Contactless Transponder with Autonomous Power Supply for Sensor Data Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for sensors requiring periodic data collection, such as temperature sensors, face challenges with high energy consumption and cost, particularly in configurations where continuous reader presence is not feasible, and firmware updates are difficult, especially for simple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a contactless transponder with non-volatile memory, an autonomous power supply, and a module coupled via a wired interface, allowing for autonomous data storage and retrieval using contactless communication protocols, enabling the transponder to operate independently once configured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor requires periodic data collection with continuous reader presence, then data can be read in real-time, but energy consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the transponder store measurement data in its memory buffer before the reader arrives. The sensor continuously collects data and stores it locally, so when the reader passes by, it can immediately retrieve accumulated data without needing continuous presence. This resolves the contradiction by preparing data in advance, enabling reliable periodic collection with intermittent reader access, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining data availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is updated for simple sensors, then sensor functionality improves, but update difficulty increases due to sensor simplicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the transponder as an intermediary between the reader and the simple sensor. The transponder contains the firmware update logic and communication protocols, while the simple sensor only needs to store data in its buffer. When firmware updates are needed, the reader communicates with the transponder (which has updating capabilities) rather than directly with the simple sensor. This resolves the contradiction by delegating complexity to the intermediary transponder, enabling firmware updates without requiring the simple sensor itself to have updating functionality.
3Loss of time
If reader presence is continuous, then data retrieval is immediate, but cost increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the transponder to autonomously manage data storage and retrieval operations. The transponder's microcontroller automatically buffers sensor data, manages memory storage, and handles communication protocols without requiring continuous reader intervention. The system operates in a store-and-forward manner where data is collected and stored independently, then retrieved when the reader is present. This resolves the contradiction by making the transponder self-sufficient, eliminating the need for continuous reader presence while maintaining immediate data availability upon reader arrival.
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 solution reduces energy consumption and costs while enabling sensors to collect and store data autonomously, allowing for periodic measurements without continuous reader presence and facilitating easier firmware updates, making it suitable for applications where reader proximity is not constant.
Implementation Method 1
During a transmission of information between a reader and a transponder, the reader generates a magnetic field via its antenna which is generally in the standards conventionally used, a sinusoidal wave (the carrier) at 13.56 MHz.
Data Source
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Figure 7~7A
AI summary
The system includes a contactless transponder (TG) comprising a self-contained power supply (ALM) and a non-volatile memory device (DM), an external transponder device (APP) and at least one external transponder module (CPTi) coupled to the transponder.In a first mode of operation, the device (APP) is configured to transmit to the transponder, according to a contactless communication protocol, module command information associated with said at least one module and module data information relating to data to be written or read in said module; The transponder (TG) is configured to store this module command information and this module data information in a first area (ZM1) of the non-volatile memory device (DM) and, in response to an activation signal, to communicate autonomously according to a first communication protocol with said at least one module (CPTi) using this module command information and this module data information.