Co-located NFC Antenna and RFID Tag Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices that employ multiple wireless communication systems, such as NFC and RFID, face challenges in maintaining a compact design while avoiding interference and size increase due to the need for separate antennas and tags operating at different frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna and a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag within a compact design, where the RFID tag is positioned within the inner region of the NFC antenna, allowing for co-location without significant performance impact, and using non-conductive materials to prevent interference and reduce size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication systems (NFC and RFID) are integrated into an electronic device, then the device supports diverse communication protocols, but the device size increases due to separate antennas and tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the NFC antenna and RFID tag into a single integrated structure where the RFID tag is positioned within the inner region of the NFC antenna. This merging allows both wireless communication systems to share the same physical space, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing overall device volume while maintaining support for multiple communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is nested within the inner region of the NFC antenna, creating a hierarchical arrangement where one component is placed inside the spatial envelope of another. This nesting strategy maximizes space utilization and enables compact integration of multiple wireless communication functions without increasing device footprint
2Reliability
If separate antennas and tags are used for NFC and RFID systems, then each component can operate independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the NFC antenna and RFID tag into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of discrete components and interconnections required. This consolidation simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the functional independence of each wireless communication system through proper frequency separation and non-conductive material usage
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication systems operate at different frequencies, then they can perform different functions, but interference may occur between systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-conductive materials as intermediaries between the NFC antenna and RFID tag components. These materials act as mediators that electrically isolate the two systems operating at different frequencies, preventing electromagnetic interference while allowing both systems to function within the integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions within the integrated structure. Non-conductive materials are specifically placed in regions where electromagnetic coupling could occur, while conductive regions are optimized for their respective frequency operations. This localized differentiation of material quality enables frequency diversity without interference
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a non-conductive sheet, an electrically conductive coil disposed on the non-conductive sheet, and an electronic component. The non-conductive sheet has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface, the third surface defining an opening. The electrically conductive coil surrounds the third surface and the third surface surrounds the electronic component, the electronic component being disposed within the opening.