Wireless communication equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication device. A wireless communication device is provided, which is configured to receive energy from another wireless communication device in a wireless manner, the wireless communication device comprising: a charging circuit configured to charge a power storage device; and a communication circuit, comprising: a wireless communication transponder; and a switch coupled to a first terminal of the wireless communication transponder, wherein the switch is controlled by the charging circuit to open and close to communicate charging information to the other wireless communication device, the charging information indicating the charging of the power storage device.

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of French Patent Application No. 2304052, filed on April 21, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the maximum extent permitted by law. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication devices, such as wireless communication devices using radio frequency identification (RFID) type or near field communication (NFC) type technology, and more particularly to wireless communication devices suitable for wireless charging using wireless communication technology. Background Art

[0004] RFID communication is a wireless communication technology that enables detection and identification of transponders, which are generally attached to objects. RFID systems generally include an RFID reader and an RFID transponder (a contraction of a transponder, a transmitter, and a responder), such as a tag. Typically, an RFID reader is configured to send a polling signal, which is generally a radio frequency signal, to the RFID transponder, and the transponder can respond to the RFID reader. Depending on the electronic device implemented, RFID communication can be established at a low frequency (e.g., between 125 and 134 kHz), at a high frequency (e.g., around 13.56 MHz), at an ultra-high frequency (UHF) (e.g., between 860 and 960 MHz), or even at an ultra-high frequency (e.g., around 2.45 GHz). Compared with low frequencies, high frequencies are conducive to exchanging information (between readers and transponders) at higher rates and longer distances.

[0005] Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication technology that can be seen as an extension of RFID and that allows communication between electronic devices (e.g. between an NFC reader (also called a "poller") and an NFC transponder (also called a "listener", such as a tag) over short distances (typically up to 1 meter, e.g. up to 10 centimeters).

[0006] NFC technology is a standardized open technology platform, such as ISO / IEC 18092 and ISO / IEC 21481 standards, and incorporates many existing standards, such as, for example, Type A and Type B protocols defined in ISO-14443 standard, which may be communication protocols available in NFC technology.

[0007] NFC technology can also be used for RFID transponders, for example RFID transponders that are compatible with the ISO / IEC 15693 standard and / or the ISO / IEC 18000-3 standard.

[0008] Therefore, a wireless communication transponder (eg, an RFID or NFC transponder) is an electronic device capable of wirelessly exchanging information with a reader (eg, RFID or NFC) via an antenna according to a wireless communication protocol (eg, a protocol compatible with NFC technology).

[0009] When transmitting information between a reader and a transponder, the reader's antenna may emit an electromagnetic field or radio frequency (RF) signal, such as at 13.56 MHz for NFC technology and at other frequencies for RFID technology. The generated RF signal, the carrier wave, is generally a sine wave.

[0010] For information transmission from the reader to the transponder, the reader may implement a modulation / demodulation circuit to modulate a carrier wave. The transponder includes an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals and a demodulation / modulation circuit configured to demodulate the received carrier wave to obtain data transmitted by the reader. The carrier wave may also be used to wirelessly supply a certain amount of electric power to the transponder, which is usually relatively limited, such as a power range up to 1 W, or even up to 3 W, as described in detail below.

[0011] For the transmission of information from the transponder to the reader, the reader can generate an unmodulated radio frequency signal (carrier wave). The transponder antenna can then modulate or retromodulate the radio frequency signal generated by the reader according to the information to be transmitted to the reader. For example, the frequency of the modulation corresponds to a subcarrier of the carrier wave. The frequency of the subcarrier wave depends on the communication protocol used, for example, the frequency can be 848 kHz.

[0012] A variety of operating modes are then possible, in particular depending on the type of transponder: passive mode, semi-active mode or active mode.

[0013] In passive mode, a so-called passive transponder can demodulate a radio frequency signal originating from a reader to transmit information to the reader, but the passive transponder does not integrate a transmission circuit capable of, for example, generating its own electromagnetic field for the transmission of information. In general, a passive transponder does not include a power source, since it can utilize the electromagnetic field originating from the reader to power its electronic components. However, in certain applications, a passive transponder may also incorporate a power source, such as a battery.

[0014] In semi-active mode, the transponder uses the energy of the reader to respond to it. Thus, a so-called semi-active transponder acts as a passive transponder on the wireless communication level. However, the electronic components of the transponder, such as the microcontroller and / or the memory, can use the energy of the battery.

[0015] In active mode, both the reader and the so-called active transponder can generate an electromagnetic field. Generally speaking, this operating mode is used when the active transponder is provided with a dedicated power source (usually a battery).

[0016] In the semi-active mode, and more particularly in the active mode, a significantly greater communication distance may be obtained compared to the passive mode, e.g. the communication distance may range up to tens of centimeters depending on the communication protocol used, the size of the reader antenna and / or the sensitivity of the reader.

[0017] In semi-active or active mode, the battery of the transponder can be charged via wireless energy transfer by converting the electromagnetic field received from the reader into a charging current in the transponder.

[0018] Wireless power transfer (WPT) or wireless charging (WPC) enables energy to be transferred wirelessly from a transmitter to a receiver, for example for charging a battery of the receiver. Wireless charging is generally based on electromagnetic coupling between a transmitter antenna adapted to couple to a receiver antenna, the energy transfer relying on an electromagnetic field emitted by the transmitter antenna and received by the receiver antenna.

[0019] Wireless energy transfer or wireless charging can be achieved by using wireless communication technology, such as RFID or NFC type wireless communication technology. This can be called RFID charging or NFC charging. In this case, an electromagnetic field at a given frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz for NFC) is used for: wireless communication in reader mode or transponder mode; and wireless charging in transmitter mode or receiver mode, where the RFID or NFC reader supplies energy to the RFID or NFC transponder.

[0020] For example, the NFC Forum has defined a specification for wireless charging using NFC technology (called WLC) in the section "NFC Forum Wireless Charging".

[0021] There is a need for a solution, preferably a simple and easy to implement solution, for controlling wireless charging in a wireless communication device comprising a wireless communication transponder, such as an RFID or NFC transponder.

[0022] There is also a need for a solution, preferably a simple and easy to implement solution, to obtain information about the charge level in a wireless communication device (comprising a transponder, such as an RFID or NFC transponder), for example for transmitting the charge level to another wireless communication device (comprising a reader).

[0023] There exists a need to overcome all or some of the aforementioned disadvantages of known wireless communication and charging devices. Utility Model Content

[0024] An embodiment provides a wireless communication device, which is configured to receive energy from another wireless communication device in a wireless manner, and the wireless communication device includes: a charging circuit, which is configured to charge a power storage device; a communication circuit, which is configured to communicate charging information related to the charging of the power storage device to the other wireless communication device, and includes: a wireless communication transponder; and a switch, which is coupled to a first terminal of the transponder and is controlled by the charging circuit.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple or uncouple the first terminal and a node to which a voltage is applied, the node being included in the communication circuit, according to control of the charging circuit corresponding to charging information to be communicated.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the communication circuit (eg, transponder) is configured to detect whether the first terminal and the node are coupled or open, and transmit corresponding charging information to the other wireless communication device.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple the first terminal and the node when the charging circuit controls the switch to be turned on, and / or to open a circuit between the first terminal and the node when the charging circuit controls the switch to be turned off.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the charging circuit is configured to: when the power storage device enters the second charging state from the first charging state, couple the first terminal and the node via the switch, and / or when the power storage device enters the first charging state from the second charging state, open the circuit between the first terminal and the node via the switch.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the control of the charging circuit is a control signal, which may have: a first state indicating a first charging state of the power storage device, the first state is intended to trigger or maintain an open circuit between the first terminal and the node; and a second state indicating a second charging state of the power storage device, the second state is intended to trigger or maintain a closed circuit between the first terminal and the node.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the first charging state is an incomplete charging state, and the second charging state is a completed charging state.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the transponder comprises a processing unit configured to detect whether the first terminal and the node are coupled or open circuit.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a circuit configured to measure a voltage present at the first terminal.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises comparison means configured to compare a voltage measured at the first terminal with a voltage present at the node to detect whether the first terminal and the node are coupled or open circuit.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple or uncouple the first terminal and the second terminal of the transponder according to control of the charging circuit corresponding to the charging information to be communicated.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the communication circuit (eg, transponder) is configured to detect whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled or in an open circuit, and transmit corresponding charging information to the other wireless communication device.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple the first and second terminals when the charging circuit control turns on the switch, and / or to open a circuit between the first and second terminals when the charging circuit control turns off the switch.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the charging circuit is configured to: when the power storage device enters the second charging state from the first charging state, the first and second terminals are coupled via the switch, and / or when the power storage device enters the first charging state from the second charging state, the circuit between the first and second terminals is opened via the switch.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the control of the charging circuit is a control signal having: a first state indicating a first charging state of the power storage device, the first state being intended to trigger or maintain an open circuit between the first and second terminals; and a second state indicating a second charging state of the power storage device, the second state being intended to trigger or maintain a closed circuit between the first and second terminals.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the first charging state is an incomplete charging state, and the second charging state is a completed charging state.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the transponder comprises a processing unit configured to detect whether the first and second terminals are coupled or open circuit.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a circuit configured to measure a voltage present at a first terminal and to send a reference voltage to a second terminal.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises comparison means configured to compare the voltage measured at the first terminal with a reference voltage to detect whether the first and second terminals are coupled or open circuit.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the charging information is in the form of a binary value.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the transponder comprises a storage unit configured to store charging information.

[0045] According to an embodiment: the first terminal is an input terminal of the transponder; and / or the comparison device power storage device is a battery; and / or the comparison device power storage device is used for a wireless communication device, and / or is configured to charge an object coupled to the wireless communication device, such as a connection object; and / or the transponder is in the form of an integrated circuit.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication device further comprises a wireless communication antenna coupled to the transponder and configured to transmit charging information by electromagnetic coupling with another wireless communication antenna of the other wireless communication device, the charging circuit also being coupled to the wireless communication antenna.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the transponder is an NFC transponder or an RFID transponder, for example an RFID transponder using NFC technology.

[0048] An embodiment also provides a method for communicating charging information related to charging of a power storage device, wherein the power storage device is included in a wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device is suitable for receiving energy from another wireless communication device in a wireless manner. The wireless communication device includes: a charging circuit, which is configured to charge the power storage device; and a communication circuit, which includes: a wireless communication transponder; and a switch coupled to a first terminal of the transponder and controlled by the charging circuit; the switch is configured to couple or not couple the first terminal to the second terminal of the transponder, or couple or not couple a node to which a voltage is applied, according to the control of the charging circuit corresponding to the charging information to be communicated, and the node is included in the communication circuit; the method includes: detecting, through the communication circuit, coupling or open circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal or between the first terminal and the node; and transmitting corresponding charging information to the other wireless communication device through the communication circuit.

[0049] According to an embodiment, said detecting and / or transmitting is performed by a transponder.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises, before the detection: sending a control signal from the charging circuit to the switch, which corresponds to the charging information, to couple the first terminal and the second terminal or the first terminal and the node or to open the circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal or between the first terminal and the node.

[0051] An embodiment also provides a wireless communication device configured to receive energy from another wireless communication device in a wireless manner, the wireless communication device comprising: a charging circuit configured to charge a power storage device; and a communication circuit comprising: a wireless communication transponder; and a switch coupled to a first terminal of the wireless communication transponder, wherein the switch is controlled by the charging circuit to open and close to communicate charging information to the other wireless communication device, the charging information indicating the charging of the power storage device.

[0052] According to an embodiment, when the switch is closed, the first terminal is coupled to a node to which a voltage is applied, the node being included in the communication circuit, and when the switch is opened, the first terminal is not coupled to the node to which the voltage is applied, and wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

[0053] According to an embodiment, when the switch is closed, the first terminal of the transponder is coupled to the second terminal of the transponder, and when the switch is open, the first terminal of the transponder is not coupled to the second terminal of the transponder, and wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder of the communication circuit detects whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled, and transmits a signal including the charging information to the other wireless communication device.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit to couple or uncouple the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the charging circuit provides a control signal to the switch so that: when the power storage device changes from a first charging state to a second charging state, the switch is controlled to couple the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the power storage device changes from the second charging state to the first charging state, the switch is controlled not to couple the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal, the control signal having a first signal state for triggering or maintaining the switch to decouple the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal, the control signal having a second signal state for triggering or maintaining the switch to couple the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder comprises a processing circuit for detecting whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the processing circuit measures the voltage at the first terminal and delivers a reference voltage to the second terminal.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the processing circuit comprises a comparison circuit for receiving and comparing a voltage measured at the first terminal with the reference voltage, and detecting whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled based on the comparison.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder comprises a storage circuit for storing the charging information.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the first terminal is an input terminal of the wireless communication transponder.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the power storage device is a battery.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the power storage device is comprised in the wireless communication apparatus.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the power storage device is used to charge an object coupled to the wireless communication device.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder is in the form of an integrated circuit.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a wireless communication antenna, which is coupled to the wireless communication transponder and is used to transmit the charging information through electromagnetic coupling with another wireless communication antenna of the other wireless communication device, and the charging circuit is also coupled to the wireless communication antenna.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder is one of an NFC transponder and an RFID transponder using NFC technology.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the switch is controlled to open or close by a control signal corresponding to the charging information generated by the charging circuit, and the wireless communication transponder detects the state of the switch to communicate the charging information with the other wireless communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages will be described in detail in the remainder of the disclosure of specific embodiments, which is presented by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system that also supports wireless charging is schematically shown in the form of a circuit block diagram;

[0073] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system including a wireless communication device according to an embodiment is schematically shown in the form of a circuit block diagram;

[0074] Figure 3A The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 2 An example embodiment of a wireless communication device comprising a wireless communication transponder;

[0075] Figure 3B The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 2 Another embodiment example of a wireless communication device includes another wireless communication transponder;

[0076] Figure 4 The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 3A Example embodiments of a transponder; and

[0077] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 2 An example of an embodiment of a wireless communication system in two different charging states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] In the various drawings, similar features have been indicated by similar reference numerals. In particular, common structural and / or functional features in various embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may be arranged with the same structure, dimensions and material properties.

[0079] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements of the described embodiments that are helpful for understanding are described in detail and described. In particular, RFID or NFC communication protocols and typical electronic devices or circuits that implement these protocols are not described in detail, and these protocols are well known to those skilled in the art and are compatible with the described embodiments.

[0080] Unless otherwise specified, when two elements are referred to as being connected together, this means being directly connected without any intermediate elements except conductors; when two elements are referred to as being coupled together, this means that the two elements may be connected or coupled via one or more other elements.

[0081] In the following description, when referring to terms that define absolute positions, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or terms of relative positions, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or terms that define directions, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., unless otherwise specified, reference is made to the orientation of the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Unless otherwise indicated, "around," "approximately," "substantially," and "about" mean plus or minus 10%, preferably, plus or minus 5%.

[0083] In the following description, when referring to radio frequency signals, it refers to signals that support wireless communication, generally signals with frequencies in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which are currently used for wireless communication.

[0084] In the following description, when a battery charger is mentioned, it refers to a device configured to charge any power storage device, including but not limited to a battery. A battery charger may also be indicated as a "charging circuit".

[0085] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 is schematically shown in the form of a circuit block diagram, which system also supports wireless charging.

[0086] The system 100 includes a first wireless communication device 110 and a second wireless communication device 120 .

[0087] The first wireless communication device 110 (e.g., configured to implement an NFC reader) includes: a controller 111 (MCU1), which may be in the form of a microcontroller; an NFC reader 112 (READER), coupled (e.g., connected) to the controller 111, and the NFC reader may be in the form of an integrated circuit; and a first NFC antenna 113, coupled (e.g., connected) to the NFC reader 112.

[0088] The first NFC antenna 113 may include one or more coils or inductive elements, for example in the form of a patch antenna or a microstrip antenna. At least one coil or at least one inductive element is, for example, connected to or included in an oscillating circuit ( Figure 1 (not shown).

[0089] The NFC reader 112 is configured to manage near field communication via the first NFC antenna 113. For example, the NFC reader 112 includes: a circuit for providing AC current to the first NFC antenna 113 so that an electromagnetic field EMF can be emitted by the first antenna; a modulation and / or demodulation circuit configured to modulate and / or demodulate a radio frequency signal to receive data from the second wireless communication device 120 and / or send data to the second wireless communication device 120 by using the NFC protocol.

[0090] The NFC reader 112 may be connected or coupled to an impedance matching circuit ( Figure 1 ), or may include an impedance matching circuit ( Figure 1 The impedance matching circuit is connected or coupled to the first antenna 113. The NFC reader 112 may also include other electronic components ( Figure 1 not shown).

[0091] The controller 111 is, for example, configured to implement a wireless communication protocol and transmit a command signal to the NFC reader 112. In response, the NFC reader 112 may send a signal to the controller 111.

[0092] The second wireless communication device 120 (for example, configured to implement or simulate an NFC card or transponder) includes: a second NFC antenna 121, configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the first NFC antenna 113; an NFC transponder 122 (tag (TAG)), coupled (for example, connected) to the second NFC antenna 121, and may be in the form of an integrated circuit; a battery charger 123 (BATTERY CHARGER), coupled (for example, connected) to the second NFC antenna 121; a power storage device 124 (battery (BATTERY)), coupled (for example, connected) to the battery charger 123, and the power storage device is, for example, a battery.

[0093] The second NFC antenna 121 may include one or more coils or inductive elements, for example in the form of a patch antenna or a microstrip antenna. At least one coil or at least one inductive element is, for example, connected to or included in an oscillating circuit ( Figure 1 (not shown).

[0094] The NFC transponder 122 is configured to manage near field communications, for example, including demodulation and / or modulation circuitry configured to demodulate and / or modulate radio frequency signals to receive and / or send data from the first wireless communication device 110 using the NFC communication protocol.

[0095] exist Figure 1In the example of , the second NFC antenna 121 is also configured to manage NFC charging. In other words, the battery charger 123 is configured to receive the alternating current induced in the second NFC antenna 121 by the first NFC antenna 113. The battery charger 123 can then provide the charging current to the power storage device 124 (e.g., a battery). In response, the power storage device 124 can send a signal to the battery charger 123, for example to inform the battery charger 123 of the charging status (such as the charging level). The battery charger 123 may include a plurality of electronic components (such as a battery) for receiving AC current and, for example, converting the AC current into DC current. Figure 1 not shown).

[0096] The NFC transponder 122 and / or the battery charger 123 may be connected or coupled to an impedance matching circuit ( Figure 1 ), or may include an impedance matching circuit, which in turn is connected or coupled to the second NFC antenna 121.

[0097] although Figure 1 Although not shown, the first wireless communication device 110 and the second wireless communication device 120 may generally include other circuits and / or other electronic components known to those skilled in the art.

[0098] In this example, the second wireless communication device 120 includes a microcontroller 125 (MCU2) having a function of acquiring information about the charging state of the power storage device 124 via the battery charger 123, and a function of transmitting the charging information to the NFC transponder 122, for example, and other possible functions, etc. Thus, the microcontroller 125 is configured to communicate with the battery charger 123 and the NFC transponder 122. The charging information can be transmitted to the first wireless communication device 110 via the NFC transponder 122 and the second NFC antenna 121.

[0099] One disadvantage of using a microcontroller to manage the exchange of charging information between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device is that this may require additional electronic components that consume material, surface area, and electrical power, which may increase the cost of manufacturing and use of the system.

[0100] Conversely, if the microcontroller is not implanted, the first wireless communication device may not have information about the charge level of the second wireless communication device and, therefore, it may continue to transfer energy when it may no longer be needed.

[0101] The embodiments of this document provide a wireless communication device that is configured to support wireless charging and enables all or part of the above-described disadvantages to be overcome, in particular, the charging information problem to be solved while limiting electronic components and their power consumption.

[0102] Embodiments of the wireless communication device will be described below. The described embodiments are non-limiting, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily conceive of various modifications based on the teachings of this disclosure.

[0103] It should be noted that although the embodiments are described more specifically in connection with the NFC communication protocol, they are more generally applicable to any wireless communication protocol, such as RFID type protocols.

[0104] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 including a wireless communication device 220 according to an embodiment is schematically shown in the form of a circuit block diagram.

[0105] System 200 includes a first wireless communication device (another wireless communication device), such as Figure 1 The first wireless communication device 110, and the second wireless communication device 220 (wireless communication devices).

[0106] The second wireless communication device 220 includes: a second NFC antenna 221 (NFC antenna) configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the first NFC antenna 113 of the first wireless communication device 110; a circuit 222 for communicating charging information (charging communication circuit), which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the second NFC antenna 221 and includes an NFC transponder ( Figure 2 ); a battery charger 223 (battery charger) or a charging circuit, coupled (e.g., connected) to the second NFC antenna 221 and the communication circuit 222; a power storage device 224 (battery), coupled (e.g., connected) to the battery charger 223, the power storage device being, for example, a battery.

[0107] In the remainder of this disclosure, the charging information communication circuit is also referred to as a communication circuit.

[0108] and Figure 1 Similar to the second wireless communication device 120, Figure 2 The second wireless communication device 220 (particularly the second NFC antenna 221) is also configured to manage NFC charging. In other words, the battery charger 223 is configured to receive the AC current induced in the second NFC antenna 221 by the first NFC antenna 113 (other NFC antenna) of the first wireless communication device 110. The battery charger 223 can then provide a charging current to the power storage device 224. In response, the power storage device 224 can send a signal to the battery charger 223, for example to inform the battery charger 223 of the charging level. The battery charger 223 may include a plurality of electronic components ( Figure 2 Not shown, but in Figure 3A and3B , given as an example).

[0109] Figure 2 The second wireless communication device 220 does not necessarily include Figure 1 The microcontroller 125 is similar to the microcontroller, and the NFC transponder included in the communication circuit 222 includes terminals configured to be coupled to the battery charger 223 via switches included in the communication circuit 222, as described below.

[0110] The battery charger 223 may send a control signal S to the communication circuit 222. CH , and the communication circuit 222 is configured to transmit charging information to the first wireless communication device 110 via the NFC transponder of the communication circuit 222, the second NFC antenna 221 and the first NFC antenna 121 of the first wireless communication device 110 according to the state of the transmitted control signal, without having a microcontroller.

[0111] Figure 3A The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 2 An embodiment of the wireless communication device 220 includes a wireless communication transponder.

[0112] Figure 3A Shows that it has been combined Figure 2 The following elements of the wireless communication device 220 are described: an NFC antenna 221; a communication circuit 222 coupled (e.g., connected) to the NFC antenna 221; a battery charger 223 coupled (e.g., connected) to the NFC antenna 221; and a power storage device 224 (battery) coupled (e.g., connected) to the battery charger 223.

[0113] The communication circuit 222 includes an NFC transponder 322 , for example in the form of an integrated circuit.

[0114] and Figure 1 Similar to the NFC transponder 122, Figure 3A The NFC transponder 322 may be configured to manage near field communications. For example, the NFC transponder 322 may include a demodulation and / or modulation circuit configured to demodulate and / or modulate radio frequency signals to receive data from the first wireless communication device 110 and / or send data to the first wireless communication device 110 using an NFC communication protocol.

[0115] The NFC transponder 322 is configured, for example, to process information received from the first wireless communication device 110 and demodulate a carrier signal sent by the first wireless communication device 110 to transmit information, such as charging information, to the first wireless communication device.

[0116] The communication circuit 222 also includes a switch 324, which is coupled to at least one of the two terminals TD0, TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 and is configured to couple the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or to open the circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1. As an alternative to the switch, it can be any other device configured to couple the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or to open the circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1.

[0117] The two terminals TD0 , TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 comprise an input terminal ( TD0 ), preferably a digital terminal, from a switch 324 , for example forming a digital input (GPI), and an output terminal ( TD1 ) towards the switch 324 .

[0118] The NFC transponder 322 includes two other terminals AC0 , AC1 (eg, analog terminals) that are respectively coupled to two nodes N1 , N2 at the output of the NFC antenna 221 .

[0119] For example, the battery charger 223 (or charging circuit) includes: an impedance matching circuit 331 (antenna tuning circuit), which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the two nodes N1 and N2 at the output end of the NFC antenna 221; a rectifier 332 (bridge rectifier), which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the impedance matching circuit 331; a DC current monitoring circuit 333, which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the rectifier 332 and is configured to detect the presence of a DC voltage and / or a DC current at the output end of the rectifier 332, and in response, to power the charging circuit; and a charging circuit 334 (battery charging circuit), which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the DC current monitoring circuit 333 and is configured to transmit the detected DC voltage and / or the detected DC current to the power storage device 224.

[0120] When the switch 324 is on, the two terminals TD0, TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 are coupled to the battery charger 223 (in this example, to the charging circuit 334) via the switch 324. When the switch is off, a single terminal TD0 of the two terminals TD0, TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 is coupled to the battery charger 223.

[0121] By sending a control signal S to the switch 324 CH, indicating the charging information (e.g., charging status) of the power storage device 224, the battery charger 223 (e.g., charging circuit 334) can trigger the connection between the two terminals TD0 and TD1 (circuit closure), or the circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1 is opened. The NFC transponder 322 is configured to detect the state of the switch 324 according to the state (open or closed) of the circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1. The NFC transponder 322 can thereby determine the control signal S sent by the battery charger 223 CH , and thus trace the charging information.

[0122] Therefore, the following will be combined Figure 5A and Figure 5B As explained, the battery charger 223 (eg, the charging circuit 334) may send a control signal S100 to disconnect or connect the switch 324 according to the charging state of the power storage device 224. CH , the NFC transponder 322 can detect the state of the switch 324 .

[0123] According to an example, the two terminals TD0 , TD1 are digital terminals of the NFC transponder for event detection, and these terminals are also used to detect the state of the switch. For example, the event detection function is a tamper detection function.

[0124] Figure 3B The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 2 Another example of an embodiment of a wireless communication device includes another wireless communication transponder. Figure 3B Wireless communication equipment and Figure 3A The difference of the wireless communication device is that the NFC transponder 322' no longer includes two terminals TD0, TD1, but includes a single terminal TD0 (first terminal), for example forming a digital input (GPI), and the communication circuit 222' includes an applied voltage V GPI The switch 324' of the communication circuit 222' is configured to couple the terminal TD0 of the NFC transponder 322' to the applied voltage V GPI As an alternative to the switch, it may be any other device configured to couple or open a circuit between the terminal TD0 and the node 325'.

[0125] At voltage V GPI For positive voltage (for example, at V DD ), the NFC transponder 322′ includes, for example, a resistor coupling the terminal TD0 to ground.

[0126] At voltage V GPIIn the case of a ground voltage, the NFC transponder 322′ includes, for example, coupling the terminal TD0 to a positive voltage (eg, coupled to V DD ) resistor.

[0127] Figure 4 The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 3A An example of an embodiment of the NFC transponder 322 is shown.

[0128] In addition to conventional electronic components of an NFC transponder, such as a radio frequency modulation / demodulation circuit 401 (RF circuit), and a control circuit 402 (control circuit) configured to implement the wireless communication protocol NFC and transmit instruction signals to the RF circuit 401, the NFC transponder 322 also includes a processing unit 403 (MT) configured to detect whether the two terminals TD0 and TD1 are coupled (corresponding to charging information), as explained below.

[0129] The processing unit 403 may include a circuit configured to deliver a reference voltage to one of the two terminals TD0 , TD1 (eg, the second terminal TD1 ) and measure a voltage of the other of the two terminals TD0 , TD1 (eg, the first terminal TD0 ).

[0130] The processing unit 403 may also comprise, for example, a comparison device configured to compare the voltage measured on the first terminal TD0 with a reference voltage present on the second terminal TD1 to detect whether the two terminals TD0 , TD1 are coupled via the switch 324 .

[0131] For example, if the two terminals TD0, TD1 are not coupled, the voltage on the first terminal TD0 is close to or equal to the ground voltage, for example approximately zero, resulting in, for example, a first binary value, such as "0", being delivered at the output of the comparator. However, if the two terminals TD0 and TD1 are coupled, the voltage present on the first terminal TD0 depends on the reference voltage and generally also on the resistance of the switch and the pull-down resistor coupled between the first terminal TD0 and ground. The switch resistance and the pull-down resistor are generally fixed, and the reference voltage can be selected so that the voltage detected on the first terminal TD0 is within a certain range of values, resulting in, for example, a second binary value, such as "1", being delivered at the output of the comparator.

[0132] As a variant, it is possible to detect whether the two terminals TD0 , TD1 are coupled by injecting a current into one of the two terminals TD0 , TD1 and by detecting the presence of this current in the other terminal.

[0133] The NFC transponder 322 may further include a storage unit 404 (register) configured to store information, such as charging information. The storage unit 404 may be a register or a memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) type memory.

[0134] The NFC transponder 322 is also configured to transmit charging information to the first wireless communication device 110 via the NFC antenna 221 of the wireless communication device 220 and the NFC antenna 113 of the first wireless communication device 110, as described below in conjunction with Figure 5A and 5B Explained.

[0135] Figure 4 Examples of embodiments have been combined Figure 3A The NFC transponder 322 is described, but may also be applicable to Figure 3B NFC transponder 322'. In this case, processing unit 403 is configured to detect whether terminal TD0 and node 325' are coupled (corresponding to charging information). Processing unit 403 may include: a circuit configured to measure the voltage in terminal TD0, and a comparison device configured to compare the voltage measured at terminal TD0 with the voltage V present at node 325'. GPI (instead of the reference voltage at the second terminal TD1) is compared to detect whether the terminal TD0 and the node 325' are coupled via the switch 324'.

[0136] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The circuit diagram schematically shows Figure 2 0026 is an example of an embodiment of a wireless communication system 200 in two different charging states.

[0137] The battery charger 223 (eg Figure 3A The charging circuit 334) can send a signal having a first state S to the communication circuit 222. CH1 The control signal is intended to place or maintain the switch 324 in the off state (corresponding to opening the circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or keeping the circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1 open (open circuit), such as Figure 5A shown.

[0138] The battery charger 223 (eg Figure 3A The charging circuit 334) can send a second state S to the communication circuit 222. CH2The control signal is intended to place or maintain the switch 324 in an on state, which is equivalent to coupling the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or maintaining the connection between the two terminals TD0 and TD1, such as Figure 5B shown.

[0139] For example, the first state of the control signal S CH1 Corresponding to the first charging state of the power storage device, for example, the incomplete charging state, the second state S of the control signal CH2 Corresponding to a second charging state of the power storage device, such as a fully charged state.

[0140] For example, if the two terminals TD0 and TD1 are not coupled, the processing unit 403 of the NFC transponder 322 can assign a first binary value (e.g., a value of "0") to the charging information, which represents a first charging state of the power storage device, such as an uncompleted charging state. Then, the storage unit 404 of the NFC transponder 322 can store the first binary value "0". However, if the two terminals TD0 and TDI are coupled, the processing unit 403 can assign a second binary value (e.g., a value of "1") to the charging information, which represents a second charging state of the power storage device, such as a completed charging state. Then, the storage unit 404 can store the second binary value "1".

[0141] The charging information may then be delivered to the first wireless communication device 110 by the NFC transponder 322 of the communication circuit 222 during wireless communication. For example, the first wireless communication device 110 interrogates the NFC transponder 322, which delivers the value of the charging information to the first wireless communication device 110, such as by demodulation.

[0142] Figure 5A and 5B Examples of embodiments have been combined Figure 3A The wireless communication device is described, but it can also be applied to Figure 3B In this case, the control signal sent by the battery charger 223 (such as the charging circuit 334) is intended to place or maintain the switch 324 in an off state, or to place or maintain the switch 324 in an on state, corresponding to the connection between the terminal TD0 and the applied voltage V GPI The circuit between the node 325' is opened or maintained open, or the terminal TD0 and the voltage V are applied. GPI and the processing unit 403 is configured to detect whether the terminal TD0 and the node 325' are coupled.

[0143] Thus, embodiments enable management of wireless charging of a wireless communication device, for example transmitting information related to charging in a wireless communication device to another (first) wireless communication device (which transfers energy to said wireless communication device), for example via NFC or RFID type communication, without requiring the presence of a microcontroller.

[0144] In the described embodiments, the power storage device 224 (e.g., a battery) can be used to meet specific needs of the wireless communication device 220 (e.g., the NFC transponder 322) and / or to charge an object coupled to, integrated into, or integrated with the wireless communication device 220. The object can be a pair of headphones, a connected watch, a fitness tracker, or any connected thing type or Internet of Things (IoT) type object.

[0145] Various embodiments and variants have been described. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain features of these various embodiments and variants may be combined, and other variants will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, the wireless communication transponder may be an RFID transponder using NFC technology, RFID technology, or other wireless communication technology.

[0146] Finally, based on the functional indications and teachings given above, the actual implementation of the described embodiments and variants is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, characterized in that: A device configured to wirelessly receive energy from another wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising: a charging circuit configured to charge the power storage device; and Communications circuits, including: a wireless communication transponder; and A switch is coupled to the first terminal of the wireless communication transponder, wherein the switch is controlled by the charging circuit to open and close to communicate charging information to the other wireless communication device, the charging information indicating charging of the power storage device.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein when the switch is closed, the first terminal is coupled to a node to which a voltage is applied, the node being included in the communication circuit, and When the switch is turned on, the first terminal is not coupled to the node to which the voltage is applied, and the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein when the switch is closed, the first terminal of the transponder is coupled to the second terminal of the transponder, and Wherein when the switch is turned on, the first terminal of the transponder is not coupled to the second terminal of the transponder, and wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The wireless communication transponder of the communication circuit detects whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled, and transmits a signal including the charging information to the other wireless communication device.

5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit to couple or uncouple the first terminal and the second terminal.

6. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The charging circuit provides a control signal to the switch so that: when the power storage device changes from a first charging state to a second charging state, the switch is controlled to couple the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the power storage device changes from the second charging state to the first charging state, the switch is controlled to not couple the first terminal and the second terminal.

7. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal, wherein the control signal has: The first signal state is used to trigger or maintain the switch to not couple the first terminal and the second terminal.

8. The device according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that The charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal, wherein the control signal has: The second signal state is used to trigger or maintain the switch to couple the first terminal and the second terminal.

9. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The wireless communication transponder comprises a processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to detect whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that Wherein the processing circuit measures a voltage at a first terminal and delivers a reference voltage to a second terminal.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The processing circuit includes a comparison circuit, which is used to receive and compare the voltage measured at the first terminal with the reference voltage, and detect whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled according to the comparison.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wireless communication transponder comprises a storage circuit, and the storage circuit is used to store the charging information.

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first terminal is an input terminal of the wireless communication transponder.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The power storage device is a battery.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The power storage device is included in the wireless communication device.

16. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The power storage device is used to charge an object coupled to the wireless communication device.

17. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wireless communication transponder is in the form of an integrated circuit.

18. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that It further includes a wireless communication antenna, which is coupled to the wireless communication transponder and is used to transmit the charging information through electromagnetic coupling with another wireless communication antenna of the other wireless communication device, and the charging circuit is also coupled to the wireless communication antenna.

19. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wireless communication transponder is one of an NFC transponder and an RFID transponder using NFC technology.

20. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal corresponding to the charging information generated by the charging circuit to be opened or closed, and The wireless communication transponder detects the state of the switch to communicate the charging information with the other wireless communication device.

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