Embedded NFC Antenna Response for Touch Pad Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC antennas in electronic devices face interference issues due to nearby radio transmissions affecting capacitance sensors, leading to unreliable touch pad performance.
Innovation Solution
A capacitance module with embedded antenna that adjusts its response based on comparing input attributes to stored attributes, including disabling, increasing power, or sending signals to manage interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an NFC antenna is incorporated into an electronic device, then data exchange and authentication capabilities are improved, but interference with nearby radio transmissions affects capacitance sensors leading to unreliable touch pad performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a controller and calibration data that mediates between the NFC antenna and capacitance sensors. The controller uses calibration data to distinguish between actual touch inputs and interference signals from the NFC antenna, thereby protecting the touch pad from false readings while maintaining NFC functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors capacitance sensor readings and compares them against calibration data. When interference is detected, the system adjusts its interpretation of sensor signals based on the calibration information, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the presence of the NFC antenna and maintains reliable touch pad operation.
2Reliability
If capacitance threshold values are updated periodically, then touch pad calibration is maintained, but updates during antenna transmission incorporate altered capacitance values extending unreliability period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing capacitance calibration during periods when the NFC antenna is not transmitting. The system proactively captures calibration data during clean baseline conditions, storing this information for later use during transmission periods. This advance preparation eliminates the need to perform calibration during interference, preventing the extension of unreliability periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic calibration scheduling where the system adapts the timing of calibration updates based on NFC transmission activity. Rather than using fixed periodic updates, the system dynamically adjusts when calibration occurs, performing updates only during non-transmission windows when capacitance readings are stable and reliable, thus avoiding incorporation of altered values.
3Reliability
If antenna transmission power is increased, then NFC communication range and reliability are improved, but interference with nearby radio transmissions and capacitance sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback to monitor the impact of antenna transmissions on capacitance sensors. By continuously comparing sensor readings against calibration data, the system can detect when high-power transmissions are causing interference and adjust its operation accordingly, maintaining reliable NFC communication while minimizing harmful effects on the touch pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting NFC transmission parameters based on detected interference levels. When capacitance sensor interference is detected, the system modifies transmission power, timing, or other parameters to reduce the harmful effects while maintaining adequate NFC communication performance, effectively balancing both requirements.
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
Enhances NFC antenna performance by reducing interference, ensuring reliable touch pad operations and data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna coil inductively coupled to the external apparatus and arranged by winding around a conducting wire such that conducting wires opposing in width direction via an opening will be close to each other
Implementation Method 2
NFC antennas are being incorporated into more electronic devices for payment transactions, authentication, and other types of data exchanges
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitance module may include a set of electrodes; processing resources in communication with the set of electrodes; an embedded antenna in communication with the processing resources; and memory in communication with the processing resources; wherein the memory includes programmed instructions that cause the processing resources, when executed, to receive a capacitance input from the set of electrodes; compare an input attribute of the capacitance input to a stored attribute; and send an instruction to trigger a response with the embedded antenna based, at least in part, on the comparison.