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TRANSCRIPT
Advancements in wireless technology for flexible printed electronics: how Near Field Communication (NFC) is shaping the architecture of
sensor systems
Session 23: RF TechnologyJesse J. Cole, PhDSystems Engineer
Molex, LLC
MOLEXPrinted Circuit Solutions at
Molex: about the company• 50,000+ employees• Global footprint• Manufacturing focus
– Operational excellence– Connectors Solutions
http://www.molex.com/molex/products/group?key=printed_electronics_solutions
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sions Transportation
& Industrial Solutions
Datacom & Specialty Solutions
Micro Products
Global Sales & Marketing
Phillips-Medisize
ProTekMedical
Interconnect Systems
Soligie
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May 2015
Affinity Medical
Oct 2012
Oplink Nov 2014
Business Units
Business Units
Business Units Markets
Acquisitive and organic growth
Image from Khan, Lorenzelli, Dahiya. IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL, VOL. 15, NO. 6, JUNE 2015
Printing Capabilities
Manufacturing Capabilities
… and more!
SENSOR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURES FOR PRINT-BASED MANUFACTURING
The problem for sensor systems
Sensor system
UserData
???
Readout options:• Permanent wired connection• Periodic wired connection• Wireless communication
Wireless communication system
Sensor System
Data Collector
Internet / Network
Server
Database
Browser
User
Access Device
Sensor System
Sensor System
Back End User InterfaceFront End
Protocol
Wireless protocol tradeoffsNew wireless protocols have delivered low-power and long-range performance
Protocols have been customized for particular applications, but have tradeoffs:1. Tradeoffs for WiFi: maximum data throughput at max power consumption,
channel congestion leading to QoS losses2. Tradeoffs for Bluetooth: pairing needed for secure connection, advertising
and/or continuous listening by at least one device is required3. Tradeoffs for LoRa: long TX-time to increase link budget = low data rates, can
also lead to channel congestion
4. Tradeoffs for NFC: short range inductive coupling, power delivered from reader = no power required for wireless readout, substantial decrease in overall power budget
High data rate
Easy dis/re-connection
Extra long range
High power efficiency
NFC-based wireless comm system
Sensor System
Custom Reader or Phone + App
Internet / Network
Server
Database
Browser
User
Access Device
Sensor System
Sensor System
Back End User InterfaceFront End
Protocol
Physics of NFC
Reader device
Label inlay
Power + data (commands) Data (responses)
Antenna coil traces Can be printed silver
NFC modes1. Reader-writer (read tags)2. Peer-to-peer (beam data)3. Card emulation (payment)
~4cm read range
NFC Sensing PatchesComponent breakdownNo onboard power No plugs/connectorsPrinted silver antenna coilAll-in-one NFC chip
Representative applicationsBody-worn temp monitorsTamper detection
IndustriesMedicalFoodBeverage
NFC Sensing PatchesDesign TradeoffsFunctionality
Customizability limited by IC (2kB memory)Function limited by power (~3mA at 1.5V)
Form factorAntenna area vs read range (1.5” dia reads @ 5cm)
DurabilityEncapsulation vs conformability (Encap height 1-2mm)
NFC Sensing Labels
Graphic
Inlay
AdhesiveOn DVD case
Representative applicationsShipping sensitive productCold chain validationAsset monitoring and warrantyShelf life determination
IndustriesFood & beveragePharmaceuticalMedical devicePolymer materials
NFC Sensing LabelsDesign TradeoffsFunctionality
Customization vs component cost ($10-$20/ea)
Power budgetLifetime vs battery type (25-35mAh for Li-containing, 5-20mAh without Li)
Form factorThin profile vs battery capacity (coin cells)Antenna area vs range (4in2 4” read, 2in2 2” read)
DurabilityProtecting components vs conformability (foams, trays)
Impact of component selection
All-in-one (NFC + MCU) chip Separated NFC chip and MCU chip
Pros• Simpler system architecture• Faster to implement
• Customizable to a variety of applications or product lines
Cons• Limited to hardware functionality • More engineering effort to define
system architecture• Dual chip packaging can increase cost
Ideal application
• All-in-one NFC chip made to meet requirements for one particular application (battery type, lifetime)
• Support monitoring requirements that are not yet well-defined or requirecustomization beyond all-in-ones
NFC support at MolexWhat can Molex do for customers?
• NFC customization and engineering support for customer concepts• Provide recommendations for Ag flex vs Cu flex vs more exotic solution• Apply design-for-manufacturing changes to improve product yields• RF testing and functional verification• Coordinate subcontractors who specialize in specific product areas• Manufacture and assemble printed circuit products• Roll-based converting to create high volumes of finished product
Takeaways
• NFC is shaping the architectures of sensor systems by Reduce the energy needed for data readout
Continuous automated monitoring possible without a battery Without need for a battery, device lifetime can be very long
Enabling connector-less and fully encapsulated designs Leveraging existing smart phones as reader infrastructure
• NFC is customizable to meet needs for a variety of applications
• NFC functionality is well-suited to Molex silver-flex print & manufacturing processes
Thanks• Molex team (NFC temperature patch)
– Steve Nichols– Rob Irwin– Steve Moser– Marian Rebros– Rick Serrano– David Johnson – Huy Nguyen– Mike Anfang
• Molex team (NFC smart label)– Steve Sagerian– Steve Fulton– Mike Wilzbacher
• And of course our customers in the NFC space!
Thank you for listening!
Contact info:Jesse J. Cole, [email protected](952)846-6947
Address:Molex, LLC8647 Eagle Creek ParkwaySavage, MN 55378 USA