Current Modulation Data Transmission Over Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission methods between semiconductor elements, such as integrated circuits and secure elements, face challenges in efficiently conveying configuration data during runtime without increasing complexity or cost, particularly in near-field communication scenarios where separate configuration channels are needed.
Innovation Solution
The method involves modulating current consumption at the secure element to transmit data, allowing the analog frontend chip to determine information by monitoring current changes, and simultaneously using voltage modulation for bidirectional data communication over existing power supply lines, eliminating the need for additional interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate configuration channels are added for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical supply line is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both power transmission and data transmission capabilities. The secure element modulates the current drawn from the supply line to encode data, allowing the same physical connection to fulfill both power delivery and communication roles, thereby eliminating the need for separate configuration channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply function and data transmission function into a single electrical supply line. By modulating the current consumption during normal operation, the secure element embeds data signals within the power delivery channel, merging two previously separate functions into one integrated system
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate configuration channels are added for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical supply line is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both power transmission and data transmission capabilities. The secure element modulates the current drawn from the supply line to encode data, allowing the same physical connection to fulfill both power delivery and communication roles, thereby eliminating the need for separate configuration channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply function and data transmission function into a single electrical supply line. By modulating the current consumption during normal operation, the secure element embeds data signals within the power delivery channel, merging two previously separate functions into one integrated system
3Loss of information
If current modulation is used for data transmission, then data transmission is enabled, but power consumption stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element modulates the current drawn from the supply line in a periodic manner to encode data bits. By systematically varying the current in controlled periodic cycles corresponding to data bits, the system achieves reliable data transmission while maintaining sufficient average current for power supply stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the analog frontend chip monitors the current modulation and the secure element adjusts its current draw accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that data transmission through current modulation does not compromise the minimum power requirements for stable operation of both devices
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 enables cost-effective and efficient data transmission without impairing the secure element's operation, allowing configuration data to be conveyed during runtime using existing power supply lines, reducing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the second element transmits data to the first device by modulating a current conveyed via the electrical supply line
Implementation Method 2
the first element transmits data to the second element by modulating a voltage conveyed via the electrical supply line
Data Source
AI summary
A method for data transmission, wherein a first element conveys electrical power to a second element via an electrical supply line, and wherein the second element transmits data to the first element by modulating a current conveyed via the electrical supply line.