Near Field Coupler Array for Secure NFC Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many electronic devices lack a separate NFC antenna, limiting their ability to establish secure near field communication channels due to the need for proximity and vulnerability to data interception over long distances.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a near field coupler array that attenuates the electric field of existing antennas, allowing for secure near field communication by rapidly reducing signal strength and ensuring even signal distribution, thereby enhancing the reliability and consistency of near field communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate NFC antenna is added to enable secure near field communication, then communication security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the NFC antenna function with existing wireless communication antennas (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) into a unified multi-functional antenna system. This merging approach enables secure NFC communication without adding separate dedicated NFC antenna hardware, thus improving communication security while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing antennas that can operate across multiple frequency bands and communication modes (NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular). The same antenna structure serves multiple purposes: enabling secure near-field NFC communication at 13.56 MHz while also supporting wide-area wireless communications, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated NFC antenna
2Reliability
If existing antennas are used without attenuation, then signal coverage is improved, but vulnerability to data interception increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing variable attenuation control that dynamically adjusts the antenna's effective radiation pattern and signal strength. Through electronic switching and signal processing, the system transforms the antenna's operational parameters to create a concentrated near-field signal at 13.56 MHz for secure NFC communication, while maintaining the ability to provide wider coverage when needed for other communication modes
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
The near field coupler array enables secure and reliable near field communication by rapidly attenuating the electric field, reducing the risk of data interception and interference, even in devices without a separate NFC antenna, thus enhancing the security and consistency of communication.
Implementation Method 1
Near field coupler array and methods for attenuating an electric field with the near field coupler array
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna to communicate at a defined frequency; a feed point; and a near-field coupler array coupled to the feed point is described. The near-field coupler array may include a substrate; a ground plane on a first side of the substrate; and a near-field coupler array disposed on a second side of the substrate. The ground plane may include a first aperture and a second aperture. The near-field coupler array can include a first coupler element aligned with the first aperture and a second coupler element aligned with the second aperture. A first width of the first coupler element can be larger than a second width of the first aperture. A third width of the second coupler element can be larger than a fourth width of the second aperture. The first width and the third width can have a correlation to the defined frequency.