Self-Powered RFID Interface for Metering Module Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio modules for consumption data recording devices, such as gas, water, or electricity meters, face challenges in configuring and parameterizing the devices without a power source, as they require an external power supply or battery, limiting the ability to record type and test information during production and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient high-frequency interface is implemented on the radio module's printed circuit board, using a miniaturized RFID transponder that draws energy from a radiated high-frequency field, allowing for configuration and data storage independently of a power supply, with non-volatile memory connected to the processor for data processing and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an infrared interface is used for configuration and data storage, then the interface can be used during manufacturing and assembly, but it requires an external power supply or battery installation which increases device complexity and limits early-stage information recording
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID transponder interface is self-powered by drawing energy from the radiated high-frequency field during communication, eliminating the need for external power supply or battery installation. This allows the interface to be used at any stage of manufacturing and assembly without adding power supply complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating mode from infrared (requiring power) to RFID high-frequency interface (self-powered by electromagnetic field). This parameter change in the interface type enables early-stage information recording during manufacturing without power supply requirements
2Ease of operation
If a battery is installed in the circuit board for operating power during manufacturing, then the interface can be used on-site for configuration, but the battery installation can only occur after the circuit is largely complete which limits the timing of information recording
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID interface component serves itself by harvesting energy from the radiated high-frequency field during communication operations. This eliminates the need for battery installation and enables the interface to be used from the very beginning of manufacturing processes, significantly improving productivity by allowing early-stage information recording
Solution Approach 2:
The self-powered RFID interface enables preliminary actions such as recording type information, test results, and configuration data to be performed during early manufacturing stages rather than after circuit completion. This preliminary action capability improves overall production efficiency
3Productivity
If an RFID transponder interface is used that draws energy from radiated high-frequency field, then the interface is self-sufficient and can be used from the beginning of assembly, but it requires non-volatile memory integration which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID transponder interface with non-volatile memory (EEPROM or Flash) into an integrated component that is mounted on the circuit board. This combination allows the interface to be self-sufficient while providing the necessary storage capability, and the integrated nature reduces the overall complexity compared to separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID interface component serves multiple functions: it provides wireless communication for configuration, stores type and test information in non-volatile memory, and enables tracking throughout the product lifecycle. This multi-functionality consolidates several requirements into a single integrated solution
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 the tracking and documentation of device life history, configuration, and parameterization from assembly to product life, even without a power source, and allows for data retrieval in case of battery failure, enhancing operational reliability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Its operation requires neither a test connector during circuit board assembly, nor the installation of a window in the plastic housing of the detection device, nor the provision of a battery or similar internal or external power source. Rather, the circuit board is populated with a miniaturized interface component, including an antenna and non-volatile memory
Implementation Method 2
The individual components of the interface element can be mounted directly onto the circuit board of the radio module; alternatively, they can be mounted on a separate circuit board to form a distinct module
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The radio module has a battery (18) that is provided for operating circuits on the circuit board (20). The circuit board is connected with processor (15) which is provided for pre-processing the user data comprising consumption data for intermediate storage and radio transmission. A high-frequency interface (19) is provided with a RFID transponder (21) having an antenna (22). The electrically EPROM (EEPROM) (24) connected with the processor is provided for performing write-in and read-out operation with respect to the stored consumption data.