Unified ASK and PSK Demodulation Circuit for Near-Field Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing near field communication technologies face challenges in achieving high communication quality with low error rates, particularly in environments where power consumption is a concern and signal modulation can shift from ASK to PSK, affecting demodulation accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A communication device and system that incorporate both amplitude change demodulation and phase change demodulation capabilities, allowing selection of the best demodulated signal and dynamic modulation of the magnetic field to enhance communication quality and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only ASK detection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but communication quality deteriorates when signal modulation shifts to PSK

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemodulation circuit complexityVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The demodulation circuit is designed to perform both ASK detection and phase detection functions using a unified structure. The circuit can adaptively switch between ASK demodulation and phase demodulation modes based on the actual signal characteristics, making it universally applicable to both ASK and PSK modulation schemes without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The demodulation circuit incorporates dynamic mode switching capability that allows it to adapt its operation mode based on real-time signal conditions. The circuit can dynamically transition between ASK detection mode and phase detection mode, enabling it to maintain high communication quality regardless of whether the transmitted signal uses ASK or PSK modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If both ASK detection and phase detection circuits are included, then communication quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoiddemodulation circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ASK detection circuit and phase detection circuit into a single integrated demodulation unit. By combining these two detection functions into one circuit structure with shared components and a unified control mechanism, the patent achieves both ASK and PSK demodulation capabilities while avoiding the complexity of completely separate independent circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The demodulation circuit performs preliminary signal analysis to determine the modulation type (ASK or PSK) before selecting the appropriate detection mode. This preliminary action allows the circuit to prepare and switch to the correct demodulation mode in advance, ensuring accurate signal recovery while maintaining efficient resource utilization and avoiding unnecessary circuit operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If signal demodulation is performed in noisy environments, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The demodulation system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on signal quality and noise conditions. When the signal is strong and clear, the system can use simpler detection methods with lower power consumption. When noise levels increase or signal quality deteriorates, the system automatically switches to more robust demodulation modes that maintain communication reliability, thereby optimizing the balance between power consumption and communication reliability in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances communication quality by accurately demodulating signals regardless of distance and reduces power consumption, making it suitable for mobile devices and other applications with strict power restrictions.

Implementation Method 1

The modulation section is configured to modulate magnetic field generated by the associated communication device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field modulation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The demodulation section is configured to perform, based on a modulated signal transmitted from an associated communication device, amplitude change demodulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude change detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The demodulation section is configured to perform, based on a modulated signal transmitted from an associated communication device, phase change demodulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3007395B1Communication device, communication system, and communication method
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3007395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3007395B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3007395B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

There may be included: a demodulation section configured to perform, based on a modulated signal transmitted from an associated communication device, amplitude change demodulation and phase change demodulation, and configured to select a demodulated signal demodulated with either one of the amplitude change demodulation and the phase change demodulation; and a modulation section configured to modulate magnetic field generated by the associated communication device.