Integrated NFC Semiconductor Device with Shared Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current short-range wireless communication systems, particularly those used in NFC, face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction due to separate control units for transmission and reception, and inefficient integration of charging control circuits.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device and module that integrates transmission and reception signal circuit blocks, a charging control circuit, and a monitoring circuit within a single semiconductor integrated circuit, utilizing a shared antenna and resonance circuit for both communication and power transmission, with a rectifying circuit for efficient power conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control units for transmission and reception are used, then communication reliability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate transmission control unit and reception control unit into a single integrated control unit within the semiconductor integrated circuit. This merging reduces device complexity and size while maintaining communication reliability through unified control logic that manages both transmission and reception operations sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between transmission control and reception control modes. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated control units while ensuring reliable operation of both communication functions through a single versatile controller.
2Productivity
If separate antennas for communication and power transmission are used, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single antenna that serves dual purposes: short-range wireless communication and wireless power transmission. The antenna is switched between communication mode and power transmission mode through the integrated control unit, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate antenna structures, thereby reducing device size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication antenna and power transmission antenna are merged into a single antenna structure. This consolidation reduces the number of components and device overall size while the control unit manages the antenna's dual functions through time-division or mode-switching mechanisms.
3Productivity
If charging control circuit is separately integrated, then charging efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control circuit is merged with the transmission and reception control functions into a single integrated control unit within the semiconductor integrated circuit. This unified integration reduces the total number of separate components, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers device complexity while maintaining efficient charging control through coordinated management of power reception and battery charging operations.
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 integration reduces the size and cost of short-range wireless communication systems while minimizing electromagnetic and thermal interference, enabling efficient communication and power transmission with improved system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resonance circuit having a resonance frequency
Implementation Method 2
a rectifying circuit connected to the input terminal of the reception signal circuit block
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device formed in a single semiconductor integrated circuit, the semiconductor device including: a transmission signal circuit block; a reception signal circuit block; a signal processing circuit block; and at least one of a charging control circuit block or a monitoring circuit block.