Battery Pack Authentication Using Ferrite Barrier and Diode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers of electronic devices face challenges in authenticating and preventing the use of unauthorized peripherals, such as counterfeit battery packs, without adding significant costs or modifying the existing device form and functionality, especially in near field communication systems.
Innovation Solution
An authentication device with a battery, antenna, ferrite material barrier, diode, and authenticator is integrated into the system, coupled with a transceiver and switch, which receives and authenticates signals from a single wire communicator chip, allowing or inhibiting radio frequency communication based on authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication components are added to prevent unauthorized peripherals, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the authentication device with existing battery pack components, integrating the authenticator, antenna, and diode into the battery pack structure. This merging approach adds security functionality without requiring separate standalone authentication hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack contacts serve dual purposes: providing power connection and serving as communication channels for authentication signals. The single-wire communication protocol uses existing battery contacts for both power and data transmission, eliminating the need for dedicated authentication pins and reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If authentication components are added to prevent unauthorized peripherals, then security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges authentication components with existing battery pack structures, using the same manufacturing processes for both power and authentication functions. This integration allows authentication features to be added without requiring separate production lines or additional significant manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing battery contacts and communication protocols are made multi-functional to handle both power transmission and authentication signaling. This approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated hardware components that would increase manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If authentication signals are transmitted through existing contacts, then device form is preserved, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system uses periodic signal transmission through the battery contacts, with specific timing and modulation patterns. This periodic action allows authentication signals to be distinguished from power transmission signals and other interference, enabling reliable communication through shared contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diode as an intermediary component in the signal path between the antenna and battery contacts. This diode acts as a one-way valve for electrical signals, preventing interference from the power circuit from affecting the authentication communication while allowing authentication signals to pass through to the contacts.
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 solution effectively authenticates devices and prevents unauthorized use of peripherals by enabling or disabling radio frequency signals, enhancing security without adding pins or significant costs to the existing communication system.
Implementation Method 1
A communication device is described that includes a battery, an antenna, a ferrite material barrier disposed between the battery and the antenna
Implementation Method 2
a diode electrically coupled to a battery contact and an antenna contact
Data Source
AI summary
A device and system are described that include an authentication device having a battery, at least one battery contact, an antenna, at least one antenna contact, a ferrite material barrier, a diode electrically coupled to a battery contact and an antenna contact, and an authenticator coupled to the diode, a battery contact, and an antenna contact. A system includes the device with an authentication device, a transceiver electrically coupled to a near field communication contact, a switch electrically coupled to the transceiver and an antenna contact, and a communication system electrically coupled to the switch.