NFC Transceiver Self-Calibration for Noise Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
NFC device performance is negatively impacted by noise, particularly affecting communication, and existing methods for noise minimization are time-consuming, costly, and require re-definition of optimized settings due to component variations.
Innovation Solution
An NFC device with a calibration unit that adjusts transceiver parameters such as transmitter phase, receiver sampling point, and DC-to-DC converter phase delay to optimize noise levels, using a square-law detector, amplifier, bandpass filter, and analog-to-digital converter to measure and minimize root mean square (RMS) noise levels, enabling real-time optimization and self-calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing methods for noise minimization are used, then noise levels are reduced, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC transceiver performs self-calibration by automatically measuring noise levels and adjusting its own parameters without requiring external intervention or manual optimization, thereby reducing development time and cost while achieving noise minimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes noise levels by dynamically adjusting transceiver parameters such as transmitter phase, receiver sampling point, and DC-to-DC converter phase delay through automated measurement and parameter variation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing methods for noise minimization are used, then noise levels are reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated self-calibration capability eliminates the need for costly manual optimization processes and external calibration equipment, allowing standard production lines to manufacture optimized NFC devices without additional manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing noise performance through parameter adjustment rather than requiring precision-manufactured components, the system achieves low noise levels with standard components, reducing manufacturing costs
3Device complexity
If fixed transceiver parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but performance degrades due to component variations and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamic, adjustable parameters that can be optimized for each device and recalibrated over time to compensate for component variations and aging effects
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC transceiver uses feedback from noise level measurements to automatically adjust its parameters, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal performance despite component variations and aging
4Ease of operation
If manual calibration methods are used, then initial setup is simplified, but periodic re-calibration is required due to component aging
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC transceiver performs automatic self-calibration without requiring external equipment or manual intervention, enabling both initial setup and periodic re-calibration to be done autonomously by the device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic self-calibration cycles that automatically adjust parameters to compensate for component aging, eliminating the need for manual re-calibration intervals
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
Significantly reduces development effort and cost by allowing real-time optimization and end-of-line noise calibration, mitigating performance degradation due to component aging through periodic self-calibration, and improving communication reliability by minimizing noise impact.
Implementation Method 1
the calibration unit comprises at least one square-law detector configured to measure the RMS noise level
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a near field communication (NFC) device is provided, comprising: an NFC transceiver configured to communicate with an external NFC device and to apply at least one transceiver parameter when communicating with the external NFC device; a calibration unit operatively coupled to the NFC transceiver and configured to calibrate the NFC transceiver; wherein the calibration unit is configured to calibrate the NFC transceiver by causing the NFC transceiver to apply different values of the transceiver parameter, measuring a noise level in the NFC transceiver for each applied value of the transceiver parameter, and selecting an optimal value from the applied values of the transceiver parameter in dependence on the noise level measured for each applied value. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating an NFC device is conceived.