Tapered Coax NFC Launch for High Data Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near Field Communication (NFC) systems face limitations in data rate due to low-frequency signals, which restrict bandwidth and efficiency, especially at higher frequencies, and often require physical/ohmic contacts for module communication, leading to potential interference and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a tapered coaxial field confinement block with a conductive reflector and dielectric or metamaterials to confine electromagnetic fields, allowing for increased frequency and bandwidth in NFC systems, enabling contactless communication between modules without physical contacts and minimizing radiation leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If low-frequency signals with large fringing electric or magnetic fields are used for NFC communication, then signal transfer over short distance is facilitated, but data rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from low-frequency to high-frequency signals, and modifies the field confinement structure to support higher frequencies. This parameter change enables increased data rate and bandwidth while maintaining effective NFC communication over short distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining conductive materials for the coaxial elements with dielectric materials for field confinement. This composite approach enables the structure to simultaneously support high-frequency operation and confine electromagnetic fields effectively, resolving the contradiction between data rate and bandwidth.
2Speed
If high frequency is used to increase data rate, then bandwidth can be allocated, but radiation leakage and compliance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful radiation leakage into a beneficial confined electromagnetic field. By using the tapered coaxial structure with dielectric confinement, the energy that would otherwise radiate harmfully is instead confined and directed for useful communication, thus converting harm into benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric material acts as an intermediary between the high-frequency signal and the surrounding environment. It mediates the electromagnetic field confinement, preventing direct radiation leakage while allowing the high-frequency signal to propagate effectively for increased data rate.
3Reliability
If physical/ohmic contacts are used for module communication, then reliable connection is achieved, but interference and compliance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based communication system with an electromagnetic field-based system using tapered coaxial structures. This substitution eliminates the need for physical/ohmic contacts while maintaining reliable communication through confined electromagnetic fields, thereby reducing interference and compliance issues.
4Productivity
If tapered coaxial field confinement structure is implemented, then frequency and bandwidth are increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field confinement function into a modular tapered coaxial structure that can be integrated with existing NFC modules. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be achieved through standardized, repeatable structural units, reducing overall system complexity.
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 approach enhances data rate and bandwidth in NFC systems, reduces radiation leakage, and provides a cost-effective, reliable interconnect solution for modular systems while ensuring compliance with emission limits, allowing for efficient communication between removable modules.
Implementation Method 1
A first near field communication (NFC) field confiner may be coupled to a first output of the integrated circuit (IC) within the first module. A second NFC field confiner may be coupled to a second output of the IC within the second module. The first and second NFC field confiners are tapered coaxial field confinement blocks
Implementation Method 2
A conductive reflector may be positioned on a back side of the tapered coax field confinement block to further increase the amount of NFC field energy that is transferred to a neighboring module
Implementation Method 3
The NFC field confiner may be constructed from a metamaterial or may include a dielectric or metamaterial that is configured to reduce a wavelength of radiated energy from the NFC field confiner
Implementation Method 4
The NFC field confiner may be constructed from a metamaterial or may include a dielectric or metamaterial that is configured to reduce a wavelength of radiated energy from the NFC field confiner
Implementation Method 5
The NFC field confiners are configured to increase a characteristic impedance at an interface between the first and second NFC field confiners. Having higher impedance at the interface between field confiners will increase the near field coupling between the field confiners
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided in which a set of modules each have a substrate on which is mounted a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and/or an RF receiver. Each module has a housing that surrounds and encloses the substrate. The housing has a port region on a surface of the housing. Each module has a tapered near field communication (NFC) field confiner located between the substrate and the port region on the housing configured to guide electromagnetic energy produced by the RF transmitter to the port region so that it can be emanated to a port region of an adjacent module.