System for enhancing NFC communication with a programmable driver within a metal housing

Abstract

A system (100) including an electronic device (200), wherein the electronic device (200) comprises an electronic component (210) and a programmable driver (220) configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component (210). The programmable driver (220) includes an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag (225) having an antenna (226), and the NFC tag (225) is configured to assist an external NFC reader (400) in accessing the programmable driver (220) to configure the electronic component (210). The programmable driver (220) is disposed within a metal housing (230) including an opening (231) for inserting a plug, and the antenna (226) of the NFC tag (225) is oriented towards the opening (231) and disposed within the metal housing (230). The system (100) further includes a passive NFC repeater (300) configured to connect to the NFC tag (225) via the opening (231) to extend the communication range of the NFC tag (225) for establishing an NFC communication link between the NFC tag (225) and the external NFC reader (400).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of establishing a communication link with a programmable driver, for example, via Near-Field Communication (NFC) communication. In particular, various apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed herein related to the enhancement of NFC communication to a programmable driver within a metal housing.

Background Art

[0002] Programmable drivers are increasingly being adopted to reconfigure electronic components. Control signals can be provided to the programmable driver via either a wire / cable or a wireless link. Wireless programmable drivers offer great convenience and flexibility to a system and are more attractive from an application perspective.

[0003] Currently, most commercially available wireless programmable drivers are built on top of NFC technology. For example, the control signal of the programmable driver is provided from an external NFC reader to an NFC tag incorporated in the programmable driver. Since the typical communication distance of an NFC link is only a few centimeters, this can be a problem when the programmable driver has to be assembled in a housing that contains many other electronic components. If the housing is a metal housing, the NFC link can even be completely shielded and the programmable driver can no longer be reached from the outside. Thus, a solution to solve such problems is needed.

[0004] US2019147202A1 relates to a system and method for programming a network transceiver via RFID communication.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and a system for extending an NFC link to a programmable driver disposed within a metal housing. In particular, the object of the present invention is achieved by the system according to claim 1 and the kit for use according to claim 8.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes an electronic device, the electronic device being a programmable driver configured to regulate the voltage or current supply of an electronic component, the programmable driver including an integrated Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag having an antenna, the NFC tag being configured to assist an external NFC reader in accessing the programmable driver to configure the electronic component, the programmable driver and a metal housing including an opening for inserting a plug, the programmable driver being disposed within the metal housing with the antenna of the NFC tag facing the opening. The system further includes a passive NFC repeater configured to connect to the NFC tag via the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader, the passive NFC repeater including a passive NFC repeater incorporated into an add-on for removable insertion into the opening, the add-on being a tool used to configure the electronic component, the passive NFC repeater being disposed at an end of the tool that fits into the opening.

[0007] The programmable driver provides more flexibility for configuring electronic components. One or more settings of the electronic component can be reconfigured during installation or use. For example, one or more settings may be adapted to a deployment scene or user preference.

[0008] The configuration of the programmable driver is set via an NFC communication link. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that typically enables communication between two electronic devices at distances of 4 cm or less. NFC is based on inductive coupling between two antennas on NFC-enabled devices that communicate in one direction or both directions. The communication is typically carried out in the 13.56 MHz carrier frequency band, which is a globally available unlicensed radio frequency ISM band.

[0009] Reconfiguring the electronic component via such a wireless link further improves the flexibility of the system. However, due to the limited communication range of NFC and the shielding effect on electromagnetic waves by the metal housing, the NFC link may be impaired in such a system, or even completely blocked.

[0010] An NFC repeater or NFC extender may be configured to extend the communication range of an NFC tag and implemented as a passive component that relays the NFC signal. The NFC repeater relays the signal through a hole in the metal housing of the electronic device and is deployed to assist in establishing a communication link between a built-in NFC tag and an external NFC reader.

[0011] Advantageously, the electronic component is a light source.

[0012] The light source or light emitter may be any of a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), or an edge-emitting laser diode (EELD).

[0013] In one example, the electronic device is a lighting fixture and the light source is used for illumination.

[0014] NFC is used in the lighting industry, for example, for identifying, controlling, or configuring components such as drivers. NFC programming of lighting fixture drivers is rapidly gaining popularity as a flexible and easy way to set the operating characteristics of the drivers within the lighting fixture.

[0015] The programmable driver may be a driver for a light source, such as an LED driver. NFC enables the manufacturer to wirelessly set LED driver operating parameters such as operating current, constant lumen output, and dimming level. This can be done on the manufacturing line without the need to apply the main power voltage to the driver, reducing the labor on the manufacturing line to protect the operator from the main power voltage. This also enables the user to wirelessly adjust the settings according to user preferences.

[0016] An NFC reader is a hardware device for exchanging data with an NFC tag. The NFC reader is capable of both reading from and writing to an NFC tag. An NFC tag is a chip that can be used as data storage to be read by an NFC reader and, depending on the situation, written to. The tag is a passive device and is activated by the energy contained in the signal emitted by the NFC reader. In an NFC programming system, the NFC reader may be connected to a host device and receive instructions from this host device. The NFC reader wirelessly transfers programming data to an NFC tag within an LED driver. Parameters are programmed using the NFC reader in combination with LED driver vendor-specific software. This software typically runs on a standard host device such as a controller, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or commissioning device. After such a programming phase, the LED driver operating parameters are set to the desired settings.

[0017] Preferably, the passive NFC repeater includes two coils electrically connected to each other.

[0018] The two coils may be connected by a metal wire. One coil picks up an electromagnetic wave, converts it into an electric current, and the other coil generates an electromagnetic wave again. One coil may be positioned as a transmitting antenna, such as the antenna of an NFC reader, and the other coil may be positioned near a receiving antenna, such as the antenna of an NFC tag.

[0019] Advantageously, the passive NFC repeater is configured to passively relay an electrical signal between the two coils.

[0020] As an option, the passive NFC repeater is implemented as a magnetic induction repeater having two coils configured to be electrically connected to each other and to have the same resonance frequency.

[0021] In a preferred setup, the passive NFC repeater is incorporated into an add-on for removable insertion into the opening.

[0022] The passive NFC repeater is standalone and may be built into an add-on that can be removably inserted into the opening. Thus, the add-on may be inserted into the opening only during the commissioning procedure and removed from the opening immediately after the commissioning procedure is completed.

[0023] Advantageously, the passive NFC repeater is built into a housing having an elongated shape for insertion into the opening.

[0024] Preferably, the NFC repeater should be placed more than 1 cm away from the metal housing of the electronic device. The housing is made of a non-metallic material, which also creates some space between the NFC repeater and the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0025] In one example, the housing is in the shape of a pen.

[0026] In one example, the passive NFC repeater is incorporated into a tool used to configure an electronic component, and the passive NFC repeater is disposed at an end of the tool that fits into the opening.

[0027] The tool may be a commissioning tool used to configure an electronic component.

[0028] In one option, the external NFC reader is included in a host device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, controller, or other commissioning device.

[0029] In another option, the external NFC reader is integrated with a passive NFC repeater in the tool.

[0030] In a preferred setup, the electronic device further includes a plastic plug fixed to an opening facing the inside of the electronic device, and the passive NFC repeater is configured for removable insertion into the cavity.

[0031] In one example, the passive NFC repeater is built into a plastic plug that fits into an opening in the metal housing of the electronic device. The plastic plug with the passive NFC repeater built in may be removably attached to the opening or fixedly attached to the opening.

[0032] In another setup, the passive NFC repeater is built into a plastic plug fixed to the opening.

[0033] Instead of building the NFC repeater into the electronic device in an add-on standalone manner, it is also possible to incorporate the NFC repeater into a plastic plug fixed to the opening. In this option, the plastic plug also becomes part of the electronic device. Thus, the external NFC reader needs to be placed near the plastic plug from the outside to establish an NFC link for programming the electronic component.

[0034] Since the NFC repeater should preferably be placed more than 1 cm away from the metal housing of the electronic device, it is beneficial for the add-on housing to be made of a non-metallic material and have a certain thickness. In this case, when the add-on is inserted, such requirements can be met.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an electronic component and a programmable driver configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component. The programmable driver includes an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag having an antenna. The NFC tag is configured to assist an external NFC reader in accessing the programmable driver to configure the electronic component. The electronic device further includes a metal housing including an opening for inserting a plug, wherein the programmable driver is disposed within the metal housing with the antenna of the NFC tag facing the opening. The electronic device also includes a plastic plug fixed to the opening, the plastic plug including a passive NFC repeater configured to connect to the NFC tag through the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag for establishing an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader.

[0036] Advantageously, the electronic component is a light source.

[0037] The light source or optical emitter may be any one of a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), and an edge emitting laser diode (EELD).

[0038] In one example, the electronic device is a lighting fixture and the light source is used for illumination.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided. The kit includes an electronic device, the electronic device including an electronic component and a programmable driver configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component, the programmable driver including an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag having an antenna, the NFC tag being configured to assist an external NFC reader in accessing the programmable driver to configure the electronic component, a metal housing including an opening for inserting a plug, the programmable driver being disposed within the metal housing with the antenna of the NFC tag facing the opening, a passive NFC repeater incorporated into an add-on for removable insertion into the opening, the passive NFC repeater being configured to connect to the NFC tag via the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag to assist the NFC tag in establishing an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader, the add-on being a tool used to configure the electronic component, and the passive NFC repeater being disposed at an end of the tool that fits into the opening.

[0040] In this option, a passive NFC repeater built into a removable add-on to the electronic device may be included in a kit for use and sale with the electronic device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout different views. Also, these drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis is generally placed on illustrating the principles of the invention.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] The embodiments described below represent information for enabling those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. By reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the present disclosure and recognize the applications of these concepts that are not particularly taken up herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] The programmable driver provides more flexibility for configuring an electronic device or component. One or more settings of the electronic component can be reconfigured during installation or use. For example, one or more settings may be adapted to the deployment scenario or user preferences. In commercial products, one or more settings of the programmable driver are typically set via an NFC communication link. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that typically enables communication between two electronic devices at distances of 4 cm or less.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a basic setup for implementing NFC programming of the driver. The driver includes an integrated NFC tag (sometimes also called an interface). The NFC reader is connected to a computer. The reader communicates with the NFC tag in the driver. The communication range with NFC is limited to a few centimeters.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, a host device, such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or controller, may include software that sends commands, control commands, or programming data to an NFC reader. The NFC reader may be incorporated into the host device or communicatively coupled to the host device. The NFC reader wirelessly transfers commands, control commands, or programming data to an NFC tag in a programmable driver via an NFC link.

[0046] Reconfiguring electronic components via such a wireless link further improves the flexibility of the system. However, the programmable driver may be assembled into an electronic device having a metal housing. Due to the limited communication distance of NFC and the shielding effect on electromagnetic waves by the metal housing, the NFC link may be impaired in such scenarios, or even completely blocked. For example, when the driver is built into a metal lighting fixture, the communication may be significantly impaired or even impossible due to the shielding of the metal against electromagnetic waves.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system 100 according to the present invention. As a basic setup, the system 100 includes at least an electronic device 200 and a passive NFC repeater 300. The electronic device 200 further includes an electronic component 210, a programmable driver 220, and a metal housing 230. The programmable driver 220 is configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component 210. The programmable driver 220 includes an embedded NFC tag 225 having an antenna 226, and the NFC tag 225 is used to assist an external NFC reader 400 in accessing the programmable driver 220 to configure the electronic component 210. The metal housing 230 includes an opening 231 for inserting a plug. The programmable driver 220 is disposed within the metal housing 230 with the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 facing the opening 231.

[0048] The passive NFC repeater 300 is configured to be connected to the NFC tag 225 through the opening 231 to extend the communication range of the NFC tag 225 in order to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader 400. The passive NFC repeater 300 relays the NFC signal through the hole 231 in the metal housing 230 of the electronic device 200 and is arranged to assist in establishing a communication link between the built-in NFC tag 225 and the external NFC reader 400.

[0049] Figure 3 shows an implementation form of the passive NFC repeater 300. The passive repeater 300 may consist of two coils connected by wires. One coil picks up the electromagnetic wave and converts it into an electric current, and the other coil generates the electromagnetic wave again. One coil operates as a "transmission" antenna positioned near the NFC reader, and the other coil may be arranged near the NFC antenna embedded in the driver.

[0050] In one example, the passive NFC repeater 300 is built into a plastic plug that fits into the opening 231 of the metal housing 230 of the electronic device 200. The plastic plug with the passive NFC repeater incorporated may be detachably attached to the opening 231 or fixedly attached to the opening 231.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows an example of an implementation form of the system 100. In this example, the passive repeater 300 is built into a plug fixed to an opening 231 of a metal housing 230 of the electronic device 200 such that the plug is part of the electronic device 200. As an example, the electronic device 200 is a lighting fixture, and the electronic component 210 is a light source such as an LED. The programmable driver 220 inside the lighting fixture 200 is oriented such that the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 is directed to one of the coils of the passive repeater 300. The external NFC reader 400 can establish an NFC communication link with an embedded NFC tag via the relay of the passive repeater 300.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows a further example of an implementation form of the system 100. This passive repeater 300 can be built into an add-on that fits into an insert assembled to the electronic device 200 for removable insertion into the opening 231. The add-on is independent of the electronic device 200 and may be inserted into the opening only during the commissioning procedure and can be removed from the opening immediately after the commissioning procedure is completed.

[0053] The add-on may be used as a tool for configuring the electronic component 210. The add-on or tool may have a housing having an elongated shape suitable for removable insertion into the opening 231.

[0054] As an example, the passive repeater 300 may be built into a pen as a tool for configuration. In the case of the lighting fixture 200 having the metal housing 230, due to the metal repelling the electromagnetic flux lines, external NFC communication for accessing the programmable driver 220 inside the lighting fixture 200 is impossible. A pen having a passive repeater allows magnetic flux lines to enter the lighting fixture 200 through the opening 231 when there is sufficient space such as 1 cm or more between the passive repeater and the metal housing of the electronic device or another metal component within the electronic device.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an electronic device 201. The electronic device 201 includes an electronic component 210, a programmable driver 220, a metal housing 230 including an opening 231, and a plastic plug fixed to the opening 231. The programmable driver 220 is configured to adjust the voltage or current supply to the electronic component 210. The programmable driver 220 includes an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag 225 having an antenna 226, and the NFC tag 225 is configured to assist an external NFC reader 400 in accessing the programmable driver 220 to configure the electronic component 210. The metal housing 230 includes an opening 231 for inserting a plug. The programmable driver 220 is disposed within the metal housing 230 with the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 facing the opening 231. The plastic plug is fixed to the opening 231. The plastic plug includes a passive NFC repeater 300 configured to connect to the NFC tag 225 via the opening 231 to extend the communication range of the NFC tag 225 to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader 400.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a usage kit 500. The kit 500 includes an electronic device 200 and a passive NFC repeater 300 incorporated into an add-on to the electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 includes electronic components 210, a programmable driver 220, and a metal housing 230. The programmable driver 220 is configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic components 210. The programmable driver 220 includes an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag 225 having an antenna 226. The NFC tag 225 is configured to assist an external NFC reader 400 in accessing the programmable driver 220 to configure the electronic components 210. The metal housing 230 includes an opening 231 for inserting a plug. The programmable driver 220 is disposed within the housing with the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 facing the opening 231. The passive NFC repeater 300 is incorporated into an add-on for removable insertion into the opening 231. The passive NFC repeater 300 is configured to connect to the NFC tag 225 through the opening 231 to extend the communication range of the NFC tag 225 to assist the NFC tag 225 in establishing an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader 400.

[0057] As an example, two coils of the passive NFC repeater 300 are electrically connected to each other. These coils are built into an add-on such as a pen. The programmable driver 220 inside the lighting fixture 200 has the antenna 226 of the NFC tag 225 directed towards one coil. The antenna of the NFC reader 400 can be directed towards the second coil of the passive repeater pen 300 outside the lighting fixture 200. The pen 300 can be shifted into the insert when the operator needs to program the driver. When programming is complete, the pen is removed.

Claims

1. A system including an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes an electronic component, and a programmable driver configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component, the programmable driver including an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag having an antenna, the NFC tag being configured to assist an external NFC reader in accessing the programmable driver to configure the electronic component, and a metal housing including an opening for inserting a plug, the programmable driver arranging the antenna of the NFC tag within the metal housing facing the opening, and including The system further includes a passive NFC repeater configured to connect to the NFC tag through the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag to establish an NFC communication link with the external NFC reader, the passive NFC repeater being incorporated into an add-on for removable insertion into the opening, and including The add-on is a tool used to configure the electronic component, and the passive NFC repeater is arranged at an end of the tool fitting into the opening.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component is a light source.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the passive NFC repeater includes two coils electrically connected to each other.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the passive NFC repeater is configured to passively relay an electrical signal between the two coils.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the passive NFC repeater is built into a housing having an elongated shape for insertion into the opening.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the external NFC reader is integrated with the passive NFC repeater in the tool.

7. The electronic device includes a plastic plug fixed to the opening with a cavity facing the interior of the electronic device, and the passive NFC repeater is configured for removable insertion into the cavity. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A usage kit including an electronic device, wherein the electronic device an electronic component, and a programmable driver configured to adjust the voltage or current supply of the electronic component, the programmable driver including an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag having an antenna, the NFC tag being configured to assist an external NFC reader in accessing the programmable driver to configure the electronic component, a programmable driver, and a metal housing including an opening for inserting a plug, the programmable driver having the antenna of the NFC tag disposed within the metal housing facing the opening, a metal housing, and a passive NFC repeater incorporated into an add-on for removable insertion into the opening, the passive NFC repeater being configured to connect to the NFC tag via the opening to extend the communication range of the NFC tag to assist the NFC tag in establishing an NFC communication link with an external NFC reader, a passive NFC repeater, and includes the add-on is a tool used to configure the electronic component, and the passive NFC repeater is disposed at an end of the tool that fits into the opening. A usage kit.

Images