RFID Integrated Circuit Switching via Repurposed Test Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID transponders are limited to identification and data communication, lacking the ability to control external devices due to unused test contacts after wafer separation, which could provide additional functionality if repurposed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating mode altering means and external contacts into the integrated circuit, allowing these contacts to be used for both testing and controlling external devices, with the logic circuit managing electrical connections between them, enabling extended functionality such as power supply, identification, and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If test contacts are used only for testing on wafer level, then testing functionality is ensured, but the contacts remain unused after wafer separation, wasting space and potential functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The test contacts are designed to serve dual purposes: they function as test contacts during wafer-level testing and are repurposed as external contacts for controlling external devices after wafer separation. This multi-functionality eliminates waste of contacts while extending the transponder's capabilities beyond simple identification to include external device control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transponder functionality is maintained, then identification and data communication work reliably, but extended functionality for controlling external devices is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional identification and data communication via RFID, plus control of external devices through the repurposed test contacts. The logic circuit manages both conventional operations and external contact control, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the conventional transponder functionality with external device control capability into a single integrated circuit. The logic circuit integrates both the RFID communication functions and the control functions for external contacts, combining what would traditionally be separate functions into one unified device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external contacts are added for device control, then extended functionality is achieved, but the area of the integrated circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the contacts universal (serving both as test contacts and external contacts), the patent avoids adding new contacts that would consume additional wafer space. The same physical contacts are reused for different purposes at different stages, achieving extended functionality without increasing the contact array area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the utility of test contacts that would otherwise be discarded or left unused after wafer-level testing. Instead of allowing these contacts to become obsolete after serving their testing purpose, the invention recovers their functionality by repurposing them as external contacts for device control, thereby utilizing existing space rather than consuming additional area.
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 integrated circuit to control external devices, providing enhanced functionality beyond conventional transponders, including power supply, identification, and data transmission, while maintaining compatibility with existing communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
reception means for receiving external signals and for transmitting said received external signals to said logic circuit
Implementation Method 2
switching means for controlling an electrical connection between said external contacts in response to control signals from said logic circuit
Implementation Method 3
providing power supply, identification, and data transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated circuit (30) comprising a logic circuit (42) and reception means (34) for receiving external signals and for transmitting said received external signals to said logic circuit (42) , and it relates to a device coupled to such an integrated circuit and to methods for manufacturing and operating such an integrated circuit and for transmitting control data to a device. In order to provide such an integrated circuit (30) for an extended functionality in comparison with conventional transponders, an integrated circuit (30) comprising a logic circuit (42) ; at least two external contacts (44a, 44b) , switching means (46) connecting said logic circuit (42) to said external contacts (44a, 44b) and reception means (34) for receiving external signals and for transmitting said received external signals to said logic circuit (42) is proposed, wherein said integrated circuit (30) is operable in a first operation mode for providing a switching functionality- through said external contacts (44a, 44b) by said switching means (46) for switching an electrical connection between said external contacts (44a, 44b) , wherein said switching means (46) are controlled by said logic circuit (42) in response to said received external signals. Further, a corresponding device coupled to such an integrated circuit (30) and corresponding methods for manufacturing and operating such an integrated circuit (30) and for transmitting control data to a device are proposed.