RFID Transponder Charge Pump Controller

Solution Overview

Problem

RFID transponders face issues with input voltage variability, leading to potential damage from high output voltages, which can alter IC input impedance and affect system performance, requiring a solution to manage charge pump stages effectively.

Innovation Solution

A charge pump controller dynamically adjusts the number of charge pump stages based on output voltage and status indicators to prevent overvoltage, ensuring efficient power supply to the transponder's integrated circuit without altering the IC input impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the charge pump converts low input voltage to high output voltage, then the functional component can operate at required voltage levels, but high output voltage can damage the functional component and alter IC input impedance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltageVSAvoiddamage from high voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charge pump controller dynamically adjusts the number of charge pump stages that contribute to the output voltage based on detected voltage levels or status indicators. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt the output voltage in real-time, preventing overvoltage damage while maintaining sufficient power for functional component operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the charge pump by selectively enabling or disabling specific charge pump stages. This parameter adjustment modifies the voltage multiplication factor, allowing the charge pump to operate at different voltage levels appropriate for the current operating conditions, thus avoiding harmful high voltage effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the charge pump stages are reduced to lower output voltage, then damage from high voltage is prevented, but the power supply efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovervoltage protectionVSAvoidpower supply efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The charge pump controller dynamically adjusts the number of charge pump stages that contribute to the output voltage based on detected voltage levels or status indicators. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt the output voltage in real-time, preventing overvoltage damage while maintaining sufficient power for functional component operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the charge pump by selectively enabling or disabling specific charge pump stages. This parameter adjustment modifies the voltage multiplication factor, allowing the charge pump to operate at different voltage levels appropriate for the current operating conditions, thus avoiding harmful high voltage effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If voltage limiters are added to prevent overvoltage, then protection is provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovervoltage protectionVSAvoidadditional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charge pump controller performs multiple functions: it manages the charge pump operation, detects voltage levels or status indicators, determines the appropriate number of active charge pump stages, and controls their configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate voltage limiter components, as the controller itself provides the protection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charge pump system performs self-protection through its own controller, which monitors the output voltage or status indicators and automatically adjusts the number of active charge pump stages to prevent overvoltage conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external protection components.

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 allows for dynamic adjustment of output voltage, preventing damage from high input voltages and maintaining system performance across varying power conditions without the need for additional components like voltage limiters.

Implementation Method 1

The charge pump is configured to convert a low input voltage into a higher output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge pump:

Data Source

PatentEP3800584B1RFID transponder and corresponding operating method

Publication Date: 2022.10.19 NXP BV

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AI summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder is provided, comprising: at least one functional component configured to perform a function of the RFID transponder; a charge pump configured to supply an output voltage to said functional component, wherein said charge pump comprises a plurality of charge pump stages; a charge pump controller configured to control a number of charge pump stages which contribute to the output voltage. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating an RFID transponder is conceived.