Apparatus and method for communication using wireless power

• US 10,038,476 B2
• Filed: 11/02/2015
• Issued: 07/31/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Kim, Nam Yun, Kwon, Sang Wook, Park, Yun Kwon, Park, Eun Seok, Hong, Young Tack, Kim, Ki Young, Ryu, Young Ho, Kim, Dong Zo, Choi, Jin Sung, Yoon, Chang Wook
• Primary Examiner(s): Fureman, Jared
• Assistant Examiner(s): YESHAW, ESAYAS G
• Application Number:
  US14/929,811
• Publication Number:
  US 20160080040A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,002 Days
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/04 by static converters
• CPC Class Codes: H03F 3/04 with semiconductor devices only
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/26 using coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/72 for local intradevice communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/79 for data transfer in combination with power transfer

Abstract

An apparatus and method for communication using a wireless power are provided. The apparatus includes an amplifier configured to amplify an input signal based on a power supplied to the amplifier. The apparatus further includes a control unit configured to detect a change in an impedance of a target device, and to change the power based on the change in the impedance. The apparatus further includes a demodulation unit configured to receive a message from the target device, and to demodulate the message based on the changed power.

Claims

1. An apparatus using a wireless power, comprising:

an amplifier configured to amplify an input signal based on a power supplied to the amplifier;

a load element coupled to the amplifier; and

a controller configured to

measure a voltage applied to the load element,

detect a change in the power caused by a change in an impedance of a target device based on the measured voltage, and

demodulate a message from the target device based on the detected change,

wherein the load element comprises a resistor, or an ON-resistance of a transistor, or a line impedance, or any combination thereof.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises:

an amplification unit configured to amplify the power to be greater than a predetermined value.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises:

a ripple signal removing unit configured to remove a ripple signal comprised in the power.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the controller comprises a comparison unit configured to compare the changed power to a predetermined reference signal, and to determine a HIGH value or a LOW value of the changed power based on a result of the comparison; and

the controller is further configured to demodulate the message based on the HIGH value or the LOW value.

5. An apparatus using a wireless power, comprising:

a converter configured to receive an alternating current (AC) voltage, and convert the AC voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage of a plurality of levels;

a controller configured to control the DC voltage of a plurality of levels, and modulate data based on the controlled DC voltage; and

an amplifier configured to amplify an input signal based on the controlled DC voltage.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the controller is further configured to modulate the data based on an index of an output power from the amplifier.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a digital control signal, to convert the digital control signal to an analog control signal, and to control the DC voltage based on the analog control signal.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to control a pulse width of the DC voltage.

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the amplifier is further configured to receive the input signal as an input voltage and receive the controlled DC voltage as an operational voltage; and

the controller is further configured to control a magnitude of the input voltage or a magnitude of the operational voltage.

10. A communication method of a wireless power transmitter, comprising:

measuring a voltage supplied to the amplifier using a load element coupled to the amplifier;

detecting a change in the power caused by a change in an impedance of a target device based on the measured voltage;

demodulating a message received from the target device based on the detected change,

wherein the load element comprises a resistor, or an ON-resistance of a transistor, or a line impedance, or any combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the demodulating comprises amplifying the power to be greater than a predetermined value.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the demodulating comprises:

comparing the power to a predetermined level;

determining a HIGH value or a LOW value of the power based on a result of the comparing; and

demodulating the message based on the HIGH value or the LOW value.

13. A communication method of a wireless power transmitter, comprising:

converting an alternating current (AC) voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage of a plurality of levels;

controlling the DC voltage of the plurality of levels;

modulating data based on the controlled DC voltage; and

amplifying an input signal based on the controlled DC voltage.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the modulating comprises modulating the data based on an index of a output power from an amplifier.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the controlling comprises:

generating a digital control signal;

converting the digital control signal to an analog control signal; and

controlling the DC voltage based on the analog control signal.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the controlling comprises controlling a pulse width of the DC voltage.