Dual-Interface RFID Tag Pass-Through Data Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-interface RFID/NFC tags lack effective control over data exchange between RF devices and host devices, particularly in low-cost applications like gaming and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi pairing, where data throughput is low and peer-to-peer mode is expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and tag system that enters a pass-through mode, allowing data transfer between RF devices and host devices, with data buffering in memory and controlled access through volatile and non-volatile memory mirroring, and using existing pins for interrupt signaling to enhance memory access control and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If peer-to-peer mode is used for data exchange, then data transfer capability is achieved, but system cost increases due to requiring NFC initiator/reader chip on both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-interface tag as an intermediary device that bridges RF devices and host devices. The tag includes both RF interface units (for wireless communication) and host interface units (for wired connection to microcontroller), enabling it to mediate data exchange between RF devices and host without requiring peer-to-peer NFC configuration on both sides, thus reducing system cost while maintaining data exchange capability
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-interface tag serves multiple functions: it acts as both an RF communication device and a host interface device, and can operate in different modes (peer-to-peer, master-slave, pass-through). This multi-functionality allows a single tag component to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated components, reducing overall system cost while providing versatile data exchange capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If dual-interface tag is used for data exchange, then low-cost solution is achieved, but control over data exchange is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control over data exchange by enabling the tag to operate in different modes (peer-to-peer, master-slave, pass-through) that can be selected based on operational requirements. The system can dynamically switch between modes and configure transfer directions (first direction from RF device to host device, second direction from host device to RF device), providing flexible control while maintaining the low-cost dual-interface architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interrupt signal mechanisms that provide feedback to the host device when data transfer operations are complete or when memory access conditions are met. This feedback system enables better control and coordination of data exchange operations between the RF device, host device, and tag, improving ease of operation without increasing system cost
3Productivity
If data is transferred continuously between RF device and host device, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but memory access control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory access control by dividing memory access rights based on transfer direction and operational mode. When transferring data in the first direction (RF device to host device), memory access is restricted to the RF interface unit; when transferring in the second direction (host device to RF device), memory access is restricted to the host interface unit. This segmentation simplifies memory access control while enabling efficient bidirectional data exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by buffering data in the tag's memory before transfer completion. The tag buffers data received from the RF device in a volatile memory that is mirrored on predefined blocks of non-volatile memory, and only makes this buffered data available to the host device when appropriate conditions are met. This preliminary buffering action simplifies memory access control by creating a controlled intermediate storage layer
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method of transferring data using a tag, said tag comprising an RF interface unit, a host interface unit and a memory, the method comprising: the RF interface unit connects the tag to an RF device; the host interface unit connects the tag to a host device; the tag enters into a pass-through mode; in said pass-through mode, the tag transfers data, either in a first configured transfer direction, from the RF device to the host device, or, in a second configured transfer direction, from the host device to the RF device; in said pass-through mode, the tag buffers said data in the memory. Furthermore, a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding tag are disclosed.