Harmonic Detection for Wireless Power Device Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high power consumption associated with automated device detection in wireless communication technologies, such as NFC, can negatively impact the standby time of mobile devices and lead to inefficiencies in wireless communication applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of harmonic detection of an RF polling signal to quickly identify the presence of devices within a wireless field, allowing for reduced power consumption and detection time, and enabling the WPP circuit to differentiate between compliant and non-compliant devices by monitoring for harmonics generated by nonlinear components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated device discovery is implemented in mobile devices, then device detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs device detection periodically rather than continuously, using pulsed RF signals at specific intervals. This allows the mobile device to enter low-power states between detection cycles while still maintaining the ability to discover devices when needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving automated detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RF polling signals as an intermediary mechanism to detect devices indirectly. Instead of continuously active detection circuits, the system sends periodic polling signals and detects responses, using the RF field itself as a mediator to enable detection with minimal power expenditure from the mobile device
2Reliability
If continuous device monitoring is performed, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring at strategically chosen intervals rather than continuous monitoring. By detecting devices at regular intervals and using the RF polling mechanism, the system maintains reliable detection capability while allowing the mobile device to conserve power during intervals between monitoring cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The detected devices respond to polling signals automatically, providing their own identification and status information. This self-service approach allows the mobile device to obtain detection information with minimal processing power, as the responding devices essentially perform part of the detection work themselves
3Productivity
If RF power signal strength is increased, then wireless power transfer efficiency is improved, but risk of damage to compliant devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using RF polling signals before initiating high-power wireless power transfer. By detecting the presence of NFC devices first and taking preventive action (avoiding high-power transmission to non-compliant devices), the system eliminates the harmful effect before it can occur, allowing safe operation at high power levels when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of high RF power into a beneficial detection mechanism. Non-compliant devices that would be damaged by high power actually serve as indicators during low-power polling phases, allowing the system to identify and protect against them. The same RF field that could cause harm is used first for safe detection
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 drawn during detection and minimizes interruptions to RF signals, enhancing the efficiency of wireless communication protocols and preventing potential damage to NFC compliant devices by adjusting the RF power signal strength accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal generator circuit configured to generate an RF power signal having a frequency for providing wireless power
Implementation Method 2
monitoring for a harmonic of the RF polling signal; using the absence of the harmonic to determine that another communication device is not actively coupled to the RF polling signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Wireless power is provided to a WPP-compliant wireless device by generating a first radio frequency (RF) signal at a first frequency. The transmitter circuit is inductively coupled to the compliant wireless device using the first RF signal. A second RF signal is generated at a second frequency. The presence of a WPP-noncompliant wireless device is detected by detecting a third RF signal at a third frequency that is a harmonic of the second frequency. The non-compliant wireless device is protected by reducing, in response to detecting the third RF signal, a signal strength for the first RF signal.