integrated circuit

Abstract

An integrated circuit for a wireless charging device, the integrated circuit configured to: activate a near field communication (NFC) field for communication with a receiver device; send a first NFC command message to the receiver device; receive a first NFC response message from the receiver device; temporarily deactivate the NFC field during receipt of the first NFC response message from the receiver device; send a second NFC command message to the receiver device after the temporary deactivation; and determine whether the receiver device comprises a passive NFC tag or a powered NFC device based on a response of the receiver device to the second NFC command message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an integrated circuit for a wireless charging device and a method for characterizing a near field communication (NFC) receiver device. Background Technology

[0002] For in-vehicle wireless phone charging, weak NFC coupling scenarios are becoming increasingly common. This is because the phone can be placed on a charging dock and the area being charged is relatively large, contrasting with the small area available on top of the wireless charging module with its NFC antenna. This, combined with the trend of having a small NFC antenna on top of a large phone rather than a large antenna in the middle, creates weak coupling scenarios, thus creating a challenging environment for existing smart card protection methods. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an integrated circuit for a wireless charging device is provided, the integrated circuit being configured to:

[0004] Activate the Near Field Communication (NFC) field for communicating with the receiver device;

[0005] Send the first NFC command message to the receiver device;

[0006] Receive a first NFC response message [corresponding to the first NFC command message] from the receiver device;

[0007] During the period of receiving the first NFC response message from the receiver device, the NFC field is temporarily deactivated;

[0008] After temporary deactivation, a second NFC command message is sent to the receiver device; and

[0009] The receiver device is determined to be either a passive NFC tag or a powered NFC device based on its response to the second NFC command message.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the integrated circuit may be configured to determine that the receiver device includes a passive NFC tag by detecting a reset of the receiver device in response to a temporary deactivation of the NFC field.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the integrated circuit may be configured to determine that the receiver device includes a powered NFC device in response to receiving a second NFC response message [corresponding to a second NFC command] from the receiver device. The integrated circuit may also be configured to determine that the receiver device includes a passive NFC tag if no second NFC response message [corresponding to a second NFC command] is received within a timeout period.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first command message may include a command message for: switching the receiver device to an advanced operating state; or maintaining the receiver device in an advanced operating state. The advanced operating state may include an operating state higher than the idle state. The second command message may include a command message for the receiver device in the advanced operating state.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the second command message may be applicable only to advanced operating states.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the advanced operational state may include a ready state, an active state, or a protocol state.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the second command message may not be applicable to a receiver device that is in an idle state.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first command message may include a REQA command message or a WUPA command message for transitioning the receiver device from an idle state to a ready state. The second command message may include a selection command message or an anti-collision AC command message for the receiver device in the ready state.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first command message may include an AC command message for maintaining the receiver device in a ready state. The second command message may include a selection command message or an anti-collision AC command message for the receiver device in the ready state.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the first command message may include a selection command message for transitioning the receiver device from a ready state to an active state. The second command message may include a RATS command message for transitioning the receiver device from an active state to a protocol state.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the first command message may include a RATS command message for transitioning the receiver device from an active state to a protocol state. The second command message may include a protocol command message for the receiver device in the protocol state.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the first command message may include a protocol command message. The second command message may include a protocol command message.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the integrated circuit can be configured to temporarily deactivate the NFC field by deactivating the NFC field for a deactivation duration and then reactivating the NFC field after the deactivation duration.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the deactivation duration can range from 40 microseconds to 500 microseconds.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the integrated circuit can be configured to:

[0024] If the receiver device includes a passive NFC tag, an alarm signal is output; or

[0025] If the receiver device includes a charged NFC device, the wireless charging device transmits a charging signal to the receiver device to charge the receiver device's battery.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the integrated circuit can be configured to:

[0027] Temporarily deactivate the NFC field at a fixed time after transmitting the first NFC command message; or

[0028] The NFC field is temporarily deactivated in response to receiving the first part of the first NFC response message.

[0029] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an NFC reader device comprising any integrated circuit disclosed herein is provided.

[0030] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a wireless charger device is provided that includes any integrated circuit or NFC reader disclosed herein.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method for characterizing a receiver device is provided, the method comprising:

[0032] Activate the Near Field Communication (NFC) field for communicating with the receiver device;

[0033] Send the first NFC command message to the receiver device;

[0034] Receive the first NFC response message from the receiver device;

[0035] During the period of receiving the first NFC response message from the receiver device, the NFC field is temporarily deactivated;

[0036] After temporary deactivation, a second NFC command message is sent to the receiver device; and

[0037] The receiver device is determined to be either a passive NFC tag or a powered NFC device based on its response to the second NFC command message.

[0038] While this disclosure allows for various modifications and alternatives, its details have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that other embodiments besides the specific embodiments described may also exist. All modifications, equivalents, and alternative embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims are also covered.

[0039] The foregoing discussion is not intended to present every exemplary embodiment or implementation within the scope of the present or future claims. The accompanying drawings and detailed description further illustrate various exemplary embodiments. A more comprehensive understanding of these various exemplary embodiments can be gained from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] One or more embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a wireless charging device that communicates with a receiver device is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 Another example embodiment of a wireless charging device is shown, having a smart card located between the wireless charging device and the receiver device;

[0043] Figure 3 An example communication state diagram is shown;

[0044] Figure 4 An example process for characterizing an NFC receiver device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 5 Shown in NFC reader and according to Figure 4 The process of signal transmission between a receiver device equipped with a powered NFC device; and

[0046] Figure 6 Showing NFC reader and according to Figure 4 The process of transmitting signals between receiver devices with passive NFC tags. Detailed Implementation

[0047] refer to Figure 1 Wireless charging devices, such as Qi devices used in automotive environments, typically involve a wireless charging device 100 (also known as a wireless charging poller, wireless charging transmitter, or wireless charging dock) that transmits an RF charging signal 101 to a receiver device 102 (listener) to charge the battery 104 of the receiver device 102.

[0048] In this example, the wireless charging poller 100 includes a power delivery module 106 for power delivery at RF frequencies of 105 to 205 kHz, for example, according to the Qi standard. In some examples, the power delivery module 106 can communicate directly with the receiver device 102, for example, by establishing a communication handshake before charging. In this example, the poller 100 also includes a separate Near Field Communication (NFC) module 108 for NFC communication with the receiver device 102. In automotive applications, the separate NFC communication module 108 in the wireless charger (also referred to herein as an NFC reader 108) can be used for smart card detection along with other functions such as a CCC (Automotive Connectivity Consortium) digital key (see below). The power delivery module 106 includes a power delivery antenna 110 and power delivery processing circuitry 112. The power delivery antenna 110 can transmit an RF charging signal 101 to the battery 104 of the receiver 102. The NFC communication module 108 includes an NFC communication antenna 114 and communication processing circuitry 116. In other examples, communication and power transfer functions can be performed using the same antenna, for instance, in an NFC wireless charger. In some cases, two or more of the processing circuitry and the antenna can be part of the same integrated circuit.

[0049] In this example, receiver device 102 is a smartphone with an NFC communication antenna 118 located in a specific area of ​​receiver device 102. Since NFC antenna 118 is a charged antenna (powered by battery 104), NFC antenna 118 or receiver device 102 is an example of an active NFC device, a charged NFC device, or a charged NFC endpoint. In other words, a charged NFC device is a battery-powered NFC device compared to a passive NFC tag powered by the RF field of NFC reader 108. Receiver device 102 also includes processing unit 120 and battery 104. Bidirectional communication via NFC can be provided between two NFC communication antennas 114, 118. The misalignment of the two NFC communication antennas 114, 118 indicates a weakly coupled scenario.

[0050] Wireless charging devices typically perform foreign object detection to determine if there is a foreign object between poller 100 and listener 102. However, foreign object detection is usually limited to the detection of metal objects such as coins.

[0051] The wireless charging device 100 can also utilize its NFC communication module 106 to perform smart card detection to determine the presence of a card with a passive NFC tag between the wireless charging poller and the receiver device. Example smart cards include ticket cards, security access cards, bank cards, etc. Identifying the presence of a smart card between the poller and the receiver can alert the user and prevent damage to the passive NFC tag of the smart card. In recent years, the risk of such undesirable damage events in Qi charging systems has been increasing as the Qi standard has evolved from 5W to 15W+ charging power. Existing solutions can use NFC data received from the receiver device and use post-processing to identify the presence of a PLM (Passive Load Modulation) or ALM (Active Load Modulation) NFC receiver device to identify the presence of a card or phone. The reliance on post-processing of the received NFC data limits current smart card detection methods to strongly coupled scenarios where the NFC communication antenna 110 of the NFC reader 108 is well aligned with the passive NFC tag.

[0052] For in-vehicle wireless phone charging, weak NFC coupling scenarios are becoming increasingly common. This is because the phone can be placed on a charging dock and the area being charged is relatively large, contrasting with the small area available on top of the wireless charging module with its NFC antenna. This, combined with the trend of having a small NFC antenna on top of a large phone rather than a large antenna in the middle, creates weak coupling scenarios, thus creating a challenging environment for existing smart card protection methods.

[0053] A further layer of complexity is that phones can operate in smart card emulation mode, where they mimic the response of a passive NFC tag on a smart card to provide the same functionality and digital features from the phone rather than the smart card itself. This is particularly common in ticketing applications, where the smart card emulation on the phone must be identical to the actual physical card to avoid in-situ IoP (interoperability) issues. Therefore, relying on smart card functionality as in regular smart card detection when a smartphone is operating in smart card emulation mode can lead to false alarms.

[0054] This disclosure provides devices and methods for implementing passive NFC tag / smart card detection in both strongly coupled and weakly coupled scenarios.

[0055] Figure 2 A wireless charging device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Also present in... Figure 1 In Figure 2 The characteristics have already been given corresponding numbers in the 200 series, and need not be described again here.

[0056] In this example, a second receiver device 202-2 in the form of a smart card with NFC tag 222 has been placed between the wireless charging device 200 and the telephone 202-1 (the first receiver device). If the wireless charging device 200 only performs an initial handshake with the telephone 202-1 (e.g., via NFC antennas 214, 218) and continues to charge the telephone battery 204, the RF charging signal 201 may damage the NFC tag 222 of the smart card 202-2.

[0057] In one or more examples, the wireless charging device can communicate with a second receiver 202-2 (and optionally both receivers 202-1 and 202-2) to identify the presence of smart card 202-1. NFC reader 208 can communicate with each receiver device 202-1, 202-2 in parallel or sequentially, and the receiver device in communication can be referred to as the device under test (DUT).

[0058] The wireless charging device 200 includes an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is not shown, but may include one or more of the following: an NFC communication module / reader 208, a communication processing circuit 216, an NFC communication antenna 214, a power transfer module 206, a power transfer processing circuit 212, or a power transfer antenna 210. (See also: For...) Figure 1 As mentioned, the wireless charging device may include a separate power delivery module 206 and an NFC communication module 208 (e.g., for Qi charging and NFC communication), or it may include a single communication and charging module that performs using the same antenna (e.g., for an NFC charging system). The terms NFC reader 208 and integrated circuit are used interchangeably in this disclosure; however, it should be understood that in some examples, the integrated circuit may not include the NFC transmitter 214.

[0059] The integrated circuit can perform the following operations for one or both of the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2.

[0060] The integrated circuit activates the NFC field of the NFC communication antenna 214. The NFC field may include the RF field. The integrated circuit transmits or broadcasts a first NFC command message (to communicate with the two devices) to the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2, and receives a corresponding first NFC response message from the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2. During the receipt of the first NFC response message, the integrated circuit temporarily deactivates (disables / turns off) the NFC field / NFC antenna 214. The integrated circuit determines whether the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 include a passive NFC tag 222 or a powered NFC device / antenna 218 based on the response of the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 to the temporary deactivation of the NFC field.

[0061] The integrated circuit temporarily deactivates the NFC field, which may also be referred to in this article as the integrated circuit generating, inducing or causing an NFC / RF OFF pulse or NFC / RF pause.

[0062] NFC reader 208 can use LMA PICC2PCD (Low-modulation amplitude passive inductively coupled communication to the passive communication device) communicates with the passive NFC tag 222 for communication between the NFC reader and the passive NFC device. The NFC reader 208 can also use the same LMA. PICC2PCD The method communicates with powered NFC devices 218 and 220, especially if powered NFC devices 218 and 220 are simulating passive tags.

[0063] By briefly turning off the NFC field of the NFC antenna 214 during the reception of the first NFC response message from receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2, the integrated circuit can determine whether receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 include NFC tag 222 or powered NFC devices 218 and 220. During the temporary deactivation, powered NFC devices 218 and 220 can continue to actively transmit the first NFC response message using active load modulation (ALM). Powered NFC devices 218 and 220 do not check for the presence of an NFC field from NFC antenna 214 and do not detect any temporary interruption. Powered NFC device 220 can continue to complete the transmission of the first NFC response message. On the other hand, passive NFC tag 222 is powered by the NFC field transmitted by NFC reader 208 and transmits the NFC response message back to NFC reader 208 using passive load modulation (PLMO). Therefore, passive NFC tag 222 can be reset and stop transmitting NFC response messages in response to a temporary interruption in the NFC field.

[0064] In some examples, the integrated circuit can determine whether receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 include passive NFC tag 222 or powered NFC devices 218 and 220 by sending additional command messages to receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2. When passive NFC tag 222 is reset, it loses its current protocol state. Therefore, passive NFC tag 222 will not respond correctly to the second command message related to the protocol state of receiver device 202-2 before being reset.

[0065] Figure 3An example communication state diagram is shown. The state diagram is for a passive inductively coupled communication (PICC) protocol for passive NFC tags. The example state diagram has a Type 4 protocol based on ISO 14443-3. Similar state diagrams for other protocol types, such as Type B or Type F, and corresponding circuits and methods are within the scope of this disclosure. The state diagram includes multiple operating states (also referred to as protocol states): power-off state 330, idle state 332, ready state 334, active state 336, and protocol state 338.

[0066] When the passive NFC tag 222 is not within the NFC field of the NFC reader 208, the passive NFC tag 222 will be in a power-off state 330. When the passive tag 222 is brought into the NFC field of the NFC reader, it transitions to an idle state 332. The passive NFC tag 222 can transition between other states in response to command messages received from the NFC reader 208. For example, the passive NFC tag 222 can transition from the idle state 332 to the ready state 334 in response to a REQA (Request Command Type A) command message or a WUPA (Wake-up Command Type A) command message. As another example, the passive NFC tag can transition from the active state 336 to the protocol state 338 in response to a RATS (Select Response Request) command message.

[0067] Receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 respond to NFC commands from NFC reader 208 using configured NFC response messages within a time period specified according to the ISO standard. For example, the NFC reader responds to REQA command messages using an Request Response A (ATQA) response message.

[0068] If the NFC field of NFC reader 208 is deactivated (for a sufficient period of time) or the passive NFC tag 222 is removed from the NFC field, the passive NFC tag 222 will transition / reset to the power-off state 330. If the NFC field is reactivated (i.e., temporarily deactivated), the passive NFC tag will return to the idle state 332.

[0069] In some examples, the integrated circuit can detect the loss of protocol state in a passive device as a way to distinguish between powered NFC receiver device 202-1 and passive NFC receiver device 202-2. The lost protocol state can be detected by sending a second command message. If the receiver device responds, it means that the powered NFC device has not lost its protocol, while if a timeout occurs, it means that the passive NFC tag has returned to idle state 332.

[0070] For example, the integrated circuit can send a second NFC command message to receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 after temporary deactivation (and reactivation) of the NFC field. The second NFC command can be applied to receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 in the desired protocol state after the first NFC command message.

[0071] For example, the first NFC command message may include a command to transition receiver devices 202-1, 202-2 to a higher protocol state than idle state 332 (i.e., ready state 334, active state 336, or protocol state 338) or to maintain receiver devices 202-1, 202-2 in the higher protocol state. The second NFC command may include a command for receiver devices 202-1, 202-2 in a higher protocol state (i.e., ready state 334, active state 336, or protocol state 338), in other words, for receiver devices 202-1, 202-2 in response to the desired protocol state of the first command message. The second NFC command message may include a command specific to the higher / desired protocol state of the receiver device (i.e., receiver devices in a protocol state different from the higher / desired state will not respond to the second command message). In some examples, the second NFC command message may include a command message to which a receiver device in an idle state will not respond.

[0072] For example, the integrated circuit can send a first command message including a selection command message that transitions receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 from a ready state 334 to an active state 336. Receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 will respond with a first NFC response message including an ATS (Active Select Response) message. The integrated circuit temporarily deactivates the NFC field while receiving the first NFC response message from receiver device 202-1. For receiver device 202-2 with a passive NFC tag 222, the device resets to an idle state 332 in response to NFC deactivation. For receiver device 202-1 including powered NFC devices 218 and 220, the device does not reset in response to deactivation and remains in an active state 336. The integrated circuit can send a second command message including a RATS command. Receiver device 202-2 with a passive NFC tag 222 in an idle state 332 will not respond to the second command message, and the integrated circuit can detect a timeout condition. In response to a timeout state (e.g., no response within the timeout period), the integrated circuit can identify the receiver device as including the passive NFC tag 222 (PLM device). The receiver device 202-1, having powered NFC devices 218 and 220, will respond with a second NFC response message as expected. In response to receiving the second NFC response message, the integrated circuit can identify the receiver device 202-1 as including powered NFC devices 218 and 220 (ALM device).

[0073] As another example, the integrated circuit can send a first command message, which includes an anti-collision (AC) message for receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 in ready state 334. The AC message is a verification message used to detect multiple NFC receiver devices within range. In response to the AC command message, receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 should remain in ready state 334. A second command message may include a selection command message for the receiver devices in ready state 334. Receiver device 202-1, with powered NFC devices 218 and 220, will respond with an ATS response message. Receiver device 202-1, with a passive NFC tag 222, will reset to idle state 332 in response to temporary deactivation of the NFC field and will not send a response during the timeout period. The integrated circuit can distinguish the type of receiver device based on the response to temporary deactivation of the NFC field.

[0074] Figure 4 Another example process characterizing NFC receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. (Continue referring to...) Figure 2 and 3 Describe the process.

[0075] In the first step 440, Layer 4 communication is established between the NFC reader 208 and the NFC receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2. In other words, the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 are in protocol state 338.

[0076] In the second step 442, the NFC reader device 208 transmits a first NFC command message in the form of a first APDU (Application Protocol Data Unit) command message to the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2.

[0077] At step 444, the NFC reader device 208 receives a first response message from the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2. During the receipt of the first response message, the NFC reader device 208 temporarily deactivates the NFC field of the NFC antenna 214 of the NFC reader 208.

[0078] At step 446, the NFC reader device 208 transmits a second NFC command message in the form of a second APDU command message to the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2.

[0079] At the fifth decision step 448, the NFC reader device 208 determines whether the receiver devices 202-1 and 202-2 include a passive NFC tag 222 or a powered NFC device 218 and 220 based on whether a second NFC response message corresponding to the second NFC command message is received. If the second NFC response message is received, the NFC reader 208 determines that the receiver device 202-1 includes powered NFC devices 218 and 220, for example, the receiver device 202-1 is a telephone. If the second response message is not received within the timeout period, the receiver device 202-2 is identified as including a passive NFC tag 222, such as a bank card or access card.

[0080] In some examples, the integrated circuit can temporarily deactivate the NFC field after a fixed period of time following the transmission of the last bit of the first NFC command message. This fixed period may correspond to the expected duration of the first NFC response message, which can be set according to the ISO standard. In some examples, the integrated circuit can temporarily deactivate the NFC field in response to receiving the first portion of the first NFC response message.

[0081] In some examples, the integrated circuit deactivates the NFC field of the NFC transmitter 214 for a fixed period of time, i.e., a deactivation duration. The passive NFC tag 222 may include a buffer capacitor to allow for temporary interruptions in the NFC field, such as if a Type A Miller pause (maximum ~40 μs) is encoded during a clock stop phase. Therefore, the integrated circuit can deactivate the NFC field for a deactivation duration greater than 40 μs. In some examples, the deactivation duration can range from 100 μs to 500 μs.

[0082] Figure 5 Shown in NFC reader 208 and according to Figure 4 The process operates between the receiver device 202-1, which has powered NFC devices 218 and 220, and the signal between them.

[0083] NFC reader 208 transmits a first APDU command message 550 at a first time. NFC reader 208 receives a first NFC response message 552 from receiver device 202-1 at a second time, later than the first time, in response to the first APDU command message 550. During the receipt of the first NFC response message 552, NFC reader 208 temporarily deactivates the NFC field (indicated by a drop in RF signal 554). In this example, the deactivation duration is 85 μs. NFC reader 208 receives the first NFC response message 552 before, during, and after the temporary deactivation 554 because receiver device 202-1 includes a powered NFC device 220 that did not reset in response to the NFC field deactivation 554. After the temporary deactivation of the NFC field 554, NFC reader 208 sends a second APDU command message 556 to receiver device 202-1. NFC reader 208 receives a second NFC response message 558 in response to the second APDU command message. In response to receiving the second NFC response message 558, the NFC reader 208 can identify the receiver device 202-1 as including a powered NFC device.

[0084] Figure 6 The NFC reader 208 is shown with... Figure 4 The process operates between the receiver device 202-2 with the passive NFC tag 222 and the signal.

[0085] NFC reader 208 transmits a first APDU command message 650 at a first time. NFC reader 208 responds to the first APDU command message 550 at a second time, later than the first time, by receiving a first NFC response message 652 from receiver device 202-1. In this example, the first NFC response message 652 is harder to see because the signal is weaker for the passive NFC tag 222; however, small ripples are visible before NFC field deactivation 654.

[0086] During the receipt of the first NFC response message 652, the NFC reader 208 temporarily deactivates the NFC field (indicated by a dropout in the RF signal 654). Before temporary deactivation 554, the NFC reader 208 only receives the first NFC response message 652, and the reception of the first NFC message 652 terminates simultaneously with the temporary deactivation of the NFC field 654. In response to deactivation, the passive NFC tag 222 has been reset to an idle state. After the temporary deactivation of the NFC field 654, the NFC reader 208 sends a second APDU command message 656 to the receiver device 202-2. The NFC reader 208 receives the second NFC response message without responding to the second APDU command message. The NFC reader 208 may identify the receiver device 202-2 as including the passive NFC tag 222 in response to not receiving the second NFC response message within a timeout period, i.e., by recognizing a timeout before receiving the expected response from the receiver device 202-2.

[0087] This disclosure describes circuitry, apparatus, and methods for implementing smart card protection based on the physical behavior of the DUT by delivering a short RF OFF pulse (temporary deactivation of the NFC field) upon responding to a reader command message from the DUT. The RF OFF pulse can be implemented at any stage of the message protocol. For example, at a low level, such as during the selection phase or earlier in response to a Request Response A (ATQA) in response to a REQA command, or at the protocol message passing level. The DUT with a passive NFC device performs a power-on reset and jumps back to the beginning of the state diagram. The ALM device does not reset and continues in the state diagram, which can then be evaluated by sending the next command. The difference in response enables passive tag / smart card detection.

[0088] Unless a specific order is explicitly stated, the instructions and / or flowchart steps in the above diagrams may be performed in any order. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that while an example set of instructions / methods has been discussed, the material in this specification can be combined in various ways to produce other examples, and should be understood within the context of the detailed description provided herein.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the instruction set / method steps described above are implemented as functional and software instructions embodied in an executable instruction set, which is implemented on a computer or a machine programmed and controlled by the executable instructions. Such instructions are loaded to execute on a processor (e.g., one or more CPUs). The term processor includes a microprocessor, microcontroller, processor module or subsystem (including one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers), or other control or computing device. A processor may refer to a single component or multiple components.

[0090] In other examples, the instruction sets / methods illustrated herein, along with their associated data and instructions, are stored in appropriate storage devices, which are implemented as one or more non-transitory machine- or computer-readable or computer-usable storage media. Such computer-readable or computer-usable storage media are considered part of an article (or article of manufacture). An article or article of manufacture can refer to any single or multiple manufactured components. Non-transitory machine- or computer-usable media as defined herein does not include signals, but such media may be capable of receiving and processing information from signals and / or other transient media.

[0091] Example embodiments of the materials discussed in this specification may be implemented, in whole or in part, via networks, computers, or data-based devices and / or services. These may include cloud, Internet, intranet, mobile devices, desktop computers, processors, lookup tables, microcontrollers, consumer devices, infrastructure, or other enabling devices and services. As may be used herein and in the claims, the following non-exclusive definitions are provided.

[0092] In one example, one or more instructions or steps discussed in this article are automated. The terms automated or automatic (and similar variations) mean using computers and / or mechanical / electrical devices to control the operation of equipment, systems, and / or processes without human intervention, observation, effort, and / or decision-making.

[0093] It should be understood that any components that are to be coupled can be coupled or connected directly or indirectly. In the case of indirect coupling, another component can be positioned between the two components that are said to be coupled.

[0094] In this specification, exemplary embodiments have been presented according to a selected set of details. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many other exemplary embodiments, including different selected sets of details, can be practiced. It is intended that the appended claims cover all possible exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. An integrated circuit for a wireless charging device, characterized in that, The integrated circuit is configured to: Activate the Near Field Communication (NFC) field for communicating with the receiver device; Send a first NFC command message to the receiver device; Receive a first NFC response message from the receiver device; During the receipt of the first NFC response message from the receiver device, the NFC field is temporarily deactivated; After the temporary deactivation, a second NFC command message is sent to the receiver device; as well as The receiver device is determined to include either a passive NFC tag or a powered NFC device based on its response to the second NFC command message.

2. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated circuit is configured to determine that the receiver device includes a passive NFC tag by detecting a reset of the receiver device in response to the temporary deactivation of the NFC field.

3. The integrated circuit according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The integrated circuit is configured to: In response to receiving a second NFC response message from the receiver device, it is determined that the receiver device includes a powered NFC device; and If no second NFC response message is received within the timeout period, it is determined that the receiver device includes a passive NFC tag.

4. The integrated circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The first command message includes command messages for the following operations: Switch the receiver device to an advanced operating state; or Maintaining the receiver device in the advanced operating state, wherein the advanced operating state includes an operating state higher than the idle state; and The second command message includes a command message for the receiver device in the advanced operating state.

5. The integrated circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second command message is only applicable to the advanced operation state.

6. The integrated circuit according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that, The advanced operating states include ready state, active state, or protocol state.

7. The integrated circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second command message is not applicable to receiver devices that are in an idle state.

8. An NFC reader device, characterized in that, Including the integrated circuit as described in any of the preceding claims.

9. A wireless charger device, characterized in that, Includes the integrated circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the NFC reader according to claim 8.

10. A method for characterizing a receiver device, characterized in that, The method includes: Activate the Near Field Communication (NFC) field for communicating with the receiver device; Send a first NFC command message to the receiver device; Receive a first NFC response message from the receiver device; During the receipt of the first NFC response message from the receiver device, the NFC field is temporarily deactivated; After the temporary deactivation, a second NFC command message is sent to the receiver device; and The receiver device is determined to include either a passive NFC tag or a powered NFC device based on its response to the second NFC command message.

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