CN222750436U - Wireless communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to wireless communication devices. There is provided a wireless communication device configured to receive energy wirelessly from another wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising a charging circuit configured to charge a power storage, and a communication circuit comprising a wireless communication transponder, and a switch coupled to a first terminal of the wireless communication transponder, wherein the switch is controlled by the charging circuit to open and close to communicate charging information to the other wireless communication device, the charging information being indicative of charging of the power storage.

Description

Wireless communication device

Priority statement

The present application claims the benefit of priority from the French patent application number 2304052 filed on month 21 of 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the maximum extent allowed by law.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication devices, such as wireless communication devices using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) type or Near Field Communication (NFC) type technology, and more particularly to wireless communication devices adapted for wireless charging using wireless communication technology.

Background

RFID communication is a wireless communication technology that enables the detection and identification of transponders, which are typically attached to objects. RFID systems generally include RFID readers and RFID transponders (transmitters), and condensation of transponders (transponders), such as tags. Typically, the RFID reader is configured to transmit a polling signal, typically a radio frequency signal, to an RFID transponder, which can respond to the RFID reader. Depending on the implemented electronic device, RFID communication may be established at low frequencies (e.g., between 125 and 134 kHz), at high frequencies (e.g., around 13.56 MHz), at Ultra High Frequencies (UHF) (e.g., between 860 and 960 MHz), or even at ultra high frequencies (e.g., around 2.45 GHz). The high frequency facilitates exchange of information (between the reader and transponder) at a higher rate and over a greater distance than the low frequency.

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication technology that can be regarded as an extension of RFID and that allows communication between electronic devices (e.g. between an NFC reader (also called "interrogator") and an NFC transponder (also called "listener", e.g. tag) over a short distance (typically up to 1 meter, e.g. up to 10 cm).

NFC technology is a standardized open technology platform, e.g. in the ISO/IEC 18092 and ISO/IEC 21481 standards, and incorporates many existing standards, such as the type a and type B protocols defined in the ISO-14443 standard, which may be communication protocols available in NFC technology.

NFC technology may also be used for RFID transponders, for example RFID transponders compatible with the ISO/IEC 15693 standard and/or the ISO/IEC 18000-3 standard.

Thus, a wireless communication transponder (e.g., an RFID or NFC transponder) is an electronic device capable of wirelessly exchanging information with a reader (e.g., RFID or NFC) via an antenna according to a wireless communication protocol (e.g., a protocol compatible with NFC technology).

The antenna of the reader may emit an electromagnetic field or Radio Frequency (RF) signal when transmitting information between the reader and the transponder, for example at 13.56MHz for NFC technology and at other frequencies for RFID technology. The generated radio frequency signal, the carrier wave, is typically a sine wave.

For information transfer from the reader to the transponder, the reader may implement a modulation/demodulation circuit to modulate the carrier wave. The transponder includes an antenna for receiving the radio frequency signal and demodulation/modulation circuitry configured to demodulate the received carrier wave to obtain data transmitted by the reader. The carrier may also be used to wirelessly supply a transponder with an amount of electrical power, which is typically relatively limited, e.g., up to 1W, or even up to 3W, as described in more detail below.

For the transmission of information from the transponder to the reader, the reader may generate a radio frequency signal (carrier wave) without modulation. The transponder antenna may then modulate (retromodulate) or reverse modulate (retromodulate) the radio frequency signal generated by the reader according to the information to be transmitted to the reader. For example, the modulated frequency corresponds to a subcarrier of the carrier. The frequency of the sub-carrier depends on the communication protocol used and may be 848kHz, for example.

Thus, it is possible to realize a plurality of modes of operation, in particular a passive mode, a semi-active mode or an active mode, depending on the type of transponder.

In the passive mode, so-called passive transponders may reverse modulate the radio frequency signal originating from the reader to transmit information to the reader, but they do not integrate transmission circuits capable of, for example, generating their own electromagnetic fields for the transmission of information. In general, a passive transponder does not include a power source because it can utilize an electromagnetic field from a reader to power its electronic components. However, in some applications, the passive transponder may also incorporate a power source, such as a battery.

In the semi-active mode, the transponder responds to it with the energy of the reader. Thus, so-called semi-active transponders act as passive transponders on the wireless communication level. However, the electronic components of the transponder, such as the microcontroller and/or the memory, may use the energy of the battery.

In the active mode, both the reader and the so-called active transponder can generate an electromagnetic field. Typically, this mode of operation is used when the active transponder is provided with a dedicated power source (typically a battery).

In the semi-active mode, more than in the passive mode, a more significant communication distance can be obtained, e.g. a communication distance ranging up to several tens of centimeters depending on the communication protocol used, the size of the reader antenna and/or the sensitivity of the reader.

In semi-active or active mode, the transponder's battery may be charged by wireless energy transfer by converting an electromagnetic field received from the reader into a charging current in the transponder.

Wireless energy transfer (WPT) or wireless charging (WPC) enables energy to be transferred wirelessly from a transmitter to a receiver, for example for charging a battery of the receiver. Wireless charging is generally based on electromagnetic coupling between transmitter antennas adapted to be coupled to receiver antennas, and energy transfer relies on electromagnetic fields transmitted by the transmitter antennas and received by the receiver antennas.

Wireless energy transfer or wireless charging may be achieved through the use of wireless communication technologies, such as RFID or NFC-type wireless communication technologies. This may be referred to as RFID charging or NFC charging. In this case an electromagnetic field at a given frequency (e.g. at 13.56MHz for NFC) is used for wireless communication in reader mode or transponder mode and wireless charging in transmitter mode or receiver mode, wherein the RFID or NFC reader supplies energy to the RFID or NFC transponder.

For example, the NFC Forum (NFC Forum) defines a specification of wireless charging by using NFC technology (referred to as WLC) in the section "NFC Forum wireless charging.

There is a need for a solution, preferably a simple and easy to implement solution, for controlling wireless charging in a wireless communication device, including a wireless communication transponder, such as an RFID or NFC transponder.

There is also a need for a solution, preferably a simple and easy to implement solution, to obtain information about the charge level in a wireless communication device, including a transponder, e.g. an RFID or NFC transponder, e.g. for transmitting the charge level to another wireless communication device, including a reader.

There is a need to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of known wireless communication and charging devices.

Disclosure of utility model

Embodiments provide a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly receive energy from another wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising a charging circuit configured to charge a power storage, a communication circuit configured to communicate charging information related to the charging of the power storage to the other wireless communication device, and comprising a wireless communication transponder, and a switch coupled to a first terminal of the transponder and controlled by the charging circuit.

According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple or decouple the first terminal and a node to which a voltage is applied, the node being comprised in the communication circuit, depending on a control of the charging circuit corresponding to the charging information to be communicated.

According to an embodiment, the communication circuit (e.g. transponder) is configured to detect whether the first terminal and the node are coupled or open and to transmit corresponding charging information to the further wireless communication device.

According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple the first terminal and the node when the charging circuit controls the switch to be turned on and/or to open a circuit between the first terminal and the node when the charging circuit controls the switch to be turned off.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit is configured to couple the first terminal and the node via the switch when the power storage device enters the second state of charge from the first state of charge and/or to open a circuit between the first terminal and the node via the switch when the power storage device enters the first state of charge from the second state of charge.

According to an embodiment, the control of the charging circuit is a control signal, which may have a first state indicative of a first state of charge of the power storage device, the first state being intended to trigger or maintain an open circuit of the circuit between the first terminal and the node, and a second state indicative of a second state of charge of the power storage device, the second state being intended to trigger or maintain a closure of the circuit between the first terminal and the node.

According to an embodiment, the first state of charge is an incomplete state of charge and the second state of charge is a completed state of charge.

According to an embodiment, the transponder comprises a processing unit configured to detect whether the first terminal and the node are coupled or open.

According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a circuit configured to measure a voltage present at the first terminal.

According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a comparing means configured to compare the voltage measured at the first terminal with the voltage present at the node to detect whether the first terminal and the node are coupled or open.

According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple or decouple the first terminal and the second terminal of the transponder in dependence of a control of the charging circuit corresponding to the charging information to be communicated.

According to an embodiment, the communication circuit (e.g. transponder) is configured to detect whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled or open and to transmit respective charging information to the further wireless communication device.

According to an embodiment, the switch is configured to couple the first and second terminals when the charging circuit control turns on the switch and/or to open a circuit between the first and second terminals when the charging circuit control turns off the switch.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit is configured to couple the first and second terminals via the switch when the power storage device enters the second state of charge from the first state of charge and/or to open a circuit between the first and second terminals via the switch when the power storage device enters the first state of charge from the second state of charge.

According to an embodiment, the control of the charging circuit is a control signal having a first state indicative of a first state of charge of the power storage device, the first state being intended to trigger or maintain an open circuit of the electrical circuit between the first and second terminals, and a second state indicative of a second state of charge of the power storage device, the second state being intended to trigger or maintain a closed circuit of the electrical circuit between the first and second terminals.

According to an embodiment, the first state of charge is an incomplete state of charge and the second state of charge is a completed state of charge.

According to an embodiment, the transponder comprises a processing unit configured to detect whether the first and second terminals are coupled or in an open circuit.

According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a circuit configured to measure a voltage present at the first terminal and to send a reference voltage to the second terminal.

According to an embodiment, the processing unit comprises a comparing means configured to compare the voltage measured at the first terminal with a reference voltage to detect whether the first and second terminal are coupled or open.

According to an embodiment, the charging information takes the form of a binary value.

According to an embodiment, the transponder comprises a memory unit configured to store charging information.

According to an embodiment, the first terminal is an input terminal of a transponder, and/or the comparing means power storage means is a battery, and/or the comparing means power storage means is for a wireless communication device and/or is configured to charge an object coupled to the wireless communication device, such as a connection, and/or the transponder is in the form of an integrated circuit.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication device further comprises a wireless communication antenna coupled to the transponder and configured to transmit the charging information by electromagnetic coupling with a further wireless communication antenna of the further wireless communication device, the charging circuit also being coupled to the wireless communication antenna.

According to an embodiment, the transponder is an NFC transponder or an RFID transponder, for example an RFID transponder using NFC technology.

Embodiments also provide a method of communicating charging information related to charging of a power storage device included in a wireless communication apparatus adapted to wirelessly receive energy from another wireless communication apparatus, the wireless communication apparatus comprising a charging circuit configured to charge the power storage device, and a communication circuit comprising a wireless communication transponder, and a switch coupled to a first terminal of the transponder and controlled by the charging circuit, the switch being configured to couple or decouple the first terminal to a second terminal of the transponder, or to couple or decouple a node to which a voltage is applied, according to a control of the charging circuit corresponding to charging information to be communicated, the node being included in the communication circuit, the method comprising detecting, by the communication circuit, coupling or open circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal, or between the first terminal and the node, and transmitting the corresponding charging information to the other wireless communication apparatus by the communication circuit.

According to an embodiment, said detecting and/or transmitting is performed by a transponder.

According to an embodiment, the method further comprises, prior to the detecting, sending a control signal from the charging circuit to the switch, corresponding to the charging information, to couple or open a circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal or between the first terminal and the node.

Embodiments also provide a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly receive energy from another wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising a charging circuit configured to charge a power storage, and a communication circuit comprising a wireless communication transponder, and a switch coupled to a first terminal of the wireless communication transponder, wherein the switch is controlled by the charging circuit to open and close to communicate charging information to the other wireless communication device, the charging information indicating charging of the power storage.

According to an embodiment, the first terminal is coupled to a node to which a voltage is applied when the switch is closed, the node being comprised in the communication circuit, and wherein the first terminal is not coupled to the node to which the voltage is applied when the switch is opened, and wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

According to an embodiment, the first terminal of the transponder is coupled to the second terminal of the transponder when the switch is closed, and wherein the first terminal of the transponder is not coupled to the second terminal of the transponder when the switch is open, and wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

According to an embodiment, a wireless communication transponder of the communication circuit detects whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled and transmits a signal comprising the charging information to the other wireless communication device.

According to an embodiment, the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit to couple or decouple the first and second terminals.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit provides a control signal to the switch such that the switch is controlled to couple the first and second terminals when the power storage device changes from a first state of charge to a second state of charge and the switch is controlled to decouple the first and second terminals when the power storage device changes from the second state of charge to the first state of charge.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal having a first signal state for triggering or maintaining the switch uncoupled from the first and second terminals.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal having a second signal state for triggering or maintaining the switch coupling the first and second terminals.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder comprises a processing circuit for detecting whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled.

According to an embodiment, the processing circuit measures the voltage at the first terminal and delivers a reference voltage to the second terminal.

According to an embodiment, the processing circuit comprises a comparing circuit for receiving and comparing the voltage measured at the first terminal with the reference voltage and detecting whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled or not depending on the comparison.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder comprises a storage circuit for storing the charging information.

According to an embodiment, the first terminal is an input terminal of the wireless communication transponder.

According to an embodiment, the power storage device is a battery.

According to an embodiment, the power storage device is comprised in the wireless communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the power storage means is for charging an object coupled to the wireless communication device.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder is in the form of an integrated circuit.

According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a wireless communication antenna coupled to the wireless communication transponder and for transmitting the charging information by electromagnetic coupling with another wireless communication antenna of the other wireless communication device, the charging circuit also being coupled to the wireless communication antenna.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication transponder is one of an NFC transponder and an RFID transponder using NFC technology.

According to an embodiment, the switch is controlled by a control signal generated by the charging circuit corresponding to the charging information to be opened or closed, and the wireless communication transponder detects a state of the switch to communicate the charging information with the other wireless communication device.

Drawings

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, will be described in detail in the remainder of the disclosure of particular embodiments, which is presented by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

fig. 1 schematically illustrates, in circuit block diagram form, an example of a wireless communication system that also supports wireless charging;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, in a circuit block diagram, an example of a wireless communication system including a wireless communication device according to an embodiment;

fig. 3A schematically illustrates, in circuit block diagram form, an example of an embodiment of the wireless communication device of fig. 2, including a wireless communication transponder;

Fig. 3B schematically illustrates, in circuit block diagram form, another example of embodiment of the wireless communication device of fig. 2, including another wireless communication transponder;

Fig. 4 shows schematically in the form of a block circuit diagram an example of an embodiment of the transponder of fig. 3A, and

Fig. 5A and 5B schematically show, in circuit block diagram form, examples of embodiments of the wireless communication system of fig. 2 in two different states of charge.

Detailed Description

Like features have been designated with like reference numerals throughout the several views. In particular, structural and/or functional features common to the various embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may be arranged with the same structural, dimensional, and material characteristics.

For clarity, only the steps and elements of the described embodiments that are helpful for understanding have been illustrated and described in detail. In particular, RFID or NFC communication protocols and typical electronic devices or circuits implementing these protocols are not described in detail, and these protocols are well known to those skilled in the art and are compatible with the described embodiments.

When two elements are referred to as being connected together, this means direct connection without any intervening elements other than conductors, and when the two elements are referred to as being coupled together, this means that the two elements may be connected or coupled via one or more other elements, unless otherwise indicated.

In the following description, when referring to terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc., which define an absolute position, or relative position, such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," etc., or orientation, such as the terms "horizontal," "vertical," etc., reference is made to the orientation of the drawings unless otherwise indicated.

Unless otherwise indicated, "left and right", "approximately", "substantially" and "approximately" mean plus or minus 10%, preferably plus or minus 5%.

In the following description, when referring to radio frequency signals, reference is made to signals supporting wireless communications, typically signals having frequencies in the range of 3kHz to 300GHz, which are currently used for wireless communications.

In the following description, when referring to a battery charger, reference is made to an apparatus configured to charge any power storage device, including but not limited to a battery. The battery charger may also be indicated as a "charging circuit".

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, in block diagram form, an example of a wireless communication system 100 that also supports wireless charging.

The system 100 includes a first wireless communication device 110 and a second wireless communication device 120.

The first wireless communication device 110 (e.g., configured to implement an NFC READER) comprises a controller 111 (MCU 1), which may be in the form of a microcontroller, an NFC READER 112 (READER), which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the controller 111 and which may be in the form of an integrated circuit, and a first NFC antenna 113, which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the NFC READER 112.

The first NFC antenna 113 may comprise one or more coils or inductive elements, for example in the form of a patch antenna or a microstrip antenna. At least one coil or at least one inductive element is for example connected to or comprised in an oscillating circuit (not shown in fig. 1).

The NFC reader 112 is for example configured to manage near field communication via the first NFC antenna 113. For example, the NFC reader 112 includes circuitry for providing an AC current to the first NFC antenna 113 such that an electromagnetic field EMF may be transmitted by the first antenna, and modulation and/or demodulation circuitry configured to modulate and/or demodulate radio frequency signals to receive data from the second wireless communication device 120 and/or to transmit data to the second wireless communication device 120 using NFC protocols.

NFC reader 112 may be connected or coupled to an impedance matching circuit (not shown in fig. 1) or may include an impedance matching circuit (not shown in fig. 1) that is in turn connected or coupled to first antenna 113.NFC reader 112 may also include other electronic components (not shown in fig. 1) that are well known to those skilled in the art.

The controller 111 is configured to implement a wireless communication protocol and transmit instruction signals to the NFC reader 112, for example. In response, NFC reader 112 may send a signal to controller 111.

The second wireless communication device 120, e.g. configured to implement or emulate an NFC card or transponder, comprises a second NFC antenna 121 configured to electromagnetically couple to the first NFC antenna 113, an NFC transponder 122 (TAG), coupled, e.g. connected, to the second NFC antenna 121 and may be in the form of an integrated circuit, a BATTERY charger 123 (BATTERY CHARGER), coupled, e.g. connected, to the second NFC antenna 121, a power storage 124 (BATTERY (batteri)) coupled, e.g. connected, to the BATTERY charger 123, the power storage being e.g. a BATTERY.

The second NFC antenna 121 may comprise one or more coils or inductive elements, for example in the form of a patch antenna or a microstrip antenna. At least one coil or at least one inductive element is for example connected to or comprised in an oscillating circuit (not shown in fig. 1).

The NFC transponder 122 is for example configured to manage near field communication. For example, NFC transponder 122 includes demodulation and/or modulation circuitry configured to demodulate and/or modulate radio frequency signals to receive data from first wireless communication device 110 and/or to transmit data to first wireless communication device 110 using an NFC communication protocol.

In the example of fig. 1, the second NFC antenna 121 is also configured for managing NFC charging. In other words, the battery charger 123 is configured to receive the alternating current induced in the second NFC antenna 121 by the first NFC antenna 113. The battery charger 123 may then provide a charging current to the power storage device 124 (e.g., a battery). In response, the power storage device 124 may send a signal to the battery charger 123, for example, to inform the battery charger 123 of a state of charge (such as a charge level). The battery charger 123 may include a plurality of electronic components (not shown in fig. 1) for receiving AC current, for example, converting the AC current to DC current.

NFC transponder 122 and/or battery charger 123 may be connected or coupled to an impedance matching circuit (not shown in fig. 1), or may include an impedance matching circuit, which in turn is connected or coupled to second NFC antenna 121.

Although not shown in fig. 1, the first wireless communication device 110 and the second wireless communication device 120 may generally include other circuitry and/or other electronic components known to those skilled in the art.

In this example, the second wireless communication device 120 comprises a microcontroller 125 (MCU 2) having the function of acquiring information about the state of charge of the power storage means 124 via the battery charger 123, and for example the function of transmitting this charging information to the NFC transponder 122, as well as other possible functions and the like. Thus, the microcontroller 125 is configured to communicate with the battery charger 123 and the NFC transponder 122. The charging information may be sent to the first wireless communication device 110 via the NFC transponder 122 and the second NFC antenna 121.

One disadvantage of using a microcontroller to manage the exchange of charging information between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device is that this may require the addition of electronic components, which may consume materials, surface area, and electrical power, which may increase the cost of manufacture and use of the system.

Conversely, if the microcontroller is not implanted, the first wireless communication device may not have information about the charge level of the second wireless communication device, and therefore, it may continue to transmit energy when it may no longer be needed.

Embodiments herein provide a wireless communication device configured to support wireless charging and enable overcoming all or part of the drawbacks described previously, in particular solving the charging information problem, while limiting the electronic components and their power consumption.

An embodiment of the wireless communication device will be described below. The described embodiments are not limiting and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based upon the teachings of this disclosure.

It should be noted that although embodiments are described more specifically in connection with NFC communication protocols, they are more generally applicable to any wireless communication protocol, such as RFID-type protocols.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, in circuit block diagram form, an example of a wireless communication system 200 including a wireless communication device 220 in accordance with an embodiment.

The system 200 includes a first wireless communication device (another wireless communication device), e.g., similar to the first wireless communication device 110 in fig. 1, and a second wireless communication device 220 (wireless communication device).

The second wireless communication device 220 comprises a second NFC antenna 221 (NFC antenna) configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the first NFC antenna 113 of the first wireless communication device 110, a circuit 222 (charging communication circuit) for communicating charging information, which is coupled (e.g. connected) to the second NFC antenna 221 and comprises an NFC transponder (not shown in fig. 2), a battery charger 223 (battery charger) or charging circuit, which is coupled (e.g. connected) to the second NFC antenna 221 and the communication circuit 222, a power storage 224 (battery), which is coupled (e.g. connected) to the battery charger 223, the power storage device being e.g. a battery.

In the rest of the present disclosure, the charge information communication circuit is also referred to as a communication circuit.

Similar to the second wireless communication device 120 of fig. 1, the second wireless communication device 220 of fig. 2 (in particular the second NFC antenna 221) is also configured for managing NFC charging. In other words, the battery charger 223 is configured to receive AC current induced in the second NFC antenna 221 by the first NFC antenna 113 (other NFC antenna) of the first wireless communication device 110. The battery charger 223 may then provide a charging current to the power storage device 224. In response, the power storage device 224 may send a signal to the battery charger 223, for example, to inform the battery charger 223 of the charge level. The battery charger 223 may include a plurality of electronic components (not shown in fig. 2, but shown as an example in fig. 3A and 3B) for receiving an AC current, for example, converting the AC current to a DC current.

The second wireless communication device 220 of fig. 2 does not necessarily include a microcontroller similar to the microcontroller 125 of fig. 1, and the NFC transponder included in the communication circuit 222 includes a terminal configured to be coupled to the battery charger 223 via a switch included in the communication circuit 222, as described below.

The battery charger 223 may send a control signal S _CH to the communication circuit 222, and the communication circuit 222 is configured to transmit charging information to the first wireless communication device 110 via the NFC transponder of the communication circuit 222, the second NFC antenna 221 and the first NFC antenna 121 of the first wireless communication device 110, depending on the state of the sent control signal, without having to have a microcontroller.

Fig. 3A schematically illustrates, in circuit block diagram form, an embodiment of the wireless communication device 220 of fig. 2, including a wireless communication transponder.

Fig. 3A shows the following elements of the wireless communication device 220 that have been described in connection with fig. 2, the NFC antenna 221, the communication circuit 222 coupled (e.g., connected) to the NFC antenna 221, the battery charger 223 coupled (e.g., connected) to the NFC antenna 221, and the power storage 224 (battery) coupled (e.g., connected) to the battery charger 223.

The communication circuit 222 comprises an NFC transponder 322, for example in the form of an integrated circuit.

Similar to NFC transponder 122 of fig. 1, NFC transponder 322 of fig. 3A may be configured for managing near field communications. For example, NFC transponder 322 includes demodulation and/or modulation circuitry configured to demodulate and/or modulate radio frequency signals to receive data from first wireless communication device 110 and/or to transmit data to first wireless communication device 110 using an NFC communication protocol.

The NFC transponder 322 is for example configured for processing information received from the first wireless communication device 110 and de-modulating a carrier signal transmitted by the first wireless communication device 110 for transmitting information, such as charging information, to said first wireless communication device.

The communication circuit 222 further comprises a switch 324, the switch 324 being coupled to at least one of the two terminals TD0, TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 and configured to couple the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or to open a circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD 1. Instead of a switch, it may be any other device configured to couple the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or to open a circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD 1.

The two terminals TD0, TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 comprise an input terminal (TD 0) from the switch 324, preferably a digital terminal, and an output terminal (TD 1) towards the switch 324, said switch 324 forming for example a digital input (GPI).

NFC transponder 322 includes two other terminals AC0, AC1 (e.g., analog terminals) that are coupled to two nodes N1, N2, respectively, at the output of NFC antenna 221.

For example, the battery charger 223 (or charging circuit) includes an impedance matching circuit 331 (antenna tuning circuit) coupled (e.g., connected) to the two nodes N1, N2 at the output of the NFC antenna 221, a rectifier 332 (bridge rectifier) coupled (e.g., connected) to the impedance matching circuit 331, a DC current monitoring circuit 333 coupled (e.g., connected) to the rectifier 332 and configured to detect the presence of a DC voltage and/or DC current at the output of the rectifier 332 and, in response, power the charging circuit, and a charging circuit 334 (battery charging circuit) coupled (e.g., connected) to the DC current monitoring circuit 333 and configured to transmit the detected DC voltage and/or detected DC current to the power storage 224.

When the switch 324 is on, both terminals TD0, TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 are coupled to the battery charger 223 (in this example, to the charging circuit 334) via the switch 324. When the switch is open, a single terminal TD0 of the two terminals TD0, TD1 of the NFC transponder 322 is coupled to the battery charger 223.

By sending control signal S _CH to switch 324, indicating charging information (e.g., state of charge) of power storage 224, battery charger 223 (e.g., charging circuit 334) may trigger a connection (circuit closure) between two terminals TD0 and TD1, or an open circuit between two terminals TD0 and TD 1. The NFC transponder 322 is configured to detect the state of the switch 324 in dependence on the state of the circuit (open or closed) between the two terminals TD0, TD 1. The NFC transponder 322 may thus determine the control signal S _CH sent by the battery charger 223 and thus trace back the charging information.

Thus, as will be explained below in connection with fig. 5A and 5B, the battery charger 223 (e.g., the charging circuit 334) may send a control signal S _CH that is intended to turn the switch 324 off or on, depending on the state of charge of the power storage 224, and the NFC transponder 322 may detect the state of the switch 324.

According to an example, the two terminals TD0, TD1 are digital terminals of the NFC transponder for event detection and these terminals are also used for detecting the state of the switch. For example, the event detection function is a tamper (tamper) detection function.

Fig. 3B schematically shows, in a circuit block diagram, an example of another embodiment of the wireless communication device of fig. 2, comprising another wireless communication transponder. The wireless communication device of fig. 3B differs from the wireless communication device of fig. 3A in that the NFC transponder 322' no longer comprises two terminals TD0, TD1, but rather a single terminal TD0 (first terminal), for example forming a digital input (GPI), and in that the communication circuit 222' comprises a node 325' to which a voltage V _GPI is applied, which may be ground or a positive voltage. The switch 324' of the communication circuit 222' is configured to couple the terminal TD0 of the NFC transponder 322' to the node 325' to which the voltage V _GPI is applied, or to open a circuit between the terminal TD0 and the node 325 '. As an alternative to a switch, it may be any other device configured to couple or open a circuit between terminal TD0 and node 325'.

In the case where voltage V _GPI is a positive voltage (e.g., at V _DD), NFC transponder 322' includes a resistor, for example, that couples terminal TD0 to ground.

In the case where voltage V _GPI is a ground voltage, NFC transponder 322' includes a resistor, for example, coupling terminal TD0 to a positive voltage (e.g., to V _DD).

Fig. 4 schematically shows an example of an embodiment of the NFC transponder 322 of fig. 3A in the form of a circuit block diagram.

In addition to the conventional electronic components of the NFC transponder, such as the radio frequency modulation/demodulation circuit 401 (RF circuit), and the control circuit 402 (control circuit) configured to implement the wireless communication protocol NFC and to transmit instruction signals to the RF circuit 401, the NFC transponder 322 comprises a processing unit 403 (MT) configured to detect whether the two terminals TD0, TD1 are coupled (corresponding to charging information), as explained below.

The processing unit 403 may include circuitry configured to deliver a reference voltage to one of the two terminals TD0, TD1 (e.g., the second terminal TD 1) and to measure the voltage of the other of the two terminals TD0, TD1 (e.g., the first terminal TD 0).

The processing unit 403 may further comprise, for example, comparing means configured to compare the voltage measured on the first terminal TD0 with a reference voltage present on the second terminal TD1 to detect whether the two terminals TD0, TD1 are coupled through the switch 324.

For example, if the two terminals TD0, TD1 are not coupled, the voltage on the first terminal TD0 is close to or equal to the ground voltage, e.g. approximately zero, resulting in, for example, a first binary value, e.g. "0", being delivered at the output of the comparator. But if the two terminals TD0 and TD1 are coupled, the voltage present on the first terminal TD0 depends on the reference voltage and generally also on the resistance of the switch and the pull-down resistor coupled between the first terminal TD0 and ground. The switching resistance and the pull-down resistance are typically fixed, and the reference voltage may be selected such that the voltage detected at the first terminal TD0 is within a range of values, resulting in, for example, a second binary value, e.g. "1", being delivered at the output of the comparator.

As a variant, it is possible to detect whether the two terminals TD0, TD1 are coupled by injecting a current into one of the two terminals TD0, TD1 and by detecting the presence or absence of this current in the other terminal.

NFC transponder 322 may further comprise a storage unit 404 (register) configured for storing information, such as charging information. The memory unit 404 may be a register or a memory, such as an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) type memory.

The NFC transponder 322 is further configured to transmit charging information to the first wireless communication device 110 via the NFC antenna 221 of the wireless communication device 220 and the NFC antenna 113 of the first wireless communication device 110, as explained below in connection with fig. 5A and 5B.

The example of the embodiment of fig. 4 has been described in connection with the NFC transponder 322 of fig. 3A, but may also be applied to the NFC transponder 322' of fig. 3B. In this case, the processing unit 403 is configured to detect whether the terminal TD0 and the node 325' are coupled (corresponding to the charging information). The processing unit 403 may comprise circuitry configured to measure the voltage in the terminal TD0, and comparison means configured to compare the voltage measured at the terminal TD0 with the voltage V _GPI present at the node 325' (instead of the reference voltage at the second terminal TD 1) to detect whether the terminal TD0 and the node 325' are coupled through the switch 324 '.

Fig. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate examples of embodiments of the wireless communication system 200 of fig. 2 in two different states of charge in circuit block diagram form.

The battery charger 223 of the wireless communication device 220 (e.g., the charging circuit 334 of fig. 3A) may send a control signal to the communication circuit 222 having a first state S _CH1 aimed at placing or maintaining the switch 324 in an off (off) state (corresponding to opening a circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or maintaining a circuit between the two terminals TD0 and TD1 open (open), as shown in fig. 5A.

The battery charger 223 of the wireless communication device 220 (e.g., the charging circuit 334 of fig. 3A) may send a control signal to the communication circuit 222 having a second state S _CH2, intended to place or maintain the switch 324 in an on (on) state, equivalent to coupling the two terminals TD0 and TD1 or maintaining a connection between the two terminals TD0 and TD1, as shown in fig. 5B.

For example, the first state S _CH1 of the control signal corresponds to a first state of charge of the power storage device, e.g., an incomplete state of charge, and the second state S _CH2 of the control signal corresponds to a second state of charge of the power storage device, e.g., a completed state of charge.

For example, if the two terminals TD0 and TD1 are not coupled, the processing unit 403 of the NFC transponder 322 may assign a first binary value (e.g., a value of "0") to the charging information, which represents a first state of charge of the power storage device, such as an incomplete state of charge. The memory unit 404 of the NFC transponder 322 may then store this first binary value "0". If however two terminals TD0 and TDI are coupled, processing unit 403 may assign a second binary value (e.g., a value of "1") to the charging information, which represents a second state of charge of the power storage device, such as a completed state of charge. The storage unit 404 may then store the second binary value "1".

The charging information may then be delivered to the first wireless communication device 110 by the NFC transponder 322 of the communication circuit 222 during wireless communication. For example, the first wireless communication device 110 interrogates the NFC transponder 322, and the NFC transponder 32 delivers a value of the charging information to the first wireless communication device 110, such as by back modulation.

The examples of the embodiments of fig. 5A and 5B have been described in connection with the wireless communication device of fig. 3A, but are applicable to the wireless communication device of fig. 3B as well. In this case, the control signal sent by the battery charger 223 (such as the charging circuit 334) is intended to put or maintain the switch 324 in an open state, or put or maintain the switch 324 in an on state, corresponding to opening or maintaining open the circuit between the terminal TD0 and the node 325' to which the voltage V _GPI is applied, or closing or maintaining closed the circuit between the terminal TD0 and the node 325' to which the voltage V _GPI is applied, respectively, and the processing unit 403 is configured to detect whether the terminal TD0 and the node 325' are coupled.

Thus, embodiments enable managing wireless charging of a wireless communication device, e.g. transmitting information related to charging in a wireless communication device to another (first) wireless communication device, which transfers energy to the wireless communication device, e.g. by NFC or RFID type communication, without having to have a microcontroller.

In the described embodiments, the power storage 224 (e.g., a battery) may be used to meet specific requirements of the wireless communication device 220 (e.g., the NFC transponder 322) and/or to charge an object coupled to the wireless communication device 220, integrated in the wireless communication device 220, or integrated with the wireless communication device 220. The object may be a pair of headphones, a connected watch, a fitness tracker, or any connection type or internet of things (IoT) type object.

Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain features of these various embodiments and variants can be combined and that other variants will also occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, the wireless communication transponder may be an RFID transponder using NFC technology, RFID technology or other wireless communication technology.

Finally, based on the functional indications and teachings given above, the actual implementation of the described embodiments and variants is within the ability of a person skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. A wireless communication device configured to wirelessly receive energy from another wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising:

A charging circuit configured to charge the power storage device, and

A communication circuit, comprising:

Wireless communication transponder, and

A switch coupled to a first terminal of the wireless communication transponder, wherein the switch is controlled by the charging circuit to open and close to communicate charging information to the other wireless communication device, the charging information being indicative of charging of the power storage device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first terminal is coupled to a node to which a voltage is applied when the switch is closed, the node being included in the communication circuit, and

Wherein the first terminal is not coupled to the node to which the voltage is applied when the switch is opened, and wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the switch is closed, a first terminal of the transponder is coupled to a second terminal of the transponder, and

Wherein when the switch is open, the first terminal of the transponder is not coupled to the second terminal of the transponder, and wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit, the control signal corresponding to the charging information.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the wireless communication transponder of the communication circuit detects whether the first and second terminals are coupled and transmits a signal comprising the charging information to the other wireless communication device.

5. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the switch is controlled by a control signal output by the charging circuit to couple or decouple the first and second terminals.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the charging circuit provides a control signal to the switch such that the switch is controlled to couple the first and second terminals when the power storage device changes from a first state of charge to a second state of charge and the switch is controlled to decouple the first and second terminals when the power storage device changes from the second state of charge to the first state of charge.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal having:

a first signal state for triggering or maintaining the switch uncouples the first terminal and the second terminal.

8. The apparatus of claim 3 or 7, wherein the charging circuit controls the switch using a control signal having:

A second signal state for triggering or maintaining the switch coupling the first and second terminals.

9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wireless communication transponder includes processing circuitry for detecting whether the first terminal and the second terminal are coupled.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processing circuit measures a voltage at the first terminal and delivers a reference voltage to the second terminal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processing circuit comprises a comparison circuit to receive and compare a voltage measured at a first terminal with the reference voltage and to detect whether the first terminal and second terminal are coupled based on the comparison.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication transponder includes a memory circuit for storing the charging information.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first terminal is an input terminal of the wireless communication transponder.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power storage device is a battery.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power storage device is included in the wireless communication apparatus.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the power storage device is configured to charge an object coupled to the wireless communication device.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication transponder is in the form of an integrated circuit.

18. The device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication antenna coupled to the wireless communication transponder and configured to transmit the charging information via electromagnetic coupling with another wireless communication antenna of the other wireless communication device, the charging circuit also coupled to the wireless communication antenna.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication transponder is one of an NFC transponder and an RFID transponder using NFC technology.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switch is controlled to be opened or closed by a control signal generated by the charging circuit corresponding to the charging information, and

The wireless communication transponder detects a state of the switch to communicate the charging information with the other wireless communication device.