KR102311534B1 - Near field communication chip embedded in a wearable electronic device and wearable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wearable electronic device worn on a human body includes a display panel for displaying an image, a main board on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device is disposed, a loop antenna positioned between the display panel and the main board, and the loop antenna and a short-range wireless communication chip connected to and performing short-range wireless communication by transmitting and receiving near field communication (NFC) in a direction passing through the display panel using the loop antenna. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device may perform short-range wireless communication while the wearable electronic device is worn.

Description

Near Field Communication Chips and Wearable Electronic Devices Embedded in Wearable Electronic Devices

The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to a short-range wireless communication chip embedded in a wearable electronic device and a wearable electronic device.

A wearable electronic device is an electronic device used while being worn on a human body, for example, on a wrist, neck, or head. Accordingly, wearable electronic devices have high portability and provide various services, and their use is increasing. However, the conventional wearable electronic device cannot provide near field communication (NFC), or NFC communication is performed on the opposite side of the surface on which the display of the wearable electronic device is located, so that the wearable electronic device must be removed for NFC communication. possible discomfort.

In order to solve the above problems, one object of the present invention is to provide a near field communication (NFC) chip capable of performing short-range wireless communication while a wearable electronic device is worn.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable electronic device capable of performing short-range wireless communication in a worn state.

However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and may be variously expanded without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In order to achieve the above object, a short-distance wireless communication embedded in a wearable electronic device including a display panel and a main board according to embodiments of the present invention and connected to a loop antenna positioned between the display panel and the main board The (Near Field Communication; NFC) chip includes an NFC controller for performing NFC communication by transmitting and receiving an NFC signal in a direction passing through the display panel using the loop antenna.

In an embodiment, the NFC chip may further include a secure storage device connected to the NFC controller and configured to store information transmitted to an external device through the NFC communication.

In order to achieve the above another object, a wearable electronic device worn on a human body according to embodiments of the present invention includes a display panel for displaying an image, a main board on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device is disposed, and the display A loop antenna positioned between the panel and the main board, and connected to the loop antenna, NFC communication by transmitting and receiving a Near Field Communication (NFC) signal in a direction passing through the display panel using the loop antenna It includes an NFC chip that does this.

In an embodiment, the loop antenna may include a loop coil formed of a metal material and having a number of turns of 2 or more.

In one embodiment, the loop coil may have a circular shape.

In one embodiment, the loop coil may have a rectangular shape.

In one embodiment, the loop coil may have a multi-layer structure.

In an embodiment, the loop antenna may further include a secondary loop coil spaced apart from the loop coil and inductively coupled to the loop coil.

In an embodiment, the loop coil and the secondary loop coil may be formed on the same layer.

In an embodiment, the secondary loop coil may be disposed to surround the loop coil.

In an embodiment, the loop coil may be disposed to surround the secondary loop coil.

In one embodiment, a gap between the loop coil and the secondary loop coil may be greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm.

In an embodiment, the loop coil and the secondary loop coil may be formed on different layers.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a magnetic sheet disposed between the loop antenna and the main board.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) connecting the display panel and the main board.

In an embodiment, the loop antenna may be disposed between the PCB and the main board.

In an embodiment, the loop antenna may be disposed between the display panel and the PCB.

In an embodiment, the PCB may be disposed on one area of the rear surface of the display panel, and the loop antenna may be disposed on another area of the rear surface of the display panel so as not to overlap the PCB.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a matching circuit connected between the loop antenna and the NFC chip and performing impedance matching between the loop antenna and the NFC chip.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a wireless charging circuit connected to the loop antenna and receiving power wirelessly through the loop antenna.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device may perform pairing, electronic payment, or data transmission with another wireless communication device through the NFC communication while being worn on the human body.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device may be a wrist wearable electronic device.

In order to achieve the above object, the wearable electronic device to be worn on the human body according to embodiments of the present invention is formed of a metal material, is disposed on an edge of the wearable electronic device, and has a slit and the slit therebetween A metal frame including first and second terminals disposed adjacent to each other, and connected to the first and second terminals of the metal frame, using the metal frame for near field communication (NFC) It includes an NFC chip that performs NFC communication by transmitting and receiving a signal.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a magnetic sheet disposed on an inner surface of the metal frame.

In order to achieve the above object, the wearable electronic device worn on the human body according to embodiments of the present invention includes a display panel for displaying an image, a main board on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device is disposed, and a metal material a metal frame formed of a , disposed on an edge of the wearable electronic device, the metal frame including a first slit, and first and second terminals disposed adjacent to each other with the first slit therebetween, the display panel and the main A loop antenna located between boards and connected to the first and second terminals of the metal frame, and connected to the metal frame and the loop antenna, using the metal frame and the loop antenna for short-range wireless communication (Near Field Communication (NFC) includes an NFC chip for performing NFC communication by transmitting and receiving signals.

In one embodiment, the loop antenna may include a cut portion and third and fourth terminals disposed adjacent to each other with the cut portion interposed therebetween, and the NFC chip may include the third and fourth terminals of the loop antenna. It can be connected to the metal frame and the loop antenna through the.

In one embodiment, the metal frame may further include a second slit, and third and fourth terminals disposed adjacent to each other with the second slit interposed therebetween, and the NFC chip is the second slit of the metal frame. It may be connected to the metal frame and the loop antenna through the third and fourth terminals.

A near field communication (NFC) chip and a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention, a loop antenna positioned between a display panel and a main board, and/or a metal disposed on an edge of the wearable electronic device By using the frame, NFC communication may be performed while the wearable electronic device is worn.

However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and may be variously expanded without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
11 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
14 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
15 is a view for explaining an example in which a loop antenna and a metal frame are connected in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
16 is a view for explaining a near field communication (NFC) chip according to embodiments of the present invention.
17 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a wearable electronic device performs NFC communication according to embodiments of the present invention.
18 is a diagram for explaining another example in which a wearable electronic device performs NFC communication according to embodiments of the present invention.
19 is a view for explaining a wearable electronic device that performs NFC communication and/or wireless charging using a loop antenna according to embodiments of the present invention.

With respect to the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the text, specific structural or functional descriptions are only exemplified for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in various forms. It should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in .

Since the present invention can have various changes and can have various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed form, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The above terms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but it is understood that other components may exist in between. it should be On the other hand, when it is said that a certain element is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that no other element is present in the middle. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "immediately between" or "neighboring to" and "directly adjacent to", etc., should be interpreted similarly.

The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that the described feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof exists, and is intended to indicate that one or more other features or numbers are present. It is to be understood that it does not preclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as meanings consistent with the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, they are not to be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are used for the same components in the drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the present invention is a diagram illustrating an example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

1 and 2 , the wearable electronic device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention may be used while being worn on a user's wrist, neck, head, or the like. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the wearable electronic device 100 is a wrist-worn electronic device 100 such as a smart watch or a wrist band electronic device. ) can be However, the wearable electronic device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be any wearable electronic device that is worn on the human body and includes a display panel. For example, in another embodiment, the wearable electronic device 100 may be a necklace-type electronic device, a glasses-type electronic device, or the like.

In an embodiment, an exterior of the wearable electronic device 100 may be formed by a display panel 120 , a frame 140 , and a band portion 160 as shown in FIG. 1 . The display panel 120 may display an image and may have any shape such as a circle or a rectangle. The frame 140 is formed to surround the display panel 120 on the edge of the wearable electronic device 100 , and in some embodiments, may expose a button, a camera lens, an infrared module, and the like. The frame 140 may be formed of various materials, and in one embodiment, the frame 140 may be a metal frame formed of a metal material. The band unit 160 may be formed to be easily worn by a user, and according to an embodiment, rubber, silicone, plastic, mylar, vinyl, or metal. ) may be formed of any one or more materials such as

2 , the wearable electronic device 100 may include a display panel 120 and a main board 150 under the display panel 120 .

The display panel 120 may display an image. According to an embodiment, the display panel 120 may be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, but is not limited thereto. Also, according to an embodiment, the display panel 120 may be a curved display panel having a curved shape or a flat panel display having a flat shape, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the display panel 120 may have various shapes such as a circle, a rectangle, and the like. In addition, in an embodiment, the display panel 120 may be of various types such as an add-on type, an on-cell type, an in-cell type, and the like. It may include a touch sensor.

A processor 151 for controlling the operation of the wearable electronic device 100 may be disposed on the main board 150 . For example, the processor 151 may be any processor such as an application processor (AP), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller (MCU), or the like.

In addition, a memory 153 for storing data required for operation of the wearable electronic device 100 may be further disposed on the main board 150 . For example, the memory 153 may store a boot image for booting the wearable electronic device 100 , and may store data transmitted/received to and from an external device. For example, the memory 153 may be a volatile memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), mobile DRAM, DDR SDRAM, LPDDR SDRAM, GDDR SDRAM, RDRAM, and/or electrically erasable memory (EEPROM). Programmable Read-Only Memory, Flash Memory, PRAM (Phase Change Random Access Memory), RRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory), NFGM (Nano Floating Gate Memory), PoRAM (Polymer Random Access Memory), MRAM (Magnetic) It may include a non-volatile memory such as random access memory (FRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), and the like.

In an embodiment, the processor 151 and the memory 153 may be packaged in a package on package (PoP) method. In another embodiment, the processor 151 and the memory 153 may be mounted using various types of packages, for example, ball grid arrays (BGAs), chip scale packages (CSPs), and plastic leaded chips (PLCCs). Carrier), PDIP(Plastic Dual In-Line Package), Die in Waffle Pack, Die in Wafer Form, COB(Chip On Board), CERDIP(Ceramic Dual In-Line Package), MQFP(Plastic Metric Quad Flat Pack), TQFP (Thin Quad Flat-Pack), SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package), TSOP (Thin Small Outline Package), TQFP (Thin Quad Flat-Pack), SIP (System In Package), MCP ( It may be mounted using packages such as Multi Chip Package), Wafer-level Fabricated Package (WFP), and Wafer-Level Processed Stack Package (WSP).

Also, according to an embodiment, a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) 155 , a sensor 157 , an audio codec, a Bluetooth controller, and the like may be further disposed on the main board 150 . For example, the sensor 157 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a heart rate sensor, and the like. In addition, depending on the embodiment, the processor 151 , the memory 153 , the PMIC 155 , the sensor 157 , etc. are disposed on one side of the main board 150 or disposed on both sides of the main board 150 . can be

The wearable electronic device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention includes a loop antenna 130 positioned between the display panel 120 and the main board 150 , and near field communication connected to the loop antenna 130 . Communication; NFC) may further include a chip (170).

The loop antenna 130 may include a loop coil formed of a metal material such as copper, silver, or aluminum. In one embodiment, the loop antenna 130 may have two or more turns to have an inductance corresponding to a desired resonant frequency (eg, about 13.56 MHz). Also, depending on the embodiment, the loop coil may have various shapes such as a circle, a square, and the like. Also, in an embodiment, when the display panel 120 is a curved display panel having a curved shape, the loop antenna 130 may also have a corresponding curved shape.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the loop antenna 200 may include a loop coil 240 formed on a predetermined substrate 220 (or film) and having a circular shape. In addition, a first terminal T1 may be formed at one end of the loop coil 240 , and a second terminal T2 may be formed at the other end of the loop coil 240 . The first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the loop coil 240 may be connected to the NFC chip 250 , and may serve as feeding points of the loop antenna 200 . Accordingly, a current path (or a feeding loop) may be formed from the first terminal T1 to the second terminal T2 through the loop coil 240 , and the NFC chip 250 is the current path NFC communication may be performed by generating an electromagnetic field (or RF field) using (or a feeding loop). Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, a matching circuit for impedance matching may be disposed between the first and second terminals T1 and T2 and the NFC chip 250 . In addition, according to an embodiment, the substrate 220 (or film) on which the loop coil 240 is formed is a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), or any may be a substrate or a film of Also, according to an embodiment, the loop coil 240 may be formed of any metal material having high conductivity, such as copper, silver, or aluminum.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the loop antenna 300 may include a loop coil 340 formed on a predetermined substrate 320 (or film) and having a rectangular shape. In addition, the first terminal T1 formed at one end of the loop coil 340 and the second terminal T2 formed at the other end of the loop coil 340 may be connected to the NFC chip 350 .

Meanwhile, although loop coils 240 and 340 having circular and rectangular loops are disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the shape of the loop antenna 130 according to embodiments of the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, although loop coils 240 and 340 having a number of turns of 3 are disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the loop antenna 130 according to embodiments of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The NFC chip 170 connected to the loop antenna 130 may perform NFC communication by transmitting and receiving NFC signals in a direction passing through the display panel 120 using the loop antenna 130 . For example, the NFC chip 170 generates an electromagnetic field (or RF field) using the loop antenna 130 positioned between the display panel 120 and the main board 150 to generate a display panel ( 120), that is, an NFC signal can be transmitted to an external wireless communication device located in a direction in which an image is displayed on the display panel 120, and also, an NFC signal can be transmitted to an external wireless communication device located in the direction in which the image is displayed. An NFC signal may be received by responding to an electromagnetic field (or RF field) generated by the wireless communication device. That is, the loop antenna 130 is positioned between the display panel 120 and the main board 150, and the electromagnetic field (or RF field) generated by the loop antenna 130 and/or the image is displayed in the direction. An electromagnetic field (or RF field) generated by an external wireless communication device is formed to pass through the display panel 120 , so that the NFC chip 170 communicates with an external wireless communication device positioned in the direction in which the image is displayed. can send and receive

The NFC chip 170 may include an NFC controller connected to the loop antenna 130 . The NFC controller may perform NFC communication by controlling the loop antenna 130 to transmit and receive NFC signals. Also, in an embodiment, the NFC chip 170 may further include a secure storage device connected to the NFC controller. The secure storage device may store information transmitted to an external device through the NFC communication. For example, the secure storage device may store payment information (eg, credit card information), an encryption key, and the like. Also, for example, the secure storage device may be an embedded Secure Element (eSE). Also, in an embodiment, the NFC controller and the secure storage device may be packaged in a single chip 170 using a system in package (SIP) method. Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the NFC chip 170 may be disposed on the main board 150 as shown in FIG. 2 , but is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, the conventional wearable electronic device did not provide NFC communication. In addition, when the NFC antenna is located on the opposite side of the surface on which the display panel is located or is located on the battery, the user must take off the wearable electronic device to enable NFC communication. However, in the wearable electronic device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention, NFC signals may be transmitted and received in the direction in which the display panel 120 is located, and accordingly, the user wears the wearable electronic device 100 . NFC communication can be performed.

As described above, in the wearable electronic device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention, the loop antenna 130 is disposed between the display panel 120 and the main board 150 to pass through the display panel 120 . Thus, an electromagnetic field (or RF field) may be formed. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention may transmit/receive an NFC signal in a direction in which an image is displayed on the display panel 120 , and the wearable electronic device 100 may receive NFC while the wearable electronic device 100 is worn. communication can be performed.

5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a loop antenna 400 employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention may include loop coils 440a and 440b having a multilayer structure. That is, the loop coils 440a and 440b may be formed in two or more layers L1 and L2. For example, the loop antenna 400 is connected to the first loop coil 440a formed in the first layer L1 and the first loop coil 440a, and the second loop coil formed in the second layer L2. (440b). In addition, a first terminal T1 may be formed at one end of the loop coils 440a and 440b and a second terminal T2 may be formed at the other end of the loop coils 440a and 440b. The first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the loop coils 440a and 440b may be connected to the NFC chip, and may serve as feeding points of the loop antenna 400 . Accordingly, a current path (or a feeding loop) may be formed from the first terminal T1 through the loop coils 440a and 440b to the second terminal T2, and the NFC chip may use this current path (or feeding loop). ) to generate an electromagnetic field (or RF field) to perform NFC communication.

Meanwhile, although the loop coils 440a and 440b formed in two layers L1 and L2 are disclosed in FIG. 5 , the loop coils 440a and 440b may be formed in three or more layers according to an embodiment. Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the first and second loop coils 440a and 440b are formed on different surfaces of the same substrate (or film), or different substrates (or films) may be formed.

6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the loop antenna 500 may include a loop coil 540 formed on a predetermined substrate 520 (or film), and a secondary loop coil 560 formed spaced apart from the loop coil 540 . can The loop coil 540 and the secondary loop coil 560 may be formed on the same substrate 520 (or film), and the secondary loop coil 560 may be disposed to surround the loop coil 540 .

A first terminal T1 may be formed at one end of the loop coil 540 , and a second terminal T2 may be formed at the other end of the loop coil 540 . The first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the loop coil 540 may be connected to the NFC chip 550 and may serve as feeding points of the loop antenna 500 . Accordingly, a current path (or a feeding loop) may be formed from the first terminal T1 through the loop coil 540 to the second terminal T2 , and the NFC chip 550 uses this current path (or feeding loop). ) can be used to generate an electromagnetic field (or RF field).

The secondary loop coil 560 may be connected to a suitable capacitor C (eg, a chip capacitor) to have a predetermined resonant frequency (eg, about 13.56 MHz). For example, a third terminal T3 may be formed at one end of the secondary loop coil 560 , and a fourth terminal T4 may be formed at the other end of the secondary loop coil 560 , and the secondary A capacitor C may be connected between the third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 of the loop coil 560 . Also, the secondary loop coil 560 may be inductively coupled to the loop coil 540 (ie, magnetically coupled). To this end, the loop coil 540 and the secondary loop coil 560 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance D, for example, greater than about 0 mm and less than or equal to about 2 mm. Accordingly, the secondary loop coil 560 and the capacitor C may form a resonance loop having a predetermined resonance frequency (eg, about 13.56 MHz), and induction with the loop coil 540 . They can be combined to create an electromagnetic field (or RF field). Accordingly, by the secondary loop coil 560 inductively coupled to the loop coil 540 , the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency and quality factor (Q) of the loop antenna 500 may be improved.

7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the loop antenna 600 may include a loop coil 640 formed on a predetermined substrate 620 (or film), and a secondary loop coil 660 formed spaced apart from the loop coil 640 . can The first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the loop coil 640 may be connected to the NFC chip 650 . Between the third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 of the secondary loop coil 660 may be connected to a suitable capacitor C to have a predetermined resonant frequency (eg, about 13.56 MHz). The loop coil 640 and the secondary loop coil 660 may be formed on the same substrate 620 (or film), and the loop coil 640 may be disposed to surround the secondary loop coil 660 . By the secondary loop coil 660 inductively coupled to the loop coil 640 , the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency and quality factor (Q) of the loop antenna 600 may be improved.

8 is a diagram illustrating another example of a loop antenna employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a loop antenna 700 employed in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a loop coil 740 and a secondary loop coil 760 disposed on different layers L1 and L2. may include. For example, the loop antenna 700 is formed in the loop coil 740 formed on the first layer (L1), and the second layer (L2), the loop coil 740 and the secondary inductive coupling (inductive coupling). A loop coil 760 may be included. The first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the loop coil 740 may be connected to the NFC chip. A suitable capacitor C may be connected between the third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 of the secondary loop coil 760 to have a predetermined resonant frequency (eg, about 13.56 MHz). By the secondary loop coil 760 inductively coupled to the loop coil 740 , the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency and quality factor (Q) of the loop antenna 700 may be improved. Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the loop coil 740 and the secondary loop coil 760 may be formed on different surfaces of the same substrate (or film), or may be formed on different substrates (or films). .

9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the wearable electronic device 800 includes a display panel 820 for displaying an image, a main board 850 on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device 800 is disposed, and a display panel 820 . It may include a loop antenna 830 disposed between and the main board 850 , and a magnetic sheet 840 disposed between the loop antenna 830 and the main board 850 . The wearable electronic device 800 of FIG. 9 may further include a magnetic sheet 840 compared to the wearable electronic device 100 of FIG. 2 .

The magnetic sheet 840 prevents an eddy current from being generated by an electromagnetic field change in the main board 850 to attenuate an electromagnetic field for NFC communication, thereby improving the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency of the loop antenna 830. have. Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the magnetic sheet 840 may be a ferrite sheet or a Magneto-Dielectric Material (MDM) sheet.

10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the wearable electronic device 900 includes a display panel 920 for displaying an image, a main board 950 on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device 900 is disposed, and a display panel 920 . and a printed circuit board (PCB) 925 connecting the main board 950 and the main board 950 , and a loop antenna 930 .

The PCB 925 may connect the display panel 920 and the main board 950 , and passive elements and/or chips for driving the display panel 920 may be disposed on the PCB 925 .

The loop antenna 930 may be disposed between the PCB 925 and the main board 950 . Accordingly, an electromagnetic field (or RF field) may be formed through the display panel 920 and the PCB 925 , and NFC communication may be performed while the wearable electronic device 900 is worn.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device 900 may further include a magnetic sheet 940 disposed between the loop antenna 930 and the main board 950 . The magnetic sheet 940 prevents an eddy current from being generated by a change in the electromagnetic field in the main board 950 to attenuate the electromagnetic field for NFC communication, thereby improving the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency of the loop antenna 930. have.

11 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the wearable electronic device 1000 includes a display panel 1020 for displaying an image, a main board 1050 on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device 1000 is disposed, and a display panel 1020 . It may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 1025 connecting the main board 1050 and a loop antenna 1030 disposed between the display panel 1020 and the PCB 1025 . As the loop antenna 1030 is disposed between the display panel 1020 and the PCB 1025, an electromagnetic field (or RF field) may be formed through the display panel 1030, and the wearable electronic device 1000 is worn. In this state, NFC communication may be performed.

In an embodiment, the wearable electronic device 1000 may further include a magnetic sheet 1040 disposed between the loop antenna 1030 and the PCB 1025 . The magnetic sheet 1040 prevents an eddy current from being generated by a change in an electromagnetic field in the PCB 1025 and the main board 1050 to attenuate the electromagnetic field for NFC communication, and the electromagnetic field radiation of the loop antenna 1030 efficiency can be improved.

12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the wearable electronic device 1100 includes a display panel 1120 for displaying an image, a main board 1150 on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device 1100 is disposed, and a display panel 1120 . It may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 1125 and a loop antenna 1130 connecting the main board 1150 to each other. The PCB 1125 may be disposed on one area of the rear surface of the display panel 1120 , and the loop antenna 1130 may be disposed on another area of the rear surface of the display panel 1120 so as not to overlap the PCB 1125 . Accordingly, the loop antenna 1130 may not be substantially affected by the PCB 1125 . By being disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 1120 so that the loop antenna 1130 is not, an electromagnetic field (or RF field) may be formed through the display panel 1130, and the wearable electronic device 1100 may be worn while the NFC Communication may be performed. In some embodiments, a magnetic sheet may be further formed on the rear surface of the loop antenna 1130 .

13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a wearable electronic device 1200 according to embodiments of the present invention includes a metal frame 1240 disposed on the edge of the wearable electronic device 1200 and an NFC chip connected to the metal frame 1240 . can do. According to an embodiment, the wearable electronic device 1200 may further include a main board on which a display panel 1220 for displaying an image and a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device 1200 are disposed.

At least a portion of the metal frame 1240 may be formed of any metal material having predetermined strength and electrical conductivity. For example, the metal frame 1240 may include copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), or At least one of nickel (Ni) may be included. Since at least a portion of the metal frame 1240 is formed of a metal material, the strength of the wearable electronic device 1200 may be improved, and the wearable electronic device 1200 may have a beautiful appearance.

The metal frame 1240 may include at least one slit 1245 and first and second terminals T1 and T2 disposed adjacent to each other with the slit 1245 interposed therebetween. The first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the metal frame 1240 may be connected to the NFC chip 1250 and may serve as feeding points. Accordingly, a current path (or a feeding loop) may be formed from the first terminal T1 to the second terminal T2 through the metal frame 1240 , and the NFC chip 1250 uses this current path. NFC communication may be performed by generating an electromagnetic field (or RF field) using (or a feeding loop). Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the slit 1245 may be formed at an arbitrary position of the metal frame 1240 , and the first and second terminals T1 and T2 may connect the slit 1245 formed at an arbitrary position. They may be disposed adjacent to each other with a gap between them. Also, according to an embodiment, a matching circuit for impedance matching may be disposed between the first and second terminals T1 and T2 and the NFC chip 1250 .

In one embodiment, the slit 1245 may be filled with a predetermined insulator (or dielectric). For example, the insulator may include polyimide, plastic, polymer, ceramic, or glass.

The NFC chip 1250 may be connected to the terminals T1 and T2 of the metal frame 1240 , and the metal frame 1240 may be used as an NFC antenna (eg, a feeding loop). That is, the NFC chip 1250 uses the metal frame 1240 disposed on the edge of the wearable electronic device 1200 to generate an electromagnetic field (or RF field) in all directions including a direction in which an image is displayed on the display panel 1220 . By radiating, NFC communication can be performed.

In another embodiment, the wearable electronic device 1200 may further include a loop antenna disposed between the display panel 1220 and the main board, and the metal frame 1240 may be connected to the loop antenna. In this case, the NFC chip may transmit and receive the NFC signal using both the loop antenna and the metal frame 1240 as an NFC antenna (eg, a feeding loop).

As described above, the wearable electronic device 1200 according to embodiments of the present invention performs NFC communication using the metal frame 1240 and/or the loop antenna, so that the wearable electronic device 1200 is worn. In this state, NFC communication can be performed.

14 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the wearable electronic device 1300 according to embodiments of the present invention is formed of a metal material, is disposed on the edge of the wearable electronic device 1300, and includes a slit 1345 and a slit 1345 . A metal frame 1340 including first and second terminals T1 and T2 disposed adjacent to each other with an interposed therebetween, and connected to the first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the metal frame 1340 , , an NFC chip 1350 that performs NFC communication by transmitting and receiving NFC signals using the metal frame 1340 , and a magnetic sheet 1360 disposed on the inner surface of the metal frame 1340 . According to an embodiment, the wearable electronic device 1300 may further include a main board on which a display panel 1320 for displaying an image and a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device 1300 are disposed. The wearable electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 may further include a magnetic sheet 1345 compared to the wearable electronic device 1200 of FIG. 12 .

In embodiments in which the metal frame 1340 is used as an NFC antenna (eg, a feeding loop), the magnetic sheet 1345 is formed so that the metal materials inside the metal frame 1340 do not affect the metal frame 1340 . By doing so, the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency of the metal frame 1340 may be improved. On the other hand, in embodiments in which the loop antenna disposed between the display panel 1320 and the main board is used as the NFC antenna, the magnetic sheet 1345 prevents the metal frame 1340 from affecting the loop antenna, It is possible to improve the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency of the loop antenna.

15 is a view for explaining an example in which a loop antenna and a metal frame are connected in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

15 , a wearable electronic device 1400 according to embodiments of the present invention includes a display panel for displaying an image, a main board on which a processor for controlling the operation of the wearable electronic device 1400 is disposed, and a wearable electronic device ( 1400), a metal frame 1440 disposed on the edge, a loop antenna 1430 positioned between the display panel and the main board, and an NFC chip 1450 connected to the metal frame 1440 and the loop antenna 1430. may include.

A loop antenna 1430 disposed between the display panel and the main board and a metal frame 1440 surrounding the display panel may be connected to each other. For example, the metal frame 1440 includes a first slit 1445 and first and second terminals T1 and T2 disposed adjacent to each other with the first slit 1445 interposed therebetween, and the The loop antenna 1430 disposed between the display panel and the main board may be connected to the first and second terminals T1 and T2 of the metal frame 1440 . Accordingly, the loop antenna 1430 and the metal frame 1440 may form one loop.

In one embodiment, the loop antenna 1430 includes a cut portion 1435 and third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 disposed adjacent to each other with the cut portion 1435 interposed therebetween, and the NFC chip 1450 . ) may be connected to the metal frame 1440 and the loop antenna 1430 through the third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 of the loop antenna 1430 . Accordingly, the third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 can serve as feeding points, and the third and fourth terminals T3 and T3 through the loop antenna 1430 and the metal frame 1440. A current path (or a feeding loop) up to the fourth terminal T4 may be formed. The NFC chip 1450 may perform NFC communication by generating an electromagnetic field (or RF field) using a current path (or a feeding loop) including the loop antenna 1430 and the metal frame 1440 . That is, the NFC chip 1450 may perform NFC communication by transmitting and receiving NFC signals using both the loop antenna 1430 and the metal frame 1440 as one feeding loop. Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, the cut portion 1435 may be formed at an arbitrary position of the loop antenna 1430 , and the third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 may cut the cut portion 1435 formed at an arbitrary position. They may be disposed adjacent to each other with a gap between them. Also, according to an embodiment, a matching circuit for impedance matching may be disposed between the third and fourth terminals T3 and T4 and the NFC chip 1450 .

In another embodiment, the loop antenna 1430 does not include the cut portion 1435 , the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4 , and the metal frame 1440 includes the second slit 1445 ′, and the second terminal T4 . It may further include third and fourth terminals T3' and T4' disposed adjacent to each other with the second slit 1445' interposed therebetween. The NFC chip 1450 may be connected to the metal frame 1440 and the loop antenna 1430 through the third and fourth terminals T3 ′ and T4 ′ of the metal frame 1440 . Accordingly, the NFC chip 1450 may perform NFC communication by transmitting and receiving NFC signals using both the loop antenna 1430 and the metal frame 1440 as one feeding loop. Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the second slit 1445 ′ may be formed at any position of the metal frame 1440 , and the third and fourth terminals T3 ′ and T4 ′ are formed at any position. The second slits 1445 ′ may be disposed adjacent to each other.

As described above, the NFC chip 1450 may perform NFC communication by using both the loop antenna 1430 and the metal frame 1440 as one feeding loop. Accordingly, since both the loop antenna 1430 and the metal frame 1440 are used as the NFC antenna, the electromagnetic field radiation efficiency of the NFC antenna may be improved.

16 is a view for explaining a near field communication (NFC) chip according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16 , an NFC chip 1500 embedded in a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention may include an NFC controller 1510 that performs NFC communication by transmitting and receiving an NFC signal using an NFC antenna. can

In one embodiment, the NFC chip 1500 may be connected to a loop antenna 1530 positioned between the display panel and the main board, and the NFC controller 1510 of the NFC chip 1500 uses the loop antenna 1530 . NFC communication may be performed by transmitting and receiving an NFC signal in a direction passing through the display panel. Accordingly, the NFC chip 1500 may perform NFC communication with an external wireless communication device located in a direction in which an image is displayed, and may perform NFC communication while the wearable electronic device is worn.

In another embodiment, the NFC chip 1500 may be connected to a metal frame surrounding the display panel, and the NFC controller 1510 may perform NFC communication by transmitting and receiving NFC signals using the metal frame. Accordingly, as the NFC signal is radiated in all directions including the direction in which the image is displayed by the metal frame, the NFC chip 1500 can perform NFC communication with a wireless communication device at any location, and a wearable electronic device NFC communication can be performed while wearing the .

In another embodiment, the NFC chip 1500 may be connected to both the loop antenna 1530 and the metal frame, and the NFC controller 1510 performs NFC communication using both the loop antenna 1530 and the metal frame. can do.

In an embodiment, the NFC chip 1500 may perform a transmission operation and a reception operation through the first power terminal L1 and the second power terminal L2 in the NFC card mode. In addition, the NFC chip 1500 may, in the NFC reader mode, perform a transmission operation through the first transmission terminal TX1 and the second transmission terminal TX2 and perform a reception operation through the reception terminal RX. have.

Also, in an embodiment, a matching circuit 1550 may be connected between the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame) and the NFC chip 1500 . The matching circuit 1550 may perform impedance matching between the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame) and the NFC chip 1500 .

For example, the matching circuit 1550 may include a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, a third capacitor C3, a fourth capacitor C4, a fifth capacitor C5, and a sixth capacitor (C5). C6), a seventh capacitor C7, a first inductor I1, and a second inductor I2 may be included. The first capacitor C1 is connected between the terminals of the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame), and the second capacitor C2 is connected between the first terminal and the second capacitor of the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame). It may be connected between the first node, the third capacitor C3 may be connected between the second terminal of the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame) and the second node, and the fourth capacitor C4 is the first It may be connected between a node and the second node. The first inductor I1 is connected between the first node and the first transmission terminal TX1 of the NFC chip 1500 , and the second inductor I2 is connected between the second node and the second node of the NFC chip 1500 . It may be connected between the transmission terminals TX2. Also, the fifth capacitor C5 may be connected between the first terminal of the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame) and the receiving terminal RX of the NFC chip 1500 . In addition, the sixth capacitor C6 is connected between the first terminal of the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame) and the first power terminal L1 of the NFC chip 1500 , and a seventh capacitor C7 . may be connected between the second terminal of the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame) and the second power terminal L2 of the NFC chip 1500 . However, the configuration of the matching circuit 1550 is only an example, and the matching circuit 1550 is implemented in various configurations for impedance matching between the loop antenna 1530 (or the metal frame) and the NFC chip 1500 . can

Meanwhile, in an embodiment, the NFC chip 1500 may further include a secure storage device 1520 that is connected to the NFC controller 1510 and stores information transmitted to an external device through the NFC communication. For example, the secure storage device 1520 may store payment information (eg, credit card information), an encryption key, and the like. Also, for example, the secure storage device 1520 may be an embedded Secure Element (eSE). Also, according to an embodiment, the NFC controller 1510 and the secure storage device 1520 may be packaged into a single chip 1500 in a system in package (SIP) method.

17 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the wearable electronic device performs NFC communication according to embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is another diagram in which the wearable electronic device performs NFC communication according to the embodiments of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example.

As shown in FIG. 17 , the wearable electronic device 1610 according to embodiments of the present invention performs pairing or data transmission with another wireless communication device 1630 through NFC communication while worn on the human body. can be done For example, the wearable electronic device 1610 may perform pairing with another wireless communication device 1630 for predetermined other wireless communication (eg, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). Through the pairing, the wearable electronic device 1610 and the other wireless communication device 1630 may be connected (Paired or Bonded) to each other by sharing a Shared Key (or Link Key). In addition, according to an embodiment, the wearable electronic device 1610 and the other wireless communication device 1630 perform data transmission through the NFC communication, or a predetermined other wireless communication paired by the NFC communication (eg, Data transmission can be performed through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 18 , the wearable electronic device 1710 according to embodiments of the present invention transmits payment information (eg, credit card information) to a payment terminal through NFC communication while worn on the human body. By sending to 1730 , an electronic payment may be performed.

As described above, the wearable electronic devices 1610 and 1710 according to embodiments of the present invention may perform pairing, electronic payment, data transmission, etc. through NFC communication while worn on the human body.

19 is a view for explaining a wearable electronic device that performs NFC communication and/or wireless charging using a loop antenna according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19 , a wearable electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention may include a loop antenna 1830 , an NFC chip 1800 , and a wireless charging circuit 1850 . The loop antenna 1830 may be further connected to the wireless charging circuit 1850 for wireless charging as well as the NFC chip 1800 for performing NFC communication. The wireless charging circuit 1850 may receive power wirelessly through the loop antenna 1830 to charge power for the wearable electronic device. Accordingly, the loop antenna 1830 may be used not only as an NFC antenna for NFC communication, but also as a loop antenna for wireless charging.

The present invention can be applied to any wearable electronic device including a display panel. For example, the present invention may be applied to any wearable electronic device such as a smart watch, a wrist band electronic device, a necklace-type electronic device, and a glasses-type electronic device.

Although the above has been described with reference to the embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art can variously modify and change the present invention within the scope without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims below. You will understand that you can

100: wearable electronic device
120: display panel
130: loop antenna
140: metal frame
150: main board
160: band unit
170: NFC chip

Claims (20)

Built in a wearable electronic device including a display panel and a main board, a loop antenna positioned between the display panel and the main board, and a near field connected to a metal frame disposed on an edge of the wearable electronic device Communication; NFC) in the chip,
An NFC chip comprising an NFC controller for performing NFC communication by transmitting and receiving an NFC signal in a direction passing through the display panel using the metal frame and the loop antenna. According to claim 1,
NFC chip connected to the NFC controller, further comprising a secure storage device for storing information transmitted to an external device through the NFC communication. In the wearable electronic device worn on the human body,
a display panel for displaying an image;
a main board on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device is disposed;
a metal frame disposed on an edge of the wearable electronic device;
a loop antenna positioned between the display panel and the main board; and
An NFC chip connected to the metal frame and the loop antenna, and performing NFC communication by transmitting and receiving a Near Field Communication (NFC) signal in a direction passing through the display panel using the metal frame and the loop antenna. A wearable electronic device comprising a. The method of claim 3, wherein the loop antenna,
A wearable electronic device comprising a loop coil formed of a metallic material and having a number of turns of 2 or more. The wearable electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the loop coil has a circular shape. The wearable electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the loop coil has a rectangular shape. The wearable electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the loop coil has a multilayer structure. The method of claim 4, wherein the loop antenna,
The wearable electronic device further comprising a secondary loop coil spaced apart from the loop coil and inductively coupled to the loop coil. The wearable electronic device of claim 8 , wherein the loop coil and the secondary loop coil are formed on the same layer. The wearable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the secondary loop coil is disposed to surround the loop coil. The wearable electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the loop coil surrounds the secondary loop coil. The wearable electronic device of claim 8 , wherein the loop coil and the secondary loop coil are formed on different layers. 4. The method of claim 3,
The wearable electronic device further comprising a magnetic sheet disposed between the loop antenna and the main board. 4. The method of claim 3,
The wearable electronic device further comprising a wireless charging circuit connected to the loop antenna and wirelessly supplied with power through the loop antenna. The wearable electronic device of claim 3 , wherein the wearable electronic device performs pairing, electronic payment, or data transmission with another wireless communication device through the NFC communication while being worn on the human body. In the wearable electronic device worn on the human body,
a metal frame formed of a metal material and disposed on an edge of the wearable electronic device, the metal frame including a slit and first and second terminals disposed adjacent to each other with the slit therebetween; and
and an NFC chip connected to the first and second terminals of the metal frame and configured to perform NFC communication by transmitting and receiving a near field communication (NFC) signal using the metal frame. 17. The method of claim 16,
The wearable electronic device further comprising a magnetic sheet disposed on the inner surface of the metal frame. In the wearable electronic device worn on the human body,
a display panel for displaying an image;
a main board on which a processor for controlling an operation of the wearable electronic device is disposed;
a metal frame formed of a metal material and disposed on an edge of the wearable electronic device, the metal frame including a first slit and first and second terminals disposed adjacent to each other with the first slit interposed therebetween;
a loop antenna positioned between the display panel and the main board and connected to the first and second terminals of the metal frame; and
and an NFC chip connected to the metal frame and the loop antenna and configured to perform NFC communication by transmitting and receiving a near field communication (NFC) signal using the metal frame and the loop antenna. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the loop antenna comprises a cut portion, and third and fourth terminals disposed adjacent to each other with the cut portion interposed therebetween,
The NFC chip is a wearable electronic device connected to the metal frame and the loop antenna through the third and fourth terminals of the loop antenna. The method of claim 18, wherein the metal frame further comprises a second slit, and third and fourth terminals disposed adjacent to each other with the second slit interposed therebetween,
The NFC chip is a wearable electronic device connected to the metal frame and the loop antenna through the third and fourth terminals of the metal frame.

Images