NFC Wireless Power Receiver Antenna Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power technologies face challenges in efficiently transferring power over reasonable distances and coexisting with near-field communication (NFC) functionality, as they either suffer from distance limitations and interference or require close antenna spacing, limiting simultaneous operation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that selectively switch between wireless power and NFC modes by using an antenna configured to receive signals, with a communication circuit and wireless power circuit that couple and decouple based on signal detection, enabling efficient power transfer and communication without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If plane wave radiation coupling is used for wireless power transfer, then power can be transmitted over the air, but power coupling efficiency drops quickly with distance and unintentional radiation interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between communication mode and wireless power mode based on detected signal characteristics. The antenna and circuits transition between different operational states to optimize performance for either NFC communication or wireless power transfer, resolving the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to the current operational context
2Quantity of substance
If inductive coupling between transmit antenna and receive antenna is used, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, but the spacing between antennas must be very close
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic mode switching to differentiate between wireless power transfer operations and NFC communication operations. By detecting signal characteristics and transitioning between modes, the system enables both functions to coexist without requiring fixed close antenna spacing, allowing multiple devices to be charged while maintaining NFC capability
3Device complexity
If a single antenna is shared between NFC and wireless power functions, then device complexity is reduced, but interference between the two functions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching that detects signal characteristics to determine whether the antenna should be used for NFC communication or wireless power transfer. The system transitions between communication mode and power mode based on detected signals, enabling a single antenna to serve both functions without interference by ensuring only one function operates at a time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal detection to control mode switching. The detector monitors the antenna input and provides feedback to the mode controller, which adjusts the operational mode accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents interference by detecting when wireless power signals are present and switching NFC off, and vice versa
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 efficient wireless power transfer over longer distances while allowing NFC functionality to operate without degradation, eliminating the need for manual mode switching and ensuring coexistence of both technologies within a single electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to receive a signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a coexistence of NFC and wireless power functionalities. A device configured to wirelessly receive power may include an antenna configured to receive a signal. The device may further include a communication circuit configured to selectively couple to the antenna in a default mode of operation. The device may further include a wireless power circuit configured to selectively couple to the antenna in response to detecting that the signal is provided to power or charge a load.