Payment Terminal Clock Control for RF Noise Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
RF communication devices in payment systems face interference from RF noise, leading to errors and reduced data transmission quality due to electromagnetic fields and noise emitted by device components, which affects wireless communication between merchant and customer terminals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing noise management instructions that control clock signals to modify operating frequencies of noise-emitting components during wireless communications, optimizing signal processing by identifying noise thresholds and reducing noise emissions to prevent interference with communication frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If components of the RF communication device operate at their initial operating frequency, then they can perform their intended functions, but they emit RF noise that interferes with wireless communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operating frequency of noise-emitting components based on whether wireless communication is active. The clock management unit modifies clock signal frequencies in real-time: using initial frequencies when communication is inactive (maintaining productivity) and modified frequencies when communication is active (reducing interference). This dynamic frequency adjustment resolves the contradiction between component operation and noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of noise-emitting components to resolve interference. The clock management unit generates modified clock signal frequencies that are different from initial frequencies, causing components to operate at altered frequencies during wireless communication. This parameter change reduces RF noise overlap with communication frequencies while maintaining component functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device modifies operating frequencies of noise-emitting components during wireless communication, then RF noise interference is reduced, but component operations must be adjusted from their optimal frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic frequency adjustment: components operate at initial frequencies during normal periods and switch to modified frequencies only during wireless communication periods. The clock management unit monitors communication activity and periodically adjusts frequencies accordingly. This periodic action ensures components maintain optimal performance during non-communication periods while reducing interference during communication periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary frequency modification before wireless communication occurs. The clock management unit detects when wireless communication is initiated and proactively adjusts component frequencies to modified values before interference can occur. This preliminary action prevents noise interference from the outset while maintaining component reliability through controlled frequency transitions.
3Measurement precision
If the processing unit samples the wireless signal continuously, then data transmission quality can be monitored, but processing time increases when RF noise is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary frequency adjustment of noise-emitting components before signal sampling occurs. By modifying component frequencies to avoid overlap with communication frequencies before sampling takes place, the system reduces RF noise in the sampled signals. This preliminary frequency management improves signal-to-noise ratio and reduces the need for repeated sampling, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A payment terminal has a clock management unit for providing clock signals to components of the payment terminal. The payment terminal also has a wireless communication interface for communicating wireless signals. A processing unit of the payment terminal may monitor clock signals provided by the clock management unit and determine a phase and frequency difference between a clock signal provided to a component producing RF noise and a clock signal provided to a wireless communication interface of the payment terminal. When RF noise present in the received wireless signal falls below a threshold, the processing unit may sample the received wireless signal.