Bluetooth Low Energy short-range radio module with a limited range of up to 1 m

Abstract

This utility model relates to wireless communications. The technical result consists of creating a controlled radio communication zone, enabling the use of Bluetooth Low Energy in systems that previously used RFID, and increasing security against remote interactions. A Bluetooth Low Energy module with a limited range of up to 1 m comprises a radio frequency transceiver, a microcontroller, an antenna system, an output power control unit, and a shielding element mechanically connected to the antenna system. 3 inventive statements, 1 fig.

Description

[0001] 1.1 Technical Field

[0002] The utility model relates to short-range wireless radio communication means of the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard, used in payment systems, logistics, identification, user authentication and object tracking, where a strictly limited interaction zone is required.

[0003] 1.2. State of the Art

[0004] Currently, RFID and NFC systems are mainly used for contactless payment and identification purposes.

[0005] Bluetooth Low Energy is primarily used for communication at distances of 1 to 50 meters and is not used as a structurally limited radio communication means with a coverage area comparable to RFID.

[0006] Disadvantages of known solutions:

[0007] do not have hardware spatial limitation of radio communication area;

[0008] provide omnidirectional radiation;

[0009] are not intended to prevent reading through a wall or from a remote position.

[0010] 1.3. Technical task

[0011] Creating a short-range BLE module that provides:

[0012] Formation of a spatially limited radio communication zone of no more than 1 m;

[0013] the ability to use standard BLE devices (smartphones, IoT devices, controllers) without modifying them;

[0014] replacement of RFID readers in payment and identification systems;

[0015] Reducing the likelihood of unauthorized remote interaction;

[0016] Ability to operate in conditions of noisy radio frequency data transmission channel.

[0017] 1.4. Essence of the utility model

[0018] Bluetooth Low Energy short-range wireless communication module contains:

[0019] 1. Radio frequency transceiver of BLE standard version 5.0 and above.

[0020] 2. Microcontroller.

[0021] 3. Antenna system.

[0022] 4. Transmitter output power control unit.

[0023] 5. Shielding element;

[0024] 6. External system connection interface;

[0025] 7. Received signal parameters analysis block.

[0026] The antenna system is directional.

[0027] The shielding element is mechanically connected to the antenna system and is positioned to provide suppression of radiation in the rear direction.

[0028] The power control unit is designed to limit the effective isotropically radiated power to a level that ensures stable communication at a distance of no more than 1 m. The microcontroller is designed to implement a spatial proximity validation algorithm based on an analysis of the parameters of the received signal.

[0029] 1.5. Distinguishing features

[0030] The proposed device differs from known BLE modules in that

[0031] The antenna system is directional with a rear radiation suppression coefficient of at least 10 dB;

[0032] A structural shielding element is provided, which forms a limited radio communication zone;

[0033] implemented joint hardware and software range limitation;

[0034] Ensures compatibility with standard BLE devices without hardware modification;

[0035] The zone of stable radio communication is structurally limited to a distance of no more than 1 m;

[0036] The stable radio communication zone can be adjusted programmatically in the range from 0.3 to 1 m.

[0037] 2.6. Technical result

[0038] formation of a controlled radio communication zone;

[0039] possibility of using BLE in systems that previously used RFID;

[0040] Improved security against remote interaction.

[0041] 2.7. Brief description of drawings

[0042] The structural diagram of the module is shown in Fig. 1.

[0043] 2.8. Implementation example

[0044] The antenna system can be made in the form of:

[0045] Patch antennas with grounded screen;

[0046] slot antenna;

[0047] antenna array with switching elements.

[0048] The shielding element can be made in the form of a metal cavity partially surrounding the antenna.

[0049] The area of ​​action limitation is achieved:

[0050] by reducing the transmitter power;

[0051] directional diagram;

[0052] shielding;

[0053] software validation by RSSI and / or phase characteristics.

Claims

1. A short-range wireless communication module of the Bluetooth Low Energy standard, comprising a radio frequency transceiver, a microcontroller and an antenna system, characterized in that it additionally comprises an output power control unit and a shielding element mechanically connected to the antenna system, wherein: the antenna system is directional with a radiation suppression coefficient in the rear direction of at least 10 dB; the shielding element is placed to ensure the formation of a spatially limited radio communication zone; the power control unit is designed with the ability to limit the effective isotropically radiated power to a value that ensures stable communication at a distance of no more than 1 m; the microcontroller is designed with the ability to analyze the parameters of the received signal to confirm spatial proximity; Moreover, the module is designed to interact with standard BLE devices without any hardware modification.

2. The module according to item 1, in which the antenna system is designed as a patch antenna.

3. The module according to claim 1, wherein the antenna system is designed in the form of an antenna array.

4. The module according to claim 1, wherein the analysis of signal parameters includes analysis of RSSI and / or phase parameters of the signal.

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