Battery Pack Near-Field Antenna Assembly for Isolated Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in achieving high-voltage isolation and electromagnetic interference immunity in communication between battery cells and a battery management system, with wired communication protocols being cumbersome and wireless protocols requiring large antenna separation, which is not feasible in many battery systems.
Innovation Solution
A wireless near-field communication assembly using a module antenna and a bus antenna, configured to form a balun, enabling communication between electronic devices and a remotely located radio transceiver, with balanced electrical paths to achieve high-voltage isolation and electromagnetic interference immunity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired communication protocols (CAN bus) are used for communication between battery cells and BMS, then high-voltage isolation is achieved, but the assembly becomes more cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless near-field communication. The module antenna and bus antenna enable electromagnetic coupling to transmit communication signals without physical wired connections, thereby eliminating the cumbersome assembly associated with wired protocols while maintaining high-voltage isolation through galvanic isolation between the module antenna circuit and bus antenna circuit.
2Device complexity
If wireless communication protocols (WiFi or ZigBee) are used for communication, then assembly is simplified, but antenna separation distance becomes too large for typical battery system dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from far-field wireless protocols (WiFi/ZigBee) to near-field communication. By operating in the near-field regime, the antenna separation distance is reduced to a feasible scale within battery system dimensions while maintaining wireless communication functionality and simplified assembly.
3Device complexity
If wireless communication is used in high-voltage battery systems, then assembly is simplified, but electromagnetic interference immunity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces galvanic isolation as an intermediary between the module antenna and bus antenna. This isolation barrier blocks electromagnetic interference and high-voltage coupling while allowing near-field electromagnetic coupling for communication, thereby improving EMI immunity without sacrificing assembly simplicity.
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
The assembly provides efficient, high-voltage isolation and EMI immunity, allowing for convenient communication within battery systems, accommodating various battery module configurations and reducing susceptibility to external interference.
Implementation Method 1
enabling near-field coupling between the module antenna and the bus antenna when a transmission signal is input into either the module antenna or the bus antenna
Implementation Method 2
the module antenna and the bus antenna may form a balun, and wherein when the transmission signal comprises an unbalanced electrical signal input in the module antenna, it may be output as a balanced electrical signal in the bus antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for use with a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells. The assembly enables communication between an electronic device and a radio transceiver located remotely from the electronic device. The assembly comprises: a module antenna operatively connected to the electronic device, the module antenna comprising a transmission line having a first and a second section arranged in series forming an unbalanced electrical path, the first and second sections being of equal electrical length, and a total path length of the first and second sections is an integer-multiple of half an operating wavelength of a carrier wave; a bus antenna configured for operative communication with the radio transceiver, the bus antenna comprising at least two transmission lines, each transmission line being greater in length than either the first or second section of the module antenna, and each one of the transmission lines being spaced apart from and positioned adjacent to a different one of the first and second sections of the module antenna's transmission line, to enable near-field coupling between the module antenna and the bus antenna when a transmission signal is input into either the module antenna or the bus antenna.