RFID Tag Series Rectifier Circuit for Independent Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID tags face limitations in power supply to functional units due to voltage restrictions in the control unit, leading to restricted power delivery and increased size, complexity, and cost when a dedicated power source is added.

Innovation Solution

An electronic medium with an integrated circuit (IC) featuring a series connection of first and second rectifying circuits, a bypass circuit, and a current distribution ratio control unit, allowing for independent power supply to the IC and functional units, and utilizing an antenna coil for electromagnetic coupling with a reader/writer device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If power is supplied from the control unit to the functional unit, then the functional unit can operate, but the power supply is restricted by the withstand voltage of the control unit and the protecting circuit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply to functional unitVSAvoidprotecting circuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power supply system into two independent rectifying circuits: a first rectifying circuit within the IC chip that supplies power to the control unit, and a second rectifying circuit outside the IC chip that supplies power to the functional unit. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently, enabling the functional unit to receive sufficient power without being constrained by the control unit's voltage limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a bypass circuit connected in parallel with the first rectifying circuit that includes a switching element. This bypass circuit acts as an intermediary that can redirect current flow to the second rectifying circuit when the functional unit requires additional power, effectively mediating between the limited output of the first rectifying circuit and the power demands of the functional unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If a dedicated power supply source is added to supply power to the functional unit, then the functional unit can be continuously operated, but the size and shape of the electronic medium are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power supply to functional unitVSAvoidsize of electronic medium
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply function for the functional unit with the existing RFID tag structure by placing the second rectifying circuit outside but integrated with the IC chip. The antenna coil serves dual purposes: it enables wireless communication and simultaneously provides electromagnetic energy that both rectifying circuits convert to power their respective loads. This merging eliminates the need for a separate dedicated power supply source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the antenna coil multi-functional by using it for both wireless communication and power reception. The received electromagnetic energy is distributed to both the first and second rectifying circuits, which then independently power the control unit and functional unit respectively. This universal use of the antenna coil avoids adding separate power supply components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If a dedicated power supply source is added to supply power to the functional unit, then the functional unit can be continuously operated, but the number of component parts and manufacturing complexity are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power supply to functional unitVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power conversion function into two distinct rectifying circuits with separate output terminals, allowing each circuit to be optimized and manufactured independently. The first rectifying circuit integrates within the IC chip while the second rectifying circuit is positioned externally, enabling flexible manufacturing approaches that reduce overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass circuit with its switching element serves as a controllable intermediary that manages power distribution between the two rectifying circuits. This centralized control mechanism simplifies the overall system by providing a single point of control for power allocation, rather than requiring multiple independent power supply sources that would increase manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Power

If a dedicated power supply source is added to supply power to the functional unit, then the functional unit can be continuously operated, but the cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power supply to functional unitVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power reception and conversion functions into a unified system where a single antenna coil feeds electromagnetic energy to both rectifying circuits. This merging eliminates the need for separate power supply sources, reducing component count and associated manufacturing costs while enabling continuous operation of the functional unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service by using the same antenna coil that receives electromagnetic energy for wireless communication to also provide power for both the control unit and functional unit. The rectifying circuits automatically convert the received energy to appropriate voltage levels for their respective loads without requiring external power supply components, thereby reducing cost.

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 configuration enables reliable and stable power supply to functional units, reducing the size and complexity of the electronic medium while maintaining efficient power delivery, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional RFID tag power supply systems.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna coil and an IC chip that are included in an RFID tag... receives a supply of power from an external device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9692237B2Electronic medium with IC and system of the same
Publication Date: 2017.06.27 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US9692237B2 patent drawing
  • US9692237B2 patent drawing
  • US9692237B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic medium with an integrated circuit includes a power feeding terminal pair including a first power feeding terminal and a second power feeding terminal, an integrated circuit including at least one first rectifying circuit, and a second rectifying circuit that is separate from the integrated circuit, wherein the first rectifying circuit and the second rectifying circuit are connected in series between the first power feeding terminal and the second power feeding terminal.