A wireless power receiver, a wireless power transmitter, and a method for sending / receiving messages between a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter using a data transmission stream.

Abstract

A wireless power receiving device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes a power pickup circuit that receives wireless power from a wireless power transmitting device, and a communication / control circuit that communicates with the wireless power transmitting device to control the wireless power, and the communication / control circuit can exchange application level messages with the wireless power transmitting device using a data transmission stream including an auxiliary data control (ADC) packet and a plurality of consecutive auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets, and transmits a data packet including information regarding the maximum size of the ADT packet to the wireless power transmitting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a wireless power receiving device, a wireless power transmitting device, and a method of transmitting / receiving a message between the wireless power receiving device and the wireless power transmitting device using a data transmission stream.

Background Art

[0002] Wireless power transmission technology is a technology for wirelessly transmitting power between a power source and an electronic device. As an example, wireless power transmission technology enables the battery of a wireless terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet to be charged simply by placing the wireless terminal on a wireless charging pad, providing better mobility, convenience, and safety compared to a wired charging environment that uses an existing wired charging connector. In addition to wireless charging of wireless terminals, wireless power transmission technology has attracted attention for replacing the existing wired power transmission environment in various fields such as electric vehicles, various wearable devices (such as Bluetooth earphones and 3D glasses), household appliances, furniture, underground facilities, buildings, medical devices, robots, and leisure.

[0003] The wireless power transmission method is also referred to as a non-contact power transmission method, a non-contact power transmission method, or a wireless charging method. A wireless power transmission system can be composed of a wireless power transmitting device that supplies electrical energy to the wireless power transmission method and a wireless power receiving device that receives the electrical energy wirelessly supplied from the wireless power transmitting device and supplies power to a power receiving device such as a battery cell.

[0004] Wireless power transmission technologies are diverse, including methods that transmit power via magnetic coupling, radio frequency (RF), microwave, and ultrasound. Furthermore, methods based on magnetic coupling are classified into magnetic induction and magnetic resonance. Magnetic induction transmits energy by utilizing a current induced in the receiving coil by a magnetic field generated in the transmitting coil battery cell through electromagnetic coupling between the transmitting and receiving coils. Magnetic resonance is similar to magnetic induction in that it utilizes a magnetic field. However, magnetic resonance differs from magnetic induction in that resonance occurs when a specific resonant frequency is applied to the transmitting and receiving coils, and energy is transmitted through the resulting concentration of magnetic fields at both ends of the transmitting and receiving coils. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The technical problem described herein is to provide a wireless power receiver, a wireless power transmitter, and a data transmission stream method between a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter that can limit the maximum size of auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets transmitted by a wireless power transmitter.

[0006] The technical problems described herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A wireless power receiving device according to one embodiment of this specification for solving the aforementioned problems includes a power pickup circuit for receiving wireless power from a wireless power transmitting device, and a communication / control circuit for communicating with the wireless power transmitting device and controlling the wireless power, wherein the communication / control circuit can exchange application-level messages with the wireless power transmitting device using a data transmission stream that includes an auxiliary data control (ADC) packet and a plurality of auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets in succession, and transmits a data packet to the wireless power transmitting device that includes information on the maximum size of the ADT packet.

[0008] A method according to one embodiment of this specification for solving the aforementioned problems relates to a method for a wireless power receiver to receive a message from a wireless power transmitter using a data transmission stream that includes a plurality of consecutive auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets, wherein the wireless power receiver transmits a data packet to the wireless power transmitter that includes information on the maximum size of the ADT packets that the wireless power transmitter can transmit, receives a first auxiliary data control (ADC) packet from the wireless power transmitter to open the data transmission stream, transmits a response packet to the wireless power transmitter for the first ADC packet, receives a plurality of ADT packets from the wireless power transmitter that are less than or equal to the maximum size, transmits a response packet to each of the plurality of ADT packets to the wireless power transmitter, receives a second ADC packet from the wireless power transmitter to end the data transmission stream, and transmits a response packet to the second ADC packet to the wireless power transmitter.

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, an embodiment of this specification includes a power conversion circuit that transmits wireless power to a wireless power receiving device, and a communication / control circuit that communicates with the wireless power receiving device and controls the wireless power, wherein the communication / control circuit can exchange application-level messages with the wireless power receiving device using a data transmission stream that includes an auxiliary data control (ADC) packet and a plurality of auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets consecutively, receives a data packet from the wireless power receiving device that includes information on the maximum size of the ADT packets, and transmits ADT packets having a size less than or equal to the maximum size to the wireless power receiving device.

[0010] A method according to one embodiment of this specification for solving the aforementioned problems relates to a method for a wireless power transmitter to transmit a message to a wireless power receiver using a data transmission stream that includes a plurality of consecutive auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets, wherein the wireless power transmitter receives a data packet from the wireless power receiver that includes information on the maximum size of the ADT packets, transmits a first auxiliary data control (ADC) packet to the wireless power receiver to start the data transmission stream, receives a response packet for the first ADC packet from the wireless power receiver, transmits a plurality of ADT packets less than or equal to the maximum size to the wireless power receiver, receives a response packet for each of the plurality of ADT packets from the wireless power receiver, transmits a second ADC packet to the wireless power receiver to end the data transmission stream, and receives a response packet for the second ADC packet from the wireless power receiver.

[0011] Further specific details of this specification are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The maximum size of auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets transmitted by a wireless power transmitter can be limited.

[0013] A wireless power receiver can limit the maximum size of auxiliary data transmission (ADT) packets transmitted by its own wireless power transmitter, thereby maintaining a normal transmission cycle for control error (CE) data packets and received power (RP) data packets during the process of receiving the data transmission stream.

[0014] The effects described herein are not limited to those exemplified above, and a much wider range of effects are included within this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a wireless power system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a wireless power system according to another embodiment. [Figure 3a] This document illustrates various examples of electronic devices that incorporate wireless power transmission systems. [Figure 3b] An example of WPC NDEF in a wireless power transmission system is shown. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a state transition diagram illustrating the wireless power transmission procedure. [Figure 6] A power control method according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] Another embodiment of a wireless power receiving device is shown. [Figure 9] This document illustrates a hierarchical architecture for sending and receiving application-level messages between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, as an example. [Figure 10] This shows a data transmission stream between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, as an example. [Figure 11] The format of the message field of an ADC data packet according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 12] Shows the format of the message field of the ADT data packet according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the protocol of the negotiation stage or the renegotiation stage according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] Shows the format of the message field of the SRQ packet according to an example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] In this specification, "A or B" can mean "only A", "only B", or "both A and B". As another expression, in this specification, "A or B" can be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, in this specification, "A, B or C" can mean "only A", "only B", "only C", or "any combination of A, B and C".

[0017] The slashes ( / ) and commas used in this specification can mean "and / or". For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B". Thus, "A / B" can mean "only A", "only B", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B or C".

[0018] In this specification, "at least one of A and B" can mean "only A", "only B", or "both A and B". Also, in this specification, expressions such as "at least one of A or B" and "at least one of A and / or B" can be interpreted in the same way as "at least one of A and B".

[0019] Furthermore, in this specification, “at least one of A, B and C” may mean “A only,” “B only,” “C only,” or “any combination of A, B and C.” Also, “at least one of A, B or C” or “at least one of A, B and / or C” may mean “at least one of A, B and C.”

[0020] Furthermore, parentheses used in this specification can mean "for example." Specifically, when "control information (PDCCH)" is used, "PDCCH" is proposed as an example of "control information." Alternatively, "control information" in this specification is not limited to "PDCCH," but rather "PDDCH" is proposed as an example of "control information." Similarly, when "control information (i.e., PDCCH)" is used, "PDCCH" is proposed as an example of "control information."

[0021] In this specification, technical features described individually within a single drawing may be embodied individually or simultaneously. The term “wireless power” as used below refers to any form of energy associated with electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields transmitted from a wireless power transmitter to a wireless power receiver without the use of physical electromagnetic conductors. Wireless power, also known as a wireless power signal, can mean an oscillating magnetic flux enclosed by a primary and secondary coil. For example, power conversion in a system for wirelessly charging devices including mobile phones, cordless phones, iPods, MP3 players, and headsets is described here. Generally, the basic principles of wireless power transmission include, for example, methods of transmitting power via magnetic coupling, radio frequency (RF), microwaves, and ultrasound.

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless power system 10 according to one embodiment.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, the wireless power system 10 includes a wireless power transmitter 100 and a wireless power receiver 200.

[0024] The wireless power transmitter 100 generates a magnetic field by receiving power from an external power source (S). The wireless power receiver 200 receives power wirelessly by generating an electric current using the generated magnetic field.

[0025] Furthermore, in the wireless power system 10, the wireless power transmitter 100 and the wireless power receiver 200 can send and receive various information necessary for wireless power transmission. Here, communication between the wireless power transmitter 100 and the wireless power receiver 200 can be performed by either in-band communication, which utilizes the magnetic field used for wireless power transmission, or out-band communication, which utilizes a separate communication carrier. Out-band communication is also called out-of-band communication. Hereafter, the term out-band communication will be used consistently. Examples of out-band communication include NFC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0026] Here, the wireless power transmitter 100 can be provided in a fixed or mobile form. Examples of fixed forms include being embedded in the ceiling or wall or furniture such as a table indoors, being implanted outdoors in a parking lot, bus stop or subway station, or being installed on a means of transport such as a vehicle or train. A mobile wireless power transmitter 100 can be embodied as a mobile device of a movable weight and size, or as part of another device, such as a notebook computer cover.

[0027] Furthermore, the wireless power receiving device 200 must be interpreted as a comprehensive concept that includes various electronic devices equipped with batteries and various home appliances that are powered wirelessly instead of using power cables. Typical examples of wireless power receiving devices 200 include portable terminals, cellular phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), Wibro terminals, tablets, phablets, notebooks, digital cameras, navigation terminals, televisions, and electric vehicles (EVs).

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a wireless power system 10 according to another embodiment.

[0029] Referring to Figure 2, in the wireless power system 10, there is one or more wireless power receivers 200. Although Figure 1 shows a one-to-one power exchange between the wireless power transmitter 100 and the wireless power receiver 200, as shown in Figure 2, it is also possible for one wireless power transmitter 100 to transmit power to multiple wireless power receivers 200-1, 200-2, ..., 200-M. In particular, when wireless power transmission is performed using a magnetic resonance method, one wireless power transmitter 100 can simultaneously transmit power to multiple wireless power receivers 200-1, 200-2, ..., 200-M by applying simultaneous transmission or time-division transmission methods.

[0030] Furthermore, although Figure 1 shows a method in which the wireless power transmitter 100 directly transmits power to the wireless power receiver 200, a separate wireless power transceiver or repeater may be provided between the wireless power transmitter 100 and the wireless power receiver 200 to increase the wireless power transmission distance. In this case, power is transmitted from the wireless power transmitter 100 to the wireless power transceiver, and the wireless power transceiver can then transmit power back to the wireless power receiver 200.

[0031] Hereinafter, the terms "wireless power receiver," "power receiver," and "receiver" as used herein refer to the wireless power receiving device 200. Similarly, the terms "wireless power transmitter," "power transmitter," and "transmitter" as used herein refer to the wireless power receiving and transmitting device 100.

[0032] Figure 3a shows various examples of electronic devices into which a wireless power transmission system is introduced.

[0033] Figure 3a shows a classification of electronic devices based on the amount of power transmitted and received by the wireless power transmission system. Referring to Figure 3a, low-power (approximately 5W or less or approximately 20W or less) wireless charging methods can be applied to wearable devices such as smart watches, smart glasses, HMDs (Head Mounted Displays), and smart rings, as well as mobile electronic devices (or portable electronic devices) such as earphones, remote controls, smartphones, PDAs, and tablet PCs.

[0034] Medium- and small-sized home appliances such as notebooks, robotic vacuum cleaners, TVs, audio equipment, and monitors can be charged using a medium-power (approximately 50W or less or approximately 200W or less) wireless charging method. Kitchen appliances such as blenders, microwave ovens, and electric rice cookers, as well as personal mobility devices (or electronic devices / means of transportation) such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, electric bicycles, and electric vehicles, can be charged using a high-power (approximately 2kW or less or 22kW or less) wireless charging method.

[0035] The aforementioned electronic devices / mobile devices (or those shown in Figure 1) may each include a wireless power receiver, which will be described later. Therefore, the aforementioned electronic devices / mobile devices can be charged by receiving power wirelessly from a wireless power transmitter.

[0036] The following description will focus on mobile devices to which wireless power charging is applied, but this is merely an example, and the wireless charging method described herein can be applied to the various electronic devices mentioned above.

[0037] Standards for wireless power transmission include those of the WPC (Wireless Power Consortium), AFA (Air Fuel Alliance), and PMA (Power Matters Alliance).

[0038] The WPC standard defines a baseline power profile (BPP) and an extended power profile (EPP). The BPP pertains to wireless power transmitters and receivers that support 5W of power transmission, while the EPP pertains to wireless power transmitters and receivers that support power transmission in the range of greater than 5W and less than 30W.

[0039] A variety of wireless power transmitters and receivers using different power levels are covered by each standard and can be classified into different power classes or categories.

[0040] For example, WPC classifies wireless power transmitters and receivers into power class (PC)-1, PC0, PC1, and PC2, and provides standard documentation for each PC. The PC-1 standard concerns wireless power transmitters and receivers that provide guaranteed power of less than 5W. Applications of PC-1 include wearable devices such as smartwatches.

[0041] The PC0 standard relates to wireless power transmitters and receivers that provide a guaranteed power of 5W. The PC0 standard includes EPP, which provides a guaranteed power of up to 30W. In-band (IB) communication is the mandatory communication protocol for PC0, and out-band (OB) communication can also be used as an optional backup channel. Wireless power receivers can identify whether they support OB by setting an OB flag in a configuration packet. Wireless power transmitters that support OB can enter the OB handover phase by sending a bit pattern for OB handover in response to the configuration packet. The response to the configuration packet is NAK, ND, or a newly defined 8-bit pattern. PC0 applications include smartphones.

[0042] The PC1 standard relates to wireless power transmitters and receivers providing guaranteed power of 30W to 150W. OB is the essential communication channel for PC1, and IB is used for initialization and link establishment to OB. The wireless power transmitter can enter the OB handover phase using a bit pattern for OB handover in response to a configuration packet. PC1 applications include laptops and power tools.

[0043] The PC2 standard relates to wireless power transmitters and receivers that provide guaranteed power of 200W to 2kW, and its applications include kitchen appliances.

[0044] In this way, PCs can be distinguished by their power levels, and supporting compatibility between the same PCs is either optional or mandatory. Here, compatibility between the same PCs means that power can be transmitted and received between the same PCs. For example, if a wireless power transmitter, which is PCx, can charge a wireless power receiver that has the same PCx, then compatibility between the same PCs can be maintained. Similarly, compatibility between different PCs can also be supported. Here, compatibility between different PCs means that power can be transmitted and received between different PCs. For example, if a wireless power transmitter, which is PCx, can charge a wireless power receiver that has PCy, then compatibility between different PCs can be maintained.

[0045] Supporting PC compatibility is a crucial issue from both a user experience and infrastructure construction perspective. However, maintaining PC compatibility presents numerous technical challenges, as outlined below.

[0046] In the case of compatibility between devices of the same PC type, for example, a laptop-charging wireless power receiver, which can only reliably charge when power is transmitted continuously, will have problems receiving a stable power supply from a wireless power transmitter of the same PC type, even if the transmitter is of the same PC type, when the transmitter uses an electric tool type that transmits power discontinuously. Also, in the case of compatibility between devices of different PC types, for example, if a wireless power transmitter with a minimum guaranteed power of 200W transmits power to a wireless power receiver with a maximum guaranteed power of 5W, there is a risk of the receiver being damaged due to overvoltage. As a result, PCs are difficult to define as a representative / indicating indicator / standard for compatibility.

[0047] Wireless power transmitters and receivers can provide a considerably convenient user experience and interface (UX / UI). Specifically, a smart wireless charging service can be provided. This smart wireless charging service can be implemented based on the UX / UI of a smartphone, including the wireless power transmitter. For such applications, the interface between the smartphone's processor and the wireless charging receiver allows for "drop-and-play" bidirectional communication between the wireless power transmitter and receiver.

[0048] As an example, a user can experience a smart wireless charging service at a hotel. When the user enters their hotel room and places their smartphone on the room's wireless charger, the wireless charger transmits wireless power to the smartphone, and the smartphone receives the wireless power. In this process, the wireless charger transmits information about the smart wireless charging service to the smartphone. When the smartphone detects that it is located on the wireless charger, or detects that it has received wireless power, or when the smartphone receives information about the smart wireless charging service from the wireless charger, the smartphone enters a state where it asks the user to consent to additional features (opt-in). To this end, the smartphone can display a message on the screen, with or without an alarm. An example message may include text such as, "Welcome to ### hotel. Select "Yes" to activate smart charging functions: Yes | No Thanks." The smartphone receives the user's input to select Yes or No Thanks and performs the next step selected by the user. If Yes is selected, the smartphone transmits the relevant information to the wireless charger. Then, the smartphone and wireless charger work together to perform the smart charging function.

[0049] Furthermore, smart wireless charging services may include those that receive Wi-Fi credentials automatically. For example, a wireless charger could send Wi-Fi credentials to a smartphone, and the smartphone could automatically fill in the Wi-Fi credentials received from the wireless charger by running the appropriate app.

[0050] Furthermore, smart wireless charging services may include running hotel applications that offer hotel promotions, or that retrieve remote check-in / check-out and contact information.

[0051] As another example, a user can experience a smart wireless charging service in a vehicle. When a user gets into the vehicle and places their smartphone on a wireless charger, the wireless charger transmits wireless power to the smartphone, and the smartphone receives the wireless power. In this process, the wireless charger transmits information about the smart wireless charging service to the smartphone. When the smartphone detects that it is located on the wireless charger, or detects that it has received wireless power, or when the smartphone receives information about the smart wireless charging service from the wireless charger, the smartphone enters a state where it requests identity verification from the user.

[0052] In this state, the smartphone automatically connects to the car via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth. The smartphone can display messages on its screen, with or without alarms. An example message could include text such as, "Welcome to your car. Select "Yes" to synchronize device with in-car controls: Yes|No Thanks." The smartphone receives user input to select Yes or No Thanks and then performs the next step selected by the user. If Yes is selected, the smartphone sends the corresponding information to the wireless charger. The smartphone and wireless charger can then work together to perform smart control functions in the vehicle by driving the in-vehicle application / display software. The user can enjoy their desired music and check their official map location. The in-vehicle application / display software may include the ability to provide synchronized proximity for pedestrians.

[0053] As another example, a user can experience smart wireless charging in their home. When a user enters a room and places their smartphone on the wireless charger, the wireless charger transmits wireless power to the smartphone, and the smartphone receives the wireless power. In this process, the wireless charger transmits information to the smartphone regarding the smart wireless charging service. When the smartphone detects that it is located on the wireless charger, or detects that it has received wireless power, or when the smartphone receives information regarding the smart wireless charging service from the wireless charger, the smartphone enters a state where it asks the user to consent to additional features (opt-in). To this end, the smartphone can display a message on the screen, with or without an alarm. An example message may include text such as, "Hi xxx, Would you like to activate night mode and secure the building?: Yes|No Thanks." The smartphone receives input from the user to select Yes or No Thanks and performs the next step selected by the user. If Yes is selected, the smartphone transmits the relevant information to the wireless charger. The smartphone and wireless charger can recognize at least the user's patterns and encourage the user to lock doors and windows, turn off power, or set alarms.

[0054] Below, we define a new 'profile' as an indicator / criterion representing / indicating compatibility. That is, it can be interpreted that compatible and stable power transmission / reception are possible between wireless power transceivers having the same 'profile', while power transmission / reception is not possible between wireless power transceivers having different 'profiles'. Profiles can be defined by compatibility and / or application, regardless of (or independently of) power class.

[0055] The profiles can be broadly divided into three categories: i) mobile devices and computers, ii) power tools, and iii) kitchens.

[0056] Alternatively, the profiles can be broadly divided into four categories: i) mobile, ii) power tools, iii) kitchen, and iv) wearable.

[0057] For the 'Mobile' profile, the PC can be defined as PC0 and / or PC1, the communication protocol / method as IB and OB, and the operating frequency as 87-205kHz. Examples of applications include smartphones and laptops.

[0058] For the 'Power Tools' profile, the PC can be defined as PC1, the communication protocol / method as IB, and the operating frequency as 87-145kHz. Examples of applications can include power tools.

[0059] For the 'Kitchen' profile, the PC can be defined as PC2, the communication protocol / method as NFC-based, and the operating frequency as less than 100kHz. Examples of applications can include kitchen / home appliances.

[0060] For power tools and kitchen profiles, NFC communication can be used between the wireless power transmitter and receiver. The wireless power transmitter and receiver can confirm that they are NFC devices by exchanging WPC NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Profile Format).

[0061] Figure 3b shows an example of WPC NDEF in a wireless power transmission system.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3b, the WPC NDEF may include, for example, an application profile field (e.g., 1B), a version field (e.g., 1B), and profile specific data (e.g., 1B). The application profile field indicates whether the device is i) mobile and computer, ii) power tools, or iii) kitchen; the upper nibble of the version field indicates the major version, and the lower nibble indicates the minor version; and the profile specific data defines the content for kitchens.

[0063] For the 'wearable' profile, the PC can be defined as PC-1, the communication protocol / method as IB, and the operating frequency as 87-205kHz. Examples of applications include wearable devices worn on the user's body.

[0064] Maintaining compatibility between profiles of the same type is mandatory, while maintaining compatibility between different profiles is optional.

[0065] The aforementioned profiles (mobile profile, power tool profile, kitchen profile, and wearable profile) can be generalized and represented by the first to the nth profile, and new profiles can be added / replaced by WPC standards and embodiments.

[0066] When profiles are defined in this way, wireless power transmitters can selectively transmit power only to wireless power receivers with the same profile, resulting in more stable power transmission. Furthermore, the burden on the wireless power transmitter is reduced, and it will not attempt to transmit power to incompatible wireless power receivers, thus reducing the risk of damage to the wireless power receiver.

[0067] In the 'Mobile' profile, PC1 can be defined by borrowing selective extensions like OB based on PC0, while in the case of the 'Power Tools' profile, PC1 can be defined as simply a modified version of the 'Mobile' profile. Furthermore, while currently defined to maintain compatibility between the same profiles, the technology may evolve in the future to maintain compatibility between different profiles. Wireless power transmitters or receivers can communicate their profile to others through various methods.

[0068] The AFA standard refers to a wireless power transmitter as a PTU (power transmitting circuit) and a wireless power receiver as a PRU (power receiving circuit). PTUs are classified into numerous classes as shown in Table 1, and PRUs are classified into numerous categories as shown in Table 2.

[0069] [Table 1]

[0070] [Table 2]

[0071] As shown in Table 1, the maximum power output performance (capability) of a Class n PTU is the P for the corresponding class. TX_IN_MAX The value is greater than or equal to the specified power. A PRU cannot draw a power greater than the specified power in the relevant category.

[0072] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to another embodiment.

[0073] Referring to Figure 4, the wireless power transmission system 10 includes a mobile device 450 that receives power wirelessly and a base station 400 that transmits power wirelessly.

[0074] The base station 400 is a device that provides inductive or resonant power and may include at least one power transmitter 100 and a system circuit 405. The power transmitter 100 can transmit and control the transmission of inductive or resonant power. The power transmitter 100 may include a power conversion circuit 110 that converts electrical energy into a power signal by generating a magnetic field through primary coils, and a communications and control circuit 120 that controls communication with and power transmission to the power receiver 200 to transmit power at an appropriate level. The system circuit 405 can perform input power provisioning, control of multiple power transmitters, and other operational controls of the base station 400, such as user interface control.

[0075] The primary coil can generate an electromagnetic field using alternating current (AC) power (or voltage or current). The primary coil receives AC power (or voltage or current) of a specific frequency output from the power conversion circuit 110, thereby generating a magnetic field of a specific frequency. The magnetic field can be generated in a non-radiative or radiative manner, and the wireless power receiver 200 receives it and generates a current. In other words, the primary coil transmits power wirelessly.

[0076] In magnetic induction systems, the primary and secondary coils can take any suitable form, such as copper wire wound around a highly permeable material like ferrite or amorphous metal. The primary coil is sometimes called the transmitting coil, primary core, primary winding, or primary loop antenna. The secondary coil, on the other hand, is sometimes called the receiving coil, secondary core, secondary winding, secondary loop antenna, or pickup antenna.

[0077] When using a magnetic resonance method, the primary and secondary coils can be provided in the form of a primary resonant antenna and a secondary resonant antenna, respectively. The resonant antenna can have a resonant structure including a coil and a capacitor. In this case, the resonant frequency of the resonant antenna is determined by the inductance of the coil and the capacitance of the capacitor. Here, the coil can be in the form of a loop, and a core can be placed inside the loop. The core can be a physical core such as a ferrite core or an air core.

[0078] Energy transmission between a primary and secondary resonant antenna can occur via magnetic resonance. Resonance refers to the phenomenon where, when a near-field corresponding to the resonant frequency is generated in one resonant antenna, and other resonant antennas are located around it, the two resonant antennas are coupled to each other, resulting in highly efficient energy transfer between them. When a magnetic field corresponding to the resonant frequency is generated between the primary and secondary resonant antennas, the primary and secondary resonant antennas resonate with each other. As a result, the magnetic field is focused toward the secondary resonant antenna with higher efficiency than when the magnetic field generated by the primary resonant antenna is radiated into free space, and therefore, energy can be transmitted from the primary to the secondary resonant antenna with high efficiency. The magnetic induction method can be implemented in a manner similar to the magnetic resonance method, but in this case, the frequency of the magnetic field does not need to be the resonant frequency. Instead, the magnetic induction method requires matching between the loops constituting the primary and secondary coils, and the distance between the loops must be considerably close.

[0079] Although not shown in the drawings, the wireless power transmitter 100 may further include a communication antenna. The communication antenna can transmit and receive communication signals using communication carriers other than magnetic field communication. For example, the communication antenna can transmit and receive communication signals such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee (registered trademark), and NFC.

[0080] The communication / control circuit 120 can send and receive information with the wireless power receiver 200. The communication / control circuit 120 may include at least one of either an IB communication module or an OB communication module.

[0081] An IB communication module can transmit and receive information using magnetic waves with a specific frequency as its center frequency. For example, the communication / control circuit 120 can perform in-band communication by including communication information in the operating frequency of wireless power transmission and transmitting it via the primary coil, or by receiving the operating frequency containing the information via the primary coil. In this case, information can be included in the magnetic wave or the magnetic wave containing the information can be interpreted using modulation schemes such as binary phase shift keying (BPSK), frequency shift keying (FSK), or amplitude shift keying (ASK), and coding schemes such as Manchester coding or non-return-to-zero level (NZR-L) coding. Using such IB communication, the communication / control circuit 120 can transmit and receive information over distances of several meters at a data transmission rate of several kbps.

[0082] OB communication modules can also perform out-band communication via a communication antenna. For example, the communication / control circuit 120 can be provided by a short-range communication module. Examples of short-range communication modules include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, and NFC.

[0083] The communication / control circuit 120 can control the overall operation of the wireless power transmitter 100. The communication / control circuit 120 can perform calculations and processing of various information and control each component of the wireless power transmitter 100.

[0084] The communication / control circuit 120 can be implemented in a computer or similar device using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In hardware terms, the communication / control circuit 120 can be provided in the form of an electronic circuit that processes electrical signals to perform control functions, and in software terms, it can be provided in the form of a program that drives the hardware communication / control circuit 120.

[0085] The communication / control circuit 120 can control the transmitted power by controlling the operating point. The operating point to be controlled can be a combination of frequency (or phase), duty cycle, duty ratio, and voltage amplitude. The communication / control circuit 120 can control the transmitted power by adjusting at least one of the frequency (or phase), duty cycle, duty ratio, and voltage amplitude. In addition, the wireless power transmitter 100 can supply a constant power, and the wireless power receiver 200 can control the received power by controlling the resonant frequency.

[0086] The mobile device 450 includes a power receiver 200 that receives wireless power via a secondary coil, and a load 455 that receives and stores the power received by the power receiver 200 and supplies it to the device.

[0087] The wireless power receiver 200 may include a power pickup circuit 210 and a communications and control circuit 220. The power pickup circuit 210 can receive wireless power via a secondary coil and convert it into electrical energy. The power pickup circuit 210 rectifies the AC signal obtained via the secondary coil and converts it into a DC signal. The communications and control circuit 220 can control the transmission and reception (power transfer and reception) of wireless power.

[0088] The secondary coil can receive wireless power transmitted by the wireless power transmitter 100. The secondary coil can receive power by utilizing the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. Here, if a specific frequency is the resonant frequency, a magnetic resonance phenomenon occurs between the primary and secondary coils, allowing for more efficient power transmission.

[0089] Although not shown in Figure 4, the communication / control circuit 220 may also include a communication antenna. The communication antenna can transmit and receive communication signals using communication carriers other than magnetic field communication. For example, the communication antenna can transmit and receive communication signals such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, and NFC.

[0090] The communication / control circuit 220 can send and receive information with the wireless power transmitter 100. The communication / control circuit 220 may include at least one of either an IB communication module or an OB communication module.

[0091] An IB communication module can transmit and receive information using magnetic waves with a specific center frequency. For example, the communication / control circuit 220 can perform IB communication by embedding information in a magnetic wave and transmitting it via a secondary coil, or by receiving a magnetic wave containing information via a secondary coil. In this case, information can be embedded in the magnetic wave or the magnetic wave containing information can be interpreted using modulation schemes such as binary phase shift keying (BPSK), frequency shift keying (FSK), or amplitude shift keying (ASK), and coding schemes such as Manchester coding or non-return-to-zero level coding. Using such IB communication, the communication / control circuit 220 can transmit and receive information over distances of several meters at a data transmission rate of several kbps.

[0092] The OB communication module can also perform out-band communication via a communication antenna. For example, the communication / control circuit 220 can be provided in the short-range communication module.

[0093] Examples of short-range communication modules include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, and NFC.

[0094] The communication / control circuit 220 can control the overall operation of the wireless power receiver 200. The communication / control circuit 220 can perform calculations and processing of various information and control each component of the wireless power receiver 200.

[0095] The communication / control circuit 220 can be implemented in a computer or similar device using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Hardware-wise, the communication / control circuit 220 can be provided in the form of an electronic circuit that processes electrical signals to perform control functions; software-wise, it can be provided in the form of a program that drives the hardware-based communication / control circuit 220.

[0096] Referring again to Figure 4, the load 455 is a battery. The battery can store energy by utilizing the power output from the power pickup circuit 210. On the other hand, the mobile device 450 does not necessarily have to include a battery. For example, the battery can be provided in the form of a removable external configuration. As another example, the wireless power receiver 200 may include a drive means that drives various operations of the electronic device instead of a battery.

[0097] The mobile device 450 is illustrated to include a wireless power receiver 200, and the base station 400 is illustrated to include a wireless power transmitter 100. However, in a broad sense, the wireless power receiver 200 can be considered identical to the mobile device 450, and the wireless power transmitter 100 can be considered identical to the base station 400.

[0098] Hereinafter, a coil or coil section, including a coil and at least one element adjacent to the coil, is also called a coil assembly, coil cell, or cell.

[0099] Figure 5 is a state transition diagram illustrating the wireless power transmission procedure.

[0100] Referring to Figure 5, the power transmission from a wireless power transmitter to a receiver according to one embodiment of this specification can be broadly divided into a selection phase 510, a ping phase 520, an identification and configuration phase 530, a negotiation phase 540, a calibration phase 550, a power transfer phase 560, and a renegotiation phase 570.

[0101] Selection stage 510 is a stage to which the device transitions if a specific error or event is detected while starting or maintaining power transmission—including, for example, drawing reference numerals S502, S504, S508, S510, and S512. Here, the specific errors and specific events will be clarified through the following description. Also in selection stage 510, the wireless power transmitter can monitor whether an object is present on the interface surface. If the wireless power transmitter detects that an object has been placed on the interface surface, it can transition to PING stage 520. In selection stage 510, the wireless power transmitter can transmit an analog PING signal, which is a power signal (or pulse) corresponding to a fairly short duration, and detect whether an object is present in the active area of ​​the interface surface based on the current change of the transmitting coil or primary coil.

[0102] In selection step 510, if an object is detected, the wireless power transmitter can measure the quality factor of the wireless power resonant circuit (e.g., power transmitting coil and / or resonant capacitor). In one embodiment of this specification, if an object is detected in selection step 510, the quality factor can be measured to determine whether the wireless power receiver has been placed in the charging area with a foreign object. The coil provided in the wireless power transmitter may have its inductance and / or series resistance component within the coil reduced by environmental changes, thereby causing the quality factor value to decrease. To determine the presence or absence of a foreign object using the measured quality factor value, the wireless power transmitter can receive a pre-measured reference quality factor value from the wireless power receiver when no foreign object is placed in the charging area. The presence or absence of a foreign object can be determined by comparing the reference quality factor value received in negotiation step 540 with the measured quality factor value. However, in the case of wireless power receivers with low standard quality factor values—for example, certain wireless power receivers may have low standard quality factor values ​​depending on their type, application, and characteristics—a problem may arise where it is difficult to determine whether or not foreign matter is present because there is no significant difference between the quality factor value measured when foreign matter is present and the standard quality factor value. Therefore, other judgment factors must be considered further, or other methods must be used to determine whether or not foreign matter is present.

[0103] In other embodiments of this specification, when an object is detected in the selection step 510, a quality factor value can be measured within a specific frequency range (e.g., the operating frequency range) to determine whether it is placed in the charging area together with a foreign object. The coil of the wireless power transmitter may have its inductance and / or series resistance component within the coil reduced by environmental changes, thereby changing (shifting) the resonant frequency of the coil of the wireless power transmitter. That is, the quality factor peak frequency, which is the frequency at which the maximum quality factor value within the operating frequency band is measured, can be shifted.

[0104] In stage 520, when an object is detected, the wireless power transmitter wakes up the receiver and sends a digital Ping to identify whether the detected object is the wireless power receiver. In stage 520, if the wireless power transmitter does not receive a response signal to the digital Ping—for example, a signal strength packet—from the receiver, it can transition back to stage 510. Alternatively, in stage 520, if the wireless power transmitter receives a signal from the receiver indicating that power transmission is complete—i.e., a charge complete packet—it can also transition back to stage 510.

[0105] Once the PING stage 520 is complete, the wireless power transmitter can proceed to the identification and configuration stage 530, which involves identifying the receiver and collecting receiver configuration and status information.

[0106] In the identification and configuration stage 530, the wireless power transmitter may proceed to the selection stage 510 if an unexpected packet is received, or if a desired packet is not received within a predetermined time (time out), or if there is a transmission error, or if no power transfer contract is established.

[0107] The wireless power transmitter can determine whether it is necessary to proceed to the negotiation stage 540 based on the negotiation field value of the configuration packet received in the identification and configuration stage 530. If negotiation is required, the wireless power transmitter can proceed to the negotiation stage 540 and execute a predetermined FO detection procedure. Conversely, if negotiation is not required, the wireless power transmitter can proceed directly to the power transmission stage 560.

[0108] In negotiation phase 540, the wireless power transmitter can receive a Foreign Object Detection (FOD) status packet containing a reference quality factor value, or a Foreign Object Detection (FOD) status packet containing a reference peak frequency value, or a status packet containing both a reference quality factor value and a reference peak frequency value. At this time, the wireless power transmitter can determine a quality coefficient threshold for FO detection based on the reference quality factor value, or a peak frequency threshold for FO detection based on the reference peak frequency value.

[0109] The wireless power transmitter can detect whether a fault (FO) is present in the charging area using a determined quality factor threshold for FO detection and the currently measured quality factor value (quality factor value measured before the PING stage), and can control power transmission based on the FO detection result. For example, if FO is detected, power transmission may be interrupted, but is not limited to this.

[0110] The wireless power transmitter can detect whether a FO (Fault Occurrence) is present in the charging region using a determined peak frequency threshold for FO detection and the currently measured peak frequency value (the peak frequency value measured before the PING stage), and can control power transmission based on the FO detection result. For example, if FO is detected, power transmission may be interrupted, but is not limited to this.

[0111] If FO is detected, the wireless power transmitter can return to the selection stage 510. Conversely, if FO is not detected, the wireless power transmitter can proceed to the power transmission stage 560 via the correction stage 550. Specifically, if FO is not detected, the wireless power transmitter can determine the power intensity received at the receiving end in the correction stage 550 and measure the power loss at the receiving and transmitting ends to determine the power intensity transmitted at the transmitting end. That is, in the correction stage 550, the wireless power transmitter can predict the power loss based on the difference between the transmitted power at the transmitting end and the received power at the receiving end. In one embodiment, the wireless power transmitter can also correct the threshold for FO detection to reflect the predicted power loss.

[0112] In power transmission phase 560, the wireless power transmitter may transition to selection phase 510 if an unexpected packet is received, or if a desired packet is not received within a predetermined time (time out), or if a power transfer contract violation occurs, or if charging is complete.

[0113] Furthermore, in the power transmission stage 560, if the wireless power transmitter needs to reconfigure the power transmission contract due to a change in the state of the wireless power transmitter, it can transition to the renegotiation stage 570. At this time, if the renegotiation is successfully completed, the wireless power transmitter can return to the power transmission stage 560.

[0114] In this embodiment, the correction stage 550 and the power transmission stage 560 are separated into different stages, but the correction stage 550 can be integrated into the power transmission stage 560. In this case, the operations in the correction stage 550 can be performed in the power transmission stage 560.

[0115] The aforementioned power transmission contract can be set based on the status and characteristic information of the wireless power transmitter and receiver. For example, the status information of the wireless power transmitter may include information on the maximum amount of power that can be transmitted and the maximum number of receivers that can be accommodated, while the status information of the receiver may include information on the power requested.

[0116] Figure 6 shows a power control method according to one embodiment.

[0117] In Figure 6, during the power transmission phase 560, the wireless power transmitter 100 and the wireless power receiver 200 can control the amount of power transmitted by communicating in parallel with power transmission and reception. The wireless power transmitter and wireless power receiver operate at a specific control point. The control point indicates the combination of voltage and current provided at the output terminal of the wireless power receiver when power transmission is performed.

[0118] More specifically, the wireless power receiver selects a desired control point—such as the desired output current / voltage and the temperature at a specific location on the mobile device—and additionally determines the actual control point currently in operation. Using the desired and actual control points, the wireless power receiver can calculate a control error value and transmit it to the wireless power transmitter as a control error packet.

[0119] The wireless power transmitter can then use the received control error packets to set / control new operating points—amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle—and control power transfer. Thus, control error packets are transmitted / received at regular time intervals during the power transfer phase. For example, the wireless power receiver can set the control error value to a negative number when attempting to reduce the current of the wireless power transmitter, and to a positive number when attempting to increase the current. In this way, in inductive mode, power transfer can be controlled by the wireless power receiver transmitting control error packets to the wireless power transmitter.

[0120] The resonant mode described below can operate in a different manner than the inductive mode. In resonant mode, a single radio power transmitter must be able to serve multiple radio power receivers simultaneously. However, when controlling power transfer as in the inductive mode described above, the power transmitted is controlled by communication with a single radio power receiver, making it difficult to control power transfer to additional radio power receivers. Therefore, in the resonant mode described herein, the radio power transmitter transmits basic power in common, and the radio power receiver controls the amount of power it receives by controlling its own resonant frequency. However, even in such resonant mode operation, the method described in Figure 6 is not completely excluded, and control of additional transmitted power can also be performed using the method in Figure 6.

[0121] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission device according to another embodiment. This can belong to a magnetic resonant or shared-mode wireless power transmission system. Shared mode can refer to a mode in which one-to-many communication and charging are performed between a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power receiver. Shared mode can be embodied in a magnetic induction or resonant system.

[0122] Referring to Figure 7, the wireless power transmitter 700 may include at least one of the following: a cover 720 covering a coil assembly, a power adapter 730 supplying power to a power transmitter 740, a power transmitter 740 transmitting wireless power, or a user interface 750 providing power transmission progress and other related information. In particular, the user interface 750 may be included optionally or as another user interface 750 of the wireless power transmitter 700.

[0123] The power transmitter 740 may include at least one of the following: a coil assembly 760, an impedance matching circuit 770, an inverter 780, a communication circuit 790, or a control circuit 710.

[0124] The coil assembly 760 includes at least one primary coil that generates a magnetic field, and is also called a coil set.

[0125] The impedance matching circuit 770 can provide impedance matching between the inverter and the primary coil(s). The impedance matching circuit 770 can generate resonance at a frequency suitable for boosting the primary coil current. In the multi-coil power transmitter 740, the impedance matching circuit may also additionally include a multiplex that routes the signal through a subset of the primary coils in the inverter. The impedance matching circuit is also called a tank circuit.

[0126] The impedance matching circuit 770 may include capacitors, inductors, and switching elements for switching their connections. Impedance matching can be performed by detecting reflected waves of radio power transmitted through the coil assembly 760 and switching the switching elements based on the detected reflected waves to adjust the connection state of the capacitors and inductors, or by adjusting the capacitance of the capacitors or the inductance of the inductors. In some cases, the impedance matching circuit 770 may be omitted, and this specification also includes embodiments of the radio power transmitter 700 in which the impedance matching circuit 770 is omitted.

[0127] The 780 inverter can convert a DC input to an AC signal. The 780 inverter can be driven in a half-bridge or full-bridge configuration to generate adjustable frequency pulse waves and duty cycles. The inverter can also include multiple stages to adjust the input voltage level.

[0128] The communication circuit 790 can communicate with the power receiver. The power receiver performs load modulation to communicate requests and information to the power transmitter. Thus, the power transmitter 740 can use the communication circuit 790 to monitor the amplitude and / or phase of the primary coil current and / or voltage in order to demodulate the data transmitted by the power receiver.

[0129] Furthermore, the power transmitter 740 can also control its output power to transmit data using methods such as FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) via the communication circuit 790.

[0130] The control circuit 710 can control the communication and power transmission of the power transmitter 740. The control circuit 710 can control power transmission by adjusting the aforementioned operating points. The operating points can be determined by, for example, at least one of the operating frequency, duty cycle, and input voltage.

[0131] The communication circuit 790 and the control circuit 710 may be provided in separate circuits / elements / chipsets, or they may be provided in a single circuit / element / chipset.

[0132] Figure 8 shows a wireless power receiving device according to another embodiment. This may belong to a magnetic resonance or shared mode wireless power transmitting system.

[0133] In Figure 8, the wireless power receiving device 800 may include at least one of a user interface 820 that provides power transmission progress and other relevant information, a power receiver 830 that receives wireless power, and a base 850 that supports and covers a load circuit 840 or coil assembly. In particular, the user interface 820 may be included optionally or as another user interface 820 of the power receiving equipment.

[0134] The power receiver 830 may include at least one of the following: a power converter 860, an impedance matching circuit 870, a coil assembly 880, a communication circuit 890, or a control circuit 810.

[0135] The power converter 860 can convert the AC power received from the secondary coil into a voltage and current suitable for the load circuit. In one embodiment, the power converter 860 may include a rectifier. The rectifier can rectify the received radio power, converting it from AC to DC. The rectifier can use diodes or transistors to convert AC to DC and capacitors and resistors to smooth it. As rectifiers, full-wave rectifiers, half-wave rectifiers, voltage multipliers, etc., implemented in bridge circuits, can be used. Additionally, the power converter can adapt to the reflected impedance of the power receiver.

[0136] The impedance matching circuit 870 can provide impedance matching between the power converter 860 and load circuit 840 and the secondary coil. In one embodiment, the impedance matching circuit can generate a resonance around 100 kHz, which can enhance power transmission. The impedance matching circuit 870 can consist of a capacitor, an inductor, and switching elements that switch a combination thereof. Impedance matching can be performed by controlling the switching elements of the circuit constituting the impedance matching circuit 870 based on the voltage, current, power, and frequency values ​​of the received radio power. In some cases, the impedance matching circuit 870 may be omitted, and this specification also includes embodiments of the radio power receiver 200 in which the impedance matching circuit 870 is omitted.

[0137] The coil assembly 880 includes at least one secondary coil and optionally may further include an element that shields the metal parts of the receiver from the magnetic field.

[0138] The communication circuit 890 can perform load modulation to communicate requests and other information to the power transmitter.

[0139] To this end, the power receiver 830 can also switch a resistor or capacitor to change the reflection impedance.

[0140] The control circuit 810 can control the received power. To this end, the control circuit 810 can determine / calculate the difference between the actual operating point and the desired operating point of the power receiver 830. The control circuit 810 can then adjust / reduce the difference between the actual operating point and the desired operating point by adjusting the reflection impedance of the power transmitter and / or by performing an adjustment request for the operating point of the power transmitter. By minimizing this difference, optimal power reception can be achieved.

[0141] The communication circuit 890 and the control circuit 810 may be provided as separate components / chipsets, or they may be provided as a single component / chipset.

[0142] Wireless power transmission systems can be equipped with application-level message exchange capabilities to support expansion into diverse application areas. Based on such capabilities, device authentication-related information or other application-level messages can be sent and received between wireless power transmitters and receivers. Because higher-level messages are exchanged between wireless power transmitters and receivers in this way, a separate hierarchical architecture for data transmission is required, along with efficient management and operation methods for this hierarchical architecture.

[0143] Figure 9 shows a hierarchical architecture for sending and receiving application-level messages between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, as an example.

[0144] Referring to Figure 9, the data stream initiator and data stream responder transmit / receive data transmission streams that divide application-level messages into multiple data packets using the application and transmission layers.

[0145] Both a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver can be either a data stream initiator or a data stream responder. For example, if the data stream initiator is a wireless power receiver, the data stream responder is a wireless power transmitter, and if the data stream initiator is a wireless power transmitter, the data stream responder is a wireless power receiver.

[0146] The application layer of the data stream initiator generates application-level messages (application messages, such as authentication-related messages) and stores them in a buffer managed by the application layer. The application layer of the data stream initiator then submits the application messages stored in its buffer to the transport layer. The transport layer of the data stream initiator stores the received application messages in a buffer managed by the transport layer. The size of the transport layer's buffer is, for example, at least 67 bytes.

[0147] The transmission hierarchy of a data stream initiator transmits an application message to a data stream responder via a wireless channel using a data transport stream. In this case, the application message is sliced ​​into a large number of data packets and transmitted, and the large number of data packets into which the application message is divided and transmitted consecutively can be called a data transport stream.

[0148] If an error occurs during the transmission of a data packet, the data stream initiator can retransmit the erroneous packet, and in this case, the transmission layer of the data stream initiator can provide feedback to the application layer regarding the success or failure of the message transmission.

[0149] A data stream responder receives a data transmission stream via a wireless channel. The received data transmission stream is demodulated and decoded by the reverse process of how the data stream initiator transmitted the application message over the data transmission stream. For example, the data stream responder can store the data transmission stream in a buffer managed by the transmission layer, merge it, and transmit it from the transmission layer to the application layer, where the application layer can store the received message in a buffer managed by the application layer.

[0150] Figure 10 shows a data transmission stream between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver, as an example.

[0151] Referring to Figure 10, a data transmission stream may include auxiliary data control (ADC) data packets and a series of auxiliary data transport (ADT) data packets.

[0152] A data stream initiator can start (open) and end a data transmission stream using ADC data packets. Specifically, a data stream initiator can start or request the start of a data transmission stream by sending an ADC data packet (ADC / gp / 8), send multiple ADT data packets with slid application messages, and end or request the end of a data transmission stream by sending an ADC data packet (ADC / end).

[0153] Additionally, the data stream initiator can use ADC data packets to reset the data transmission stream.

[0154] Figure 11 shows the format of the message field of an ADC data packet according to one embodiment, and Figure 12 shows the format of the message field of an ADT data packet according to one embodiment.

[0155] Referring to Figure 11, the message field of an ADC data packet can consist of 2 bytes (3 bytes for an ADC data packet including a header), and may include a byte (B0) containing the Request field and a byte (B1) containing the Parameter field.

[0156] ADC data packets can be distinguished by the value of the request field into three types: ADCs that initiate (or request the initiation of) a data transmission stream, ADCs that terminate (or request the termination of) a data transmission stream, and ADCs that reset (or request the reset of) a data transmission stream. Furthermore, the value of the request field can also distinguish which application message an ADC is initiating a data transmission stream for.

[0157] For example, an ADC data packet with a request field value of 0 is an ADC (ADC / end) that terminates a data transmission stream or requests the termination of a data transmission stream; an ADC data packet with a request field value of 2 is an ADC (ADC / auth) that starts a data transmission stream to send authentication-related messages or requests the start of a data transmission stream to send authentication-related messages; and an ADC data packet with a request field value of 5 is an ADC (ADC / rst) that resets a data transmission stream or requests the reset of a data transmission stream. An ADC data packet with a request field value of any one of 0×10 to 0×1F is an ADC (ADC / prop) that starts a data transmission stream to send data other than authentication data (e.g., proprietary data) or requests the start of a data transmission stream.

[0158] An ADC data packet may contain information about the number of data bytes in the data transmission stream. For this purpose, the parameter field of the ADC data packet that initiates the data transmission stream may contain information about the number of data bytes in the data transmission stream. The parameter fields of the ADC that terminates the data transmission stream (ADC / end) and / or resets the data transmission stream (ADC / rst) can be set to 0.

[0159] Referring again to Figure 10, in response to an ADC data packet sent by the wireless power receiver to the wireless power transmitter as a data stream initiator, the wireless power transmitter can respond with one of the following: ACK, NAK, ND, or ATN. The wireless power transmitter can respond with ACK if it has successfully performed the request in the received ADC data packet, with NAK if it has not performed the request in the received ADC data packet, with ND if the wireless power transmitter does not support the data transmission stream requested by the received ADC data packet, and with ATN if the wireless power transmitter requests permission from the wireless power receiver to communicate.

[0160] For ADC data packets transmitted by a wireless power transmitter to a wireless power receiver as a data stream initiator, the wireless power receiver can respond using a Data Stream Response (DSR) data packet having a 1-byte message field. For example, the wireless power receiver can respond with one of the following: DSR / ack, DSR / nak, DSR / nd, or DSR / poll. The wireless power receiver can respond with DSR / ack if it has successfully performed the request in the received ADC data packet, with NAK if it has not performed the request in the received ADC data packet, with ND if the wireless power receiver does not support the request or the requested data transmission stream in the received ADC data packet, and with DSR / poll if it has not received the last data packet transmitted by the wireless power transmitter.

[0161] Referring to Figure 12, the message field of an ADT data packet contains an N-byte data field. The message field of an ADT data packet can be 1 to 7 bytes in size. The data field contains a segment of the application message that is transmitted via the data transmission stream. That is, the application message transmitted via the data transmission stream is sliced ​​into multiple ADT data packets and transmitted / received via wireless communication (e.g., in-band communication) between the wireless power receiver and the wireless power transmitter.

[0162] Referring again to Figure 10, in response to an ADT data packet sent by the wireless power receiver to the wireless power transmitter as a data stream initiator, the wireless power transmitter can respond with one of the following: ACK, NAK, ND, or ATN. The wireless power transmitter can respond with ACK if it has processed the data in the received ADT data packet correctly, with NAK if it has not processed the data in the received ADT data packet, with ND if there is no data transmission stream that the wireless power transmitter is currently receiving, and with ATN if the wireless power transmitter is requesting permission to communicate from the wireless power receiver.

[0163] For ADT data packets transmitted by a wireless power transmitter to a wireless power receiver as data stream starters, the wireless power receiver can respond using DSR data packets with a 1-byte message field. For example, the wireless power receiver can respond with one of the following: DSR / ack, DSR / nak, DSR / nd, or DSR / poll. The wireless power receiver can respond with DSR / ack if it has processed the data in the received ADT data packet correctly, with NAK if it has not processed the data in the received ADT data packet, with ND if there is no data transmission stream that the wireless power receiver is currently receiving, and with DSR / poll if it has not received the last data packet transmitted by the wireless power transmitter.

[0164] As mentioned above, if an ADT data packet has an N-byte message field and the size of the message field is arbitrarily determined by the data stream initiator, the environment of the data stream responder receiving the ADT data packet is not taken into consideration, which increases the probability of ADT data packet transmission failure.

[0165] In particular, if a wireless power receiver is a data stream responder that is to periodically transmit data packets (e.g., Received Power (RP) data packets, Control Error (CE) data packets) to a wireless power transmitter, the wireless power receiver must receive the ADT data packets and transmit a response message (DSR data packet) to the received ADT data packets within the transmission cycle of the periodically transmitted data packets. This can lead to problems such as being unable to synchronize the transmission cycle of the periodically transmitted data packets, being unable to properly receive the ADT data packets, or being unable to transmit a response message to the received ADT data packets in a timely manner.

[0166] In particular, in order for a wireless power receiver to stably adjust its operation point using CE data packets, it is desirable to maintain a shorter transmission period for CE data packets. However, if the wireless power transmitter is the data stream initiator, a problem may arise where it is difficult for the wireless power receiver to maintain the desired transmission period for CE data packets due to the size of the ADT data packets arbitrarily determined by the wireless power transmitter.

[0167] To solve the aforementioned problems, an ADT data packet according to one embodiment can have a maximum default size defined. In particular, the size of the ADT data packet transmitted by the wireless power transmitter can be limited.

[0168] For example, the maximum default size of an ADT data packet can be limited to 4 bytes. In this case, the message field of the ADT data packet will be a maximum of 3 bytes.

[0169] Alternatively, for example, the maximum default size of the message field in an ADT data packet can be limited to 3 bytes. In this case, the ADT data packet, including the header, can be up to 4 bytes.

[0170] For the sake of explanation, an example was given in which the maximum default size of the ADT data packet is proposed to be 4 bytes and the maximum default size of the message field of the ADT data packet is 3 bytes. However, this is not the only option, and the maximum default size of the ADT data packet or the message field of the ADT data packet can be selected differently depending on the communication environment between the wireless power transmitter and wireless power receiver, the transmission cycle of the CE data packet or RP data packet, etc.

[0171] Furthermore, the wireless power receiver can specify the maximum size of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter in order to maintain the transmission cycle of periodically transmitted data packets, such as CE data packets, that it desires.

[0172] For example, before the data transmission stream is executed, the wireless power receiver may send a data packet to the wireless power transmitter containing information about the maximum size of the ADT data packets to be transmitted by the wireless power transmitter. Upon receiving this data packet, the wireless power transmitter can then transmit ADT data packets that are less than or equal to the maximum size of the ADT data packets limited by the wireless power receiver when transmitting ADT data packets via the data transmission stream in the future.

[0173] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the negotiation or renegotiation protocol for one embodiment.

[0174] Referring to Figure 13, the wireless power transmitter 1001 and the wireless power receiver 1002 enter the negotiation phase or the re-negotiation phase (S1001). Although not shown in Figure 13, the wireless power transmitter 1001 and the wireless power receiver 1002 can enter the negotiation phase via the ping phase and configuration phase, or enter the power transfer phase via the ping phase, configuration phase, and negotiation phase, and then enter the re-negotiation phase.

[0175] During the PING phase, the wireless power transmitter 1001 transmits a digital PING to identify the wireless power receiver 1002. The wireless power transmitter 1001 can also perform foreign object detection before transmitting power to check for the presence of foreign objects in the operating volume. Upon receiving the digital PING, the wireless power receiver 1002 transmits a signal strength data packet (SIG) to the wireless power transmitter 1001. Upon receiving the SIG from the wireless power receiver 1002, the wireless power transmitter 1001 can identify that the wireless power receiver 1002 is located within the operating volume.

[0176] During the configuration phase, the wireless power receiver 1002 transmits its identification information to the wireless power transmitter, and the wireless power receiver 1002 and the wireless power transmitter 1001 can establish a baseline power transfer contract. The wireless power receiver 1002 can transmit an ID (identification data packet) and an XID (Extended Identification data packet) to the wireless power transmitter 1001 for identification, and can transmit a PCH (Power Control Hold-off data packet) and a CFG (Configuration data packet) to the wireless power transmitter 1001 for the power transfer contract.

[0177] During the negotiation phase, the Power Transfer Contract related to the reception / transmission of wireless power between the wireless power receiver 1002 and the wireless power transmitter 1001 may be extended or modified, or the Power Transfer Contract may be renewed to adjust at least some of its elements. Also, during the negotiation or renegotiation phase, the wireless power receiver may transmit a data packet containing information about the maximum size of the ADT data packet to the wireless power transmitter.

[0178] Further details regarding the PING, configuration, and negotiation phases have been explained in Figure 5, etc., so no additional explanation will be provided here.

[0179] Referring to Figure 13, the wireless power receiver 1002 can receive the ID (Identification data packet) and CAP (Capabilities data packet) from the wireless power transmitter 1001 using a GRQ (General Request data packet).

[0180] A GRQ packet contains a 1-byte Requested Power Transmitter Data Packet field. The Requested Power Transmitter Data Packet field may contain the header value of the data packet that the wireless power receiver 1002 requests from the wireless power transmitter 1001 using the GRQ packet. For example, if the wireless power receiver 1002 requests the ID packet of the wireless power transmitter 1001 using the GRQ packet, the wireless power receiver 1002 will send a GRQ packet (GRQ / id) in which the Requested Power Transmitter Data Packet field contains the header value (0 x 30) of the ID packet of the wireless power transmitter 1001.

[0181] During the negotiation or renegotiation phase, the wireless power receiver 1002 can send a GRQ packet (GRQ / id) to the wireless power transmitter 1001 requesting an ID packet from the wireless power transmitter 1001 (S1002).

[0182] Upon receiving the GRQ / id, the wireless power transmitter 1001 can transmit an ID packet to the wireless power receiver 1002 (S1003). The ID packet from the wireless power transmitter 1001 contains information about the Manufacturer Code. The ID packet containing information about the Manufacturer Code allows the manufacturer of the wireless power transmitter 1001 to be identified.

[0183] The wireless power receiver 1002 can send a GRQ packet (GRQ / cap) to the wireless power transmitter 1001 requesting a CAP packet (S1004). The Requested Power Transmitter Data Packet field of the GRQ / cap may contain the header value (0×31) of the CAP packet.

[0184] Upon receiving GRQ / cap, the wireless power transmitter 1001 can transmit a CAP packet to the wireless power receiver 1002 (S1005). The CAP packet from the wireless power transmitter 1001 contains information related to the performance of the wireless power transmitter 1001. For example, the CAP packet from the wireless power transmitter 1001 may contain information on negotiable load power, potential load power, support for simultaneous data reception / transmission (Dup), support for authentication function (AR), and support for out-of-band communication (OB).

[0185] The wireless power receiver 1002 can use a Specific Request data packet (SRQ) during the negotiation or renegotiation phase to update elements of the Power Transfer Contract associated with the power received during the power transmission phase, thereby terminating the negotiation or renegotiation phase.

[0186] Furthermore, the wireless power receiver 1002 can use SRQ packets to transmit a data packet to the wireless power transmitter that contains information about the maximum size of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter.

[0187] Figure 14 shows the format of the message field in an example SRQ packet. Referring to Figure 14, the message field of an SRQ packet can include a byte containing the Request field (B0) and a byte containing the Parameter field (B1).

[0188] Currently, 0x00, 0x01, 0x02, 0x03, 0x04, and 0x05 are already used as Request values ​​for SRQ packets as SRQ / en, SRQ / gp, SRQ / rpr, SRQ / fsk, SRQ / rp, and SRQ / rep, respectively. Therefore, the Request value for SRQ (SRQ / ADT) used to transmit information about the maximum size of ADT data packets transmitted by a wireless power transmitter can be any value other than 0x00, 0x01, 0x02, 0x03, 0x04, and 0x05. For example, the Request value for SRQ / ADT can be 0x07 or 0x08.

[0189] The SRQ / ADT parameter field may contain information regarding the maximum size of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter. For example, if the wireless power transmitter wants to specify a maximum size of 7B for the ADT data packets it transmits, the wireless power receiver 1002 can set the value of the SRQ / ADT parameter field to '00000111'b.

[0190] Alternatively, the SRQ / ADT parameter field may contain information regarding the maximum size of the message field of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter. For example, if the wireless power transmitter wants to specify a maximum message field size of 6B for the ADT data packets it transmits, the wireless power receiver 1002 can set the value of the SRQ / ADT parameter field to '00000110'b. If the maximum message field size of the ADT data packet is 6B, the wireless power transmitter 1001 can transmit ADT data packets up to 7B, including the header.

[0191] Upon receiving an SRQ / ADT, the wireless power transmitter 1001 can only respond with an ACK.

[0192] According to the currently discussed WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) Qi specification, an ADT data packet including the header is 2 to 8 bytes. However, if the communication speed of the frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation scheme, which is used by the wireless power transmitter 1001 to transmit data to the wireless power receiver 1002, is improved, the maximum size of the ADT data packet transmitted by the wireless power transmitter can be increased to twice, three times, or more of the 2 to 8 bytes.

[0193] As mentioned above, assuming that the wireless power transmitter 1001 receives an SRQ / ADT from the wireless power receiver 1002 during the negotiation or renegotiation phase and that the maximum size of the ADT data packet has been specified, referring to Figure 10 again, when the wireless power transmitter transmits a data transmission stream to the wireless power receiver, the wireless power transmitter sends an ADC data packet to request the start of the data transmission stream, and the wireless power receiver, having received the ADC data packet, sends a CE data packet and a DSR / ack as a response packet to the ADC data packet.

[0194] When a wireless power transmitter receives a DSR / ack from a wireless power receiver, it transmits an ADT data packet. At this time, the wireless power transmitter is constrained by the maximum size of the ADT data packet or the maximum size of the message field of the ADT data packet included in the SRQ / ADT, and transmits an ADT data packet or an ADT data packet containing a message field of the maximum size or less than or equal to the maximum size.

[0195] The wireless power receiver transmits a response packet (DSR / ack) for each ADT data packet received from the wireless power transmitter, and transmits CE data packets and RP data packets in accordance with the transmission cycle between the reception of the ADT data packet and the transmission of the response packet (DSR / ack).

[0196] After transmitting all ADT data packets, the radio power transmitter sends an ADC data packet to the radio power receiver requesting the termination of the data transmission stream. Upon receiving the ADC data packet, the radio power receiver terminates the data transmission stream by transmitting a CE data packet and sending a DSR / ack as a response packet to the ADC data packet.

[0197] On the other hand, if the wireless power receiver does not specify the maximum size of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter during the negotiation or renegotiation phase, the size of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter or the size of the message field of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter may be limited to the maximum default size.

[0198] As described above, according to this specification, the maximum size of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power transmitter is limited, or the maximum size of the ADT data packets transmitted by the wireless power receiver is specified, so that the wireless power receiver can successfully transmit data packets (e.g., CE data packets and RP data packets) that should be transmitted periodically independently of the data transmission stream during the process of receiving the data transmission stream.

[0199] The wireless power transmitter in the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 14 corresponds to the wireless power transmitter, wireless power transmitter, or power transmitting unit disclosed in Figures 1 to 8. Therefore, the operation of the wireless power transmitter in these embodiments is embodied by one or more combinations of the various components of the wireless power transmitter shown in Figures 1 to 8. For example, the reception / transmission of data packets as shown in Figures 9 to 14 is included in the operation of the communication / control units 120, 710, or 790.

[0200] The wireless power receiving device in the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 14 corresponds to the wireless power receiver or wireless power receiver or power receiving unit disclosed in Figures 1 to 8. Therefore, the operation of the wireless power receiving device in these embodiments is embodied by one or more combinations of the various components of the wireless power receiving device shown in Figures 1 to 8. For example, the reception / transmission of data packets as shown in Figures 9 to 14 can be included in the operation of the communication / control units 220, 810, or 890.

[0201] Since not all components or steps are essential in the wireless power transmission method and apparatus, or receiving apparatus and method, according to the embodiments of the present invention described above, the wireless power transmission apparatus and method, or receiving apparatus and method, can be implemented including some or all of the components or steps described above. Furthermore, the embodiments of the wireless power transmission apparatus and method, or receiving apparatus and method, described above can be implemented in combination with each other. In addition, the components or steps described above do not necessarily have to be implemented in the order they are described, and it is possible for a later-described step to be implemented before an earlier-described step.

[0202] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications and variations without deviating from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention described above can be embodied individually or in combination with each other.

[0203] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention must be interpreted in accordance with the claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope must be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this invention.

Claims

1. In a wireless power receiving device for receiving wireless power from a wireless power transmitting device, A power pickup circuit configured to receive the wireless power from the wireless power transmitter, It comprises a communication / control circuit configured to control the aforementioned wireless power, The aforementioned wireless power receiving device is The aforementioned wireless power transmitter receives a special request (SRQ) data packet containing information regarding the maximum size of an auxiliary data transport (ADT) data packet during the negotiation phase. The wireless power transmitter receives an ACK for the specific SRQ data packet, The wireless power transmitter is configured to receive application-level messages using a data transmission stream that includes ADC (auxiliary data control) data packets and multiple ADT packets. For the specified SRQ data packet, the wireless power receiving device always receives the ACK. Each of the plurality of ADT data packets has a size less than or equal to the maximum size, and is a wireless power receiving device.

2. The wireless power receiver according to claim 1, wherein the communication / control circuit is configured to communicate with the wireless power transmitter according to a protocol including a PING stage, a configuration stage, a negotiation stage, and a power transmission stage.

3. In a method for receiving a message from a wireless power transmitter, It is performed by a wireless power receiver, and The steps include: transmitting a specific SRQ (special request) data packet containing information regarding the maximum size of an ADT (auxiliary data transport) data packet to the aforementioned wireless power transmitter during the negotiation phase; The steps include receiving an ACK for the specific SRQ data packet from the wireless power transmitter, The step includes receiving an application-level message from the wireless power transmitter using a data transmission stream that includes an ADC (auxiliary data control) data packet and a plurality of ADT packets, For the specified SRQ data packet, the wireless power receiving device always receives the ACK. A method wherein each of the plurality of ADT data packets has a size less than or equal to the maximum size.

4. In a wireless power transmitting device for transmitting wireless power to a wireless power receiving device, A power conversion circuit configured to transmit the wireless power to the wireless power receiving device, It comprises a communication / control circuit configured to control the aforementioned wireless power, The aforementioned wireless power transmission device is The aforementioned wireless power receiving device receives a specific SRQ (special request) data packet containing information regarding the maximum size of the ADT (auxiliary data transport) data packet during the negotiation phase. The wireless power receiving device transmits an ACK for the specific SRQ data packet. The aforementioned wireless power receiver is configured to transmit application-level messages using a data transmission stream that includes ADC (auxiliary data control) data packets and multiple ADT packets. For the specified SRQ data packet, the wireless power receiving device always receives the ACK. Each of the plurality of ADT data packets has a size less than or equal to the maximum size, and is a wireless power transmitter.

5. In a method for transmitting a message to a wireless power receiving device, It is performed by a wireless power transmitter, and The steps include receiving a specific SRQ (special request) data packet from the aforementioned wireless power receiving device, which contains information regarding the maximum size of the ADT (auxiliary data transport) data packet during the negotiation phase, The steps include: transmitting an ACK for the specific SRQ data packet to the wireless power receiving device; The steps include sending an application-level message to the wireless power receiving device using a data transmission stream that includes an ADC (auxiliary data control) data packet and a plurality of ADT packets, For the specified SRQ data packet, the wireless power receiving device always receives the ACK. A method wherein each of the plurality of ADT data packets has a size less than or equal to the maximum size.

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