NFC Detection Circuit with Alternating Passive and Amplified Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RF communication devices face challenges in detecting RF signals at long distances with low power consumption, particularly in near field communication (NFC) applications, where power efficiency and detection range are critical.

Innovation Solution

The RF communication device employs a dual-mode circuit system, alternating between a passive mode circuit and an amplified mode circuit, where the passive mode consumes low power and the amplified mode enhances detection range, with the amplified mode activated for a shorter duration to maintain overall power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the amplified mode circuit is continuously enabled to detect RF signals at long distance, then the detection range is extended, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by alternately enabling the passive mode circuit and amplified mode circuit in time periods. The amplified mode circuit is enabled only during specific time periods when long-distance detection is needed, while the passive mode circuit handles routine detection, thereby extending detection range periodically without continuous high power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the circuit operation mode changeable over time. The system dynamically switches between passive mode and amplified mode based on detection needs, allowing the detection capability and power consumption characteristics to adapt to different operational requirements rather than remaining static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the passive mode circuit is used continuously to maintain low power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but the detection range remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddetection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically activates the amplified mode circuit during specific time periods to extend detection range when necessary, while primarily operating in passive mode for low power consumption. This periodic enhancement allows the system to overcome the limited detection range of passive mode without continuously consuming high power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by enabling the amplified mode circuit only for specific durations and purposes rather than continuously. The amplified mode is activated partially during time periods when extended detection range is required, providing just enough additional capability without the full power consumption cost of continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If the amplified mode circuit is enabled for longer time periods to improve detection capability, then the detection accuracy is enhanced, but the overall power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by enabling the amplified mode circuit during specific time periods rather than continuously. This allows the system to achieve enhanced detection accuracy periodically when needed while maintaining low power consumption during other periods, balancing accuracy requirements with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 allows for effective detection of RF signals from a longer distance while minimizing power consumption, as the device alternates between low-power passive mode and high-power amplified mode, thereby extending the detection range without significantly increasing total power usage.

Implementation Method 1

a first detection mode circuit configured to output an RF input signal received by an antenna as a first RF signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second detection mode circuit configured to amplify the RF input signal and output the amplified RF input signal as a second RF signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS10044413B2Radio-frequency communication device having a near field communication function, and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2018.08.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A radio-frequency (RF) communication device having a near field communication (NFC) function includes a first detection mode circuit configured to output an RF input signal received by an antenna as a first RF signal while the first detection mode circuit is enabled, and a second detection mode circuit configured to amplify the RF input signal and output the amplified RF input signal as a second RF signal while the second detection mode circuit is enabled. The first detection mode circuit is enabled during a first time period, and the second detection mode circuit is enabled during a second time period. The second time period is shorter than the first time period. The first and second detection mode circuits are enabled alternately and repeatedly.