Layered short-range wireless communication antenna

Abstract

A system and device for near-field wireless communication with a receiver. The device may include an antenna and one or more antenna printed circuit boards. The antenna may include a first conductor on a first antenna layer and a second conductor on one or more second antenna layers. A current supplied to the antenna may pass through the first conductor in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the second conductor. The system may include the device and a receiver, which may have a receiver coil. The opposing directions in which the current passes through the first conductor and the second conductor may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil. The antenna may generate a substantial magnetic flux in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil, which may be oriented parallel to the planar surface of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 370,808, filed Aug. 9, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002]

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a near - field communication (NFC) antenna for communication and / or powering a remote receiver. In particular, aspects of the present invention relate to a planar NFC antenna for a small cylindrical receiver with an axis and coil oriented parallel to the planar antenna surface.

Background Art

[0003]

[0004] Discussion of Background Art

[0005] Magnetic Fields

[0006] FIG. 1A shows a cross - section of a conductor (e.g., a wire) carrying current in a first direction (e.g., forward or into the page), and the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. FIG. 1B shows a cross - section of a conductor carrying current in a second direction (e.g., backward or out of the page), and the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. FIGS. 1C and 1E each show a cross - section of a group of conductors carrying current in the first direction, where FIG. 1C shows the direction of the magnetic field generated by each of the currents carried by the conductors of the group of conductors, and FIG. 1E shows the direction of the combined magnetic field generated by the currents of the group of conductors. FIGS. 1D and 1F each show a cross - section of a group of conductors carrying current in the second direction, where FIG. 1D shows the direction of the magnetic field generated by each of the currents carried by the conductors of the group of conductors, and FIG. 1F shows the direction of the combined magnetic field generated by the currents of the group of conductors. FIG. 1G shows a cross - section of a group of conductors including both (a) a conductor carrying current in the first direction and (b) a conductor carrying current in the second direction, and the direction of the magnetic field generated by the opposing - direction currents of the group of conductors.

[0004]

[0007] Space - saving NFC Antenna Design

[0008] An NFC antenna is typically a coil shaped to perform a specific task. For example, an NFC antenna may be operated at a center frequency of 13.56 MHz, and its size may be limited to an area of ​​0.01 meters (m) to 0.1 m. For many applications, an NFC antenna can communicate with a remote device and / or supply power to the remote device (e.g., during the duration of communication). Typically, maximizing the flux linkage between the NFC antenna and the remote device improves power efficiency and communication range. The power supplied to the remote device by the NFC antenna will be proportional to the square of the amplitude of the electromagnetic field (EMF) that can be deployed in the receiving coil of the remote device. The EMF is proportional to the time derivative of the flux linkage, as shown in the following equation.

[0005]

number

[0006] The above equation means that the EMF is proportional to the velocity of the magnetic flux changing through the receiving coil of the remote device, and the integral of the dot product of the incoming magnetic flux density vector and the normal to the surface of the coil over the entire surface of the coil. If the frequency is fixed by the allocation for regulation, the flux linkage can be maximized by decreasing the distance and / or increasing the area of ​​the coil receiving the flux with a vector oriented in the same direction as the normal to the coil. This can be done by adding turns to the coil, and as shown below, the equation for flux linkage is simplified to a single-loop equation multiplied by N, where N is the number of turns in the coil. λ=NΦ (Equation 3)

[0009] Many antennas are optimized to (i) be broad and planar, (ii) communicate with remote devices that are also broad and planar, and (iii) be the same size and dimensions as a credit card or public transport pass. In these cases, the flux linkage is maximized by adding windings and ensuring that the transmitter antenna and remote device are properly aligned. In this case, the flux linkage is realized through coaxial magnetic field lines perpendicular to the surface of the planar coil and representing the instantaneous magnetic "poles" of the magnet generated by the coil. The receiving coil is then positioned parallel to the transmitting coil and receives most of the magnetic field lines before they begin to bend laterally.

[0007]

[0010] Different antenna shapes are used in special cases where the remote device is not a wide, flat surface and its magnetic poles cannot be aligned perpendicular to the transmitter's surface. For example, if the receiving device is a long cylinder with a helical coil wound along its axis, and the coil can only be positioned parallel to the antenna, then it is no longer possible to use magnetic field lines directly at the poles. Instead, curved magnetic field lines are used to power the coil. This can be achieved by transforming the transmitter antenna into a coil similar in length to the receiver coil, but longer. The magnetic field lines generated at the poles are then curved along the receiver coil and align with its axial direction. However, if the size and shape of the transmitter are limited (for example, if it must be manufactured as a printed circuit board (PCB)), it may not be feasible to simply produce the transmitter in a cylindrical shape.

[0008]

[0011] Planar NFC antenna structure

[0012] For a typical small NFC antenna (e.g., 0.01m to 0.1m with 10 to 20 turns), the number of turns and size of the NFC antenna are intended to ensure that the entire antenna structure is roughly in phase when operating at 13.56MHz. This is because the wavelength at 13.56MHz is approximately 22 meters, half a wavelength is 11 meters, and the copper equivalent is only slightly smaller. It can be assumed that most of the phase shift occurs in the matching network leading to the antenna. For this reason, the antenna can be analyzed in terms of the overlapping magnetic fields in space generated by the finite conductors carrying the current in the antenna structure. Conductors that are close together and carrying current in the same direction will generate parallel magnetic field lines, which overlap to create a stronger magnetic flux, improving the flux linkage for any receiving coil placed perpendicular to those magnetic field lines. However, since the current must travel through a closed circuit, for each conductor traveling in one direction, there will be a conductor carrying the same amount of current in the opposite direction. Magnetic field lines from a conductor carrying current in the opposite direction destructively interfere with the preceding magnetic field lines, potentially canceling them out. To mitigate this, various techniques are used, such as shielding the return conductor with a ferrimagnetic material (e.g., ferrite), spatially separating a conductor carrying current in one direction from a conductor carrying current in the opposite direction (as shown in Figure 1G), and / or determining the timing of their phase inversion so that their interference is constructive rather than destructive. The technique of determining the timing of their phase inversion so that their interference is constructive requires an electrically large antenna (e.g., about half a wavelength), which is difficult to achieve in small sizes. This means that for small antennas, a combination of the first two techniques is used.

[0009]

[0013] Planar NFC antennas and their compatibility with small cylindrical receiver coils

[0014] Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B show cross-sections of an existing planar NFC antenna 202 including a planar transmitter coil 204, the direction of the current transmitted by the transmitter coil 204, and the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil 204. Figure 2A further shows a cross-section of receiver 206a including a planar receiver coil 208a, and the direction of the current induced in receiver coil 208a by the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil 204. Figure 2B further shows a cross-section of receiver 206b including a cylindrical receiver coil 208b, and the direction of the current induced in receiver coil 208b by the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil 204. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the existing planar NFC antenna 202 and receiver 206a or 206b use coaxial flux linkage. In other words, the transmitter coil 204 of the NFC antenna 202 and the receiver coil 208a of receiver 206a or the receiver coil 208b of receiver 206b are expected to be aligned approximately along the same axis. For receivers 206a or 206b that are positioned such that their axes are perpendicular to the conductor of the transmitter coil 204 and coaxial with the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204, the existing planar NFC antenna 202 will function in the intermediate range.

[0010]

[0015] Figures 3A and 3B show cross-sections of the receiver 306, including the cylindrical receiver coil 308. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the axis of the transmitter coil 204 of the NFC antenna 202 is perpendicular to the axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. That is, in Figures 3A and 3B, the axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 is oriented horizontally with respect to the vertical orientation of the axis of the transmitter coil 204 of the NFC antenna 202.

[0011]

[0016] Figure 3A shows a receiver 306 positioned at the center of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204. Figure 3A shows the direction of the current that the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil 204 attempts to induce in the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. However, as shown in Figure 3A, when the receiver 306 is positioned at the center of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204, the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204 cannot induce a current in the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 (or, if the receiver 306 is not precisely at the center, can only generate a small amount of current).

[0012]

[0017] Figure 3B shows a receiver 306 positioned at a different location, offset from the center of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204. As shown in Figure 3B, when the receiver 306 is positioned offset from the center of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204, the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204 can induce a current in the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. Figure 3B shows the direction of the current induced in the receiver coil 308 of the off-center receiver 306 by the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204. That is, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the receiver coil 308 of the horizontally oriented receiver 306 cannot be used with the transmitter coil 204 of the NFC antenna 202 unless the receiver 306 is positioned offset from the center of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the conductor of the transmitter coil 204.

[0013]

[0018] The ferrite sheet backing can improve the performance of the NFC antenna 202 and prevent the magnetic flux from affecting electronic equipment on the other side of the NFC antenna 202.

[0019] Figures 4A and 4C show cross-sectional views of a system including the apparatus 402 and the receiver 306. The apparatus 402 includes an antenna 404, an antenna printed circuit board (PCB) 410, a ferromagnetic layer 416, a circuit component PCB 412, a connector 414 between the antenna PCB 410 and the circuit component PCB 412, and one or more circuit components 418, 420, and 422 mounted on or fabricated on the circuit component PCB 412. One or more circuit components may include a processor 418 and a computer-readable medium (CRM) 420 (e.g., flash memory). Figure 4B shows the antenna 404. As shown in Figure 4B, the antenna 404 includes a first antenna differential feeder 424 and a second antenna differential feeder 426, through which current is supplied to the antenna 404. As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the antenna 404 includes a first conductor 404a and a second conductor 404b extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. As shown in Figure 4B, the antenna 404 additionally includes a third conductor 404c connecting the first conductor 404a and the second conductor 404b and extending substantially parallel to the axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. As shown in Figure 4B, the antenna 404 additionally includes wires 428, 430, and 432 (e.g., PCB wiring).

[0014]

[0020] As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the antenna 404 includes a first conductor 404a and a second conductor 404b in a single layer. As shown in Figures 4A and 4C, the current supplied to the antenna 404 passes through the first conductor 404a in the opposite direction to the direction in which the current passes through the second conductor 404b. The opposing directions in which the current supplied to the antenna 404 passes through the first conductor 404a and the second conductor 404b are perpendicular to the axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the first conductor 404a is located in the center of the antenna 404 between the second conductors 404b located on the left and right edges of the antenna 404. As shown in Figure 4B, the first conductor 404a is also positioned between the conductors of the antenna 404 that connect the first conductor 404a and the second conductor 404b at the top and bottom edges of the antenna 404.

[0015]

[0021] The magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 404a and the second conductor 404b of the antenna 404 is shown in Figures 4A and 4C. The ferromagnetic layer 416 contributes to the optimal performance of the device 402. As shown in Figure 4A, when the receiver 306 is positioned at the center of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 404a of the transmitter antenna 404, the receiver 306 receives a good signal, and the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 404a of the transmitter antenna 404 can induce a current in the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306.

[0016]

[0022] As shown in Figure 4C, if the receiver coil 308 of receiver 306 is positioned between the magnetic fields generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 404a and the second conductor 404b of transmitter antenna 404, the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 404a and the second conductor 404b of transmitter antenna 404 cannot induce a current in the receiver coil 308 of receiver 306. That is, receiver 306 will lose its signal if it is shifted even a small distance from the center, which makes it easy for the device 402 and receiver 306 to lose connection. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4C, if the receiver coil 308 of receiver 306 is positioned entirely within the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the second conductor 404b of transmitter antenna 404, the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 404a of transmitter antenna 404 may induce a small current in the receiver coil 308 of receiver 306. In other words, receiver 306 receives a weak signal that is far from the center, which can confuse the user (for example, by trying to center receiver 306).

[0017]

[0023] Furthermore, the magnetic field generated by the third conductor 404c of the antenna 404, which connects the first conductor 404a and the second conductor 404b and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306, is perpendicular to the axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 and does not contribute to generating current in the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. Therefore, these magnetic fields are not shown in Figures 4A and 4C. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0018]

[0024] Aspects of the present invention can improve the reception area and range of a planar near-field communication (NFC) antenna, which can be differentially driven by improving the mutual inductance flux and area efficiency and can operate, for example but not limited to, at 13.56 MHz. Aspects of the present invention can, additionally or alternatively, improve the area efficiency of the antenna by covering a larger area with conductors carrying currents having constructively overlapping magnetic fields. Aspects of the present invention can, additionally or alternatively, improve the antenna range by reducing the resistance of the antenna coil, moving the return current conductor further away from the active area, and / or covering the return current wire with one or more ferromagnetic pieces. Aspects of the present invention can provide a significant improvement in antenna performance.

[0019]

[0025] One aspect of the present invention can provide a device including an antenna. The antenna can include a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor can be in a first antenna layer. The second conductor can be in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer. The current supplied to the antenna can pass through the first conductor in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the second conductor.

[0020]

[0026] In some aspects, the device can further include an antenna printed circuit board (PCB). In some aspects, the first conductor can be printed on the bottom surface of the antenna PCB. In some aspects, the antenna PCB can include antenna vias, and each of the antenna vias can electrically connect one conductor of the second conductor to one conductor of the first conductor. In some aspects, the first conductor in the first antenna layer, the conductors in one or more second antenna layers, and the antenna vias can form a coil, and the conductors in one or more second antenna layers can at least include the second conductor.

[0021]

[0027] In some aspects, the second conductor can be printed on the top surface of the antenna PCB and / or fabricated in one or more layers of the antenna PCB.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second conductor may include a second conductor disposed at a first edge of the antenna PCB and a second conductor disposed at a second edge of the antenna PCB opposite the first edge. In some embodiments, the device may include a first ferromagnetic piece disposed under the second conductor disposed at the first edge of the antenna PCB and a second ferromagnetic piece disposed under the second conductor disposed at the second edge of the antenna PCB.

[0022]

[0029] In some embodiments, the device may further include a ferromagnetic layer above the antenna PCB. In some embodiments, the device may further include a circuit component PCB and one or more circuit components mounted on or fabricated on the circuit component PCB. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic layer may be between the circuit component PCB and the antenna PCB.

[0023]

[0030] In some embodiments, the second conductor may be disposed at one edge of the antenna PCB. In some embodiments, the device may further include a ferromagnetic piece disposed above the second conductor at one edge of the antenna PCB.

[0024]

[0031] In some embodiments, the antenna may further include a ferromagnetic layer between the first conductor and the second conductor.

[0032] In some embodiments, the antenna PCB may be a first antenna PCB, the antenna may further include a second antenna PCB, the first conductor may be printed on or fabricated on the first PCB antenna, the second conductor may be printed on and / or fabricated on the second PCB antenna. In some embodiments, the device may further include one or more circuit components mounted on or fabricated on the second antenna PCB. In some embodiments, the first antenna PCB and the second antenna PCB may be part of a composite PCB, and the ferromagnetic layer may be an internal layer within the composite PCB.

[0025]

[0033] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first conductor may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second conductor. In some embodiments, the device may further include a first antenna feed point and a second antenna feed point, a first feed conductor located in one of one or more second antenna layers, which electrically connects the first antenna feed point to the first outer conductor of the first conductor at the first antenna end of the first outer conductor, and a second feed conductor located in one of one or more second antenna layers, which electrically connects the second antenna feed point to the second outer conductor of the first conductor at the second antenna end of the second outer conductor, wherein the first and second antenna ends may be opposite ends of an antenna.

[0026]

[0034] In some embodiments, the current supplied to the antenna may pass through one conductor of the second conductor after passing through one conductor of the first conductor and before passing through another conductor of the first conductor. In some embodiments, the current supplied to the antenna may pass through one conductor of the first conductor after passing through one conductor of the second conductor and before passing through another conductor of the second conductor.

[0027]

[0035] In some embodiments, a current passing through a first conductor may generate a constructively overlapping magnetic field. In some embodiments, a current passing through a second conductor may generate a magnetic field that can destructively interfere with the magnetic field generated by the current passing through the first conductor. In some embodiments, the current passing through the second conductor may be a return current.

[0028]

[0036] In some embodiments, the first antenna layer does not include a conductor through which the current supplied to the antenna passes in the opposite direction to the direction in which the current supplied to the antenna passes through the first conductor. In some embodiments, the antenna may further include a third conductor in one or more second antenna layers, the third conductor may connect the first conductor and the second conductor. In some embodiments, the antenna may include two or more second antenna layers, the second conductor may be in two or more second antenna layers.

[0029]

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention may provide a system comprising any one of the above-described devices and a receiver coil.

[0038] In some embodiments, the opposing directions in which the current passes through the first and second conductors may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil. In some embodiments, the first and second conductors may extend in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil. In some embodiments, the antenna may further include a third conductor in one or more second antenna layers, the third conductor may connect the first and second conductors and may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil may be parallel to the planar surface formed by the first conductor in the first antenna layer.

[0030]

[0039] A further aspect of the present invention may provide a method comprising the step of supplying current to an antenna. The current supplied to the antenna may pass through a first conductor in the first antenna layer of the antenna in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through a second conductor in one or more second antenna layers of the antenna that are different from the first antenna layer of the antenna.

[0031]

[0040] In some embodiments, a current passing through the first conductor may generate constructively overlapping magnetic fields. In some embodiments, a current passing through the second conductor may be a return current. In some embodiments, the opposing directions in which the current passes through the first and second conductors may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil. In some embodiments, the first and second conductors may extend in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil may be parallel to the planar surface formed by the first conductor in the first antenna layer. In some embodiments, the current may be an alternating current.

[0032]

[0041] Further variations of the system and method are described below in the detailed description of the invention.

[0042] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part of the specification illustrate various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1A]

[0043] This is a cross-sectional view of a conductor that carries electric current in a certain direction, showing the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. [Figure 1B] This is a cross-sectional view of a conductor carrying electric current in opposite directions, showing the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. [Figure 1C]

[0044] This is a cross-sectional view of a group of conductors, each carrying electric current in the same direction, and shows the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. [Figure 1D] This is a cross-sectional view of a group of conductors, each carrying electric current in the same direction, and shows the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. [Figure 1E]

[0045] This is a cross-sectional view of a group of conductors, each carrying current in the same direction, and shows the direction of the combined magnetic field generated by the current in the group of conductors. [Figure 1F] This is a cross-sectional view of a group of conductors, each carrying current in the same direction, and shows the direction of the combined magnetic field generated by the current in the group of conductors. [Figure 1G]

[0046] (a) A cross-sectional view of a group of conductors that includes both a conductor that carries current in a first direction and (b) a conductor that carries current in a second direction, showing the direction of the magnetic field generated by the opposing currents of the group of conductors. [Figure 2A]

[0047] This is a cross-sectional view of a system including an NFC antenna and a receiver having a coil aligned coaxially, showing the direction of the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, and the direction of the current induced in the receiver coil of the receiver by the magnetic field. [Figure 2B]This is a cross-sectional view of a system including an NFC antenna and a receiver having a coil aligned coaxially, showing the direction of the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, and the direction of the current induced in the receiver coil of the receiver by the magnetic field. [Figure 3A]

[0048] This is a cross-sectional view of a system including an NFC antenna with a vertically oriented transmitter coil axis and a receiver with a horizontally oriented receiver coil axis, showing the direction of the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, and the direction of the current induced (or about to be induced) in the receiver coil of the receiver by the magnetic field. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view of a system including an NFC antenna with a vertically oriented transmitter coil axis and a receiver with a horizontally oriented receiver coil axis, showing the direction of the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the transmitter coil of the NFC antenna, and the direction of the current in the receiver coil of the receiver that is induced (or about to be induced) by the magnetic field. [Figure 4A]

[0049] This is a cross-sectional view of a system including a device having a planar NFC antenna with a single-layer transmitter coil and a receiver having a receiver coil. [Figure 4B] This is a diagram showing a single-layer transmitter coil. [Figure 4C] This is a cross-sectional view of a system including a device having a planar NFC antenna with a single-layer transmitter coil and a receiver having a receiver coil. [Figure 5A]

[0050] This is a cross-sectional view of a system including an apparatus having a planar NFC antenna with multilayer transmitter coils and a receiver having receiver coils, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5B]

[0051] Perspective views of multilayer transmitter coils in several configurations. [Figure 5C] This is an expanded diagram of a multilayer transmitter coil in several configurations. [Figure 5D] These are bottom views of multi-layer transmitter coils in several configurations. [Figure 5E] These are bottom views of multi-layer transmitter coils in several configurations. [Figure 5F]

[0052] This figure shows a first conductor in the first antenna layer of a multilayer transmitter coil in several embodiments. [Figure 5G]

[0053] This figure shows a second conductor in the second antenna layer of a multilayer transmitter coil in several embodiments. [Figure 5H] This figure shows a second conductor in the second antenna layer of a multilayer transmitter coil in several embodiments. [Figure 5I] This figure shows a second conductor in the second antenna layer of a multilayer transmitter coil in several embodiments. [Figure 5J] This figure shows a second conductor in the second antenna layer of a multilayer transmitter coil in several embodiments. [Figure 5K] This figure shows a second conductor in the second antenna layer of a multilayer transmitter coil in several embodiments. [Figure 5L]

[0054] These are bottom views of multi-layer transmitter coils in several configurations. [Figure 6]

[0055] This is a cross-sectional view of a system including an apparatus having a planar NFC antenna with multilayer transmitter coils and a receiver having receiver coils, according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034]

[0056] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a system including an apparatus 502 and a receiver 306 in several embodiments. The receiver 306 may include a receiver coil 308. In some embodiments, the apparatus 502 may include an antenna 504, an antenna printed circuit board (PCB) 510, one or more ferromagnetic layers 516, a circuit component PCB 512, a connector 514 between the antenna PCB 510 and the circuit component PCB 512, and / or one or more circuit components 518, 520, and 522 mounted on or fabricated on the circuit component PCB 512. In some embodiments, one or more circuit components 518, 520, and 522 may include a processor 518 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) and a computer-readable medium (CRM) 520 (e.g., flash memory). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the device 502 may additionally or alternatively include one or more ferromagnetic (e.g., ferrite) pieces 534 positioned on one or more of the first (e.g., left) and second (e.g., right) edges of the antenna 504. However, the one or more ferromagnetic pieces 534 are not essential, and in some alternative embodiments, the device 502 may not include one or more ferromagnetic pieces 534.

[0035]

[0057] Figures 5B-5E and 5L are perspective views, extended views, bottom views, bottom views, and bottom views of the antenna 504 in several embodiments, respectively. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A-5F and 5L, the antenna 504 may include a first conductor 504a in a first antenna layer (shown in red in Figures 5B-5D and 5L). Figure 5F shows the first conductor 504a in the first antenna layer in several embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A-5E and 5G-5L, the antenna 504 may include conductors in one or more second antenna layers (shown in dark blue, wisteria, light blue, yellow, and light green in Figures 5B-5D and 5L). Figures 5G-5K show conductors in the second antenna layer in several embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna 504 includes five second antenna layers. However, this is not mandatory, and in some alternative embodiments, antenna 504 may include a different number of second antenna layers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 20, etc.). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5B to 5L, antenna 504 may include antenna vias 536 that electrically connect a first conductor 504a in the first antenna layer to one or more conductors in one or more second antenna layers. In some embodiments, antenna vias 536 may be short vertical conductors in antenna PCB 510. Figure 5C shows antenna 504 with antenna vias 536 extended to show the first conductor 504a in the first antenna layer and conductors in different second antenna layers. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5B, 5D, 5E, 5G, and 5L, the antenna 504 may include a first antenna feed section 505a and a second antenna feed section 505b (e.g., a differential antenna feed section) through which the device 502 can supply current (e.g., alternating current) to the antenna 504. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5B, 5D, 5E, 5G, and 5L, the first antenna feed section 505a and the second antenna feed section 505b may be located at one end (e.g., the front end) of the antenna 504.In some embodiments, the conductors of the first antenna layer and the conductors of the second antenna layer, as well as the antenna vias 536, can form a coil.

[0036]

[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the first conductor 504a of the first antenna layer may be on the bottom surface of the antenna PCB 510. In some embodiments, the first conductor 504a may be mounted or printed on the bottom surface of the antenna PCB 510. In some alternative embodiments, the first conductor 504a of the first antenna layer may be in (e.g., fabricated) the bottom layer of the antenna PCB 510. In some embodiments, the first conductor 504a may be the only conductor on (or in the bottom layer of) the antenna PCB 510. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 may be substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the planar antenna 504 formed by the first conductor 504a.

[0037]

[0059] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5F and 5L, the first conductor 504a of the first antenna layer may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, the conductor may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 if the angle of the conductor with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 is in the range of 75° to 105° (i.e., 90° ± 15°). In some embodiments, the conductor may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 if the angle of the conductor with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 is in the range of 80° to 100° (i.e., 90° ± 10°). In some embodiments, the conductor may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306, such that the angle of the conductor with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 is in the range of 85° to 95° (i.e., 90° ± 5°).

[0038]

[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5E and Figures 5G to 5L, the conductors of one or more second antenna layers may include a second conductor 504b, a third conductor 504c, a first feeding conductor 504d, and / or a second feeding conductor 504e. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, where the first conductor 504a is on the bottom surface of the antenna PCB 510, the conductors of one or more second antenna layers (e.g., conductors 504b to 504e) may be on the top surface of the antenna PCB 510 (e.g., mounted or printed) and / or on one or more layers of the antenna PCB 510 (e.g., fabricated). In some alternative embodiments where the first conductor 504a is in the bottom layer of the antenna PCB 510, one or more conductors of the second antenna layer (e.g., conductors 504b to 504e) may be on the top surface of the antenna PCB 510 (e.g., mounted or printed) and / or on one or more layers of the antenna PCB 510 other than the bottom layer of the antenna PCB 510 (e.g., fabricated).

[0039]

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A-5E and 5G-5L, the second conductor 504b may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the second conductor 504b may include a second conductor 504b located on a first edge (e.g., the left edge) of the antenna PCB 510, and a second conductor 504b located on a second edge (e.g., the right edge) of the antenna PCB 510 opposite the first edge. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5B-5E and 5G-5L, the third conductor 504c may connect the second conductor 504b to the first conductor 504a (e.g., using an antenna via 536). In some embodiments, the second conductor 504b and the third conductor 504c (and the antenna via 536) may form a return path for the current supplied to the antenna 504. For example, the second conductor 504b and the two third conductors 504c (and the two antenna vias 536) in one of the second antenna layers may form a return path for the current from one end of the first conductor 504a (e.g., the front end) to the other opposite end of the first conductor 504a (e.g., the rear end).

[0040]

[0062] In some embodiments, in the antenna structures shown in Figures 5A to 5L, the current supplied to the antenna 504 may pass through one conductor of the second conductor 504b after passing through one conductor of the first conductor 504a, but before passing through another conductor of the first conductor 504a. In some embodiments, the current supplied to the antenna 504 may pass through one conductor of the first conductor 504a after passing through one conductor of the second conductor 504b, but before passing through another conductor of the second conductor 504b.

[0041]

[0063] In some embodiments, the first feeding conductor 504d may electrically connect the first antenna feed point 505a to the first outer conductor of the first conductor 504a at the first antenna end of the first outer conductor (for example, using an antenna via 536), and the second feeding conductor 504e may electrically connect the second antenna feed point to the second outer conductor of the first conductor at the second antenna end of the second outer conductor (for example, using another antenna via 536), and the first and second antenna ends may be opposite ends of the antenna 504. For example, the first antenna end may be the front end of the antenna 504, and the second antenna end may be the rear end of the antenna 504. In some embodiments, the first feeding conductor 504d and the second feeding conductor 504e may be in the same layer of one or more second antenna layers. However, this is not mandatory, and in some alternative embodiments, the first feed conductor 504d may be in a different layer from the second feed conductor 504e among one or more second antenna layers.

[0042]

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5L, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first conductor 504a in the first antenna layer may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​one or more conductors in the second antenna layer (including, for example, the second conductor 504b, the third conductor 504c, and / or the first feeding conductor 504d and the second feeding conductor 504e). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5L, the width of the first conductor 504a in the first antenna layer may be larger than the width of one or more conductors in the second antenna layer. In some embodiments, the first conductor 504a may be the only conductor in the first antenna layer, and therefore the first conductor 504a may extend across the entire width of the bottom surface of the antenna PCB 510, thus allowing for a larger cross-sectional area and / or width of the first conductor 504a. However, a larger cross-sectional area and / or width of the first conductor 504a is not required, and in some alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area and / or width of the first conductor 504a in the first antenna layer may be equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area and / or width of each conductor in one or more second antenna layers.

[0043]

[0065] In some embodiments, the first conductor 504a and the second conductor 504b of the antenna 504 may be wires (for example, having a round cross-section as shown in Figure 5A). However, this is not mandatory, and in some alternative embodiments, as shown in Figures 5B to 5L, the first conductor 504a and the second conductor 504b of the antenna 504 may be PCB wiring (for example, planar PCB wiring having a rectangular cross-section).

[0044]

[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the current supplied to the antenna 504 may pass through the first conductor 504a in the opposite direction to the direction in which the current passes through the second conductor 504b. In some embodiments, the opposing directions in which the current supplied to the antenna 504 passes through the first conductor 504a and the second conductor 504b may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, the first antenna layer including the first conductor 504a does not include a conductor through which the current supplied to the antenna passes in the opposite direction to the direction in which the current supplied to the antenna passes through the first conductor 504a.

[0045]

[0067] Figure 5A shows the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 504a and the second conductor 504b of the antenna 504 in several embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, a ferromagnetic (e.g., ferrite) layer 516 may be located above the antenna PCB 510 (e.g., between the circuit component PCB 512 and the antenna PCB 510), and the ferromagnetic layer 516 may contribute to the optimal performance of the device 502. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the device 502 may include a first ferromagnetic piece 534 positioned beneath a second conductor 504b located at a first edge (e.g., the left edge) of the antenna PCB 510, and a second ferromagnetic piece 534 positioned beneath a second conductor 504b located at a second edge (e.g., the right edge) of the antenna PCB 510, the first and second ferromagnetic pieces 534 may further reduce unwanted magnetic field lines (e.g., magnetic field lines generated by currents passing through the second conductor 504b). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, one or more ferromagnetic pieces 534 may be positioned directly beneath a second conductor 504b located at the bottom of a first conductor 504a of the first antenna layer.

[0046]

[0068] In some embodiments, if the receiver 306 is positioned at any of the locations shown in Figure 5A, the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the antenna 504 can induce a current in the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, the receiver 306 may receive a good signal directly below the antenna 504. In some embodiments, the connection between the device 502 and the receiver 306 of the system shown in Figure 5A may be less susceptible to lateral movement than the connection between the device 402 and the receiver 306 of the systems shown in Figures 4A and 4C.

[0047]

[0069] In some embodiments, more of the area of ​​device 502 may be used to configure the antenna 504 than is used to configure the antenna 404 with respect to device 402. In some embodiments, the increased area may allow for wider spacing of the conductors 504a, and thus a larger operating area for the NFC field.

[0048]

[0070] In some embodiments, the first conductor 504a of antenna 504 may be wider than the first conductor 404a of antenna 404 of device 402. In some embodiments, the first conductor 504a may be wider because it is not in the same antenna layer as the second conductor 504b. That is, in some embodiments, a wider first conductor 504a may take advantage of additional space on the bottom of antenna PCB 510. In some embodiments, a wider first conductor 504a may have the advantage of reduced coil resistance.

[0049]

[0071] In some embodiments, one or more additional windings may be added to one or more sides of the antenna 504 of the antenna 404 of the device 402. In some embodiments, the additional windings may compensate for the reduction in inductance.

[0050]

[0072] In some embodiments, with respect to the second conductor 404b of the antenna 404 of the device 402, the second conductor 504b may be further toward the right and left edges of the antenna 504 (for example, since the second conductor 504b may be dispersed across a number of second antenna layers). In some embodiments, the second conductor 504b being further toward the right and left edges of the antenna 504 may reduce their series resistance and / or their contribution to the magnetic field generated by the current supplied to the antenna 504. In some embodiments, with respect to the antenna 404 of the device 402, the third conductor 404c may be essentially converted into the third conductor 504c and the antenna via 536.

[0051]

[0073] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a system including an apparatus 602 and a receiver 306 in several embodiments. The receiver 306 may include a receiver coil 308. In some embodiments, the apparatus 602 may include an antenna 604, a first antenna printed circuit board (PCB) 610, one or more ferromagnetic layers 616, a second antenna PCB 612, and / or one or more circuit components 618, 620, and 622 mounted on or fabricated on the second antenna PCB 612. In some embodiments, the first antenna PCB 610 and the second antenna PCB 612 may be part of a composite PCB (e.g., a custom PCB), and the ferromagnetic layer 616 may be one or more internal layers within the composite PCB. In some alternative embodiments, the ferromagnetic layer 616 is fixed (e.g., bonded) to the top surface of the first antenna PCB 610 and / or the bottom surface of the second antenna PCB 612. In some embodiments, one or more circuit components 618, 620, and 622 may include a processor 618 (e.g., a CPU) and a CRM 620 (e.g., flash memory). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the device 602 may additionally include a ferromagnetic (e.g., ferrite) piece 636 positioned above the second conductor 604b of the antenna 604 at the first edge (e.g., the left or right edge) of the antenna 604. However, the ferromagnetic piece 636 is not essential, and in some alternative embodiments, the device 602 may not include the ferromagnetic piece 636.

[0052]

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the antenna 604 may include a first conductor 604a in the first antenna layer. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the antenna 604 may include conductors in one or more second antenna layers. In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna 604 includes two second antenna layers. However, this is not mandatory, and in some alternative embodiments, the antenna 604 may include a different number of second antenna layers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 20, etc.). In some embodiments, the antenna 604 may include antenna vias that electrically connect the first conductor 604a in the first antenna layer to one or more conductors in one or more second antenna layers. In some embodiments, the antenna vias may be vertical conductors in the first antenna PCB 610 and / or ferromagnetic layer 616. In some embodiments, antenna 604 may additionally or alternatively include vias (e.g., embedded vias and / or blind vias) for electronic routing (e.g., routing of one or more circuit components 618, 620, and 622).

[0053]

[0075] In some embodiments, the antenna 604 may include a first antenna feed point and a second antenna feed point (e.g., a differential antenna feed point), through which the device 602 can supply current (e.g., alternating current) to the antenna 604. In some embodiments, the first and second antenna feed points may be located at one end (e.g., the front end) of the antenna 604. In some embodiments, the conductors of the first antenna layer and the conductors of the second antenna layer, as well as the antenna vias 536, may form a coil.

[0054]

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the first conductor 604a of the first antenna layer may be on the bottom surface of the first antenna PCB 610. In some embodiments, the first conductor 604a may be mounted or printed on the bottom surface of the first antenna PCB 610. In some alternative embodiments, the first conductor 604a of the first antenna layer may be in (e.g., fabricated) the bottom layer of the first antenna PCB 610. In some embodiments, the first conductor 604a may be the only conductor on (or in the bottom layer of) the bottom surface of the first antenna PCB 610. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 may be substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the antenna 504, which is planar formed by the first conductor 604a. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the first conductor 604a of the first antenna layer may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306.

[0055]

[0077] In some embodiments, the conductors of one or more second antenna layers may include a second conductor 604b, a third conductor, a first feeding conductor, and / or a second feeding conductor. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the conductors of one or more second antenna layers (including, for example, the second conductor 604b) may be on the top surface of the second antenna PCB 612 (e.g., mounted or printed) and / or in one or more layers of the second antenna PCB 612 (e.g., fabricated).

[0056]

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the second conductor 604b may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the second conductor 604b may be located on one edge (e.g., the left or right edge) of the second antenna PCB 612. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic piece 636 may be located above the second conductor 604b on one edge (e.g., the left or right edge) of the second antenna PCB 612. In some embodiments, the third conductor may connect the second conductor 604b to the first conductor 504a (e.g., using antenna vias through the second antenna PCB 612, the ferromagnetic layer 616, and / or the first antenna PCB 610). In some embodiments, the second conductor 604b (and the third conductor and / or antenna via 536) may form a return path for the current supplied to the antenna 604. For example, the second conductor 604b in one of the second antenna layers may form part of the return path for the current (together with two third conductors and / or at least two antenna vias of the second antenna layer) from one end of the first conductor 604a (e.g., the front end) to the opposite end of the other first conductor 604a (e.g., the rear end). In some embodiments, as shown by the second conductor 604b in Figure 6, all return paths may travel around the same edge (e.g., the right or left edge) of the second antenna PCB 612. In some embodiments, a ferromagnetic layer 616 may be located between the first conductor 604a and the second conductor 604b.

[0057]

[0079] In some embodiments, in the antenna structure shown in Figure 6, the current supplied to antenna 604 may pass through one conductor of the second conductor 604b after passing through one conductor of the first conductor 604a, but before passing through another conductor of the first conductor 604a. In some embodiments, the current supplied to antenna 604 may pass through one conductor of the first conductor 604a after passing through one conductor of the second conductor 604b, but before passing through another conductor of the second conductor 604b.

[0058]

[0080] In some embodiments, the first feeding conductor may electrically connect the first antenna feed point to the first outer conductor of the first conductor 604a at the first antenna end of the first outer conductor (e.g., using an antenna via), and the second feeding conductor may electrically connect the second antenna feed point to the second outer conductor of the first conductor at the second antenna end of the second outer conductor (e.g., using another antenna via), and the first and second antenna ends may be at opposite ends of antenna 604. For example, the first antenna end may be at the front end of antenna 604, and the second antenna end may be at the rear end of antenna 604. In some embodiments, the first and second feeding conductors may be in the same layer of one or more second antenna layers. However, this is not mandatory, and in some alternative embodiments, the first feeding conductor may be in a different layer of one or more second antenna layers than the second feeding conductor.

[0059]

[0081] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first conductor 604a in the first antenna layer may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductors in one or more second antenna layers (e.g., the second conductor 604b). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the width of the first conductor 604a in the first antenna layer may be larger than the width of the conductors in one or more second antenna layers (including, for example, the second conductor 604b). In some embodiments, the first conductor 604a may be the only conductor in the first antenna layer, and therefore the first conductor 604a may extend across the entire width of the bottom surface of the first antenna PCB 610, thus allowing for a larger cross-sectional area and / or width of the first conductor 604a. However, a larger cross-sectional area and / or width of the first conductor 604a is not required, and in some alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area and / or width of the first conductor 604a in the first antenna layer may be equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area and / or width of each of the conductors in one or more second antenna layers.

[0060]

[0082] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the first conductor 604a and the second conductor 604b of the antenna 604 may be wires (for example, having a round cross-section). However, this is not mandatory, and in some alternative embodiments, the first conductor 604a and the second conductor 604b of the antenna 604 may be PCB wiring (for example, planar PCB wiring with a rectangular cross-section).

[0061]

[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the current supplied to the antenna 604 may pass through the first conductor 604a in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the second conductor 604b. In some embodiments, the opposing directions in which the current supplied to the antenna 604 passes through the first conductor 604a and the second conductor 604b may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, the first antenna layer including the first conductor 604a does not include a conductor through which the current supplied to the antenna passes in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current supplied to the antenna passes through the first conductor 604a.

[0062]

[0084] Figure 6 shows the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the first conductor 604a and the second conductor 604b of the antenna 604 in several embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, a ferromagnetic (e.g., ferrite) layer 616 may be located between the first conductor 604a and the second conductor 604b (e.g., between the first antenna PCB 610 and the second antenna PCB 612), and the ferromagnetic layer 616 may contribute to the optimal performance of the device 602. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the device 602 may include a ferromagnetic piece 636 located above the second conductor 604b positioned on one edge (e.g., the left or right edge) of the second antenna PCB 612, and the ferromagnetic piece 636 may further reduce unwanted magnetic field lines (e.g., by keeping the magnetic field lines generated by the current passing through the second conductor 604b in the vicinity of the second antenna PCB 612).

[0063]

[0085] In some embodiments, if the receiver 306 is positioned at any of the locations shown in Figure 6, the magnetic field generated by the current transmitted by the antenna 604 can induce a current in the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, the receiver 306 may receive a good signal directly below the antenna 604. In some embodiments, the connection between the device 602 and the receiver 306 of the system shown in Figure 6 may be less susceptible to lateral movement than the connection between the device 402 and the receiver 306 of the systems shown in Figures 4A and 4C.

[0064]

[0086] In some embodiments, more of the area of ​​device 602 may be used to configure the antenna 604 than the area of ​​device 402 used to configure the antenna 404. In some embodiments, the increased area may allow for wider spacing of the conductors 604a, and thus allow for a larger operating area for the NFC field.

[0065]

[0087] In some embodiments, the first conductor 604a of antenna 604 may be wider than the first conductor 404a of antenna 404 of device 402. In some embodiments, the first conductor 604a not being in the same antenna layer as the second conductor 604b may allow the first conductor 604a to be wider. That is, in some embodiments, a wider first conductor 604a may take advantage of additional space on the bottom of the first antenna PCB 610. In some embodiments, a wider first conductor 604a may result in the advantage of reduced coil resistance.

[0066]

[0088] In some embodiments, one or more additional windings may be added to one or more sides of the antenna 604 of the antenna 404 of the device 402. In some embodiments, the additional windings may compensate for the reduction in inductance.

[0067]

[0089] In some embodiments, the second conductor 604b of the antenna 404 of the device 402 may be located on one edge of the antenna 604 (e.g., the left or right edge), relative to the second conductor 404b of the antenna 604. In some embodiments, the second conductor 604b located on one edge of the antenna 604 may reduce their series resistance and / or reduce their contribution to the magnetic field generated by the current supplied to the antenna 604. In some embodiments, the second conductor 604b located on one edge of the antenna 604 may enable a smaller antenna with the same area efficiency.

[0068]

[0090] In some embodiments, with respect to device 402, at least a portion of the top surface of the second antenna PCB 612 may be available for one or more circuit components 618, 620, and 622, which may eliminate the need for circuit component PCB 412 in addition to the first antenna PCB 610 and the second antenna PCB 612. In some embodiments, the lengths of the first antenna PCB 610 and the second antenna PCB 612 may be shorter than the lengths of the antenna PCB 410 and the circuit component PCB 412, while maintaining the same NFC receivable area. In some embodiments, the entire laminate of device 602 may be thinner than the entire laminate of device 402 (and the entire laminate of device 502).

[0069]

[0091] In some embodiments, a system including a device 502 or 602 and a receiver 306 may perform a process in which the antenna 504 of the device 502 or the antenna 604 of the device 602 generates a magnetic field that is received by the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306. In some embodiments, the device 502 or 602 (e.g., the processor 518 of the device 502 or the processor 618 of the device 602) may perform this process. In some embodiments, this process may include the step of the device 502 or 602 supplying current to the antenna 504 or 604. In some embodiments, the current supplied to the antenna 504 or 604 may pass through the first conductor 504a or 604a in the first antenna layer of the antenna 504 or 604 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the current passes through the second conductor 504b or 604b in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer of the antenna 504 or 604. In some embodiments, the current may be alternating current. In some embodiments, the device 502 or 602 may supply current to the antenna 504 or 604 through a first antenna feed section and a second antenna feed section (e.g., a first antenna feed section 505a and a second antenna feed section 505b) which may be differential antenna feed sections.

[0070]

[0092] In some embodiments, a current passing through the first conductor 504a or 604a may generate constructively overlapping magnetic fields. In some embodiments, a current passing through the second conductor 504b or 604b may be a return current. In some embodiments, the opposing directions of the currents passing through the first conductor 504a or 604a and the second conductor 504b or 604b may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308. In some embodiments, the first conductor 504a or 604a and the second conductor 504b or 604b may extend in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil 308 may be parallel to the planar surface formed by the first conductor 504a or 604a in the first antenna layer.

[0071]

[0093] In some embodiments, the device 502 or 602 may supply power and / or data (e.g., commands such as an analyte measurement command and / or a measurement data retrieval command) to the receiver coil 308 by supplying an electric current (e.g., alternating current) to the antenna 504 or 604 to generate a magnetic field. In some embodiments, the process may additionally or alternatively include the step of the device 502 or 602 receiving data (e.g., measurement data such as light and / or temperature measurements) from the receiver coil 308 of the receiver 306 using the antenna 504 or 604.

[0072]

[0094] While various embodiments are described herein, it should be understood that they are presented merely as examples and not as limitations. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above. Furthermore, any combination of the elements described above, in all possible variations thereof, is encompassed by this disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly refuted by the context.

[0073]

[0095] Additionally, the process described above and shown in the diagrams is presented as a series of steps, but this is done solely for illustrative purposes. Therefore, it is intended that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be rearranged, and some steps may be performed in parallel.

Claims

1. Multiple first conductors in the first antenna layer, A plurality of second conductors in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer and An antenna that includes, The current supplied to the antenna passes through the plurality of first conductors in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the plurality of second conductors, A device comprising the above, wherein the current passing through the plurality of second conductors is a return current.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an antenna printed circuit board (PCB).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first conductors are printed on the bottom surface of the antenna PCB.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the antenna PCB includes antenna vias, each of which electrically connects one conductor of the plurality of second conductors to one conductor of the plurality of first conductors.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of first conductors in the first antenna layer, the conductors in the one or more second antenna layers, and the antenna vias form a coil, and the conductors in the one or more second antenna layers include at least the plurality of second conductors.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of second conductors are printed on the upper surface of the antenna PCB and / or are fabricated in one or more layers of the antenna PCB.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of second conductors include a plurality of second conductors disposed on a first edge of the antenna PCB and a plurality of second conductors disposed on a second edge of the antenna PCB opposite to the first edge.

8. A plurality of first conductors in the first antenna layer, A plurality of second conductors in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer and An antenna that includes, The current supplied to the antenna passes through the plurality of first conductors in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the plurality of second conductors, and the antenna Antenna printed circuit board (PCB) and Equipped with, The plurality of second conductors include a plurality of second conductors arranged on the first edge of the antenna PCB, and a plurality of second conductors arranged on the second edge of the antenna PCB on the opposite side of the first edge, The apparatus further comprises a first ferromagnetic piece positioned beneath a plurality of second conductors positioned at the first edge of the antenna PCB, and a second ferromagnetic piece positioned beneath a plurality of second conductors positioned at the second edge of the antenna PCB.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, 3, or 8, further comprising a ferromagnetic layer above the antenna PCB.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, Circuit components PCB and One or more circuit components mounted on or fabricated on the circuit component PCB A device that further enhances this feature.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the ferromagnetic layer is located between the circuit component PCB and the antenna PCB.

12. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of second conductors are arranged on one edge of the antenna PCB.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a ferromagnetic piece disposed above the plurality of second conductors on one edge of the antenna PCB.

14. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the antenna further includes a ferromagnetic layer between the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors.

15. A device, Multiple first conductors in the first antenna layer, A plurality of second conductors in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer and An antenna that includes, The current supplied to the antenna passes through the plurality of first conductors in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the plurality of second conductors, and the antenna A first antenna printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the plurality of first conductors are printed on the first antenna printed circuit board (PCB) or manufactured on the first antenna printed circuit board (PCB), The second antenna PCB and Equipped with, An apparatus in which the plurality of second conductors are printed on and / or fabricated on the second antenna PCB.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising one or more circuit components mounted on or fabricated on the second antenna PCB.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first antenna PCB and the second antenna PCB are part of a composite PCB, and the ferromagnetic layer is an internal layer within the composite PCB.

18. A device, Multiple first conductors in the first antenna layer, A plurality of second conductors in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer and An antenna that includes, The antenna comprises a current supplied to the antenna, which passes through the plurality of first conductors in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the plurality of second conductors, An apparatus in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of first conductors is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of second conductors.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, A first antenna feed unit and a second antenna feed unit, The first antenna feed point is electrically connected to the first outer conductor of the plurality of first conductors at the first antenna end of the first outer conductor, and the first feed conductor is located in one of the one or more second antenna layers, The second antenna feed point is electrically connected to the second outer conductor of the plurality of first conductors at the second antenna end of the second outer conductor, and the second feed conductor is located in one of the one or more second antenna layers. Furthermore, A device in which the first antenna end and the second antenna end are located at the opposite end of the antenna.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, wherein the current supplied to the antenna passes through one of the plurality of second conductors after passing through one of the plurality of first conductors and before passing through another of the plurality of first conductors.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, wherein the current supplied to the antenna passes through one of the plurality of first conductors after passing through one of the plurality of second conductors and before passing through another of the plurality of second conductors.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, wherein the first antenna layer does not include any conductors through which the current supplied to the antenna passes in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current supplied to the antenna passes through the plurality of first conductors.

23. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, wherein the antenna further includes a third conductor in the one or more second antenna layers, the third conductor connecting the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors.

24. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, wherein the current passing through the plurality of first conductors generates constructively overlapping magnetic fields.

25. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, wherein the current passing through the plurality of second conductors is a return current.

26. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, wherein the antenna comprises two or more second antenna layers, and the plurality of second conductors are located in the two or more second antenna layers.

27. The apparatus according to claim 1, 8, 15, or 18, Receiver coil and A system equipped with these features.

28. A system, wherein the system is Multiple first conductors in the first antenna layer, A plurality of second conductors in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer and An antenna that includes, The current supplied to the antenna passes through the plurality of first conductors in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through the plurality of second conductors, and the antenna Receiver coil and Equipped with, A system in which the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil is parallel to a planar surface formed by the plurality of first conductors in the first antenna layer.

30. The system according to claim 28, wherein the opposing directions in which the current passes through the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil.

31. A step of supplying current to an antenna, wherein the current supplied to the antenna passes through a plurality of first conductors in the first antenna layer of the antenna in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through a plurality of second conductors in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer of the antenna. A method comprising the above, wherein the current passing through the plurality of second conductors is a return current.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the current passing through the plurality of first conductors generates constructively overlapping magnetic fields.

33. A method, A method comprising the step of supplying current to an antenna, wherein the current supplied to the antenna passes through a plurality of first conductors in the first antenna layer of the antenna in a direction opposite to the direction in which the current passes through a plurality of second conductors in one or more second antenna layers different from the first antenna layer of the antenna, wherein the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a receiver coil.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil is parallel to a planar surface formed by the plurality of first conductors in the first antenna layer.

35. A method according to claim 31, wherein the current is an alternating current.

36. The method according to claim 33, wherein the current passing through the plurality of second conductors is a return current.

37. A method according to claim 33, wherein the opposing directions in which the current passes through the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver coil.

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