 due to opposite forward bias, then for a given direction of the induced magnetic field component, there is no current associated with the second circuit, and the electrical load 210 is powered by the first circuit.

[0063] The electronic carrier 100 includes a body 101 made of plastic (such as PVC) or any other non-conductive material, which forms a substrate for the antenna. The electronic carrier 100 may include a cutout portion (not shown) configured to accommodate the electrical load 210.

[0064] The EH antennas 102 and 104 can be wire antennas, and they can be made using wire embedding or air-core coil technology. The wire can be isolated and can be made of copper, aluminum, and / or a metal alloy with low resistivity. The advantages of implementing the antenna using wire embedding technology include greater flexibility in antenna design and reduced production costs. Alternatively, the EH antennas 102 and 104 can be made using any other antenna production technology, such as etching, printing, laser cutting, milling, die cutting, etc.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the EH antennas 102 and 104 may be HF antennas. Preferably, the resonance frequency of the entire system of the EH antennas 102, 104 is comprised in the range between 5 MHz and 30 MHz.

[0066] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4BSchematically illustrates different configurations of the electronic carrier 100 including two independent circuits, wherein the positions of the first diode and the second diode and the winding directions of the first antenna and the second antenna are modified. Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B The electronic circuit shown generates an output voltage V out With reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The circuit Figure 2B The output voltage V out Same, because the underlying physics is the same.

[0067] exist Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the embodiment, the first antennas 112 and 122 and the second antennas 114 and 124 correspond to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The first antenna 102 and the second antenna 104 of the configuration are shown in FIG. In these figures, the two EH antennas (i.e., antennas 112 and 114 and antennas 122 and 124) are concentric with each other. The first antenna 112 or 122 is the innermost antenna, and the second antenna 114 or 124 is the outermost antenna.

[0068] also, Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B Lines 116, 118, 126 and 128 correspond to Figure 1A and Figure 1B Lines 106 and 108.

[0069] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the configuration, the first antenna 112 and the second antenna 114 have opposite winding directions. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the configuration, first antenna 112 is wound clockwise relative to starting point S2', and second antenna 114 is wound counterclockwise relative to starting point S4'. S2' is the outermost point of first antenna 112 connected to terminal portion 112B. S4' is the outermost point of second antenna 114 connected to terminal portion 114A.

[0070] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the configuration, the first diode 202 and the second diode 204 have the same forward bias direction, ie, pointing from the top of the page to the bottom of the page.

[0071] Figure 3ASchematically illustrated is a case where an induced current i1 flows in a clockwise direction in the EH antennas 112 , 114 of the electronic carrier 100 and the associated magnetic field component Bi1 points inside the region defined by the antennas 112 and 114 (as defined by the right-hand rule).

[0072] When the induced current flowing in the terminal portion 112A of the first antenna 112 passes through the diode 202, it is blocked because the forward current direction of the diode 202 is opposite to the direction of current flow (as schematically indicated by the intersecting arrows). Therefore, the current of the terminal portion 112A cannot be used to power the electrical load 210, and no current flows in the first circuit.

[0073] Regarding the second circuit, the induced current i1 flows through the terminal portion 114A of the second antenna 104 and flows through the line 118 and reaches the negative terminal of the electrical load 210. Then, the current i1 flows through the line 116 and finally reaches the end terminal portion 114B including the diode 204. When the current flowing in the terminal portion 114B passes through the diode 204, it can only flow in one direction (i.e., by Figure 3A ). Since the forward direction of diode 204 is the same as the direction of the induced current, the induced current flows through diode 204 and then flows through antenna 114 again. In this way, a current associated with the second circuit exists, which can power electrical load 210. In other words, the positive portion of the sinusoidal voltage associated with second antenna 114 contributes to the output voltage that powers electrical load 210.

[0074] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As schematically indicated in FIG, at points D' and F', there is no electrical connection between lines 116 and 118 to avoid short circuiting the current. Figure 3B As shown, line 116 is electrically connected to line 112A at point G' so that current can flow from line 116 to line 112A. Line 118 is electrically connected to line 112B at point E' so that current can flow from line 112B to line 118.

[0075] Figure 3B Schematically illustrated is a case where an induced current i2 flows in the EH antennas 112 , 114 of the electronic carrier 100 in a counterclockwise direction and the associated magnetic field component Bi2 points outside the region defined by the antennas 112 and 114 (as defined by the right-hand rule).

[0076] Regarding the first electronic circuit, the induced current i2 flows through the terminal portion 112B of the first antenna 112 and flows through the line 118, and reaches the negative terminal of the electrical load 210. Then, the current i2 flows through the line 116, and finally reaches the end terminal portion 112A of the first antenna 112 including the diode 202. When the induced current flowing in the terminal portion 112A of the first antenna 112 passes through the diode 202, it can only be in one direction (i.e., by Figure 3B Thus, there is a current associated with the first circuit that can be used to power the electrical load 210. In other words, the positive portion of the sinusoidal voltage associated with the first antenna 112 has a significant effect on the output voltage V that powers the electrical load 210. out Have contributed.

[0077] When the current flowing in the terminal portion 114B of the second antenna 114 passes through the diode 204, it can only travel in one direction. Since the forward current direction of the diode 204 is opposite to the direction of current flow (as schematically indicated by the intersecting arrows), the current in the terminal portion 114B is blocked and cannot be used to power the electrical load 210.

[0078] It should be understood that even Figure 3A and Figure 3B While the configuration shown above shows the first diode 202 being placed on the terminal portion 112A of the first antenna 112 and the second diode 204 being placed on the terminal portion 114B of the second antenna 114, other configurations would also be possible in which the first diode 202 is placed on the terminal portion 112B of the first antenna 112 and / or the second diode 204 is placed on the terminal portion 114A of the second antenna 114. In these alternative configurations (not shown), the underlying physical principles are the same, and the output signal does not change.

[0079] Figure 3C Schematically illustrates Figure 3A and Figure 3B Detail of the antenna of the embodiment, where the starting points S2' and S4' of the antennas 112 and 114 are clearly visible.

[0080] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The configuration of the electronic carrier 100 is schematically illustrated, wherein the first antenna 122 and the second antenna 124 are wound in opposite directions. Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn the configuration of , the first antenna 122 is wound in a clockwise manner relative to the starting point S2 ″, and the second antenna 124 is wound in a counterclockwise manner relative to the starting point S4 ″. S2 ″ is the outermost point of the first antenna 122 connected to the terminal portion 122B. S4 ″ is the outermost point of the second antenna 124 connected to the terminal portion 124A. The configuration of the antennas 122 and 124 corresponding to the starting points S2 ″ and S4 ″ is the same as Figure 3C The configurations of antennas 112 and 114 shown in detail in FIG. 1 are identical.

[0081] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the configuration, the first diode 202 and the second diode 204 have the same forward direction, ie, pointing from the lower part of the page to the upper part of the page.

[0082] Figure 4A Schematically illustrated is a case where an induced current i1 flows in a clockwise direction in the EH antennas 122 , 124 of the electronic carrier 100 and the associated magnetic field component Bi1 points inside the region defined by the antennas 122 and 124 (as defined by the right-hand rule).

[0083] When the current flowing in the terminal portion 122A of the first antenna 122 passes through the diode 202, it can only flow in one direction (i.e., by Figure 4A 122B). Since the forward direction of diode 202 is the same as the direction of the induced current, the induced current flows through diode 202, then through wire 128 and reaches the negative terminal of electrical load 210. Thus, the current from antenna 122 powers electrical load 210. The induced current then follows the winding direction of antenna 122 and flows through wire 126 and terminal portion 122B. In this manner, the positive portion of the sinusoidal voltage associated with first antenna 122 contributes to the output voltage that powers electrical load 210.

[0084] With respect to the second electronic circuit, the induced current flows through terminal portion 124A, through lines 126 and 128, and then reaches terminal portion 124B, which includes diode 204. When the current passes through diode 204, it is blocked because the forward direction of diode 204 is opposite to the direction of current flow (as schematically indicated by the intersecting arrows). Therefore, there is no current associated with the second circuit, and electrical load 210 is not powered.

[0085] like Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs schematically indicated in FIG, at points D″ and F″, there is no electrical connection between lines 126 and 128 to prevent short circuiting of current. Line 126 is electrically connected to line 122A at point G″ so that current can flow from line 126 to line 122A for powering electrical load 210. Line 128 is electrically connected to line 122B at point E″ so that current can flow from line 128 to line 122B after powering electrical load 210.

[0086] Figure 4B Schematically illustrated is a case where an induced current i2 flows in the EH antennas 122 , 124 of the electronic carrier 100 in a counterclockwise direction and the associated magnetic field component Bi2 points outside the region defined by the antennas 122 and 124 (as defined by the right-hand rule).

[0087] Regarding the first electronic circuit, the induced current flows through terminal portion 122B, through lines 126 and 128, and then reaches terminal portion 122A including diode 202. When the current passes through diode 202, it is blocked because the forward direction of diode 202 is opposite to the direction of current flow (as schematically indicated by the intersecting arrows). Therefore, no induced current flows in the first electronic circuit, and electrical load 210 is not powered.

[0088] Regarding the second electronic circuit, the induced current flowing in the terminal portion 124B of the second antenna 124 passes through the diode 204, and it is Figure 4B . The current flowing out of diode 204 then flows through wire 126 and reaches the negative terminal of electrical load 210. Thus, the current of antenna 124 powers electrical load 210. The induced current then follows the winding direction of antenna 124 and flows through wire 128 and terminal portion 124A. In this way, the positive portion of the sinusoidal voltage associated with second antenna 124 contributes to the output voltage V that powers electrical load 210. out Have contributed.

[0089] It should be understood that even Figure 4A and Figure 4B While the configuration shown above shows the first diode 202 being placed on the terminal portion 122A of the first antenna 122 and the second diode 204 being placed on the terminal portion 124B of the second antenna 124, other configurations would also be possible in which the first diode 202 is placed on the terminal portion 122B of the first antenna 122 and / or the second diode 204 is placed on the terminal portion 124A of the second antenna 124. In these alternative configurations (not shown), the underlying physical principles are the same, and the output signals are the same.

[0090] Figure 5The preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, wherein the first electronic circuit further comprises a first capacitor 206 connected in parallel with the first diode 202, and the second electronic circuit further comprises a second capacitor 208 connected in parallel with the second diode 204. The winding direction of the antenna and the position of the diode are similar to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The circuit is the same as shown in .

[0091] Due to the capacitor discharge process, the first capacitor 206 and the second capacitor 208 can be used to adjust the output signals V of the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit, respectively. out Smoothing and further rectification are performed. In addition, the first capacitor 206 and the second capacitor 208 connected in parallel with the corresponding diodes 202 and 204 have the task of adjusting the resonant frequency of each resonant circuit (i.e., the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 104) and the entire system. The resonant frequency needs to be tuned accurately to be able to use as much energy as possible from the magnetic field changes for current sensing. As mentioned above, the frequency can be set to a range "near" the reader frequency in the range of between 5 MHz and 30 MHz. This is necessary in order to have an adjustment option for later use with additional EMV antennas to complete payment applications or other RFID functions.

[0092] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (not shown in the figures), an additional capacitor connected in parallel with the load may be added to smooth the voltage of the load.

[0093] It should be understood that even in Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the configurations, the first diode 202 and the second diode 204 are always shown placed on the terminal portions of the first antenna and the second antenna respectively, each diode can also be placed anywhere along the length of the corresponding antenna and the principle will still work.

[0094] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of a card body 400 used in a smart card according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated.

[0095] The card body 400 comprises a pre-laminated structure 300 including an electronic carrier 100 for an antenna and an electrical load 210 .

[0096] The electronic support 100 may be laminated to the additional layer 120 to form a pre-laminated structure (or pre-lam) 300. The pre-laminated structure 300 indicates a preliminary structure comprising multiple layers that are connected to each other by a hot lamination process before the outer layers of the smart card are incorporated.

[0097] Figure 6 Card body 400 also includes a front layer 411 and a back layer 412. Front layer 411 comprises a translucent foil with printed elements, while back layer 412 comprises a colored foil, such as white foil, with printed elements. Furthermore, card body 400 includes a top cover layer and a bottom cover layer 410. A cavity is formed in card body 400 to accommodate an ISO module 420 having an ID payment chip. For example, the cavity can be formed by milling. ISO module 420 can be visible from top cover layer 410.

[0098] It should be understood that even though the present disclosure describes an electronic carrier for an antenna used in a smart card, the same principles disclosed for the electronic carrier are applicable to any rectifying electronic circuit including two antennas with corresponding diodes in the above-described configuration. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to an electronic carrier for an antenna used in a smart card, but refers to any rectifying electronic circuit having the features of claim 1.

[0099] Reference numerals

[0100] 100: Electron carrier

[0101] 102, 112, 122, 132: First EH antenna

[0102] 102A, 112A, 122A, 132A: first end of the first EH antenna

[0103] 102B, 112B, 122B, 132B: second end of the first EH antenna

[0104] 104, 114, 124, 134: Second EH antenna

[0105] 104A, 114A, 124A, 134A: first end portion of the second EH antenna

[0106] 104B, 114B, 124B, 134B: second end of the second EH antenna

[0107] 106, 116, 126: First connecting line

[0108] 108, 118, 128: Second connecting line

[0109] 120: Electron carrier layer

[0110] 202: First diode

[0111] 204: Second diode

[0112] 206: First capacitor

[0113] 208: Second capacitor

[0114] 210: Electrical load

[0115] 211: Lighting components

[0116] 250: Active device

[0117] 300: Pre-laminated structure

[0118] 400: Card body used by smart card

[0119] 410: Covering

[0120] 411: front layer

[0121] 412: Back layer

[0122] 420: ISO module

[0123] H1: The first direction of the electromagnetic field

[0124] H2: The second direction of the electromagnetic field

[0125] D, E, F, G, D', E', F', G', D'', E'', F'', G'': Contact points

Claims

1. A rectifier electronic circuit comprising: - a first electronic circuit comprising a first wire antenna (102) configured to provide energy to an electrical load (210) and a first diode (202) connected to the first wire antenna (102), the first diode (202) having a first forward bias; a second electronic circuit comprising a second linear antenna (104) configured to provide energy to the electrical load (210) and a second diode (204) connected to the second linear antenna (104), the second diode (204) having a second forward bias, wherein when the first wire antenna (102) and the second wire antenna (104) are exposed to an alternating magnetic field, an induced current is generated in the first wire antenna (102) and the second wire antenna (104), and The first diode (202) and the second diode (204) are located on the corresponding electronic circuit in such a manner that, given a predefined direction of the alternating magnetic field, only one of the first diode (202) and the second diode (204) has a forward bias that allows the flow of the induced current, so that the induced current is allowed to alternately flow through the first electronic circuit or through the second electronic circuit to provide energy to the electrical load (210).

2. The rectifying electronic circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The first diode (202) and the second diode (204) are located on corresponding electronic circuits in such a manner that, by alternating the alternating magnetic field between the predefined direction and the opposite direction, the induced current is allowed to alternately flow through the first electronic circuit and through the second electronic circuit to provide energy to the electrical load (210).

3. The rectifying electronic circuit according to claim 1 , wherein: The first linear antenna (102) and the second linear antenna (104) have the same winding direction, and the first forward bias of the first diode (202) and the second forward bias of the second diode (204) have the same direction.

4. The rectifying electronic circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first linear antenna (112, 122) and the second linear antenna (114, 124) have opposite winding directions, and the first forward bias of the first diode (202) and the second forward bias of the second diode (204) have the same direction.

5. The rectifying electronic circuit according to claim 4, wherein: The first linear antenna (112) is located inside the second linear antenna (114), and the first linear antenna (112) has a clockwise winding direction relative to a starting point (S2') defined as the outermost point of the first linear antenna (112), and the second linear antenna (114) has a counterclockwise winding direction relative to a starting point (S4') defined as the outermost point of the second linear antenna (114).

6. A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first linear antenna (102) is located inside the second linear antenna (104), and wherein the first diode (202) is placed on a terminal portion (102A) of the first wire antenna (102) opposite to a starting point (S2) of the first wire antenna (102) in a winding direction, and the second diode (204) is placed on a terminal portion (104A) of the second wire antenna (104) connected to a starting point (S4) of the second wire antenna (104), The starting point (S2) of the first linear antenna (102) is defined as the outermost point of the first linear antenna (102), and the starting point (S4) of the second linear antenna (104) is defined as the outermost point of the second linear antenna (104).

7. The rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first linear antenna (112, 122) is located inside the second linear antenna (114, 124), and The first diode (202) is placed on a terminal portion (112A, 122A) of the first linear antenna (112, 122) opposite to a starting point (S2', S2") of the first linear antenna (112, 122) along a winding direction, and the second diode (204) is placed on a terminal portion (114B, 124B) of the second linear antenna (114, 124) opposite to a starting point (S4', S4") of the second linear antenna (114, 124) along a winding direction. The starting point (S2', S2") of the first linear antenna (112, 122) is defined as the outermost point of the first linear antenna (112, 122), and the starting point (S4', S4") of the second linear antenna (114, 124) is defined as the outermost point of the second linear antenna (114, 124).

8. A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first linear antenna (102) and the second linear antenna (104) are concentric with each other.

9. A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first electronic circuit further comprises a first capacitor (206) connected in parallel with the first diode (202) to smooth the signal transmitted by the first diode (202) and to tune the resonant frequency of the first electronic circuit and the resonant frequency of the total electronic circuit including the first and second electronic circuits.

10. A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second electronic circuit further comprises a second capacitor (208) connected in parallel with the second diode (204) to smooth the signal transmitted by the second diode (204) and to tune the resonant frequency of the second electronic circuit and the resonant frequency of the total electronic circuit including the first and second electronic circuits.

11. A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first linear antenna (102) and / or the second linear antenna (104) comprises at least one loop, preferably two loops.

12. A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first linear antenna (102) and / or the second linear antenna (104) are high-frequency antennas.

13. A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The rectifying electronic circuit is the electronic carrier (100) of the antenna used in the smart card.

14. An electrical device (250), for example for a smart card, comprising: - A rectifying electronic circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; as well as - electrical load (210), The first wire antenna (102) and the second wire antenna (104) of the rectifying electronic circuit are configured to provide energy to the electrical load (210).

15. The electrical device (250) according to claim 14, wherein The electrical load (210) is a lighting element (211), such as a nano-LED die, an LED array, an LED light guide element including at least one LED as a light source, and an organic LED (OLED).

16. The electrical device (250) of claim 14, wherein: The electrical load (210) is one of the following elements: a battery, a speaker such as an ultrasonic speaker, a buzzer, a pump, an actuator such as an electric motor, an electromagnet, a piezoelectric device such as a speaker or a micro-vibration device, a heater, and a cooler.

17. A pre-laminated structure (300) for a smart card, comprising: - The electrical device (250) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the rectifying electronic circuit is an electronic carrier (100) of an antenna for a smart card; and - ISO module (420) for contactless transactions and / or contact transactions.

18. A card body (400) for a smart card, comprising: - a pre-laminated structure (300) according to claim 17; - one or more printed layers (411, 412) comprising printed information; and - One or more cover layers (410) superimposed on said one or more printed layers.

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