NFC Communication Apparatus Power Management via Memory Access Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In NFC communication systems, power-consuming hardware like the host processor is often unnecessarily started for each communication event, leading to increased power consumption, especially when only the card emulation function is required in passive mode.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes detection means to identify memory access from another device, triggering the shift to an appropriate operation mode, allowing the host processor to start only when necessary, thereby reducing power consumption by maintaining it in a sleep mode until a predetermined memory access is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host processor is started for each NFC communication event, then the communication functionality is ensured, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two operational modes: a low-power mode where only the NFC interface controller operates, and a full-power mode where the host processor is activated. This segmentation allows the system to use minimal resources for basic card emulation while reserving full processing power only when terminal-to-terminal communication is actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different operational states based on the type of communication required. The NFC interface controller can independently handle card emulation operations in a dormant state, and only activates the host processor when terminal-to-terminal communication protocols need to be executed, creating a dynamic power management system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the host processor is kept in sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then energy usage is optimized, but the response time to support terminal-to-terminal communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host processor is pre-configured with the capability to be quickly activated from sleep mode. The system maintains the processor in a low-power state while pre-establishing the communication protocols and data structures needed for terminal-to-terminal communication, allowing for rapid transition when activation is triggered by the NFC interface controller.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the host processor is started for card emulation function, then all communication modes are supported, but unnecessary power is consumed for functions not required
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the system operate at different power levels based on local requirements. The NFC interface controller operates continuously in a low-power state to handle card emulation requests, while the host processor remains dormant unless terminal-to-terminal communication capabilities are actually needed. This local differentiation of operational states eliminates unnecessary power consumption while maintaining full communication versatility.
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 reduces power consumption by ensuring the host processor is only activated when required, optimizing energy usage during NFC communications by leveraging the power supplied from another device for the close proximity wireless communication control LSI and contactless IC card service coprocessor, while enabling seamless transitions between card emulation and terminal-to-terminal communication modes.
Implementation Method 1
the mode (passive mode) in which the NFC interface operation is performed with the power (induced electromotive force) supplied from another apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a communication unit configured to communicate in a first communication mode in which a memory of the communication apparatus is accessed by another communication apparatus, a detection unit configured to detect an access from the another communication apparatus to the memory of the communication apparatus, and a shift unit configured to shift an operation mode of the communication apparatus in response to a condition including at least the access to the memory detected by the detection unit.