Memory Arbitrator for NFC Power Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated near field communication (NFC) devices in electronic communication devices face inefficiencies due to battery depletion, which prevents access to shared memory and powering of other components, as the magnetic field used for power harvesting is insufficient to operate a host processor or display.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a memory arbitrator that manages access to a shared memory and includes a power harvesting module to enable NFC devices to operate and access shared memory even when internal batteries are depleted, using a power harvesting module to provide sufficient power for other components and potentially recharge the battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NFC devices use magnetic field for power harvesting when internal batteries are depleted, then NFC communication function is maintained, but other components (host processor, display) cannot be powered

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNFC communication functionalityVSAvoidPower availability for components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory access control function from the host processor by introducing a standalone memory arbitrator that can operate independently using harvested power. This segmentation allows the memory arbitrator to manage shared memory access for NFC operations even when the host processor is powered down, resolving the contradiction between maintaining NFC functionality and conserving energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The memory arbitrator acts as an intermediary component between the NFC device and shared memory. It harvests power from the magnetic field and uses this power to manage memory access requests, enabling NFC communication without requiring the host processor to be active. This intermediary resolves the power availability contradiction by creating a separate power management path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If shared memory is accessed through host processor, then memory access is controlled, but NFC device cannot access shared memory when internal batteries are depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveShared memory accessVSAvoidMemory access capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The memory arbitrator is designed to be self-sufficient by harvesting power from the magnetic field generated during NFC communication. It uses this harvested power to autonomously manage shared memory access without requiring the host processor to be active, enabling the NFC device to service its own memory access needs independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If each functional component has separate memory, then component independence is maintained, but system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveComponent independenceVSAvoidSystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components' memory access needs into a single shared memory resource, improving system efficiency by eliminating redundant memory structures. The memory arbitrator manages access to this shared memory, ensuring that while components share memory resources, they maintain operational independence through controlled access arbitration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory arbitrator acts as an intermediary that enables multiple functional components to efficiently share a common memory resource. It mediates access requests from different components including the NFC device, host processor, and other functional units, optimizing memory utilization while maintaining component independence through fair and controlled access management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables NFC devices to operate and access shared memory while internal batteries are depleted, ensuring continuous functionality and power management across components, resolving the inefficiencies in existing NFC device integration.

Implementation Method 1

this magnetic field is typically unable to power other components of the NFC devices respective communications device... an NFC device may have to derive its power from the magnetic field of another NFC device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9280499B2Memory arbitrator for electronics communications devices

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 NXP USA INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention include electronic communications devices having a memory in near field communication device, a memory arbitrator and a host processor. The near field communication (NFC) devices are configured to receive data and drive power from the communication signal. The memory arbitrator is connected to the NFC device and the memory. The memory arbitrator is also configured to access the memory in response to an access request from the NFC device. Additionally, the memory is configurable to be accessed by both the host processor and the NFC device according to embodiments of the present invention.