Multimode Inductor Coil Antenna for Compact Multi-Band NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-field communication antennas suffer from inefficiencies due to low quality factor, large size, and require precise alignment, limiting reliable wireless transfer of electrical power and data across multiple frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A single structure multi-mode antenna with at least two inductor coils electrically connected in series, capable of operating across multiple frequency bands, including Qi, Rezence, and PMA standards, with adjustable inductance and resonance frequency through strategic connections and materials like ferrite for magnetic field shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If prior art antennas are used for near-field communication, then wireless power and data transfer can be achieved, but the transfer efficiency is significantly reduced due to low quality factor and large size
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple discrete inductor coils (first inductor coil, second inductor coil, third inductor coil, etc.) that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation allows the antenna to achieve high quality factor at multiple different frequencies by selecting appropriate coil combinations, thereby improving wireless power transfer efficiency without requiring a single large antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed to operate across multiple frequency bands (including NFC at 13.56 MHz, RFID frequencies, and other wireless communication bands) using the same physical structure. By configuring different numbers of inductor coils in series or parallel, the antenna can adapt to different operating frequencies and standards, making it a universal solution for various wireless communication applications without requiring separate antennas for each frequency band.
2Ease of operation
If prior art antennas are used for near-field communication, then power transfer can occur, but precise physical alignment is required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates switchable configurations that allow dynamic adjustment of its electrical characteristics. By switching between different series and parallel coil configurations, the antenna can adapt its impedance and resonant frequency to match varying operational conditions and maintain reliable communication even when precise alignment is not achieved, thereby reducing the stringency of alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system changes its electrical parameters (inductance, quality factor, resonant frequency) by reconfiguring the connection of inductor coils. This parameter adjustment capability allows the antenna to optimize performance for different transmission distances and alignment conditions, making the system more tolerant to misalignment and improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single antenna structure is used for multiple frequency bands, then adaptability is improved, but the antenna size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design places smaller inductor coils within or adjacent to larger coil structures, creating a nested configuration where the first inductor coil may contain or be surrounded by the second inductor coil, which in turn may contain the third inductor coil. This nesting allows multiple frequency resonances to be achieved within a compact overall footprint, as each nested coil contributes to different frequency bands while sharing the same spatial envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of inductor coils with varying dimensions and orientations. By arranging coils of different sizes and shapes in multiple dimensions and configuring them in series or parallel, the antenna achieves multi-frequency operation without proportionally increasing the overall volume, as the coils efficiently utilize available spatial dimensions.
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 efficient wireless transfer of electrical power and data with increased range and reduced size, minimizing alignment requirements and enhancing performance in various wireless applications.
Implementation Method 1
Near-field communication enables the transfer of electrical energy and/or data wirelessly through magnetic field induction between a transmitting antenna and a corresponding receiving antenna
Implementation Method 2
strategic connections and materials like ferrite for magnetic field shielding
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a single structure multiple mode antenna is described. The antenna is preferably constructed having a first inductor coil that is electrically connected in series with a second inductor coil. The antenna is constructed having a plurality of electrical connections positioned along the first and second inductor coils. A plurality of terminals is connected to the electrical connections that facilitate numerous electrical connections and enables the antenna to be selectively tuned to various frequencies and frequency bands.