Self-Switching NFC Device Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable devices with small batteries face challenges in power conservation, especially when they need to operate intermittently and communicate using NFC, as they require high power for standby modes and have limited communication and powering distances due to dependence on electromagnetic fields, making them unsuitable for rapid data transfer in dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

A battery-powered device with a self-switching mechanism that detects an electromagnetic field to trigger power on and off, using a resonant and rectification circuit for power generation and a bistable latch-controlled transistor to manage power supply, allowing for efficient power management and integration on a credit-card sized form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a continuously operating device with standby mode is used to eliminate human intervention, then automation is improved, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautomationVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device alternates between active and sleep modes periodically. The microcontroller enters sleep mode after completing a transaction and wakes up only when needed for the next transaction, creating a periodic operation pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically manages its own power state transitions without user intervention. The microcontroller autonomously determines when to wake up based on transaction completion status and when to enter sleep mode, making the system self-managing regarding power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If NFC communication is used for portable devices, then communication capability is improved, but communication distance and data transfer speed are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddata transfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary actions by pre-loading data and preparing communication protocols during active periods. This allows for more efficient data transfer when the device is activated, maximizing the utilization of the limited NFC communication window and improving effective data transfer speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficient power conservation by automatically switching off when not in use and powering up only when needed, reducing battery consumption and extending the operational life of small battery-powered devices, while maintaining compatibility with NFC standards for communication.

Implementation Method 1

The resonant circuit is associated with a frequency range so that alternating voltage is created at its terminals in the presence of an electromagnetic field with a frequency located within the frequency range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The rectification and regulation circuit transforms the alternating voltage into direct voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

The electromagnetic field detection circuit may be self powered by the electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2240889B1Portable object with self switching device
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 THALES DIS FRANCE SA
  • EP2240889B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2240889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable electronic device 1 comprising a battery 14 coupled with an electronic circuit 10-12 through a switching circuit 15 for switching on or off the supply voltage Vcc to the electronic circuit using the battery. The portable device comprises at least one electromagnetic field detection circuit 13 coupled with the switching circuit 15 to start the power supply to the electronic circuit 10-12 if an electromagnetic field is detected.