NFC Transponder Error Counting for Power and Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near-field communications are sensitive to external disturbances and parasitic signals, which can disrupt the communication process between devices, leading to errors and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A near-field communication method that employs a NackCnt counter to track error signals, switching the transponder to a low consumption mode when a threshold of errors is reached, thereby reducing electromagnetic field disturbances and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the transponder remains in active mode to ensure communication readiness, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transponder alternates between active communication mode and low-power sleep mode in periodic cycles. During active periods, the transponder is fully operational to respond to terminal communications. During sleep periods, non-essential circuits are deactivated to conserve energy, while the essential circuit remains active to detect wake-up signals from the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transponder dynamically adjusts its operational state based on communication needs. The system transitions between two distinct states: full active mode for communication and reduced low-power mode for energy conservation. This dynamic switching allows the transponder to optimize the balance between responsiveness and power consumption rather than operating in a fixed state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If all circuits remain active to handle potential communication tasks, then communication capability is improved, but electromagnetic field disturbances increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic field disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates the essential communication function from other non-essential circuits. Only the minimum necessary circuit required for basic NFC communication and wake-up signal detection remains active during low-power mode. Other circuits that generate electromagnetic disturbances are completely deactivated, removing the source of interference while preserving core communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the transponder processes all error signals to maintain communication accuracy, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The essential circuit autonomously monitors and processes error signals without requiring full transponder activation. The system self-manages basic error detection and correction functions using minimal power, only escalating to full active mode when necessary. This self-service approach maintains communication reliability through continuous error monitoring while consuming minimal energy during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enhances communication reliability by minimizing the impact of parasitic signals and reduces power consumption by activating only necessary circuits, improving overall communication efficiency and reducing errors.

Implementation Method 1

Such systems utilize a radio-frequency electromagnetic field emitted by one device (terminal or reader) to communicate with another device (transponder or card)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the corresponding change in phase or amplitude of the emitted field is detected by the first device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3687078B1NFC communication
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 PROTON WORLD INT
  • EP3687078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3687078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3687078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This description relates to a method of wireless communication between a transponder and a terminal comprising a step (303) of counting, implemented by the transponder, a number of error signals emitted by the terminal.