Contactless EHF Data Transfer Subsystem for Secure High-Speed Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transfer methods between electronic devices require the host processor to be powered on and involved, leading to increased power consumption, potential handling of malicious code, and longer transfer times, especially with existing wireless technologies like NFC.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a contactless radio frequency (RF) Extremely High Frequency (EHF) communications link handled by communication subsystems, allowing data transfer without requiring the host processor to be on, using exchange storage for temporary data storage and transfer, and employing anti-snooping techniques like dielectric couplers and shielding to protect against malicious code and snooping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If data transfer is performed using existing wireless technologies like NFC, then contactless data transfer is achieved, but transfer time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer timeVSAvoidcontactless operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based data transfer (USB cables, ports) with electromagnetic field-based wireless communication. The system uses electromagnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver coils to transfer data without physical contact, eliminating the need for plugging and unplugging cables while achieving faster transfer rates than conventional wireless technologies like NFC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If host processor is powered on and involved in data transfer, then data transfer control and security are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transfer security

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transfer system into two independent parts: a transmitter unit that can operate autonomously without a host processor, and a receiver unit that interfaces with the host system. The transmitter contains its own microcontroller and can perform authentication, encryption, and data transmission independently, allowing the host processor to remain in sleep mode while maintaining security through the embedded controller's cryptographic operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter unit is designed to be self-sufficient with its own power management, authentication, and data transmission capabilities. It can autonomously establish wireless connections, perform security handshakes, and transfer data without requiring the host processor to be active, thereby reducing overall system power consumption while maintaining security through its embedded controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If host processor handles data transfer, then data security and authentication are improved, but transfer speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional host processor-based data transfer control with a dedicated wireless communication subsystem that uses electromagnetic fields for high-speed data transmission. This specialized hardware subsystem can operate at higher frequencies and speeds than general-purpose host processors, achieving faster transfer rates while maintaining security through embedded cryptographic operations in the transmitter's microcontroller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces power consumption, eliminates the need for physical connections, and significantly shortens data transfer times while protecting against malicious code and snooping, enabling secure and efficient data transfer.

Implementation Method 1

providing a first device with a first communication subsystem capable of communicating contactlessly over an extremely high frequency (EHF) contactless link with a second device having a second communication subsystem capable of communicating over the contactless link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

employing anti-snooping techniques like dielectric couplers and shielding to protect against malicious code and snooping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric coupling: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10601470B2Contactless data transfer systems and methods

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 MOLEX INC

AI summary

Data may be transferred from a communication subsystem of a first device to a communication subsystem of a second device contactlessly, at high speed, and without intervention by host processors of either device. Devices may be programmed or personalized at the factory or warehouse, and may personalized at a warehouse or at a point of sale while in the box. Various modes of operation and use scenarios are described. Portions of the devices themselves, or a transmission path between the devices may be shielded against snooping by a material which degrades an EHF signal passing therethrough.