In-Plane Magnetic Contactless Data Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data communication methods in portable electronic devices, such as wireline connectors and RF wireless connections, face challenges in achieving high data transfer rates while minimizing power consumption and space usage, and are prone to noise and distortion.

Innovation Solution

The use of in-plane magnetic fields for contactless data communication, employing dipole coils and magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) to transmit data, allowing for higher data transfer rates with directional and amplitude multiplexing, reduced power consumption, and enhanced communication range in a compact form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireline connectors are used for data communication, then data transfer between application processor and display is achieved, but device space is consumed and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wireline connectors with a magnetic field-based contactless communication system. The transmitter generates magnetic fields that directly couple with the receiver, eliminating the need for physical connectors and reducing device space requirements while maintaining reliable data transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the application processor and display. By encoding data in magnetic field characteristics (frequency, amplitude, or phase), the system achieves contactless communication without requiring direct physical contact, thus saving device space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If RF wireless connection techniques are used, then contactless data communication is achieved, but power consumption increases and data transfer rates are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless communicationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic wave propagation from far-field RF to near-field magnetic coupling. By operating in the near-field regime with magnetic fields rather than radiative electromagnetic waves, the system achieves contactless communication with significantly reduced power consumption and improved data transfer rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional baseband wireless inter-chip communication is used, then contactless communication is achieved, but power consumption is high and communication range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic magnetic field generation through the transmitter, allowing the magnetic field strength and characteristics to be modulated according to the data being transmitted. This dynamic control enables extended communication range while maintaining contactless operation and managing power consumption efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If wireline connectors are used, then data transfer is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication functionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical assembly of wireline connectors with integrated magnetic field generation and detection circuits that can be fabricated using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. This substitution eliminates manual assembly steps, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers production costs while maintaining reliable data communication functionality.

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 enables efficient, high-speed data transfer with reduced power usage and improved noise immunity, facilitating compact and cost-effective design in portable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

The drive circuit is configured to drive a first dipole coil of the pair of dipole coils in a first magnetic field and a second dipole coil in a second magnetic field or substantially opposite the first magnetic field. The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field generate a magnetic field in-plane to the MTJ receiver.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9495899B2Contactless data communication using in-plane magnetic fields, and related systems and methods

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein are related to contactless data communication. Related systems and methods for contactless data communication are disclosed herein. For example, a magnetic field-based contactless transmitter is disclosed that includes a substrate, a pair of dipole coils disposed on the substrate, and a drive circuit electrically coupled to the pair of dipole coils. To transmit data to a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) receiver disposed on a second substrate, the drive circuit is configured to drive the pair of dipole coils so as to generate a magnetic field in-plane to the MTJ receiver. Data can be transmitted from the magnetic field-based contactless transmitter to the MTJ receiver using the magnetic field.