Dual RF and Magnetic Coupling Circuit for Power-Constrained Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near field communication (NFC) devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and data transmission reliability due to the high power requirements of high-rate RF communication protocols like TransferJet, which can exceed the power generation capabilities of low-rate magnetically coupled NFC links.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual communication system where high-rate RF wireless communication links, such as TransferJet, are used for data transmission, and low-rate magnetically coupled NFC links are used for control information, with mechanisms like inductive charging and adaptive transmission strategies to manage power and error correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-rate RF wireless communication (TransferJet) is used for data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases beyond what NFC can generate
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct protocols: TransferJet for high-speed data transmission and NFC for control signaling and power management. This segmentation allows each protocol to operate within its optimal performance and power consumption characteristics, resolving the contradiction between high data rate and power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic transmission bursts where the RF communication is activated in intervals rather than continuously. During active periods, high-rate data transmission occurs; during inactive periods, the system conserves power and allows NFC to recharge or manage control functions, balancing transmission speed requirements with power generation limits
2Productivity
If RF communication is used for both data and control, then communication speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication functions are segmented between two protocols: TransferJet handles high-speed data transmission while NFC handles control signaling. This functional segmentation simplifies device design by allowing each protocol to be optimized for its specific purpose rather than requiring a single complex protocol to handle all functions
Solution Approach 2:
NFC acts as an intermediary protocol that manages control functions, authentication, and coordination between devices. This intermediary approach allows the high-rate RF communication to focus solely on data transmission while delegating control complexity to the lower-rate NFC protocol, reducing overall system 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 approach enables efficient power management and reliable data transmission by utilizing TransferJet for high-speed data transfer and NFC for control signals, optimizing power usage and error handling between devices.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetically coupled communication circuit receives a communication control signal from the other proximately located communication device via magnetic coupling thereto
Implementation Method 2
The high-rate RF wireless transmitter circuit transmits a block of data to another proximately located communication device via RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic communication device includes a RF wireless transmitter circuit that transmits a block of data to another communication device via RF signals transmitted at a first rate. A magnetically coupled receiver circuit receives a communication control signal from the other communication device via magnetic coupling thereto at a second rate which is less than the first rate, and is configured to respond to the communication control signal by selectively triggering the RF wireless transmitter circuit to transmit another block of data when available for transmission. An inductive charging circuit converts magnetic signals received from the other communication device into power, and supplies the power to the RF wireless transmitter circuit. The RF wireless transmitter circuit transmits data blocks in RF bursts.