NFC Coil With Embedded Wireless Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to efficiently integrate near field communication (NFC) and wireless communication components in small, thin devices without compromising their performance, as they compete for limited space and existing antenna structures can compromise performance when packed tightly.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a single coil antenna for both NFC and WLAN dual-band operations, configuring it to resonate at multiple frequencies (13.56 MHz for NFC and 2.4/5.2 GHz for WLAN) by isolating segments with passive devices or active switches, allowing simultaneous operation without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate embedded antennas are used for NFC and wireless communications (WLAN, WWAN, etc.), then each communication function can operate independently, but the device requires significant space for multiple antenna components, compromising device thickness and ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single coil antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands (NFC at 13.56 MHz, WLAN at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz, WWAN at various frequencies). The same physical antenna component performs multiple communication functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each wireless standard, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining communication performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single coil antenna into multiple operational segments or modes that can be independently activated. The antenna structure includes multiple conductive traces or segments that can be selectively used depending on the required frequency band, allowing the same physical structure to serve different communication protocols without interference
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antenna components are packed into a thin device, then wireless communication functions are integrated, but the antenna performance is compromised due to limited space and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The single coil antenna is designed with universal applicability across multiple wireless communication standards. By using the same antenna structure for NFC, WLAN, and WWAN operations, the patent eliminates the performance degradation that would result from packing multiple separate antennas in close proximity, as there is only one antenna structure to optimize
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching circuitry and impedance matching networks as intermediary components that enable a single antenna to interface with multiple different communication protocols. These intermediaries allow the antenna to be selectively tuned and switched between different frequency bands, maintaining optimal performance for each protocol without requiring separate dedicated antennas
3Volume of moving object
If a single coil antenna is used for both NFC and WLAN operations, then space is minimized, but the antenna must resonate at multiple frequencies which complicates the antenna design and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The coil antenna is segmented into multiple conductive traces or sections that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be activated or deactivated based on the required frequency band, allowing the antenna to resonate at multiple frequencies (NFC at 13.56 MHz, WLAN at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz) without requiring completely separate antenna structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching capabilities where the antenna configuration can be changed in real-time based on operational requirements. Switching circuitry allows the antenna to dynamically reconfigure its electrical characteristics, impedance, and resonant frequency to match the active communication protocol, transforming a static single-frequency antenna into a dynamic multi-frequency solution
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 enables efficient performance of both NFC and wireless communications in devices with minimal space, maintaining performance and ergonomic convenience by reusing the coil antenna for different frequency operations.
Implementation Method 1
configuring it to resonate at multiple frequencies (13.56 MHz for NFC and 2.4/5.2 GHz for WLAN)
Implementation Method 2
Near field coupling includes (by way of illustration and not limitation) near field communications (NFC) and/or wireless power transfer (WPT) capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
Described herein are techniques related to near field coupling and WLAN dual-band operations. For example, a WLAN dual-band utilizes the same coil antenna that is utilized for near field communications (NFC) functions. The WLAN dual-band may be integrated into an NFC module to form a single module.