NFC Wake-Up Control for Ultra-Wideband Communication Power-Off Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-wideband communication devices face challenges in initiating communication when powered off due to the reliance on Bluetooth for radio wake-up, which is not available when the device is turned off, leading to energy inefficiency and bulkiness in devices like Airtag.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device configuration that uses a near-field communication unit, powered directly by a battery, to control and power the ultra-wideband communication unit even when the platform is powered down, allowing for ultra-wideband communication initiation without the need for Bluetooth, with a near-field communication unit acting as a radio wake-up unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the ultra-wideband communication unit is turned off to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot initiate ultra-wideband communication when powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent power domains: the platform (processor, voltage regulator) that can be powered off, and the near-field communication unit that remains powered independently through a dedicated power path from the battery. This segmentation allows the NFC unit to remain operational while the main platform enters sleep mode, enabling wake-up functionality without requiring the entire device to stay powered on.
Solution Approach 2:
The near-field communication unit acts as an intermediary between the powered-off platform and the ultra-wideband communication unit. When the platform is powered off, the NFC unit receives wake-up signals and uses them to activate the ultra-wideband unit, serving as a bridge that enables communication initiation without requiring the main platform to be powered on.
2Ease of operation
If Bluetooth is used as a radio wake-up unit, then the device can wake up ultra-wideband communication, but the device cannot wake up ultra-wideband when the device is switched off since Bluetooth is only available when the device is on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a low-power NFC unit as a disposable wake-up mechanism that can operate independently of the main platform's power state. This NFC unit acts as a temporary, low-cost wake-up signal generator that doesn't require the expensive or complex Bluetooth stack to be operational, enabling wake-up functionality in a simplified manner when the device is powered off.
3Ease of operation
If the near-field communication unit is powered directly by the battery, then the ultra-wideband communication unit can be woken up when the platform is powered off, but the device complexity increases due to additional power management circuits
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing full power management capabilities for the entire platform, the patent implements a partial power management solution where only the NFC unit has independent direct battery power. This partial action approach provides sufficient wake-up functionality without requiring complex power management infrastructure throughout the entire device, balancing functionality with 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
Enables energy-efficient initiation of ultra-wideband communication when the device is turned off, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for bulky Bluetooth components, allowing for seamless communication without the need for platform power-up.
Implementation Method 1
a near-field communication unit powered directly by the battery and being configured to control the voltage regulator to power the ultra-wideband communication unit when the platform is powered off
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
According to one aspect, a wireless communication device is proposed comprising: - a battery (BAT), - a platform (PLAT) powered by the battery (BAT), the platform including a processor (PROC), - a voltage regulator (LDO4) powered by the battery (BAT), - an ultra-wideband communication unit (UWB_C) powered by the voltage regulator (LDO4) from the platform (PLAT) when the platform is powered on, - a near-field communication unit (NFC_C) powered directly by the battery (BAT), and configured to control the voltage regulator (LDO4) to power the ultra-wideband communication unit (UWB_C) when the platform (PLAT) is powered off.