Multi-Resonance Antenna for Contactless Smart Cards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smart card antennas with a single resonant frequency are inadequate for supporting higher data rates required by evolving communication standards, as they compromise communication range and energy efficiency due to reduced energy in lateral frequency lines.

Innovation Solution

An antenna design featuring multiple and adjustable resonance peaks, including a central peak for the carrier frequency and lateral peaks for data transmission frequencies, achieved through the use of parallel and series resonant circuits (L, C) to optimize energy distribution for both communication range and data rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a single resonant frequency antenna is used for contactless smart cards, then the communication range is maintained, but the data transmission rate cannot be increased beyond standard limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidfrequency bandwidth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into multiple independent resonant circuits, each tuned to a specific frequency (carrier frequency and multiple data transmission frequencies). This segmentation allows the antenna to simultaneously support multiple frequency operations, enabling higher data rates while maintaining communication range through the carrier frequency resonance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: maintaining carrier frequency resonance for communication range and providing resonance at multiple data transmission frequencies for high-speed data transfer. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the antenna adaptable to both range and speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If the resonant frequency is optimized for high data rates, then data transmission speed improves, but the communication range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidcommunication range
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna circuit is segmented into multiple resonant circuits operating at different frequencies. One circuit maintains resonance at the carrier frequency (13.56 MHz) to ensure communication range, while other circuits resonate at data transmission frequencies (e.g., 12.56 MHz, 14.56 MHz) to enable high-speed data transfer, thus resolving the range-speed trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna design changes the impedance characteristics across multiple frequencies by incorporating parallel resonant circuits with different L and C values. This allows the antenna to present optimal impedance at both the carrier frequency for range and at data frequencies for speed, eliminating the need to choose between range and speed optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If the resonant frequency is optimized for communication range, then range is maintained, but the energy available for high-speed data transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidenergy available for data transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy distribution is segmented across multiple resonant circuits. Each circuit is optimized for its specific frequency function, ensuring that energy is efficiently utilized at both the carrier frequency for range maintenance and at data frequencies for high-speed transmission, thereby maximizing overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By adjusting the inductance and capacitance values in each resonant circuit, the impedance at each frequency is optimized independently. This parameter optimization ensures maximum energy transfer efficiency at the carrier frequency for range and at data frequencies for high-speed communication, resolving the energy allocation contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If a flatter impedance template is chosen to increase lateral line energy, then data transmission energy improves, but the central line height is reduced, harming communication range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy of lateral linesVSAvoidcommunication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single flatter impedance template that compromises the central line, the invention segments the antenna into multiple resonant circuits. Each circuit creates a sharp resonance peak at its specific frequency, allowing high energy at lateral lines for data transmission while maintaining a tall central line for communication range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna combines multiple resonant circuits with different impedance characteristics to create a composite structure. This composite design allows the simultaneous presence of sharp resonance peaks at multiple frequencies, achieving both high lateral line energy for data and high central line energy for range, which a single flat template cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 design allows for independent optimization of energy for carrier and data transmission, maintaining communication range while enhancing data transmission quality and rate without sacrificing either performance.

Implementation Method 1

the antenna is configured to present simultaneously at least three resonance peaks, namely a first peak centered on the frequency of the carrier F0, and two lateral peaks centered on the data transmission frequencies F0+f and F0-f

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3452957B1Improved antenna for contactless chip card
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 SMART PACKAGING SOLUTIONS SPS
  • EP3452957B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3452957B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3452957B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Improved antenna for contactless chip card The invention relates to an antenna for contactless chip card making it possible to communicate with a chip card reader with the aid of a carrier signal of frequency F0modulated by a data signal of frequency f, characterized in that it is configured to present at the same time, for a given bitrate of communication between the chip card and the reader, at least three resonance peaks (P1,P2,P3), namely a first peak (P2) close to the frequency of the carrier F0, and at least 2nlateral peaks (P1,P3) close to the data transmission frequencies Fo +. n.f and F0- n.f, where n represents the number of harmonics of the signal to be transmitted.