Multi-Layer NFC Antenna Layout for Center Tag Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Antennas in electronic devices, particularly those used for NFC, often create shadow regions that reduce recognition rates when an NFC small tag is positioned near the center of the antenna, leading to decreased performance.

Innovation Solution

The antenna structure includes a PCB with multiple substrate layers and conductive patterns arranged in specific configurations, such as coils and conductive wires, to minimize shadow regions by ensuring effective electrical coupling and frequency band coverage, including the use of flexible materials and through-holes for enhanced connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an NFC antenna is disposed in proximity to a back cover of the electronic device, then wireless charging and NFC functions can be implemented, but shadow regions occur that reduce recognition rate for NFC small tags positioned at the center region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging and NFC function implementationVSAvoidNFC small tag recognition rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is divided into multiple segments: a first conductive pattern on a first substrate layer, a second conductive pattern on a second substrate layer, and connection conductors linking them. This segmentation allows optimization of each part's function while reducing shadow regions through multi-layer spatial distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane antenna design to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure by stacking substrate layers vertically. The first and second conductive patterns are positioned on different substrate layers, creating spatial separation that reduces shadow regions while maintaining electromagnetic coupling through connection conductors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a simple single-layer antenna structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but shadow regions occur that decrease NFC performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structure simplicityVSAvoidNFC small tag recognition rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is segmented into multiple conductive patterns across different substrate layers, with connection conductors linking corresponding terminals. This segmentation enables reduced shadow regions through spatial distribution while maintaining a modular, manageable structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested multi-layer structure where the first and second substrate layers are stacked vertically, with conductive patterns and connection conductors forming nested configurations. This nesting achieves three-dimensional optimization within a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration significantly improves the recognition rate for NFC small tags by reducing shadow areas and enhancing the antenna's performance across various frequency bands, ensuring reliable communication and charging capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive pattern that is arranged within the housing and is formed to generate a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a plate that forms at least a part of a first surface of the housing and includes a material that at least partially transmits the magnetic field generated by the conductive pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field transmission: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3841638B1Antenna structure and electronic device therewith
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3841638B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3841638B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3841638B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An antenna structure is provided that improves performance of a Near Field Communication antenna by constructing a pattern for NFC in an inner center region of a pattern for a wireless charging pad. The structure includes a Printed Circuit Board including a first and a second substrate layer, where the first substrate layer includes a first and a second non-conductive area, one first conductive wire constructed in a shape surrounding the first non-conductive area, one second conductive wire constructed in a shape surrounding the second non-conductive area, and a first antenna corresponding to a first frequency band. The second substrate layer includes a third non-conductive area, a third wire surrounding the third non-conductive area, and connection wires electrically coupling the first and the second conductive wire forming a second winding. The first winding and the second winding are a second antenna corresponding to a second frequency band.