NFC Bootloader for Wireless MCU Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing microcontroller (MCU) architectures require physical connection and power source for programming, leading to costly overhead in the supply chain and limiting the ability to update firmware post-manufacture.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a near-field communications (NFC) interface that allows for wireless programming and configuration using an external NFC device, enabling the MCU to be programmed and debugged without physical connection, with the NFC interface operating in a passive mode even when the device is not powered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a programming device with physical connection and power source is used to program the MCU, then the device can be programmed with firmware and configuration data, but costly overhead is incurred in the supply chain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidprogramming overhead cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection system (programming device with cables and power sources) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based NFC system. The NFC interface allows programming and configuration data transfer through electromagnetic coupling between the NFC antenna and external NFC device, eliminating the need for physical connectors and separate power sources during programming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate as a wireless programming interface for firmware updates, a configuration interface for device parameters, and a powerless communication interface. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate operations (programming, configuration, debugging) into a single unified interface, reducing overall system complexity and overhead costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If Over-The-Air updates are used for wireless firmware upgrades, then devices can be updated post-deployment, but active radio hardware that is expensive must be added to the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost-deployment update capabilityVSAvoidradio hardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a low-cost NFC interface instead of expensive active radio hardware. The NFC antenna and interface are designed to be minimal, low-power components that can be easily integrated into the device. The system accepts that the NFC interface serves its purpose for programming and configuration, after which standard power-on operations take over, making the expensive radio hardware unnecessary for the core programming function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If a programming device with physical connection is used to program the MCU, then the device can be programmed, but a power source must be connected which adds to the programming overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidpower source requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC interface is designed to operate without an external power source during programming operations. The interface uses the electromagnetic field from the external NFC device to power its own operations, including data reception and memory writing. This self-powered operation eliminates the need for separate power connections during programming, reducing the complexity of the programming process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution eliminates the need for expensive programming devices, allows for multiple firmware updates throughout the device's lifecycle, and enables supply-chain tracking without additional costs, leveraging the widespread adoption of NFC technology.

Implementation Method 1

An antenna can be in communication with the NFC interface and can be configured to be energized by a signal received from an external NFC device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10915313B2Near field communication bootloader for configuration and programming of electronic devices

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 ANDIUM INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for programming and debugging electronic devices using a near field communications device are provided. One apparatus includes an electronic device (101). The electronic device can include a microcontroller (102), wherein the microcontroller includes a bootloader (104), a device memory (103), and a processor configured to execute instructions stored on the device memory. A near field communications (NFC) interface (106) can be in communication with the microcontroller. An antenna (108) can be in communication with the NFC interface and can be configured to be energized by a signal received from an external NFC device (109). An interface memory can be in communication with the NFC interface (106), wherein the interface memory is configured to store data received from the external NFC device, the data included in the signal received from the external NFC device.