JP2000020650A - Semiconductor circuit and mobile object identification device provided with the circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a semiconductor circuit, capable of refreshing a lithium battery built in the circuit and simply returning the voltage of the battery to its original level by receiving a discharge start command from the outside of the circuit and controlling the discharge of an activated current from the battery, in response to the command. SOLUTION: A responder 1 is a semiconductor circuit and includes a lithium battery 60 in its inside. The responder 1 is provided with a communication circuit 10 for receiving a discharge start command from the outside of the responer 1 and a CPU 30 for controlling the discharge of an activated current from the battery 60 in response to the command. The circuit 10 receives the discharge start command from an interrogator and returns a discharge start response, in response to the command. Since the circuit 10 receives a discharge start command from the interrogator, the discharge of the battery 60 can be controlled from the interrogator. Consequently the battery 60 can be refreshed with an extremely simple operation, without having to take out the battery 60.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a semiconductor circuit having a built-in lithium battery and a moving object identification device provided with the circuit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A mobile object identification device is a device for reading and writing data from and to a memory of a transponder from an interrogator using a wireless medium in a non-contact manner. As a product of the mobile object identification device, a satellite ID plate system has already been commercialized. Specifically, for example, when the interrogator reads data in an arbitrary area stored in the memory of the transponder, the interrogator transmits a read command, and the transponder receiving this command transmits the read command to the internal memory according to the content of the command. A communication is performed in which data is extracted from the data, and the data is returned in the response.

In the transponder of the moving object identification device, in order to prolong the life of the built-in lithium battery, the operation of the CPU is stopped and the mode is shifted to the sleep mode in the operation standby state. In sleep mode, a very small few μ
Only the memory backup is performed by flowing the current consumption A. On the other hand, when performing the communication process, the CPU in the sleep mode is in the active mode, so that the current is several hundred to several thousand times (for example, more than ten m
(Current A) to drive the CPU and peripheral circuits.

[0004] The lithium battery incorporated in the transponder has a characteristic that a conversion film is generated inside the lithium battery with the passage of time depending on operating conditions such as current consumption and temperature, and the internal resistance of the battery increases. When the internal resistance increases, the voltage between the terminals of the battery decreases even though the remaining battery level is sufficient, so that the battery cannot function as a normal power supply.

When the CPU is constantly driven, no chemical conversion film is formed, but the battery life of the transponder becomes extremely short. Naturally, a battery whose life has expired cannot function as a product unless the battery is replaced, and cannot be sold as a product.

Therefore, in a system where the interrogator and the transponder communicate with each other on a daily basis (for example, every day), the conversion film is not generated in the transponder, but the life of the battery is shortened.

[0007] Further, when the transponder is not used for a long period of time, or in a system where the interrogator and the transponder rarely communicate with each other, a battery voltage drop occurs in the transponder due to the chemical conversion film. As a result, even if an attempt is made to use such a transponder, a warning is issued at the start of use that the battery voltage is low.

There are two types of transponders, one in which the battery can be replaced and the other in which the battery and the circuit are all molded with resin. Since the molded battery and the circuit are integrally formed in a resin cabinet, the battery cannot be taken out. Therefore, once the voltage of the built-in battery drops, it is almost impossible to return the battery voltage to normal.

The only method is to send commands continuously for several hours from the interrogator. If the CPU of the transponder is constantly running, the chemical conversion film disappears. However, in order for this to work,
Since several hours are required for one transponder, an enormous amount of work time is required when the number of transponders is large.

There is also a method in which the cabinet is destroyed to replace the built-in battery, and then molded again with resin. However, from the viewpoint of cost, it is very costly and can be said to be an unrealistic method.

[0011]

Further, the transponder of the conventional mobile object identification device has the following problem.

FIG. 4 shows a voltage change of a lithium battery incorporated in a transponder of a conventional mobile object identification device.

In the transponder containing the lithium battery in which the chemical conversion film is generated, the voltage is falling, and the voltage (V ₀ −) which is lower than the normal voltage value V _{0 by} the voltage drop ΔV of the internal resistance.
ΔV).

[0014] Immediately after the CPU becomes active mode (2) from a sleep mode (1), a moment to peak to a voltage substantially reduced, as shown in FIG. 4, the voltage is at the moment the minimum voltage V _1. Thereafter, the voltage gradually recovers, and finally reaches a voltage (V ₀ −ΔV) lower than the normal voltage value V _{0 by} a voltage drop ΔV of the internal resistance.

CPU in active mode (2)
It will operate at a low voltage including instantaneous minimum voltage V _1. Therefore, when the voltage of the lithium battery is checked for each communication in response to a command from the transponder, it is determined that the battery is running low even though the battery level is sufficient, and a battery voltage drop warning is issued.

In addition to the decrease in battery potential due to the chemical conversion film,
Due to the further voltage drop immediately after the CPU enters the active mode, the transponder malfunctions even if the remaining battery power is sufficient.

Therefore, at present, when the battery cannot be replaced, only one of the method of ignoring the battery voltage drop warning and continuing to use the battery, or the method of replacing the transponder itself, should be used. There is no way. Naturally, if the battery voltage drop warning is ignored and continued to be used, there is no problem with the remaining capacity of the battery based on the date of manufacture and the accumulated operation time. Only when it can be determined that the

According to the present invention, the transponder of the conventional mobile unit identification system is improved to eliminate the above-mentioned problems, and the activation current is discharged by inputting a command from an interrogator.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor circuit capable of refreshing a built-in lithium battery and easily restoring the battery voltage.

[0019]

According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor circuit comprising:
A communication circuit that receives a discharge start command from outside the semiconductor circuit, and a control circuit that controls discharge of an activation current of the lithium battery in response to the discharge start command. And thereby the above object is achieved.

The communication circuit may return a discharge start response in response to the discharge start command.

[0021] The control circuit may control discharge of the activation current by controlling a load between terminals of the lithium battery.

The control circuit may control the discharge of the activation current based on a voltage between terminals of the lithium battery and time management by a timer.

[0023] The control circuit may control a communication process corresponding to a command other than the discharge start command during the discharge of the activation current.

[0024] The mobile object identification device of the present invention is a mobile object identification device comprising an interrogator and a transponder which returns a response in response to a command from the interrogator, wherein the transponder comprises lithium. A battery, a communication circuit for receiving a discharge start command from the interrogator, and a control circuit for controlling discharge of the activation current of the lithium battery in response to the discharge start command. Is achieved.

The operation will be described below.

According to the semiconductor circuit configured as described above, when the voltage of the lithium battery built in the transponder of the moving object identification device drops due to the formation of the chemical conversion film, a command is transmitted from the interrogator. As a result, the battery voltage can be easily returned to normal without taking out the battery.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a moving object identification apparatus according to the present invention.

The mobile object identification device includes an interrogator 2 and an interrogator 2
And a transponder 1 for returning a response in response to a command from the PC.

[0030] Non-contact communication is performed between the interrogator 2 and the responder 1.

The transponder 1 includes a lithium battery (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2) 60, a communication circuit 10 for receiving a discharge start command from the interrogator 2, and a responder to the discharge start command. And a control circuit 30 for controlling the discharge of the activation current of the lithium battery 60. The transponder 1 further includes a memory 20.

The communication circuit 10 receives the command transmitted from the interrogator 2. The control circuit 30 reads out the data stored in the memory 20 based on the command sent from the communication circuit 10, and transmits the data from the communication circuit 10. The transmitted signal is received by the communication circuit 301 of the interrogator 2.

The host device 33 such as a personal computer and the interrogator 2 can be connected via the ID controller 32.
That is, the host device 33 such as a personal computer can control the interrogator 2 via the ID controller 32.

The control circuit 302 of the interrogator 2 controls the communication circuit 301. For example, the control circuit 302
The communication circuit 301 may be controlled based on a signal transmitted through the communication circuit 301. The signal received by the communication circuit 301 is input to the control circuit 302.

When the interrogator 2 reads data in an arbitrary area stored in the memory 20 of the responder 1, the interrogator 2 transmits a read command. When the transponder 1 receives the read command, the command is sent to the control circuit 30 via the communication circuit 10, and the control circuit 30 reads data from the internal memory 20 according to the content of the read command. The control circuit 30 sends the read data to the communication circuit 10, and the communication circuit 10 sends the data to the interrogator 2.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the transponder 1 of the present invention in more detail.

The transponder 1 is a semiconductor circuit. The present invention can be applied to semiconductor circuits other than transponders.

The transponder 1 has a built-in lithium battery 60. The transponder 1 includes a communication circuit 10 that receives a discharge start command from outside the transponder 1 and a CP that controls the discharge of the activation current of the lithium battery 60 in response to the discharge start command.
U30.

The communication circuit 10 receives a discharge start command from the interrogator (not shown in FIG. 2; see FIG. 1) 2. Further, the communication circuit 10 returns a discharge start response in response to the discharge start command. The communication circuit 10 can control the discharge of the lithium battery 60 from the interrogator 2 by receiving the discharge start command from the interrogator 2.

The transponder 1 further includes a discharge load 40. The CPU 30 controls the discharge of the activation current by controlling the load (discharge load) 40 between the terminals of the lithium battery 60.

The CPU 30 controls the discharge of the activation current based on the voltage between the terminals of the lithium battery 60 and the time management by the timer.

The transponder 1 further includes a memory 20. The CPU 30 processes data in the memory 20.

The CPU 30 can control a communication process corresponding to a command other than the discharge start command during the discharge of the activation current. For example, the CPU 30
To control the data in the memory 20 during the discharge of the activation current.

The transponder 1 further includes a battery voltage detector 50 for measuring the voltage of the lithium battery 60. Communication circuit 10
Transmits the output from the battery voltage detection unit 50 as data. When the data is output from the battery voltage detection unit 50, the data is sent to the CPU 30. CPU 30 is a battery voltage detection unit
The discharge load 40 is controlled based on the data sent from the control unit 50, and in parallel with this, the data from the battery voltage detection unit 50 is processed and transmitted to the modulation unit 103 of the communication circuit 10.

The communication circuit 10 includes a demodulation unit 101 and a reception amplifier unit 1
02 and a modulation section 103. The demodulation unit 101 demodulates the received command, and outputs the demodulated command to the reception amplifier unit 10.
Send to 2. The receiving amplifier unit 102 amplifies and outputs the command. The modulation unit 103 modulates the data processed by the data processing circuit 30 and outputs the modulated signal to the interrogator 2 of the mobile unit identification device.
Can be sent to

The communication circuit 10 can return a discharge start response by the operation of the modulation unit 103 in response to the discharge start command by the operation of the demodulation unit 101.

The operation of the interrogator 2 and transponder 1 of the moving object identification device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

When a command is transmitted from the communication circuit 301 of the interrogator 2, the communication circuit 10 of the responder 1 receives the command. The demodulation unit 101 of the transponder 1 demodulates the received command and sends it to the reception amplifier unit 102. The command amplified by the receiving amplifier unit 102 is sent to the CPU 30. CPU30
Controls the discharge load 40 based on the command. The discharge of the lithium battery 60 is performed while controlling the discharge load 40.

By transmitting the discharge start command from the interrogator 2, the discharge of the lithium battery 60 in the transponder 1 of the mobile identification device can be controlled from the interrogator 2 of the mobile identification device.

FIG. 3 shows a step of discharging the lithium battery 60 in the transponder 1 shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG.
Will be described.

Interrogator (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3)
(See FIG. 1) 2 transmits a command to the transponder 1, and the CPU 30 of the transponder 1 enters the CPU activation interrupt state 201. The transponder 1 that has gone through the CPU activation interruption state 201 enters a command reception waiting state 202. Next, a state 203 is determined in which it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed in the command reception standby state 202 (reception standby time has elapsed). If no command is received for a certain period of time,
The mode shifts to the CPU sleep transition state 207, where the CPU 30 enters the sleep mode.

When a command is transmitted from the interrogator 2 in the command reception waiting state 202, the command is transmitted to the demodulation unit 10
The signal is demodulated by 1 and amplified by the receiving amplifier unit 102.

When the demodulated command is transmitted from the receiving amplifier unit 102 to the CPU 30, the state is changed to a state 204 for determining whether or not the command has been normally received. If the command is normally received, the process proceeds to a state 205 for determining whether the command is a discharge start command. If the command is not received normally, the process returns to the command reception waiting state 202.

If it is determined in the state 205 that the command is not the discharge start command in the state 205, it is determined that the command is not the discharge start command. Then, the state becomes the state 206 in which the conventional processing according to the command is performed. Execute the processing that was performed. After processing is completed, CPU sleep transition state
In 207, the CPU 30 enters the sleep mode.

If it is determined in step 205 that the command is a discharge start command, it is determined that the command is a discharge start command.
A discharge start response is transmitted as a signal from the transponder 1 to the interrogator 2 via the communication circuit 10. Thereafter, the state becomes the activation current discharge start state 209, and the discharge of the lithium battery 60 is started.

The transponder 1 returns a response in response to the command from the interrogator 2. Specifically, Interrogator 2
Sends a discharge start command to the transponder 1,
The transponder 1 that has received the discharge start command is a lithium battery
A discharge start response is transmitted to the interrogator 2 prior to the 60 discharge.

The CPU 30 controls the discharge of the activation current by controlling the load 40 between the terminals of the lithium battery 60. Under the control of the CPU 30, the load 40 between the terminals of the lithium battery 60 is increased, and a specified current is applied to the extent that the chemical conversion film can be extinguished. The load 40 at this time is obtained by setting the CPU 30 in the active mode.
A method of using the load itself or a method of connecting a discharge load 40 having a resistor (not shown) between terminals of the lithium battery 60 to be a load may be used.

After the activation current discharge start state 209, a command reception standby state 210 is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a state 211 in which timer adjustment control based on battery voltage measurement is performed. Based on the result of measuring the voltage of lithium battery 60 by battery voltage detecting section 50, CPU 30 adjusts and controls a timer.

As described above, the CPU 30 is provided with the lithium battery 60.
Based on the voltage between terminals and time management by a timer,
Controls the activation current discharge. Specifically, until the discharge amount required for the disappearance of the chemical conversion film is supplied to the lithium battery 60, the CP
The timer is operated by U30, thereby discharging the lithium battery 60 while controlling the time. Discharge time is not simply set as a fixed time after receiving a command, but while discharging while using a timer,
Also check the voltage of the lithium battery 60. When the voltage of the lithium battery 60 rises beyond the threshold value at which the warning of the battery voltage drop is issued, the CPU 30 further sets a time limit by a timer to perform the minimum discharge. In other words, by performing the discharge to the extent that the consumption of the lithium battery 60 is minimized without performing unnecessary discharge, it is possible to prevent the insufficient discharge and the warning of the battery voltage drop from being issued again in a short time. To do.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to a state 212 in which it is determined whether or not the discharge is completed based on the battery voltage measurement result and the elapsed time.
When the discharge of the built-in lithium battery 60 of the transponder 1 is completed, the process proceeds to the CPU sleep transition state 207, the CPU 30 enters the sleep mode, and returns to the normal standby state.

If the discharge has not been completed, the CPU 30
While the discharge of the lithium battery 60 is being performed, the command reception standby is continued. When a command is received, as described above,
A command is transmitted from the receiving amplifier unit 102 to the CPU 30. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a state 213 in which it is determined whether or not the command has been normally received. If the command was not received normally, the command reception standby state 21
Returning to 0, the CPU 30 waits for a command input again.

State 21 for determining whether or not the command is a discharge start command
In 4, when it is determined that the input command is the discharge start command, the state is changed to a state 216 of transmitting a response indicating that the discharge is being performed, and the CPU 30 transmits the response indicating that the discharge is being performed via the communication circuit 10. To the interrogator 2.
After the response has been sent, the command wait state 21
Return to 0.

State 21 for determining whether or not the command is a discharge start command
If it is determined in step 4 that the input command is not the discharge start command, the state changes to the conventional processing state 215, and the CPU 30 executes the normal processing based on the input command. After execution of the process, the process returns to the command reception waiting state 210 again.

The CPU 30 can control communication processing corresponding to commands other than the discharge start command during the discharge of the activation current. That is, the command reception waiting state 210
The state from the command reception standby state 202 to the conventional processing 206 differs from the state from the command reception standby state 202 to the conventional processing 206, in which the CPU 30 can perform other processing while discharging the lithium battery 60.

That is, by controlling the discharge of the lithium battery 60 and performing the conventional processing based on the command input through the communication circuit 10, the CPU 30 can perform the processing in parallel. Even if a long time (for example, several hours) is required for discharging the lithium battery 60, the processing time is not limited, and the CPU 30 can execute a communication process corresponding to a command other than the discharge start command. .

Therefore, according to the transponder of the mobile object identification device of the present invention, when the mobile object identification device is used in a production line or the like, the discharge of the lithium battery and the normal processing can be executed simultaneously. it can.

For example, when a transponder of a moving object identification device is used in a factory automation system, a self-diagnosis test of the transponder is generally performed on a line, and a memory check and a battery voltage check of the transponder are generally performed. Many. At this time, if a battery voltage drop warning occurs, the battery date is actually lowered by reading the date of manufacture and the integrated operation time data of the transponder, or the voltage apparently drops due to the chemical conversion film. Can be easily determined.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the battery voltage is lowered by the chemical conversion film, if the discharge of the lithium battery is immediately executed by the discharge start command, the lithium battery is simultaneously operated while performing the original operation in the line. Discharge can be performed. As a result, the refresh of the lithium battery is completed several hours later without any problem. In other words, the conventional processing via communication can be performed without any trouble even during the discharging of the lithium battery, so that the line can be continuously used even during the discharging.

Further, according to the transponder of the moving object identification device of the present invention, the lithium battery can be refreshed by a simple method without taking out the lithium battery.

For example, when the transponder is stored without being used for a long time, the battery voltage is checked before delivery. When the battery voltage drop due to the chemical conversion film occurs, the battery can be delivered as it is without any problem by transmitting a discharge start command and refreshing the battery. Because you can refresh the lithium battery with very simple operation without taking out the lithium battery,
When checking a transponder before delivery, anyone can check the transponder by a simple procedure. Therefore, even the sales department and the service department can check the transponder before delivery without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

[0072]

According to the semiconductor circuit of the present invention, a discharge start command is received from outside the semiconductor circuit, and the discharge of the activation current of the lithium battery can be controlled in response to the discharge start command. Thereby, the lithium battery can be refreshed by a very simple operation without taking out the lithium battery.

Further, according to the semiconductor circuit of the present invention, even if the internal resistance of the lithium battery increases and the inter-terminal voltage decreases, the conversion film can be extinguished by discharging a certain amount of activation current. As a result, the voltage of the lithium battery can be returned to a normal value. That is, even if the device has a built-in lithium battery whose terminal voltage has been reduced because it has not been used for a long period of time, it can be made usable by discharging the lithium battery. That is, what could not be delivered as a product in the past can be delivered as a product having no problem in quality.

Further, according to the semiconductor circuit of the present invention, the control circuit can control a communication process corresponding to a command other than the discharge start command during the discharge of the activation current. Thus, communication processing is possible even during the discharge of the lithium battery, and the lithium battery can be discharged without affecting the operating system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a moving object identification device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the transponder 1 of the present invention in further detail.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a step of discharging a lithium battery 60 in the transponder 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a voltage change of a lithium battery incorporated in a transponder of a conventional mobile object identification device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Communication circuit 20 Memory 30 Control circuit 40 Discharge load 50 Battery voltage detector 60 Battery

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B035 AA00 BB09 BC00 CA12 CA23 5B058 CA15 CA22 KA40 5H030 AA01 AA10 AS08 AS11 BB21 FF51

Claims (6)

[Claims] A communication circuit for receiving a discharge start command from outside the semiconductor circuit, wherein the communication circuit receives a discharge start command from outside the semiconductor circuit;
A control circuit for controlling the discharge of the activation current of the lithium battery. 2. The communication circuit according to claim 1, wherein the communication circuit returns a discharge start response in response to the discharge start command.
3. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1. 3. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, wherein said control circuit controls discharge of said activation current by controlling a load between terminals of said lithium battery. 4. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit controls the discharge of the activation current based on voltage between terminals of the lithium battery and time management by a timer. 5. The semiconductor circuit according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit controls a communication process corresponding to a command other than the discharge start command during the discharge of the activation current. 6. A mobile object identification device comprising: an interrogator; and a transponder that returns a response in response to a command from the interrogator, wherein the transponder comprises: a lithium battery; A mobile object identification device, comprising: a communication circuit that receives a discharge start command of the above; and a control circuit that controls discharge of an activation current of the lithium battery in response to the discharge start command.