CA1326889C - Transponder - Google Patents

Transponder

Info

Publication number
CA1326889C
CA1326889C CA000583579A CA583579A CA1326889C CA 1326889 C CA1326889 C CA 1326889C CA 000583579 A CA000583579 A CA 000583579A CA 583579 A CA583579 A CA 583579A CA 1326889 C CA1326889 C CA 1326889C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
inductive
frequency
signal
transponder
coupled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA000583579A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
University of Western Australia
Magellan Technology Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Magellan Technology Pty Ltd
Uniscan Ltd Australia
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Magellan Technology Pty Ltd, Uniscan Ltd Australia filed Critical Magellan Technology Pty Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1326889C publication Critical patent/CA1326889C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H04B5/22
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/0723Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • G06K19/07773Antenna details
    • G06K19/07775Antenna details the antenna being on-chip
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • G06K19/07773Antenna details
    • G06K19/07777Antenna details the antenna being of the inductive type
    • G06K19/07779Antenna details the antenna being of the inductive type the inductive antenna being a coil
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0008General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/017Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles
    • H04B5/26
    • H04B5/266
    • H04B5/45

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A device according to the present invention comprises an inductive arrangement adapted to receive power and/or first information signals from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, with the power and/or information signals being received in a first portion of the inductive arrangement. The inductive arrangement is further adapted to transmit second information signals at a second frequency, simultaneously and independently of the first signals, from a second portion of the inductive arrangement.
The second portion of the inductive arrangement overlaps at least a part of the first portion. The device, in one embodiment, is a passive transponder and preferably the transponder is portable, integrated and relatively inexpensive to produce. The device can be associated with an article for interrogation and/or identification thereof.
The induction arrangement is preferably a single coil used for transmission and reception simultaneously.

Description

~ 1 1 3 2 6 8 8 9 COM~ICATIO~ DEVICE

FIELD OF THE I~2:~
The present invention relates to electronic and inductive communication apparatus.

BA~KG~QUND OF THE INVENTION
The Applicant is aware of U.S. Patent specification 3,859,624, which discloses two types of transponder used within an identification tag system.
There are a number of patents utilising the principle outlined most clearly by Vinding U.S. 3,299,424, but, in fact, first detailed by Brard U.S. 1,744,036.
In U.S. 3,299,424, power is radiated from a transmitter (or interrogator) and received by a tuned circuit in the transponder. The power signal induces a current to flow in the tr&nsponder's tuned circuit. This current radiates a transmission signal from the transponder's tuned circuit which is detected at the lnterrogator. By varying any parameter of the tuned circuit (such as tuning or loss), the induced current's phase or magnitude can be caused to vary. Thus, coded data modulating a parameter of the transponder's tuned circuit can be detected and decoded by suitable circuitry at the interrogator.
Other disclosures which essentially operate in the same or a similar manner to that of Vinding U.S. 3,299,424, include: U.S. 4,075,632, U.S. 4,196,418, U.S. 4,333,072, U.S. 4,361,153, U.S. 4,546,241, U.S. 4,580,041 and U.S.
4,654,658. U.S. Patents 4,040,053 and 4,724,427 are also of interest.

5S~ D~OF T~E-l~vE~Io~
A device according to the present invention comprises an inductive means adapted to receive power and/or first information signals from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, with the power and/or information signals being received in a first portion of -the inductive means. The inductive means is further adapted to transmit second information signals at a second frequency, simultaneously and independently of the first signals, from a second portion of the inductive means. The second portion of the inductive means overlaps at least a part of the first portion.
A device according to an aspect of the invention comprises an inductive coil means having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to receive first signals from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, wherein the first signals are power signals or information signals. The device further includes means for generating second information signals at a second frequency, with the means for generating second information signals being coupled to the second portion of the inductive coil means. The second portion is adapted to transmit the second information signals at the second frequency simultaneously and independently of the first signals. The second portion overlaps at least a part of the first portlon.
According to a feature of the invention, the means for generating the second lnformation signals i9 a current source. -According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes a rectifier means for rectifying the first signals. The rectifier méans is coupled at one end to the inductive means and a further end of the rectifier means and the current source are connected to the same DC potential, which preferably is a DC
reference potential.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the inductive means has at least three connection points, namely the first coupling to the current source, the second coupling to the rectifier means, and the third coupling to another DC potential, preferably a reference DC potential.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the means for generating second information signals includes means for injecting a code modulated current.
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In one embodiment of the invention, the first signal is a power signal which is rectified and provides operating power to the device through a power storage means coupled to the inductive means. In a preferred aspect, the first signal includes both power and information signals.
According to an aspect of the invention, the means for generating second infcrmation signals at a second frequency generates radio frequencies.
According to a preferred feature of the device, the second portion includes a plurality of transmitting sections, and a corresponding plurality of means for injecting a code modulated current is coupled to the transmitting sections for injecting a plurality of code modulated currents at different frequencies simultaneously into and for transmission by the second portion.
Preferably, the means for injecting a plurality of code modulated currents includes a plurality of current sources.
According to a further aspect, the means for injecting a plurality of code modulated currents includes means for transmitting the same information at the different frequencies and means for transmitting different information at the different frequencies.
The device may also include electronic circuit means for storing information signals coupled to the means for generating second information signals.
The device may also have an oscillator means coupled to the means for generating second information signals with a modulator means coupled to the oscillator means.
The oscillator means may be arranged to generate substantially phase coherent frequencies between harmonics of the first frequency.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a charge storage means is coupled to the inductive coil means for storing power received from the first signal and a regulator means is coupled to the charge storage means for regulating the power received by the charge storage means.
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4 1 3 2 6 8 8 q In a preferred aspect of the invention, the device is substantially wholly integratable apart from the inductive means. Preferably, the device is incorporated into a transponder or is incorporated into an identification label.
A transponder for communicating with a base station, according to the present invention, comprises inductive means having a first portion for receiving an inductive powering field of a first frequency, the field inducting a first signal in the first portion, rectifier means for rectifying the first signal, the rectifier means being coupled between one side of the inductive means and a reference potential point, storage means for storing the rectified first signal in the form of a voltage, the storage means being coupled between another side of the inductive means and the reference point, the another side of the inductive means being a voltage potential point when the inductive means receives the inductive powerlng fleld, the storage means adapted to provide voltage to the voltage polnt, and drlver means belng selectlvely coupled to the inductive means enabled to provide a conductlve path through at least a second portion of the lnductlve means such that, when the conductive path is provided, a current produces, in at least the second portlon, a second signal irradiating at a second frequency, the inductive means being adapted to simultaneously receive the inductlve powering field in the first portion and the second portion of the inductive means overlapping at least a part of the first portion.
According to an aspect of the invention, the driver means of the transponder is a current source.
The inventlon ls also directed to a combination comprising inductive field receiving means, driver means coupled to the inductive field receiving means, rectifier means coupled to the inductive field receiving means and charge storage means coupled to the inductive field receiving means; the combination providing a passive transponder, and the receiving means having a first portion . ~ . .
'~.,,:1' ' , .

~ 5 I 326889 for receiving an inductive powering field of a first frequency and being adapted to provide power for transmitting an information signal when under the influence of the inductive powering field, wherein the receiving means also includes a second transmitting portion arranged to transmit the information signal at a second frequency, simultaneously and independently of the first signal, the first and second portions at least partially overlapping each other.
A device according to the invention comprises a single inductive coil having a first portion and a second portion; the first portion is adapted to receive first signals from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, which first signals are power signals or information signals. The device includes means for generating second information signals at a second frequency and coupled to the second portion. The second portion i9 adapted to transmit the second information signals at the second frequency simultaneously and independently of the first signals. Furthermore, the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.
A device according to an aspect of the invention comprises a single inductive coil adapted to receive power and/or an information signal from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, the coil being further adapted to transmit simultaneously, at a second frequency, a transmission signal for transmitting information, wherein the reception and transmission at the first and second frequencies are substantially free of mutual interaction. The device further comprises rectifier means coupled to one end of the coil, and a current source coupled to the coil for generating the transmission signal at the second frequency.
The device of the present invention can advantageously be used in a passive transponder identification device, smart card or similar tracking arrangements.
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.

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6 ~ l 3 2 6 8 8 q The transponder may be advantageously adapted for use in a system wherein two or more transponders can be simultaneously identified without regard to transponder orientation when subjected to the powering field. The system may include an acceptable failure rate criterion for transponder identification.
The transponder of the present invention may be integrated to IC chip form, the inductive means being provided externally to the chip in the form of a coil and the charge storage means being also provided externally in the form of a capacitor (a Z-folded capacitor and circuit assembly on which the chip may be placed; see copending Patent Application No. PI 5518, entitled "Improvements relating to Capacitor Construction: filed 20th November, 1987) or in the form of a conventional capacitor.
The transponder of the present invention may be further totally integrated to an IC chip form, the inductive means being formed on the surface of the IC chip itself.
The present invention preferably utilises a high frequency RF transmission carrler. Both data rate and transmission efficiency are proportional to carrier frequency. Consequently this RF transmission is capable of high data rates and good transmission efficiency.
The present invention in a preferred embodiment is capable of simultaneously generating and transmitting a multiplicity of arbitrary data carrier frequencies independently modulated without regard for each other. The preferred data transmission frequencies are Rf radio frequencies. High frequency radio transmission frequency will always provide superior signalling speed and coupling efficiency.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention advantageously uses a PLL locked to the fundamental carrier as the timing reference guaranteeing a stable data clock.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the transponder is capable of being simultaneously read and reprogrammed by the interrogation station.

7 ~ 1 326889 -The irradiating second signal may be transmitted in the form of a transponder identification code at a single or plurality of frequencies selected randomly from a predetermined range or set of frequencies, the transmission and/or selection occurring in a continuous manner until the inductive means no longer provides power to the transponder.

BRI~F DESCRI~TION OF TH~ DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows a system in which the present invention is advantageously usable.
Figure 2A shows a portion of two prior art transponders.
Figure 2B shows a power and/or data or signal receiving portion of the present invention.
Figure 2C shows Figure 2B with load matching.
Figure 3A shows a receiving and simultaneous transmitting means. The transmitting section of the coil may comprise all or part of the coil.
Figures 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E show variations of Figure 3A.
Figures 4 and 4A show embodiments of two transponders according to the present invention.
Figures 5A and 5B shows further embodiments of the transponder according to the present invention.
Figures 6A and 6B show further embodiments of the transponder according to the present invention.
Figures 7A to 7H show various forms of circuits for use in embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 8A and 8B show two embodiments of a modulation detector.
Figures 9A and 9B show various embodiments of an inductive modulator for use in the present invention.
Figures 10A to 10C show further embodiments of an inductive modulator for use in the present invention.
Figure 11 shows an arrangement of a current source rectifier and antenna of the present invention.

.. . . .

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. .

8 1 326`8~`9 Figure 12 shows a prior art arrangement.
Figure 13 shows an MOS arrangement of Figure 11.
Figures 14, 15 16A and 16s show alternative arrangements to that of Figure 11.
Figures 17 and 18 show other embodiments of the present invention.
Briefly with reference to Figure 1, an application of the present invention within a transponder system is discussed as follows.
An ultrasonically oscillating magnetic field may be generated from a base station by a resonant coil or set of coils. The transponder may contain a tuned pickup coil which may extract power and timing and/or other information from the magnetic field. The frequency, magnitude and/or phase of the magnetic field generated by the coil(s) may be carefully controlled to enable the power picked up by the transponder coil to be adequate for most transponder orientations. Identification codes and/or specially stored or other information may be transmitted from the transponder to a receiver, conventionally, by an RF or other suitable signal, depending upon the applicatlon of the transponder.
Programming and/or interrogation of temporary or permanent memory on a selected transponder may be performed conventionally, for example, by modulation of the powering field. Frequency shift keying (FSK) is the preferred modulation method.
Furthermore, when a plurality of transponders are simultaneously used, in a transponder system, each transponder may generate one or more carrier frequencies from an available set of carrier frequencies. These carrier frequencies may not be harmonically related to the frequency of the powering magnetic field. By allowing each transponder to use any one or more of a multiplicity of available carrier frequencies, a number of transponders may be identified simultaneously under conditions where co-interference would normally preclude correct identification.
The number of transmission carrier frequencies and/or transmission breaks (herein referred to as idle states) may ., ~' ~ '' -9 1 3268~9 be contingent upon the particular application. The particular mix of carrier frequencies and/or idle states may be chosen randomly. Inclusion of redundant frequency channels may guard against the possibility of chance external inferences of a transponder transmission. Signals which may have been corrupted, or co-interfered with, may be statistically ignored. Each transponder may sequentially transmit an ~dentifying code at a (randomly) selected frequèncy, selected from the band of available frequencies.
The identifying code may be used to modulate the selected frequency. Any suitable modulation may be used.
A transponder may be used to identify objects, such as personnel, livestock, baggage, packages, manufactured goods, stock cargo, stolen goods, vehicles, trains, wagons, shipping containers and security cards, and many other things. Furthermore, it may be incorporated into systems requiring its internal identifying capabilities. For example, inventory control, token cards, debit cards, smart cards and computer security.
Figure 2A shows a prior art arrangement used for receiving power and transmitting an identlfying code. The recelvlng portion (RX) receives an lnductlve powerlng fleld.
The RX arrangement stores a voltage ln the storage capacitor (CS), which voltage is used by other circuits on the prior art transponder. It is noted that the rectifying structure (D), being position inter-adjacent the receiving coil and the storage capacitor serves only as a unidirectional regulator and does not allow current to flow from the storage capacitor, through the coil, to ground. While the prior art transponder is powered, the transmitter portion (TX) continuously transmits an identifying code at a predetermined frequency. A plurality of prior art transponders, when simultaneously powered, all transmit simultaneously at the same, set, predetermined frequency.
As can be seen, the prior art does not lend itself to multiple transponder operation.
Figure 2B shows a power and/or data receiving portion of the present invention. An externally applied . -: .
- ;, .

.
. .
' 10 t" 1 32~8~9 inductive powering field may be applied to the coil (L) .
The field may be modulated with timing, data or other information to be used by the transponder. The coil may extract power and timing or data information, if any, from the applied field. One or more diodes may be used to rectify the voltage induced to the coil by the applied field. The addition of more complicated rectifying structures may not be necessary as they may not improve the DC conversion efficiency. The voltage drop across more than one diode may represent excess energy dissipation. The rectified voltage may be stored in the storage means (C).
The stored voltage may be used to supply a DC voltage to transponder internal circuitry.
At the same time, if data or timing information is present in the applied field, diode(s) or any other demodulation means may be used to provide the timing and/or data information (shown as timing signal) for use by the transponder. The diode(s) may also interact with the charge storage means to set the supply voltage for the transponder.
A modified form of Figure 2C, for maximum power transfer from a tuned circuit to a load circuit, load loss must be substantially equal to the tuned circuit loss(es).
Under these conditions, the output voltage will approach a maximum value. The embodiment, as shown in Figure 2C, may provide load matching by tapping the pickup coil at an appropriate point. In this way, the coil may act like an autotransformer.
Figure 3A shows a basic embodiment of the present invention. The inductive means may be dlvided into an upper (first) portion and a lower (second) portion. An impinging inductive powering field (P) may influence the inductive means (as a whole) to provide power (or a voltage) at point V. The power V may be used to drive or operate a driver means. The driver means may be coupled at the junction of the first and second portions of the inductive means. When the driver means is powered, it may control the first portion of the inductive means in a manner that makes the first portion radiate a signal (S). The radiating signal , , . ~ .
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~ 11 '" 1 32688q may be produced from the first portion at the same time the powering field is influencing the first and second portions.
In other words, the present invention may provide a means whereby both power reception and signal transmission may be performed simultaneously from at least a portion of the means. In another form of embodiment, the inductive means may include only a first portion. In this case, the whole inductive means would operate to simultaneously receive power and transmit signal information.
Figure 3~ shows another embodiment of the present invention. When under the influence of an impinging inductive powering field, the inductive means may provide a signal. Rectifier means (D) or a diode may rectify the received signal and provide a voltage for storage in storage means (CS).
In other words, the rectifier means (D) and storage means (CS) may co-operate to form a usable voltage supply for use by other transponder circuitry. The rectifier means may rectify the received signal such that the storage means receives a signal burst, which is stored, and outputs a substantially constant voltage for the other transponder circuits until the stored voltage is either depleted or another signal burst replenishes the voltage stored in the storage means whereby the substantially constant voltage is continued to be provided. The rectifier means may also provide a clamping means for maintaining the output of the storage means at a substantially constant level, as long as the storage means has a usable charge stored therein. When a data signal is to be transmitted from the transponder, an appropriate signal may be applied to the point indicated as output driver. This may cause a conduction path to be selectively formed through all or part of the inductive means (the transmitting section). Because the rectifying means is placed between a point of reference potential and the inductive means, the inductive means is substantially isolated (in a signal sense) from the reference potential.
Therefore, when the conduction path is formed, current flows from the voltage supply or another source other than the .. . . . .

- ~ :- . :

` 12 l 326889 reference potential, through the inductive means (all or part thereof), thereby causing a signal to be radiated from the inductive means. In this way, a modulated radio frequency (RF) signal or another type of signal may be injected into the transmitting part of the inductive means.
A single antenna can be used for simultaneous powering, data reception and data transmission. These three opèrations occur independently of each other in the same antenna coil. Power is by induction which induces a voltage and current in the antenna coil. Received data is transmitted by frequency modulating the powering induction signal. Frequency modulation of the induction field does not effect the power received by the transponder's antenna coil. Isolation of the data transmission signal is achieved by injecting the transmission signal using a high impedance source (i.e. current source). Current injection does not affect the voltages induced by the powering field or the reception of the Rx data.
The simplest practically integratable current source is a transistor operated in its current limiting region, (i.e. linear region for a bipolar, and saturation reglon for a FET). The collector of a bipolar, or drain of a FET
transistor, respectively function as current sources. The maintenance of current source action necessitates that the voltage across the transistor is always greater than the saturation voltage. This is typically 0.2 volts for bipolar transistor and roughly 1.0 volt for a FET.
Figure 11 shows a basic circuit schematic which includes a current source output driver and rectifier to generate DC potential off the antenna coil. Figure 12 shows a prior art basic schematic. Conventionally point "B" in Figure 12 is chosen as the reference potential in transponder systems. By choosing "B" as the reference, the potential between B and any part of the antenna coil, including Vref, will swing above and below the reference potential during each cycle of the powering field. A
transistor current source connected between the reference point and a tap of the coil will not work during the .

' ' ~ 13 ' l 326889 negative excursions of voltage. Alternatively, by choosing "A" in Figure 11 as the reference, the potential between "A"
and any point on the antenna coil will not change sign ~be it negative or positive) for an ideal rectifier. Where there is a small voltage drop across the rectifier, Vref will experience a small change in voltage sign. The maximum magnitude of this is equal to the voltage drop across the rectifier. A tap off the antenna coil will not have this sign change and i5 an ideal point to connect a transistor current source.
Circuit operation is independent of the direction of the diode rectifier, provided due care is taken with the section of the current optimized for an NMOS process. If PMOS is used, the potentials of all points are simply reversed. The critical point is that the rectifier and the current source must share the same potential point, with the other side of the rectifier connected to the end of the inductive antenna farthest away from the other circuit potential point, and the other side of the current source connected to a tap off the inductive means. The circuit shown in Figure 11 can be turned upside down without changing its operation and the DC reference potential point chosen as B. Any form of unldirectional current flow control will work in the circuit, however, a synchronous rectifier as detailed in copending Australian Patent Application Provisional Specification No. PI 5507, entitled "Integratable Synchronous Rectifier" filed l9th November, 1987, provides superior performance to a conventional dlode.
Connecting the rectifying element to the reference potential allows simple and effective rectifying structures to be used which are readily integratable with conventional NMOS and CMOS processing. Where the conventional "B"
reference is used, the rectifying structures is difficult to integrate. The rectifier in Figure 12 is not suitable to integrate using conventional NMOS fabrication techniques.
The current source drive is able to deliver more than one signal simultaneously using the same transistor G Figure 14 shows a current mirror (a commonly integrated - .: . , : : - - ~ . . :

-. ~. ~ . . ~ . . .;

14 '` l 326889 structure) capable of delivering several currents of arbitrary frequency and waveform to the antenna coil. The currents Il, I2,...I(n) are linearly summed by the current mirror which outputs Iout. This allows two or more data signals at different frequencies to be simultaneously transmitted. The signals can have any arbitrary frequency and waveshape and still be transmitted independently by the antenna coil.
Alternatively, several output transistors can be paralleled and their respective output currents will sum linearly. Figure 15 shows a simple circuit where the current from several output transistors are summed into the antenna coil.
The inductive means may comprise a coil preferably wire wound, the transmitting part thereof may therefore comprise all of the coil or only a few turns of wire. An antenna structure wiring an aluminum laminated plastic film as detailed in Australian Patent Application Provisional Specification No. PI 5855 (entitled "Antenna Structure, Power and Communication System and Methods", filed 10th December, 1987) i9 advantageously used here. The rectifier means may be used to rectify the voltage induced in the transponder pick up coil. Storage means, preferably a capacitor of an appropriate size and value, may be used to store the rectified voltage. Regulation of the voltage may be enhanced by ensuring that the transponder only moves through those regions of the inductive powering field which will give a tolerated and/or correct voltage. Regulation means may, alternatively, additionally be provided. The transponder may otherwise include a predetermined voltage cut-off means, the cut-off voltage being an induced voltage below which the transponder will not operate. A Zener diode in place of diode (D) in conjunction with the storage means may be used, and if rated at twice the required supply voltage, for example, will rectify the picked-up induced voltage and clamp the supply rail voltage to about one half the diode breakdown voltage until the transponder is no longer under the influence of the powering field.

. . , :
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' 15 ~ l 326889 Alternatively, a shunt regulator placed across the antenna coil will effectively limit the DC voltage.
Similarly, a shunt regulator across the DC supply will limit the DC voltage, however, a regulator on the DC line will:
(1) contribute to discharging the storage capacitor increasing the supply voltage ripple; and (2) necessitate a larger rectifier. Both the shunt and chip current must be drawn through the rectifier.
Both positions of regulator will function effectively, however, a DC supply shunt regulator is less desirable than a shunt regulator across the antenna.
Shunt regulation is chosen in preference to series regulation because:
(1) no series voltage drop across regulator, hence the peak AC voltage is delivered to the chip;
and ~2) no excessively high voltages occur in the tuned circuit (due to strong inductive coupling) that are capable of destroying the chip transistors.
A series regulator must be capable of withstanding the maximum peak input voltage.
Voltage handling capability of a chip is a process dependent function and i9 limlted to roughly 20 volts maximum. A shunt regulator constrains the voltage at the nominal operating voltage, but must be capable of sinking sufficient current to maintain this regulation.
Current handling capability is a function of transistor size which is directly under the ~;;; designer's control. Higher currents can be sunk by simply increasing the shunt transistor's size.
The switch means (T) operated by a driver signal may be a transistor or FET or any other appropriate driver means which may affect transmission through the coil. A tuning means (CT) may be used to tune the inductive means. The tuning means may include a capacitor. The tuning means may `-`~f , .
.. . ... . . . . . . . . . . .

.'' ' ' : ' ' . ~ ~ , 16 l 326889 enhance the amplitude signal(s) received and/or transmitted using the inductive means. The inductive means is preferably tuned to the received signal.
The tuning means electrically connects both ends of the coil together at RF frequencies, and hence, to the reference potential through the storage capacitor. In effect, the tuning and storage capacitors decouple both ends of the coil to the reference potential. Consequently, the impedence of the rectifier has not effect upon the action of the RF currents injected into the coil.
Figures 3C and 3D show alternative embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 3C, coils A, B and C may receive an applied powering field and coil A (and B if D
conductsJ may simultaneously transmit a signal (including DC
and/or AC) when driver T causes a current to be drawn through A (and B when D conducts) and T to a reference rail.
In Figures 3D and 3E coils A and B may simultaneously operate as receiver means and transmitter means.
The transmitter means may be adapted to simultaneously operate as a receiver means. Separate coils, one for transmission, another for reception, may also be used in a transponder according to the present lnvention.
Figures 4, 4A, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, in general, show still further embodlment(s) of the present invention.
Figures 4 and 4A show two embodiments in a transponder.
Figure 4A incorporates all circuitry onto the chip except the inductive means. Chip stray capacitance is utilized for charge storage, an external storage capacitor can be utilized if necessary. Figures 5A and 5B show an embodiment similar to Figures 4 and 4A, but, wherein a coded information signal may be transmitted to a base station ~rom the transponder via the coil, the code so transmitted being stored in the code generator logic. Figures 6A and 6B show an embodiment similar to Figures 5A and 5B, but, wherein a 'MAG MOD.' signal, which may be superimposed on the power field received by the transponder, provides a means for an interrogating base station to alter, erase or add to information housed within the transponder or otherwise G

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17` l 326~8~

control the transponder, while the transponder is in situ.
It is to be noted that any of the component parts (shown in the block form) may be implemented in a discrete component, hybrid or integrated form, or combination thereof, as may be common in the relevant arts or as required for each particular use of the present invention. Integration of electronic circuitry into chip form may provide an extremely cheap and compact form of transponder. An integrated capacitor (Z-folded capacitor and antenna circuit assembly) may be used as storage means (CS) and coil means, having mounted thereon, the transponder (IC) chip and a coil means.
This combination may form a cheap, portable and/or disposable transponder.
Each transponder may have one or more antenna coils.
All, or part of, any or each coil(s) may simultaneously be used to receive and transmit signals. Further description herein is made with reference to a single coiled inductive means in which only part of the inductive means is used to simultaneously transmit and receive signals for the transponder to minimize repetitive detailing.
An embodiment of the transponder may include the following:
1. An antenna coil for receiving power from an inductive powering field.
2. A tuning means, preferably a capacitance (CT), for tuning the antenna coil to substantially the frequency of the inductive field.
3. A DC storage means, preferably a capacitance (CS), for storing DC electrical power for use by transponder circuitry; and 4. Circuitry, preferably in an integrated circuit IC
form, which performs electronic function(s) of the transponder, and which may include rectifier means and transmitting means.
The antenna coil may also be used to simultaneously transmit data. The transponder design may allow for easy integration of almost all of the electrical circuitry of the transponder.

: ,: ,, . . . : . .

. ~ ' The transponder may further include rectifying means (D), which may be in the form of a diode, for rectifying received power. The preferred rectifier is a synchronous rectifier as disclosed in copending Australian Provision Application No. PI 5507, entitled "Integratable Synchronous Rectifier", filed l9th November~ 1987. The rectifier disclosed therein is readily integratable into the transponder's IC. The addition of more complicated rectifying structures, such as bridge rectifiers, may be unnecessary, since they may not substantially improve the DC
conversion efficiency. The purpose of D is to rectify the AC signal received by the tuned antenna coil. The rectifying structure is positioned unconventionally within the transponder circuit and may allow for easier integration using standard commercial integration techniques and may allow the antenna coil to be further used as an RF or other signal radiator.
Internal to the interrogator is a stable master time reference source, typically a crystal controlled oscillator.
This time reference source is used to operate the frequency of the powering field. As detailed above, the transponder's carrier oscillator is phase coherently locked to the master time reference in the interrogator through the interrogator's powering field. Phase coherent locking of the signal carrier to the master time reference provides substantial advantages over non-coherent carrier generation.
The carrier signal can be coherently detected at the interrogator using well understood coherent detection principles with the master time reference serving as the frequency reference for the coherent detection circuits.
Coherent detection provides optimum signal to noise detection, excellent interference suppression and sideband rejection. Figure 1 shows this time reference signal being fed to the "receiver and decoder" circuitry in the interrogator. The time reference signal is used by the "frequency and phase" controller to generate the frequency of the powering field.
,....

-A storage capacitor, a preferred form of storage means (CS), may be used to store the DC electrical power periodically supplied by the tuned circuit and diode D. CS
stores this pulsed electrical power and may deliver a substantially constant DC voltage to the transponder circuitry via the supply rail. A switch means (T1, which may be part of the modulator means, and may preferably comprise an MOS transistor incorporated into the transponder circuitry. A modulating signal may be drivingly coupled to the gate of T. The drain of T may be coupled to the pickup coil and may be adapted to draw a current through all (or part of, depending upon the configuration) of the pickup coil. The current may induce an RF magnet~c field in the coil which may radiate a signal or code modulated signal to receiving structure(s) adapted to receive this signal. The timing reference point (TR) may provide an appropriate point for obtaining the period of the powering field which may be used as a timing reference for any of the transponder circuitry, preferably the carrier oscillator(q). The carrier oscillator(s) may, however, be pre~et and therefore the timing reference may have other applications withln the transponder, for example, enabling means or data means, programming electrically erasable memory (such as EEPROM) where the peak reference potential (twice the supply voltage) could be required for memory programming.
~; The (tuned) coil circuit may be tuned to the power frequency, rather than the RF frequency. RF current may be drawn through the top turns of the tap from the supply ;~ capacitance (CS) during transponder transmission. Only one coil (with a tap) may be necessary. A tuning capacitance CT) may be coupled to the pickup coil structure to which the DC storage capacitance ~CS) may also be coupled. The rectifier is conveniently shown as a diode D, the preferred integratable form is a synchronous rectifier. -In particular, Figure 4 shows an illustration of the relationship between the inductive pickup (coil), tuning capacitor (CT), storage capacitor (CS), rectifier (D), timing reference (TRj, transistor (T), supply rail (+) and -:. . ..

some transponder circuitry. The transponder preferably incorporates an integrated circuit ~IC) which includes any necessary electronic functions. The IC may monitor the voltage induced tin the pickup coil at the time reference point TR. The carrier oscillator may be a phase locked high frequency oscillator, the output of which may be used as a data carrier for transmitting information. Simple multiplication of the power frequency by the oscillator may not be advantageous because harmonics generated by the power field will interfere with the oscillator's signal carrier.
The oscillator may be designed to generate substantially phase coherent frequencies between harmonics of the powering field's frequency. For example, Oscillator output = (p + ~) x frequency of powering field m where : p is a harmonic of the powering field's frequency n and m are integers with n<m.
Figures 7A to 7H show preferred schematic embodiments of portions of the transponder as shown before in functional block form. The 'MAG MOD' signal shown in Figure 7B (and Figure 6) is the magnetic modulation signal.
This modulation may be superimposed on the powering field.
The preferred form of magnetic modulation is frequency shift keying (FSK). FSK'ing the magnetic field does not alter the power received by the antenna coil. When the antenna coil is tuned there is a slight frequency dependent reduction in power conversion. This is very small for low deviation FSK
and low Q tuning of the antenna coil. FSK signalling with the power field is particularly useful providing simu].taneous power transmission to, and data reception by, the transponder antenna completely independent of each -function.
The signal may provide a basis for control of the transponder and/or, more specifically, enable control of preset data or other signals and/or to initiate programming or other functions of circuits in the transponder.
Embodiments of carrier oscillator are shown in Figures 7A
f and 7B. The point TR provides the input for the carrier .
. -:

21 l 326889 oscillator. Embodiments as shown in Figures 7G and 7H may also be used in the transponder, and may provide an ability to randomly select a carrier frequency from a set of available carrier frequencies. This random selection may aid in transponder/base station communication when the transponder is used in a multiple transponder system. The output of the carrier oscillator may be divided down to provide a logic clock signal (also shown in Figures 5A, SB
and 6A, 6B). A divided output may provide a logic signal even when the timing reference is momentarily unavailable.
The carrier oscillator may be designed to remain substantially stable during short interruptions to the timing reference signal. The timing reference may be divided down and used directly as a clock signal.
As shown in Figures 4, 4A, SA, SB, 6A, 6B and 7E, the logic clock may be used to derive a preset, preprogrammed, alterable or selectable code from a set of logic gates or memory. This code may be used to modulate the carrier signal. Phase modulation i9 a preferred implemented modulation technique. A simple EXCLUSIVE OR
gate ~Figure 7F) may be used to phase modulate the carrier, however, amplltude, pulse position, pulse width or any other modulation may be possible. The modulated carrier signal may be used to drive the gate of T, which may operate ln its saturated region, i.e. like a current source, and may draw a fixed magnitude current at the carrier frequency. This current may generate a magnetic field oscillating at the carrier~frequency which will radiate from the transponder.
Alternatively, a current mirror drive can drive the output transistor and the mirror current can be modulated to deliver envelope shaped bandwidth limited RF data to the antenna. Envelope shaping of RF modulated data provides good sideband suppression and normally necessitates the use of complex filters to generate it. However, the current mirror readily lends itself to waveshape synthesis. Figure 16A shows a basic schematic of an integratable circuit for waveshape synthesis, 16B shows a more detailed circuit capable of synthesizing a band limited data signal. The use G

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22 1 3~6~

of current summing either through current mirrors and/or through parallel output transistors allows:
(1) many frequencies and data patterns to be transmitted simultaneously; and (2) envelope waveshaping of signals to provide bandlimiting of the transmitted signal.
With reference to Figures 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B, note that the divider may be connected to a time base input or to the carrier oscillator.
A transponder, when powered, may begin to transmit its code or other information. Transmission may be selectably switched. Transmission may also be continuous while the transponder is receiving a power field. The transmission may be based on a preferably randomly selected frequency or frequencies, from a possible set of frequencies or transmission breaks.
The carrier frequency(s), the output of the oscillator means, may be generated by one or more voltage controlled oscillators (VCO's) each in a phase locked loop configuration controlled by the inductive powering frequency. As aforementioned, the output carrier frequency may be substantially equal to (p + n/m) x frequency of inductive power field. Provided n is less than m, the carrier frequency may never be equal to a harmonic of the powering frequency. Consequently, the powering field's harmonics may never interfere with the carrier transmissions. By appropriately selecting n, the carrier frequency may be set. Various carrier frequencies may be generated by either using one oscillator and adjusting n as required or having many selectable oscillator(s) each with a different preset n generating one of the required carrier frequencies.
Control of the selection of a carrier frequency(s) and/or transmission break(s) may be accomplished with varying degrees of complexity by implementation of the selection circuitry. In one embodiment, a pulse of modulation (MAG MOD), on the powering field, may cause a transponder to randomly select a carrier frequency or . : ~ .

: . - : .

' "

transmission break. By appropriate coding of the modulation of the powering field, coupled with suitable detection and decoding circuitry on the transponder, more elaborate selection schemes or communication methods may be implemented. For example, a transponder may be forced off air or the carrier frequency of a particular transponder may be changed. Frequency, phase, amplitude or pulse modulation or any combination of these may be used to modulate the magnetic powering field. Arbitrary probability weightings may also be assigned to each carrier frequency and/or idle state. A transponder may randomly select either a transmission break or carrier frequency. Selection may be made following the transmission of a complete code or data word. In this manner, the carrier frequency of the transponder may be altered after each completed code or data word transmission. Also, the transmission of more than one code or data word before reselecting the carrier frequency may be possible.
The modulator shown in the various Figures may comprise an EXCLUSIVE-OR gate. If so, the RF output consists of Binary Phase Shift Keyed data (BPSK). Other more complicated modulator embodiments may require Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK). AM or FM modulators may also be used.
A one, two or three dimensional antenna base structure may be used to radiate the powering field for the transponder.
For an arbitrarily modulated oscillating impinging powering field, the modulation rate may be limited by the bandwidth of the transponder. This may be sufficiently large to allow a data rate of any required number of kilobits per second. Preferably, the magnetic field may be phase or frequency modulated as these may not affect the power transmission from the base station to the transponder.
Amplitude, pulse width or pulse position modulation may also be used.
In a transponder, a phase locked loop may extract the phase or frequency modulation, while a simple envelope ~ .
I

. ., , ` 24 1 326889 detector or other means may be used to detect amplitude or pulse modulation (Figures 8A to 8B).
The oscillating magnetic field may be generated by an oscillator with a tuned coil. Tuning may be essential for supplying large coil currents at low input voltages. A
high Q coil may be used for more efficient operation. The intrinsic properties of a high Q tuned coil require special attention if high speed mGdulation of the magnetic field is required.
For generation of phase or frequency modulation, the instantaneous operating frequency of the tuned coil may be changed by either a step change in the coil inductance or tuning capacitance. Any step inductance change may preferably occur when the coil current is zero while any step capacitance change may preferably occur when the capacitor voltage is zero. Examples of switching schemes, to alleviate any circuit transient responses are shown in Figures 9A and 9B. In the case of phase modulation, the phase angle may slip at a linear rate when a step frequency change is made. When the required phase angle slippage is reached, the operating frequency is returned to its nominal value and the phase slippage ceases.
With reference to Figures lOA to lOC, when amplitude or pulse modulation is us0d, the coil Q may mitigate against rapid changes in the coil current. When appropriate, the coil Q may be artificially lowered by inserting extra loss into the coil. This may be done by either directly, inductively or capacitively introducing extra resistance into the tuned circuit. For amplitude modulation, reductions in the coil current magnitude may be sped up by switching in an extra resistor. For pulse modulation, the resistor may be connected after the signal source has been disconnected. The resistor may rapidly quench the coil current. After the appropriate time interval has elapsed, the signal source may be re-activated and the coil current may be re-established. For amplitude of pulse modulation, the resistance may be replaced by the power supply so that :

l 326889 instead of dumping the magnetic energy as heat, it may be returned for reuse by the power supply.
The simultaneous action of power transfer and data or command transmission by the same magnetic field may allow the remote control of electromechanical devices and electronic circuits, for example, the remote programming of EEPROM or conventional CMOS memory in a known manner.
Figures 17 and 18 refer to an embodiment of the present invention in which all of the transponder circuitry including the antenna are incorporated onto a single chip.
Such an embodiment is ideally suited to smart card applications, eg. credit, debit and token cards where the chip to interrogator coupling can be arranged to be strong enough to power the chip from such a small antenna. Strong coupling ensures that there is sufficient voltage without tuning. Tuning magnifies the voltage included in the antenna coil by the "Q" of the tuned circuit, typically 5 for this type of antenna. The storage capacitor is realized using the stray capacity of the chip, i.e. leads, pads, metalization and by making capacitors on any spare chip area.
A device according to a preferred embodiment of the lnvention i8 adapted for simultaneous power reception, data reception and signal transmission from a single inductive means. Such a device is preferably adapted for integration.
The present invention is particularly adapted for use in a transponder, however, the general applicability of the present invention should not be limited to a transponder.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

f -

Claims (60)

1. A device comprising inductive means adapted to receive power and/or first information signals from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, the power and/or information signals being received in a first portion of the inductive means, said inductive means being further adapted to transmit second information signals at a second frequency, simultaneously and independently of the first signals, from a second portion of the inductive means, wherein the second portion overlaps at least a part of the first portion.
2. A device comprising:
inductive coil means having a first portion and a second portion;
said first portion adapted to receive first signals from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, wherein said first signals are power signals or information signals;
means for generating second information signals at a second frequency, and said means for generating second information signals and being coupled to said second portion of the inductive coil means;
said second portion being adapted to transmit said second information signals at said second frequency simultaneously and independently of said first signals, wherein said second portion overlaps at least a part of said first portion.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for generating said second information signals is a current source.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising:

rectifier means for rectifying said first signals, said rectifier means coupled at one end to said inductive means, wherein another end of said rectifier means and said current source are connected to the same DC potential.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the another end of said rectifier means is coupled to a DC reference potential.
6. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said inductive means has at least three connection points, the first coupling to said current source, the second coupling to said rectifier means, and the third coupling to another DC potential.
7. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said inductive means has at least three connection points, the first coupling to said current source, the second coupling to said rectifier means, and the third coupling to a DC voltage potential.
8. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for generating second information signals includes means for injecting a code modulated current.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said means for generating second information signals further includes a current source.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
rectifier means for rectifying, said rectifier means coupled at one end to said inductive means, wherein another end of said rectifier means and said current source are connected to the same DC potential.
11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the another end of said rectifier means is coupled to a DC
reference potential.
12. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said inductive means has at least three connection points, the first coupling to said current source, the second coupling to said rectifier means, and the third coupling to another DC potential.
13. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said inductive means has at least three connection points, the first coupling to said current source, the second coupling to said rectifier means, and the third coupling to a DC voltage potential.
14. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first signal is a power signal to be rectified for providing operating power to said device through a power storage means coupled to said inductive means.
15. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first portion receives both power signals and information signals.
16. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first signal is a modulated powering signal.
17. A device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the modulation is in the form of frequency shift keying.
18. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for generating second information signals at a second frequency generates radio frequencies.
19. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said means for generating second information signals at a second frequency generates radio frequencies.
20. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second portion includes a plurality of transmitting sections, and wherein a corresponding plurality of means for injecting a code modulated current is coupled to the transmitting sections for injecting a plurality of code modulated currents at different frequencies simultaneously into and for transmission by said second portion.
21. A device as claimed in claim 20, wherein said means for injecting a plurality of code modulated currents includes a plurality of current sources.
22. A device as claimed in claim 20, wherein said means for injecting a plurality of code modulated currents includes means for transmitting the same information at said different frequencies and means for transmitting different information at said different frequencies.
23. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said current source includes means for current summing selected from a set of current mirrors or parallel output transistors.
24. A device as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said rectifier means is a zener diode.
25. A device as claimed in claim 2, including electronic circuit means for storing information signals coupled to said means for generating second information signals.
26. A device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:
oscillator means coupled to said means for generating second information signals; and modulator means coupled to said oscillator means.
27. A device as claimed in claim 26, wherein said oscillator means is arranged to generate substantially phase coherent frequencies between harmonics of the first frequency.
28. A device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising frequency selector means coupled to said oscillator means.
29. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said inductive means is tuned coil means.
30. A device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:
charge storage means coupled to said inductive coil means for storing power received from said first signal;
and regulator means coupled to said charge storage means for regulating the power received by said charge storage means.
31. A device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising shunt regulator means coupled across said inductive means.
32. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said device is substantially wholly integratable apart from the inductive means.
33. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said device is substantially wholly integratable.
34. A device as claimed in claim 2, incorporated into a transponder.
35. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said device is incorporated into an identification label.
36. A transponder for communicating with a base station, said base station adapted for at least one of powering and interrogation of the transponder, said transponder comprising:

inductive means having a first portion for receiving an inductive powering field of a first frequency, said field inducting a first signal in said first portion, rectifier means for rectifying said first signal, said rectifier means being coupled between one side of said inductive means and a reference potential point, storage means for storing the rectified first signal in the form of a voltage, said storage means being coupled between another side of said inductive means and said reference point, said another side of said inductive means being a voltage potential point when said inductive means receives said inductive powering field, said storage means adapted to provide voltage to said voltage point, and driver means being selectively coupled to said inductive means enabled to provide a conductive path through at least a second portion of said inductive means such that, when said conductive path is provided, a current produces, in at least said second portion, a second signal irradiating at a second frequency, said inductive means being adapted to simultaneously receive said inductive powering field in said first portion and the second portion of the inductive means overlapping at least a part of the first portion.
37. A transponder as claimed in claim 36, wherein said driver means is a current source.
38. A transponder as claimed in claim 36, wherein said second signal is frequency independent of said first signal.
39. A transponder as claimed in claim 37, wherein said second signal is frequency independent of said first signal.
40. A transponder as claimed in claim 39, wherein said second signal is coherently generated from said first signal.
41. A transponder as claimed in claim 36, wherein the second signal is an RF signal.
42. A transponder as claimed in claim 36, wherein said inductive means additionally simultaneously and independently receives a third signal, said third signal being received in said first portion of said inductive means.
43. A transponder as claimed in claim 42, wherein the third signal is an FSK signal.
44. A transponder as claimed in claim 37, wherein said current source includes means for current summing selected from a set of current mirrors or parallel output transistors.
45. A transponder as claimed in claim 36, wherein said driver means includes means for injecting a code modulated current.
46. A transponder as claimed in claim 36, wherein the inductive means is a coil or tuned circuit.
47. In combination, inductive field receiving means, driver means coupled to said inductive field receiving means, rectifier means coupled to said inductive field receiving means and charge storage means coupled to said inductive field receiving means, said combination providing a passive transponder, and said receiving means having a first portion for receiving an inductive powering field of a first frequency and being adapted to provide power for transmitting an information signal when under the influence of the inductive powering field, wherein said receiving means also includes a second transmitting portion arranged to transmit said information signal at a second frequency, simultaneously and independently of the first signal, the first and second portions at least partially overlapping each other.
48. A combination as claimed in claim 47, wherein said driver means comprises a current source.
49. A combination as claimed in claim 47, wherein said current source includes means for current summing selected from a set of current mirrors or parallel output transistors.
50. A combination as claimed in claim 47, provided in a single integrated chip form.
51. A device comprising:
a single inductive coil having a first portion and a second portion;
said first portion adapted to receive first signals from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, wherein said first signals are power signals or information signals;
means for generating second information signals at a second frequency and being coupled to said second portion;
said second portion adapted to transmit said second information signals at said second frequency simultaneously and independently of said first signals, wherein said second portion at least partially overlaps said first portion.
52. A device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising:
rectifier means for rectifying, said rectifier means coupled to one end of said coil and to a reference voltage;

wherein said means for generating said second information signals is a current source coupled to said second portion.
53. A device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 29, wherein said inductive means comprises a single inductive coil.
54. A device as claimed in claim 2 or 8, wherein said first frequency is an RF frequency.
55. A device as claimed in claim 2 or 8, wherein said second frequency is an RF frequency.
56. A device comprising:
a single inductive coil adapted to receive power and/or an information signal from an external magnetic field generated at a first frequency, said coil being further adapted to transmit simultaneously, at a second frequency, a transmission signal for transmitting information, wherein the reception and transmission at said first and second frequencies are substantially free of mutual interaction, said device further comprising:
rectifier means coupled to one end of said coil, and a current source coupled to said coil for generating the transmission signal at the second frequency.
57. A passive transponder, identification device, smart card or the like including the device as claimed in claim 2, 51 or 56.
58. A device as claimed in claim 7, 10 or 11, wherein said rectifier means is a zener diode.
59. A device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein said rectifier means is a zener diode.
60. A passive transponder, identification device, smart card or the like including the device as claimed in claim 1.
CA000583579A 1987-11-18 1988-11-18 Transponder Expired - Fee Related CA1326889C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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DE3854129D1 (en) 1995-08-10
AU2781089A (en) 1989-06-14

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