NFC Antenna Layout Using Conductive Housing and Coil Ground Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in optimizing near field communication (NFC) performance by effectively utilizing conductive portions and coils as radiators, leading to reduced recognition distance and complexity in circuitry wiring, especially in foldable devices.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a conductive portion and a coil connected through multiple signal paths, including ground paths, to enhance NFC communication area and simplify circuitry wiring by using ground areas for connection, thereby improving recognition distance and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple signal paths are used to connect conductive portions and coils, then NFC communication area and recognition distance are improved, but circuitry wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal paths (first signal path, second signal path, third signal path) into a unified transmission line structure that connects the NFC circuitry to both the conductive portion and the coil. This integration allows the system to achieve extended NFC communication area while managing wiring complexity through a consolidated design approach rather than separate independent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal connection structure that handles multiple signal paths simultaneously. The first terminal connects to the conductive portion through the first signal path, the second terminal connects to the coil through the second signal path, and the third terminal provides additional connectivity, allowing the same transmission line structure to fulfill multiple connection requirements.
2Reliability
If ground paths are added to signal paths, then communication performance and ESD protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements ground paths (first ground path and second ground path) that connect to a ground area, creating equipotential references for the signal paths. This ensures stable voltage levels and provides a reference potential for the NFC circuitry, conductive portion, and coil connections, thereby improving communication performance and protecting against electrostatic discharge without requiring complex additional protection circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground paths act as intermediary elements between the signal paths and the ground area. The first ground path intermediates between the first signal path and ground, while the second ground path intermediates between the second signal path and ground, providing a controlled path for electrostatic discharge and stabilizing the electrical environment for improved reliability.
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 proposed configuration enhances NFC communication area and recognition distance while simplifying circuitry wiring, improving communication performance and reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) in devices like smartphones and tablets.
Implementation Method 1
a coil; a near-field communication (NFC) circuitry
Implementation Method 2
a conductive portion at least partially exposed to outside of the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a conductive portion at least partially exposed to outside of the electronic device; a coil; a near-field communication (NFC) circuitry; and a transmission line connected with the conductive portion, the coil, and the NFC circuitry, includes: a first signal path connected with a first terminal of the NFC circuitry and a first area of the conductive portion, a second signal path connected with a second terminal of the NFC circuitry and a first ending portion of the coil, and a third signal path connected with a second area of the conductive portion and a second ending portion of the coil, and wherein a signal path, which is selected among the first signal path, the second signal path, and the third signal path, includes a first ground path and a second ground path that are connected to a ground area of the electronic device.