Frequency-Selective Wireless Charging Circuit for Qi and NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compatibility issues among different wireless charging standards, such as Qi and NFC, can prevent certain electronic devices from being charged, and Qi chargers can degrade or destroy NFC tags due to strong harmonics.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electronics device with frequency detection and dual communication circuits that allow it to recognize and utilize both Qi and NFC protocols, enabling energy harvesting from Qi harmonics while using NFC as the primary source, and allowing the device to be charged by either standard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a Qi wireless charger is used to provide high power charging, then charging power level is improved, but NFC tags are degraded or destroyed due to strong harmonics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful Qi harmonics that normally degrade NFC tags into a beneficial energy source. The NFC reader circuit is configured to harvest energy from Qi electromagnetic fields and convert them into usable electrical energy, transforming the harmful interference into a useful backup power source for charging the NFC tag or other device components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an NFC reader is combined with a Qi charger to detect NFC tags, then NFC tag protection is improved, but charging versatility is reduced as the Qi charging function is disabled when NFC tags are detected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of disabling Qi charging when NFC tags are detected, the patent enables the NFC reader to harvest energy from Qi fields, allowing both protocols to coexist beneficially. This approach maintains charging versatility while protecting NFC tags by providing them with an alternative power source from Qi harmonics rather than treating their presence as an error condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC reader circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional NFC communication and simultaneously energy harvesting from Qi electromagnetic fields. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain compatibility with both NFC and Qi charging standards while deriving benefit from both protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual communication circuits for Qi and NFC protocols are implemented, then charging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the NFC reader circuit functionality with Qi energy harvesting capabilities into a single integrated circuit. This consolidation allows the device to support both NFC and Qi protocols without requiring completely separate communication circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining charging versatility.
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 the device to be charged by multiple wireless charging protocols, providing a backup power source using Qi harmonics and maintaining compatibility with NFC tags, thus overcoming charging compatibility issues and potential tag degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for receiving a radio frequency signal
Implementation Method 2
a frequency detection circuit configured to detect whether the received radio frequency signal is in a first frequency range or in a second frequency range
Implementation Method 3
a power management circuit configured to recuperate the electrical energy from the received radio frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless electronics device includes an energy storage device for storing electrical energy. A frequency detection circuit detects whether a received radio frequency signal is in a first frequency range or in a second frequency range, the first and second frequency ranges being non-overlapping. A first communications circuit transmits a first return signal if the radio frequency signal is in the first frequency range and establishes wireless charging of the energy storage device according to a first protocol. A second communications circuit transmits a second return signal if the radio frequency signal is in the second frequency range and establishes wireless charging of the energy storage device according to a second protocol.