U.S. patent application number 14/133250 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for wireless charging and communication.
This patent application is currently assigned to NXP B.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is NXP B.V.. Invention is credited to Michael Joehren.
Application Number | 20150171930 14/133250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52016503 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150171930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Joehren; Michael |
June 18, 2015 |
WIRELESS CHARGING AND COMMUNICATION
Abstract
Wireless power and data transfer can be implemented for powering
and communicating with a variety of devices, in a manner that
facilitates device access under such wireless power conditions. As
consistent with one or more embodiments, wireless power and data
are communicated in an apparatus such as a mobile device having a
power circuit (e.g., a battery) that powers a processor under
normal operating conditions, and that also operates in a low-power
state (e.g., in which the processor is not operating and/or not
operating using the power circuit). Power is generated using
wireless power signals and used to power the power circuit and to
both extract and store data from wireless data signals. With this
approach, data can be transferred in a low-power state, and the
processor can use the stored data upon transitioning to an on state
in which the processor is active and powered by the power
circuit/battery.
Inventors: |
Joehren; Michael; (San Jose,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NXP B.V. |
Eindhoven |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
NXP B.V.
Eindhoven
NL
|
Family ID: |
52016503 |
Appl. No.: |
14/133250 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/41.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 5/0031 20130101;
H04B 5/0075 20130101; Y02B 70/30 20130101; H04B 5/0037 20130101;
H02J 50/10 20160201; Y04S 20/20 20130101; H02J 7/00034 20200101;
H02J 9/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 5/00 20060101
H04B005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a power circuit; a processing circuit
configured and arranged to operate in an on state in which the
processing circuit is powered by the power circuit, and to operate
in a low-power state in which the processing circuit consumes less
power than in the on state; a wireless communication circuit
configured and arranged to receive wireless power signals from a
remote device, generate power via the wireless signals, and provide
the generated power to the power circuit, and receive wireless data
signals from the remote device, and extract data from the wireless
data signals by demodulating the wireless data signals using the
generated power; and a memory access circuit configured and
arranged with the processing circuit to consume power at different
levels relative to the low-power state, wherein while the
processing circuit is in the low-power state, the generated power
is used to store the extracted data in memory and to communicate
wireless data signals to the remote device and, in response to an
indication of transitioning from the low-power state to the on
state, the stored extracted data is accessed by the processing
circuit using power provided by the power circuit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power circuit includes a
battery configured and arranged to be charged using the power
generated via the wireless signals; the processing circuit is
configured and arranged to operate in the on state by executing
operating system instructions stored in the memory, using power
from the battery; and the memory access circuit is configured and
arranged to store the extracted data in the memory by storing
updated operating system instructions in the memory while the
processing circuit is in the off state and, via the stored updated
operating system instructions, configuring the apparatus to operate
using the updated operating system instructions upon the indication
of transitioning the processing circuit into the on state, via
power provided by the battery.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processing circuit is
configured and arranged to operate in the low-power state by
operating in an off state in which the processing circuit does not
execute the operating system instructions.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory access circuit is
configured and arranged to use the generated power to read data
from the memory while the processing circuit is in the low-power
state, and the wireless communication circuit is configured and
arranged with the memory access circuit to modulate the data read
from the memory and to wirelessly communicate the modulated data to
the remote device.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the memory access circuit is
configured and arranged to use the generated power to read the data
from the memory by reading error log data from the memory in
response to an error condition in the apparatus.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the power circuit includes a
battery configured and arranged to be charged using the power
generated via the wireless signals; the processing circuit is
configured and arranged to operate in the on state by executing
operating system instructions stored in the memory, using power
from the battery; and the memory access circuit is configured and
arranged to in response to a boot error for the processing circuit,
use the generated power to read the data from the memory by reading
error data indicative of the boot error, wherein the wireless
communication circuit modulates and transmits the read data to the
remote device, and in response to data received from the remote
device and corresponding to the error data, reconfigure operation
of the processing circuit by using the generated power to overwrite
data in the memory with the received data while the processing
circuit is in the low-power state.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the extracted data includes
encryption data and wherein the wireless circuit and the memory
access circuit are configured and arranged to encrypt the data read
from the memory, modulate the encrypted data, and wirelessly
communicate the modulated encrypted data to the remote device.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a secure module
including a memory circuit, wherein the memory access circuit is
configured and arranged to store the extracted data in memory by
storing authentication data in the memory circuit of the secure
module, and wherein the processing circuit is configured and
arranged with the secure module to provide user-access via the
apparatus, based upon the stored authentication data.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processing circuit is
configured and arranged with the secure module to provide the
user-access by using the stored authentication data to authenticate
the apparatus on a wireless telephony network based upon
information in the authentication data corresponding to a
subscriber identity.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing circuit
operates in the low-power state by operating in an idle state in
which the processing circuit is powered at a low-power idle state
in which the processing circuit consumes less power than in the on
state.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless power signals
are inductive signals, and wherein the wireless circuit is
configured and arranged to receive the wireless data signals
embedded within the wireless power signals, and to demodulate the
wireless data signals from the wireless power signals.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication
circuit is configured and arranged to demodulate the wireless data
signals by extracting wireless data signals embedded within
dedicated data transmission frames within the wireless power
signals.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication
circuit and memory access circuit are configured and arranged to,
in response to a wireless communication from the remote device,
accessing and communicating authentication data to the remote
device, and in response to receiving, from the remote device, a
further wireless communication including the data signals and an
indication of the authentication data, authenticate the further
wireless communication and store the extracted data in memory as a
function of the authentication.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless circuit is
configured and arranged to receive the wireless power signals via
electromagnetic induction and to receive the wireless data signals
via near-field communications involving signals limited in
communication distance to less than 10 cm.
15. For use in a device having a battery and a processing circuit,
the device being operable in an on state in which the processing
circuit is powered by the battery and being operable in an off
state in which the processing circuit is not powered by the
battery, an apparatus comprising: a wireless communication circuit
configured and arranged to receive inductive power from an
inductive power source, and while the device is in the off state,
use the received inductive power to charge the battery and to
extract data from wireless data signals; and a memory access
circuit configured and arranged to, while the processing circuit is
in the off state, use the generated power to store the extracted
data in memory.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the wireless communication
circuit is configured and arranged to extract the data from
wireless data signals by extracting data embedded in
electromagnetic waves that provide the inductive power.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, further including the processing
circuit, wherein the processing circuit is configured and arranged
to access the stored extracted data using power provided by the
battery in response to transitioning from the off state to the on
state.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processing circuit is
configured and arranged to operate in the on state by executing
operating system instructions stored in the memory, using power
from the battery; and the memory access circuit is configured and
arranged to store the extracted data in the memory by storing
updated operating system instructions in the memory while the
processing circuit is in the off state and, via the stored updated
operating system instructions, configure the apparatus to operate
using the updated operating system instructions upon transitioning
the processing circuit into the on state via power provided by the
battery.
19. For use in an apparatus having a power circuit and a processing
circuit that operates in an on state in which the processing
circuit is powered by the power circuit, and that operates in a
low-power state in which the processing circuit consumes less power
than in the on state, a method comprising: generating power via
wireless power signals from a remote device; providing the
generated power to the power circuit; extracting data from wireless
data signals received from the remote device by demodulating the
wireless data signals using the generated power; while the
processing circuit is in the low-power state, using the generated
power to store the extracted data in memory; and in the processing
circuit, accessing the stored extracted data using power provided
by the power circuit, in response to transitioning from the
low-power state to the on state.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the power circuit is a battery,
wherein providing the generated power includes charging the
battery, further including, while the processing circuit is in the
low-power state and prior to using the generated power to store the
extracted data in memory, accessing data indicating an error
condition of the processing circuit from the memory and wirelessly
transmitting the data indicating the error condition, and wherein
using the generated power to store the extracted data includes
storing updated operating system instructions in the memory while
the processing circuit is in the off state, and correcting the
error condition by configuring the apparatus to operate using the
updated operating system instructions upon transitioning the
processing circuit into the on state via power provided by the
battery.
Description
[0001] Aspects of various embodiments are directed wireless
charging and communication.
[0002] Communicating data such as program data to various devices
is important for a variety of uses. For instance, portable devices
such as mobile telephones and other hand-held devices are often
programmed with data that facilitates operation of the device, such
as by programming or updating firmware, programming operational
data that facilitates recovery of the device from a failure
condition, or authorizing the device for use (e.g., authorizing a
mobile telephone for access to a wireless network and use by a
particular user).
[0003] Generally, programming such a device is carried out using a
physical connection, such as a USB (universal serial bus) port or
wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other wireless data
communicating interfaces such as those employing one or more of GSM
(global system for mobile communications), (W)CDMA (wideband code
division multiple access), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication
System), and LTE (long term evolution). While such approaches to
programming have been implemented for a variety of applications,
the applications can be limited. For instance, such devices often
have to be powered by a battery or through an external power
supply, and may require programming functions to be available or
accessible, in order to read or write data to and from the device.
Further, certain memory is not accessible without a related
operating system (OS) being active.
[0004] These and other matters have presented challenges to device
programming and operation for a variety of applications.
[0005] Various example embodiments are directed to wireless
charging and communication circuits and their implementation.
[0006] According to an example embodiment, wireless power is used
to communicate data with an apparatus having a power circuit, a
processing circuit, a wireless communication circuit and a memory
access circuit. The processing circuit operates in on and low-power
states in which the processing circuit is respectively powered by
the power circuit and consumes less power than in the on state
(e.g., in which a processor is not running an OS and/or powered
internally). The wireless communication circuit receives wireless
power signals from a remote device, generates power via the
wireless signals, and provides the generated power to the power
circuit. The wireless communication circuit also receives wireless
data signals from the remote device, and extracts data from the
wireless data signals by demodulating the wireless data signals
using the generated power. The memory access circuit stores the
extracted data in memory (e.g., a memory-storage circuit), using
the generated power, while the processing circuit is in the
low-power state. While the processing circuit is transitioning from
the low-power state to the on state (and/or to another high- or
full-power state), the processing circuit is also configured to
access the memory, including the extracted data, using power
provided by the power circuit.
[0007] Such approaches may be used, for example, to access memory
within a device while the device is not powered using a main power
supply, such as to program a new device for use or for recovery
when a device is inoperable. Moreover, data can be recovered from
the device without necessarily operating the device under normal
conditions (e.g., in which an OS is executed by a microprocessor),
which can prevent data loss and provide for error analysis.
[0008] Another example embodiment is directed to an apparatus for
use in a device having a battery and a processing circuit, with the
device being operable in an on state in which the processing
circuit is powered by the battery and being operable in an off
state in which the processing circuit is not powered by the
battery. The apparatus includes a wireless communication circuit
that receives inductive power from an inductive power source and,
while the device is in the off state, uses the received inductive
power to charge the battery and to extract data from wireless data
signals. The apparatus also includes a memory access circuit that
uses the generated power, while the processing circuit is in the
off state, to store the extracted data in memory. In some
embodiments, the wireless communication circuit extracts data
embedded in electromagnetic waves that provide the inductive power.
In further embodiments, the apparatus also includes the processing
circuit, which accesses the stored extracted data using power
provided by the battery in response to transitioning from the off
state to the on state. For instance, the processing circuit may
operate in the on state by executing OS instructions having been
stored in the memory by the memory access circuit as updated OS
instructions (while the processing circuit is in the off state).
Such updated OS instructions can thus configure the apparatus to
operate while/upon transitioning the processing circuit into the on
state (e.g., after a system failure).
[0009] Other embodiments are directed to methods used in an
apparatus having a power circuit, such as a battery, and a
processing circuit that operates in an on state in which the
processing circuit is powered by the power circuit, and that
operates in a low-power state in which the processing circuit
consumes less power than in the on state. Power is generated via
wireless power signals received from a remote device, and the
generated power is provided to the power circuit. Using the
generated power, data is extracted from wireless data signals
received from the remote device by demodulating the wireless data
signals. While the processing circuit is in the low-power state,
the generated power is used to store the extracted data in memory,
which is accessible to the processing circuit via power provided by
the power circuit. This accessibility is provided not only while
the processing circuit is in the low-power state, but also in
response to an indication (e.g., an internal flag signal) of
transitioning from the low-power state to the on state and thus,
during and after transitions from the low-power state to another
(more power-consuming) state such as the on state.
[0010] In some implementations data indicating an error condition
of the processor is accessed from the memory and wirelessly
transmitted while the processing circuit is in the low-power state
and prior to receiving and storing the extracted data in memory,
such that the error condition can be evaluated (e.g., locally or
remotely) and used to configure the extracted data for addressing
the error condition. As such, the extracted data is stored and used
to correct the error condition by configuring the apparatus to
operate using the updated OS instructions upon transitioning into
the on state.
[0011] The above discussion/summary is not intended to describe
each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.
The figures and detailed description that follow also exemplify
various embodiments.
[0012] Various example embodiments may be more completely
understood in consideration of the following detailed description
in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus and system involving wireless
power and data transfer, in accordance with an example
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus involving wireless power and data
transfer, in accordance with an example embodiment; and
[0015] FIG. 3 shows an apparatus involving wireless power and data
transfer, in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0016] While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to
modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not
to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the
disclosure including aspects defined in the claims. In addition,
the term "example" as used throughout this application is only by
way of illustration, and not limitation.
[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure are believed to be
applicable to a variety of different types of apparatuses, systems
and methods involving the communication of wireless power and data.
While not necessarily so limited, various aspects may be
appreciated through a discussion of examples using this
context.
[0018] Various example embodiments are directed to methods and/or
apparatuses for powering a device via a wireless power signal in a
low-power state, and operating the device via the wireless power
signal to extract and store data from wireless data signals. In a
higher-power or on state, the device operates using power from a
power circuit (e.g., a battery), by accessing the stored data.
Using this approach, dual-power operation is effected for accessing
the memory in a low-power state for storing/updating data, and
later accessing the data in a higher-power/on state, which can be
implemented for a variety of approaches. Further, these aspects can
be implemented in situations in which a device's main power supply
(e.g., battery) is unavailable. For instance, it can be helpful to
read memory content without the OS being active for failure
analysis and software forensics.
[0019] In various embodiments, the wireless power is used to
deliver power for activating one or more functions and/or operate
devices without the requirements of a (working) battery or main
power supply inside the device. Such wireless power transfer may,
for example, involve short-range systems that work over the
distance of a few to 10 cm to transmit significant amounts of
power. One-way or bidirectional data communications can be carried
out using a separate signal and/or using available in-band
communications embedded with wireless power transfer. In some
bidirectional implementations, bidirectional authentication and/or
encryption is used to effect programming and data exchange for a
variety of applications. These and other data communication
approaches may involve, for example, programming a SIM (subscriber
identity module) card, updating bios or firmware, low-power memory
access, and error troubleshooting.
[0020] Various embodiments are directed to operation in low-power
and higher-power (ON) modes involving a device having a processor
circuit that operates via battery power, and a data-access circuit
that operates in the low-power mode in which the processor circuit
is not operating (e.g., when the device is not "on") and using
wireless power (e.g., without requiring power from the battery). In
some implementations, the processor operates in a low-power state
by operating in an idle state in which the processing circuit is
powered at a lower power than in an on state. Such a low-power mode
may be implemented, for example, using near field communications
(NFC) and wireless power to operate the data-access circuit, which
facilitates configuration and/or reconfiguration of the device for
a variety of applications. For instance, data pertaining to bios,
firmware or an OS for the processor/device can be communicated and
stored in the low-power state, and used upon subsequent power-up of
the device. Similarly, data can be written for storing
device-specific data such as may pertain to a SIM card, without
booting the device (e.g., to store data for and/or program a SIM
card in a retail store and/or during manufacturing without
operating the device. Data can also be accessed for reading out
information such as error codes or data recovery, without
necessarily operating the device (e.g., while a microcontroller in
the device is not powered).
[0021] A variety of wireless power transfer approaches may be
implemented to suit particular embodiments. For example, inductive
power, or resonant inductive power, can be used to transfer power
to an apparatus as described herein. In some embodiments, power
transfer is effected using one or more standards for
electromagnetic induction and/or magnetic resonant inductive power
(e.g., a Qi standard as provided by the Wireless Power Consortium
of Piscataway, N.J.; a PMA standard as provided by Power Matters
Alliance of Houston, Tex.; and a A4WP standard as provided by
Alliance For Wireless Power of Fremont, Calif. Further, different
types of power and data communication may be implemented together
(e.g., inductive power transfer with NFC data transfer). These and
other approaches may, for example, be implemented with a variety of
types of devices and applications, such as for medical devices,
gaming devices and portable electronics such as mobile phones,
tablets and laptops. In certain embodiments, such devices are
implemented with no physical connector (e.g., sealed), such that
both battery charging and data communications with circuitry within
the devices is via wireless communication.
[0022] A variety of types of data communications are effected via
wireless power and communication as described herein. For instance,
data can be written as firmware for one or more of microprocessors
with firmware, flash memory, SIM cards, and secure elements as may
be implemented for a variety of devices. Other software can be
written, such as for updates or altering settings such as
subscriber identify information (e.g., for SIM cards). Further,
these approaches can be implemented with distance-limited
communications (e.g., NFC of 10 cm or less), facilitating security
relative to, for example, longer-range transmissions as with
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cellular-type communications.
[0023] A variety of communication mediums can be used for effecting
data transfer. For instance, certain communications may be effected
via standards such as Bluetooth, NFC or Wi-Fi. Bidirectional
communications can be implemented as part of a wireless charging
signal, which can be used as an alternative to, or in addition to
other communications, such as where such other communications are
unavailable (e.g., due to fault or system capabilities). In some
embodiments, data is communicated via the wireless charging signal
by embedded data into an existing communication frame structure
between a power transmitter and a power receiver. Such an approach
may be implemented in which the wireless power signals are
inductive signals, and wireless data signals are embedded within
the wireless power signals and demodulated therefrom. In other
embodiments, data is communicated via the wireless charging signal
via an extended or altered communication protocol that facilitates
the communication of specific frames for data transmission (e.g.,
which may be communicated separately from the wireless power
signals). Additional safety measures such as encryption and
authentication can be implemented with these communications.
[0024] In addition, various communications may be implemented in
conjunction with wired communications such as via a USB port. By
using wireless charging/power to access memory (read and/or write
access), additional power is not necessarily required from an
internal battery or other source, which can also be useful when a
battery or other power source (e.g., a power management unit [PMU])
fails.
[0025] In some embodiments, wireless power transfer as described
herein is used to operate a processor within a device directly, as
an alternate to a main power supply. Such an implementation may,
for example, involve providing inductive power to operate a
microprocessor within a mobile device that otherwise uses a battery
as a main power supply, in situations in which the battery is
inoperable and/or otherwise not used for power. Such approaches
may, for example, involving booting an application processor of a
mobile device.
[0026] The following describes a particular embodiment in which an
apparatus operates to communicate wireless power and data such as
described herein, and includes a power circuit, a processing
circuit, a wireless communication circuit and a memory access
circuit. The power circuit may, for example, correspond to a main
power supply as may be provided via a battery within a mobile
device, with the processing circuit including a microprocessor that
executes an OS within the device when powered by the main power
supply. As such, the processing circuit operates in an on state in
which the processing circuit is powered by the power circuit, and
in a low-power state in which less power is consumed. Such a
low-power state may involve, for example, one or more of: a state
in which an OS is not executed, a state in which the power circuit
does not power the processor, or a state in which the processor is
inactive.
[0027] The wireless communication circuit receives wireless power
and data signals from a remote device, generates power via the
wireless signals, provides the generated power to the power
circuit, and extracts data from the wireless data signals (e.g., by
demodulation) using the generated power. The memory access circuit
stores the extracted data in memory using the generated power. As
such, when the processing circuit (or the apparatus as a whole)
returns to an on state and/or another high-power state, the
processing circuit can access and use the stored extracted data
(e.g., such as effecting an update to the OS or other data).
[0028] The memory access circuit may be implemented using one or
more of a variety of approaches and related circuitry. Such a
memory access circuit may, for example, be implemented using a
logic circuit that controls read and/or write access to memory, a
memory controller, a memory mapping circuit or a combination
thereof. For instance, such a circuit may be implemented to read or
write flash memory, RAM or other types of memory, and to facilitate
the outputting of such read data.
[0029] In some embodiments, the power circuit includes a battery
that is charged using the power generated via the wireless signals,
such as via inductive coupling. The processing circuit operates in
the on state by executing OS instructions stored in the memory,
using power from the battery. As may be implemented to update the
OS and/or correct for corrupt data or other errors, the memory
access circuit stores updated OS instructions in the memory while
the processing circuit is in the off state. The apparatus can thus
be configured to operate using the updated OS instructions upon
transitioning the processing circuit into the on state via power
provided by the battery. For instance, where the processor is
off/not powered in the low-power state, it uses the updated OS
instructions upon rebooting. In these and other contexts,
transitioning may involve activity, such as collecting energy for a
partial or full power-up or reboot of a device, such as for
applying power from an energy-storage source or energy-collection
device (e.g., capacitive circuit or battery) to the processing
circuit.
[0030] In some embodiments, the memory access circuit uses
generated power to read data from the memory while the processing
circuit is in the low-power state, and the wireless communication
circuit modulates the data read from the memory and wirelessly
communicates the modulated data to the remote device. Such an
approach can be useful, for example, for effecting secure
communications, such as by extracting encryption data and to
encrypt the data read from the memory for wireless communication.
Such an approach can also be useful for recovering data or
detecting error data when the processing circuit is malfunctioning.
For instance, error log data can be read from the memory and
transmitted to the remote device in response to an error condition
in the apparatus. This can be useful, for example, with devices in
which the power circuit includes a battery and the processing
circuit executing OS instructions stored in the memory in an on
state, using power from the battery. When a boot error occurs, the
memory access circuit uses the generated power to read error data
indicative of the boot error, transmit the error data to a remote
device, and to reconfigure operation of the processing circuit by
overwriting data in the memory with data received in response to
the error data, while the processing circuit is in the low-power
state/not powered by the battery.
[0031] As discussed above, data may be accessed using one or more
of a variety of types of circuits. In some embodiments, the
apparatus includes a secure module including a memory circuit, in
which the memory access circuit stores extracted data in memory by
storing authentication data in the memory circuit of the secure
module. The processing circuit operates with the secure module to
provide user-access via the apparatus, based upon the stored
authentication data. In some implementations, the processing
circuit operates with the secure module to provide user-access by
using the stored authentication data to authenticate the apparatus
on a wireless telephony network, based upon information in the
authentication data corresponding to a subscriber identity.
[0032] In another embodiment, an authentication approach is carried
out with the apparatus above as follows. The wireless communication
circuit and memory access circuit respond to wireless
communications from the remote device by accessing and
communicating authentication data to the remote device. When a
further wireless communication including the data signals and an
indication of the authentication data is received from the remote
device, the apparatus receives the further wireless communication
and stores the extracted data in memory as a function of the
authentication.
[0033] As various ones of the above-discussed features and aspects
can be used together in varying combinations (with and without the
features and aspects in the discussion which follows, it will be
appreciate that the instant disclosure embraces yet further
embodiments incorporating such combinations.
[0034] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an apparatus and
system 100 involving wireless power and data transfer, in
accordance with an example embodiment. A device 110 includes a
power circuit 111 and a wireless communication circuit 112 that
receives wireless power, such as inductive power, and data from a
remote device 120 (e.g., via a coil, or antenna). The wireless
communication circuit 112 provides received power to the power
circuit 111, such as by charging a battery therein. The data may be
communicated as part of wireless power transmission and/or as a
separate communication.
[0035] The device 110 also includes a memory access circuit 113 and
a processor 114, each of which access a memory 115. In some
implementations, some or all of the memory access circuit 113 is
also implemented by the processor 114. The processor 114 is powered
by the power circuit 111, and the memory access circuit 113 is
powered by one or both of wireless power received via the wireless
communication circuit 112 and power from the power circuit.
[0036] When wireless power and data are received from the remote
device 120, the wireless communication circuit 112 provides the
power to operate the memory access circuit 113, and uses the power
to demodulate received data. The memory access circuit 113 stores
the demodulated data in memory 115, which is subsequently accessed
and used by the processor 114. This approach may, for example, be
implemented in connection with one or more embodiments as described
herein, such as for writing data in the memory 115 while the
processor 114 is in an off state/not powered by the power circuit
111.
[0037] In a more particular embodiment, the memory access circuit
113 accesses data stored in the memory 115 while the processor 114
(and the device 110 in general) is in an off state, and the
wireless communication circuit 112 modulates and transmits the
accessed data to the remote device 120. Such an approach may, for
example, be used to recover data from memory 115 when the device
110 is not operating, or to access an error code when the device
110 malfunctions.
[0038] The memory 115 may, for example, be implemented as part of a
secure element or SIM card as discussed herein, or as part of main
system memory of the device 110. As such, a variety of types of
devices and memory storage approaches may be used in accordance
with various embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus 200 involving wireless power and
data transfer, in accordance with an example embodiment. The
apparatus 200 operates to provide wireless power and data
communications under low-power or off-state operation, as may be
implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments as described
herein. Power lines are shown as thick lines, data lines as thin
lines, and a direct access data path used with a low-power mode
with wireless charging is shown as a dashed line. The apparatus 200
includes a battery 210, a charging circuit 211 and PMU 212. A
wireless charging receiver 220 operates to receive wireless (e.g.,
inductive) power and data transmitted by a wireless charging
transmitter 222, and provides the power to the charging circuit 212
as well as one or more circuits within the apparatus 200. A
processor 230 operates the apparatus 200 using power from the
battery 210, such as by executing OS data to carry out device
functions.
[0040] The apparatus 200 operates in a low-power mode to store data
received from the wireless charging transmitter 222, in one or more
of a variety of memory components. By way of example, the
components as shown may include one or more of flash memory 240, a
SIM card interface 250, and a secure module 260 with corresponding
NFC interface 262. In this regard, the wireless charging receiver
220 also operates as a memory access device to store data in one or
more of these components during low-power operation, as maybe
implemented using embodiments as described herein. For example,
when the processor 230 is not powered by the battery 210, the
wireless charging receiver 220 may be powered via the wireless
charging transmitter 222 and stores received data in one or more of
the memory components, with the processor directly or indirectly
using the stored data upon power-up. Such an approach can be used
to program the SIM card interface 250, to write firmware to the
device, or to write security authentication data for NFC use.
[0041] The apparatus 200 is also shown by way of example as having
a variety of communication circuits, which may be selectively
implemented or not implemented, to suit one or more embodiments.
These include a USB transceiver 270 along with a USB port 271 and a
charger interface 272 that receives power from an AC/DC charger 273
and communicates with a USB host 274, a Bluetooth or WLAN type
circuit 280, and a cellular radio circuit 290 that is accompanied
by a cellular and connectivity radio 291 and baseband circuit
292.
[0042] Consistent with one or more embodiments, one or more
multiplexers are used to pass data between memory and either an
internal processor or a wireless communication circuit. In some
implementations, such multiplexer circuitry is also used to switch
a power source, as provided via wireless power or via an internal
power source, such as a battery. Such aspects may, for example, be
implemented with the wireless charging receiver 220 in FIG. 2 and,
in some implementations, a power management unit such as PMU
212.
[0043] The multiplexer circuitry may be implemented in a variety of
manners. In some embodiments, the multiplexer circuitry is used to
clock in data and control signals as operated using power generated
via wireless charging receiver 220. Multiplexing for coupling data
via the wireless charging receiver 220 and/or an internal processor
(such as 230) is carried out based upon data to be passed via the
receiver (one-way for control signals to the memory or two-way for
data into and out of the memory). This activity occurs in response
to power being provided via the wireless charging receiver 220,
e.g., and in the absence of power via the battery 210 or a lower
power state thereof. As another example, when a voltage is present,
relative to power received via wireless charging receiver 220, the
voltage may be used to control the multiplexing circuitry for
providing data and/or power communications between the wireless
charging receiver and one or more circuits within the apparatus
200. A voltage presented by the battery (e.g., achieving a minimum
threshold upon power-up) may also be used as an indication for
selection to switch control of the multiplexing circuitry. For
example, in response to such an indication (from a transistor being
activated by the minimum threshold being reached), a select signal
is presented to the multiplexer circuitry in accordance with
whether the internal processor is in control of the memory
accesses.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows another apparatus 300 involving wireless power
and data transfer, in accordance with an example embodiment. The
apparatus 300 can be implemented in a manner similar to that as the
apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2, with similar reference numbers used
to label similar components, and without physical external
connectors (e.g., physical USB ports) as facilitated by wireless
charging and data communication.
[0045] The apparatus 300 includes a battery 310, a charging circuit
311 and PMU 312. A wireless charging receiver 320 operates to
receive wireless power and data transmitted by a wireless charging
transmitter 322, and provides the power to the charging circuit 312
as well as one or more circuits within the apparatus. A processor
330 operates the apparatus using power from the battery 310, such
as by executing OS data to carry out device functions. Data
received from the wireless charging transmitter 322 is stored in
one or more memory components including flash memory 340, a SIM
card interface 350, and a secure module 360 with corresponding NFC
interface 362, such as described above. The apparatus 300 is shown
with communication circuits including a USB transceiver 370 (e.g.,
to receive wireless signals transmitted using a USB protocol), a
Bluetooth or WLAN type circuit 380, and a cellular radio circuit
390 that is accompanied by a cellular and connectivity radio 391
and baseband circuit 392.
[0046] Various blocks, modules or other circuits may be implemented
to carry out one or more of the operations and activities described
herein and/or shown in the figures. In these contexts, a "block"
(also sometimes "logic circuitry" or "module") is a circuit that
carries out one or more of these or related operations/activities
(e.g., receiving data, transmitting data, generating power,
accessing memory, or configuring operation). For example, in
certain of the above-discussed embodiments, one or more modules are
discrete logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured
and arranged for implementing these operations/activities, as in
the circuit modules shown in FIGS. 1-3. In certain embodiments,
such a programmable circuit is one or more computer circuits
programmed to execute a set (or sets) of instructions (and/or
configuration data). The instructions (and/or configuration data)
can be in the form of firmware or software stored in and accessible
from a memory (circuit). As an example, first and second modules
include a combination of a CPU hardware-based circuit (e.g., a
microprocessor or microcomputer) operable when executing a set of
instructions in the form of software/firmware, where the first
module includes a first CPU hardware circuit with one set of
instructions and the second module includes a second CPU hardware
circuit with another set of instructions (the skilled artisan will
appreciate that the physical implementation of the first and second
CPU hardware circuitry can be merged into a single hardware circuit
or separated).
[0047] Certain embodiments are directed to a computer program
product (e.g., nonvolatile memory device), which includes a machine
or computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions
which may be executed by a computer (or other electronic device) to
perform these operations/activities.
[0048] Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those
skilled in the art will readily recognize that various
modifications and changes may be made to the various embodiments
without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein. For example,
different types of wireless communications may be carried out, two
or more types of communications may be carried out in a single
device, and additional power modes may be employed (e.g., a third
or more power states corresponding to different levels or power
consumption and/or circuit-based features (such as clock speed and
activation or enablement of specific circuits) expected to consume
such power, and two or more power states corresponding to
main/system power such as battery-provided power). Such
modifications do not depart from the true spirit and scope of
various aspects of the invention, including aspects set forth in
the claims.
* * * * *