NFC IC Power Path Switching for Stable Internal Device Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NFC integrated circuits face challenges in ensuring reliable operation of internal devices due to power supply collisions and instability when both the NFC integrated circuit and processor need to communicate simultaneously or sequentially, leading to unreliable power delivery to internal devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power supply path control circuit within the NFC integrated circuit that manages power supply paths from both the PMIC and the battery, dynamically switching between them based on the NFC integrated circuit's state to prevent collisions and ensure constant power delivery to internal devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power is supplied to the internal device under the control of the processor to facilitate communication, then communication between the processor and internal device is enabled, but power supply collisions occur when the NFC integrated circuit and processor need to simultaneously or sequentially communicate with the internal device
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC integrated circuit acts as an intermediary power management component between the processor/PMIC and the internal device. It includes a power supply path control circuit that mediates power flow, selecting whether to receive power from the PMIC (when processor communication is needed) or directly from the battery (when NFC operation is needed), thereby preventing power supply collisions while facilitating both communication scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply path control circuit dynamically switches between two power supply modes based on operational state: first mode where power flows from PMIC through NFC IC to internal device (for processor communication), and second mode where power flows directly from battery through NFC IC to internal device (for NFC operations). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between communication facilitation and power stability
2Reliability
If constant power is supplied to the internal device, then reliable operation is secured, but power supply collisions occur when multiple devices need to simultaneously control power to the internal device
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC integrated circuit serves as a intermediary power management layer that consolidates control authority. Its power supply path control circuit receives control signals from either the processor or operates autonomously based on NFC state, making decisions about power path selection. This intermediary role simplifies the overall control architecture while ensuring constant, collision-free power delivery to the internal device
3Reliability
If the NFC integrated circuit manages power supply paths dynamically, then power supply collisions are prevented and stable power delivery is maintained, but the NFC integrated circuit requires additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC integrated circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an NFC communication processor and as a power management controller. The power supply path control circuit is integrated within the NFC IC, allowing it to perform dual roles: processing NFC signals and managing power supply paths to the internal device. This universal design provides stable power delivery while minimizing overall system complexity by consolidating functions
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device includes a battery, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a near field communication (NFC) integrated circuit connected to the battery and to the PMIC, and an internal device connected to the NFC integrated circuit and configured to support an NFC operation, wherein the NFC integrated circuit includes a power supply path control circuit configured to cut off a first power supply path from the PMIC to the internal device when the NFC integrated circuit is in an on-state or an operating state and to form a second power supply path from the battery to the internal device to supply power to the internal device based on existence or non-existence of a first supply voltage provided from the PMIC.