Power Supply Package with Integrated RFID Anti-Theft Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power supply packages lack built-in features to deter theft in retail environments, making them vulnerable to unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag and a power switch within the power supply package, where the RFID tag is pre-programmed to disable the power supply until authorized enablement, using pulse-width modulation signals to control the power switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power supply packages are used without built-in anti-theft features, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is simple, but the power supply package is vulnerable to theft and unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID tag and power switch into a single integrated unit within the power supply package. The RFID tag's output terminal is directly coupled to the control terminal of the power switch, eliminating the need for separate anti-theft components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective theft prevention through the integrated authentication mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves multiple functions: it acts as both an identification device and a control device for the power switch. By programming the RFID tag's control register, it can generate control signals that either enable or disable the power switch, thus providing both authentication and power control functions within a single component
2Reliability
If an RFID tag and power switch are integrated into the power supply package, then anti-theft capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of RFID tag and power switch into a single package reduces the number of discrete components that need to be assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process. The direct coupling between the RFID tag output terminal and the power switch control terminal eliminates the need for additional wiring and connection steps
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is simplified by changing the operational state of the power switch through software programming of the RFID tag's control register rather than through hardware modifications. The power switch can be enabled or disabled by writing different values to the control register, allowing flexible manufacturing and distribution of secured power supplies
3Reliability
If the RFID tag is pre-programmed to disable the power switch, then theft prevention is effective, but the power supply package cannot be used until enabled by authorization
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch is pre-disabled through the RFID tag's control register settings before the power supply package is deployed. This preliminary action ensures that the device cannot be used without proper authorization, and the enabling process is simplified to just writing a specific value to the control register via RFID communication
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the RFID communication protocol, allowing the RFID reader to verify the current state of the control register and confirm whether the power switch is enabled or disabled. This feedback mechanism simplifies the operation by providing clear status information to the user
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
The solution effectively prevents theft by ensuring the power supply package remains inoperable unless enabled by an authorized RFID reader, providing a cost-effective anti-theft mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
RFID is used to uniquely identifying items using radio waves. A typical RFID system comprises an RFID tag and an RFID reader (also referred to as a reader, or a reader device). The RFID reader sends an interrogating signal (e.g., a radio-frequency signal) to the RFID tag, and the RFID tag responds with its unique information.
Implementation Method 2
a PWM circuit configured to generate a PWM signal at an output of the PWM circuit, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal generated by the PWM circuit is determined by the PWM parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing a power supply package (PSP) that includes a power supply, an RFID tag, and a power switch, where a control terminal of the power switch is coupled to an output terminal of the RFID tag, and load path terminals of the power switch are coupled between an output terminal of the PSP and a first terminal of the power supply, where a control register of the RFID tag is pre-programmed with a first value such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a first control signal that turns off the power switch; receiving, by the RFID tag, a second value for the control register of the RFID tag; and writing, by the RFID tag, the second value to the control register of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is configured to generate a second control signal that turns on the power switch.