NFC Controller Logical Connection Initialization and Buffer Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Near Field Communication (NFC) specifications inadequately manage logical connection initialization and buffer allocation, leading to inefficient resource usage and compromised performance due to the allocation of buffer memory without consideration for the RF protocol or interface used, and lack of resizing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The NFC controller (NFCC) is configured to receive a core initialization command, detect remote NFC endpoints, and determine the maximum payload size and initial number of credits based on the RF interface or protocol used, transmitting these values to the device host to establish a logical connection, thereby optimizing buffer allocation and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If buffer memory is allocated during initialization without information about remote NFC endpoint, then initialization can proceed, but buffer allocation is inefficient and cannot be optimized based on actual communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the logical connection and allocating minimal buffer memory during initialization, then performing the actual buffer allocation action after detecting the remote NFC endpoint. This allows initialization to proceed quickly while ensuring optimal buffer allocation based on actual communication requirements, resolving the contradiction between initialization speed and memory efficiency.
2Reliability
If buffer memory is allocated based on potential future RF connection requirements, then buffer allocation is prepared in advance, but the allocation cannot be resized or optimized based on actual protocol requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer allocation dynamic rather than static. The buffer size is determined after detecting the remote NFC endpoint and identifying the actual RF protocol requirements, allowing the system to adapt the buffer allocation to match the specific communication needs. This resolves the contradiction between ensuring buffer availability and enabling adaptability through resizing.
3Device complexity
If static buffer allocation is used for Connection ID 0, then memory management is simple, but performance of dynamic logical connections is compromised due to inability to free buffer memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the initialization phase from the buffer allocation phase. During initialization, only a minimal or placeholder buffer is allocated for Connection ID 0, keeping initial memory management simple. After detecting the remote NFC endpoint, the buffer is segmented and reallocated appropriately for the specific protocol requirements, improving dynamic logical connection performance without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects disclosed herein relate to improving mechanisms for managing logical connection establishment between a NFCC (730) and a DH (760). In one example, with a NFC device (700) a NFCC (730) may be configured to receive a core initialization command, from a DH (760), as part of an initialization and activation procedure. The NFCC (730) may be configured to transmit a core initialization response to the DH (760) without information associated with a static RF connection. Thereafter, the NFC device (700) may detect one or more remote NFC endpoints (330). The NFCC (730) may further be operable to determine a maximum payload size and an initial number of credits for the static RF connection based, at least in part, on at least one of a RF interface or a RF protocol used by a remote NFC endpoint (330) chosen for communications, and transmit the determined maximum payload size and the initial number of credits to the DH (760) to establish a logical connection (764).