Communication Device Overvoltage Protection Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices are vulnerable to damage from excessive electromagnetic power, even without non-contact electric power transmission functions, and existing protection mechanisms increase device size and attenuate communication signals, degrading quality.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a switch section and impedance matching circuit, controlled by a semiconductor switch control circuit, which disconnects the communication section from the antenna when overvoltage is detected, integrated into a single semiconductor integrated circuit to maintain miniaturization without impedance increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection mechanism is provided to protect the communication section against overvoltage, then the communication section is protected from damage, but the size of the communication device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function is merged with the existing switch control section by adding overvoltage detection capability to the same semiconductor circuit that controls the switch section. This integration allows the protection mechanism to be implemented without increasing device size, as the switch control section serves dual purposes: normal communication control and overvoltage protection
Solution Approach 2:
The switch section acts as an intermediary component between the antenna and communication section. It is controlled by the switch control section to disconnect the communication section from the antenna when overvoltage is detected, thereby protecting the communication section without requiring direct protection circuitry within it
2Reliability
If a protection mechanism is provided to protect the communication section against overvoltage, then the communication section is protected from damage, but the impedance between the antenna and communication section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch section serves as an intermediary that can be rapidly opened to isolate the communication section from overvoltage conditions. By placing the switch section close to the antenna and using it to break the connection during overvoltage events, the protection mechanism avoids introducing significant impedance into the signal path while still effectively protecting the communication section
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional sections: the antenna, switch section, matching section, and communication section. The switch section acts as a separable protection element that can be independently controlled to disconnect during overvoltage events, preventing impedance mismatches from affecting the entire system
3Volume of moving object
If the communication device is miniaturized by integrating circuits, then the device size is reduced, but the impedance between antenna and communication section increases degrading communication quality
Solution Approach 1:
The switch control section and communication section are merged into a single semiconductor integrated circuit formed under a first process rule, achieving miniaturization. The switch section is formed under a second process rule and connected to this integrated circuit, allowing the control logic to be miniaturized while maintaining proper impedance characteristics through the separate switch section implementation
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 solution effectively protects the communication section from overvoltage while preventing impedance increase, ensuring stable communication quality and device miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
A communication device having a non-contact electric power transmission function receives electric power, which is transmitted to an antenna (antenna section) via an electromagnetic wave, with use of electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
The matching section includes an impedance matching circuit. The matching section matches a first impedance and a second impedance with each other when the switch section is in the electrically connected state
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes an antenna unit, a switch unit, a matching unit which is connected between the antenna and switch units, a communication unit which is connected to the switch unit, and a switch control unit. When the switch unit is in a conductive state, the matching unit matches a first impedance occurring if the antenna unit is seen from the matching unit and a second impedance occurring if the switch unit is seen from the matching unit. The switch control unit controls the switch unit so that the switch unit is set to the conductive state when the communication unit communicates via the antenna unit, and so that the switch unit is set to an interrupted state when the communication unit is to be protected from overvoltage. The switch control unit and switch unit are semiconductors formed under a first process rule and second process rule, respectively.