NFC Transmitter Voltage Regulator with Current Mirroring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC device transmitters face challenges in efficiently managing output voltage and current to optimize power transmission and reduce power consumption, as they typically rely on fixed output voltages and lack dynamic control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a current detector and control block to compare detected currents with reference currents, generating control signals to adjust output node voltages and antenna driver voltages dynamically, using a regulator with a comparator, current generators, and a voltage control block to mirror currents and control output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed output voltage is used in the transmitter, then the circuit structure is simple, but the power transmission efficiency cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control by replacing the fixed voltage source with a controllable voltage regulator. The regulator adjusts the output voltage based on real-time current detection feedback, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions and optimize power transmission efficiency while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where a current detector monitors the output current and feeds this information back to the control block. The control block compares the detected current with a reference current and adjusts the regulator's output voltage accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power transmission while keeping the circuit structure organized and manageable.
2Loss of energy
If dynamic voltage control is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control block serves multiple functions: it receives current detection signals, compares them with reference currents, generates control signals for the regulator, and can also control the antenna driver. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving dynamic voltage control and reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voltage regulation control and antenna driving control into a single integrated control block. By merging these control functions and sharing common components like the current detector and reference current sources, the system achieves dynamic power optimization without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.
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 solution enables dynamic voltage control, reducing power consumption and optimizing power transmission in NFC devices by adjusting output voltages based on current detection, thereby improving the efficiency of NFC communication.
Implementation Method 1
The current detector may include a second current generator which is configured to generate a second current by mirroring the first current
Implementation Method 2
The regulator may include a comparator that is configured to compare a reference voltage to a feedback voltage and to output a comparison signal
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter of a NFC device includes a current detector which detects a first current flowing in an output node of a regulator and outputs a current detection signal related to a result of the detection, and a control block which compares the current detection signal with a reference current and generates a control signal for controlling a voltage of the output node according to a result of the comparison.