Dual-Mode Transponder IC with Load Modulation and Active Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy immobilizer systems require separate equipment for load modulation and active transmission, leading to increased costs and maintenance complexity for service centers due to the need for different circuitry and protocols for each mode.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit (IC) device with a load modulation module and a current source, coupled to a resonant circuit and a charge source, allowing the transponder to selectively use either load modulation or active transmission based on an initialization command, enabling support for both transmission modes in a single transponder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is used for load modulation and active transmission, then each transmission mode can be supported with dedicated circuitry, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for both transmission modesVSAvoidseparate equipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both load modulation and active transmission capabilities into a single transponder device. The transponder includes a resonant circuit that can operate in both modes, with a control module that switches between load modulation (modulating the resonant circuit load) and active transmission (using a current source to generate magnetic field pulses). This merging eliminates the need for separate equipment while maintaining support for both transmission modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transponder is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: it can communicate with both legacy load modulation systems and modern active transmission systems. The resonant circuit serves dual purposes as both the communication interface and the energy storage element, while the control module provides universal control for both transmission modes through a single device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate equipment is used for load modulation and active transmission, then each mode has optimized circuitry, but maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-specific performanceVSAvoidservice center maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By merging both transmission modes into a single transponder with unified circuitry, the patent reduces the number of separate devices that service centers must maintain. The single device architecture with integrated control logic simplifies training requirements and reduces inventory complexity for service centers, while maintaining optimized performance for both modes through the control module's ability to switch between load modulation and active transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single transponder supports both modes, then equipment costs are reduced, but interference between transmission modes may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle transponder architectureVSAvoidtransmission mode interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic switching between transmission modes through a control module that activates either load modulation or active transmission based on the communication requirements. The resonant circuit's load is dynamically adjusted: during load modulation, the load is modulated to encode data; during active transmission, the current source generates controlled magnetic field pulses. This dynamic operation prevents simultaneous activation of both modes, eliminating interference while maintaining a single transponder architecture.

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

Enables a single transponder to interface with both legacy load modulation and modern active transmission systems, reducing the need for new equipment and minimizing interference between transmission modes, thus simplifying maintenance and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a resonant circuit serving as an antenna... transmitting a signal via the resonant circuit by delivering electric current to the resonant circuit to generate pulses in a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the load modulation module is configured to transmit a signal via the resonant circuit by opening and closing a switch in order to modify the load on the resonant circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad modulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3153995B1An integrated circuit device and method for dual-mode transponder communication

Publication Date: 2020.05.20 NXP BV

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AI summary

In an embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) device is disclosed. In the embodiment, the IC device includes a load modulation module, a current source coupled to the load modulation module, an interface to a resonant circuit, the interface coupled to the load modulation module and the current source, and an interface to a charge source, the interface coupled to the current source, wherein the load modulation module is configured to provide a signal for transmission by modifying the load through the load modulation module, and wherein the current source is configured to provide a signal for transmission by generating pulses of current.