Abstract:
An apparatus for performing operations using low power, including control circuitry; a radio frequency (RF) circuit for receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies; an internal power source; and switching circuitry coupled between the control circuitry and the internal power source, the switching circuitry having a control terminal coupled to an output of the RF circuit. The apparatus is configured in a normal mode of operation and an off mode of operation in which the apparatus is powered down, and wherein in the off mode of operation energy from the received RF signals control a state of the switching circuitry to selectively couple the internal power source with the control circuitry for performing one or more operations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S. provisional application No. 61/179,482, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled, “System and Method for Communicating with an Unpowered Device,” the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    None. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC. 
       [0003]    None. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0005]    The present disclosure relates in general to appliances or electronic devices, and more particularly, to electronic devices which utilize radio frequency (RF) communication for communicating while consuming little to no power. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    As the complexity of electronic “gadgets” continues to rise, development cycles continue to shrink and more devices depend on embedded processors to provide a feature-rich experience. Many products have come to depend on complex embedded firmware to bring life to their functionality. 
         [0008]    As a result of the complexity and short development cycles, many companies find themselves in the unenviable position of having to update product firmware (to fix bugs or add a complete function) after production of the product has begun. Depending on the timing and importance of the update, this sometimes means having to un-box products to re-program non-volatile memory within the product. This process can be expensive and time consuming, leading to both budget and schedule misses. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Example embodiments provide a significant improvement over existing approaches by providing a method to install updated firmware and/or perform other tasks or operations without having to un-package and then power-up a unit when late changes become necessary. The method makes use of wireless communication and a self-contained power supply to support the tasks to be performed. 
         [0010]    According to an example embodiment, there is disclosed a device including processing circuitry; a radio frequency (RF) circuit for receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies; an internal power source; and switching circuitry coupled between the processing circuitry and the internal power source. The switching circuitry has a control terminal coupled to an output of the RF circuit such that energy from the received RF signals control a state of the switching circuitry to selectively couple the internal power source with the processing circuitry for performing one or more operations while a remainder of the device is unpowered. The one or more operations may include, for example, a download operation in which data or firmware executable by the device is downloaded into device memory. The one or more operations may also include an upload operation in which device data is transmitted by the RF circuit over the air interface to a destination. In this way, the processing circuitry may perform a limited number of operations without the device needing to be electrically connected to an external power supply or source. 
         [0011]    In an example embodiment, the RF circuit includes a first antenna for receiving RF signals at a first range of frequencies for controlling the state of the switching circuitry and a second antenna for receiving RF signals at a second range of frequencies for communicating at least one of instructions and data of the received RF signals with the processing circuitry. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of the disclosed embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a portion of an electronics device according to one or more example embodiments; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a portion of a system including the electronics device of  FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a portion of an electronics device according to another example embodiment; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a portion of a system including the electronics of  FIG. 1 , according to another example embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
         [0018]    Terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the terms “a” and  an  herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the disclosure and that other alternative configurations are possible. 
         [0020]    Example embodiments are generally directed to a circuit of a device which utilizes a received RF signal for connecting to a relatively small, internal power source to allow for the use of large memory capacities without the need of an external power supply or sizeable internal battery to supply power to the device. Example embodiments enable the device to communicate and perform predetermined operations despite being in an otherwise off mode, thus consuming zero or near zero energy. An RF signal is applied to a circuit of the unpowered device, generating a current to close a switching component and power the device sufficiently to perform one or more intended operations. 
         [0021]    Reference will now be made in detail to the example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0022]    Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIG. 1 , an example embodiment includes circuit  1  of a device  100 . Device  100  may be any type of device, such as an electronics device or appliance. Circuit  1  may include an internal power source  10 , a processor  20  having memory  21  communicatively coupled thereto, an RF circuit  22 , switching circuitry  24  coupled between the power source  10  and processor  20  and having a control terminal coupled to RF circuit  22  and processor  20 . In general terms, an RF signal is received by RF circuit  22  and used to control switching circuitry  24  so as to provide power from power source  10  to processor  20 , memory  21  and, as needed, RF circuit  22 , in order to perform one or more operations before removing power to processor  20  via switching circuitry  24 . It is understood that device  100  includes other circuitry and components to perform various functions during normal operation thereof when powered by a traditional power source. Circuit  1  may be located on the controller card of device  100 , for example. 
         [0023]    Processor  20  may be any circuitry that performs or controls the performance of the one or more operations during the time it is powered by power source  10 . In an example embodiment, processor  20  may execute instructions maintained in memory  21  for performing the one or more operations. Though processor  20  may, in one embodiment, be a microprocessor or controller which performs operations or controls the operation of device  100  when device  100  is powered by a traditional power supply in a normal mode of operation, in another embodiment processor  20  is limited to performing mostly those one or more operations that are desired to be performed during the time processor  20  is powered by power source  10 . In yet another alternative embodiment, processor  20  is implemented as a state machine or is otherwise hardwired. 
         [0024]    Memory  21  may include nonvolatile system memory  21 A for storing program code for operating device  100  and/or local memory  21 B. It is understood that memory  21  may be implemented as any of a number of different types of memory. 
         [0025]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , power source  10  supplies power to processor  20 , memory  21  and optionally RF circuit  22  when initially connected thereto by RF circuit  22  via switching circuitry  24 . In an example embodiment, power source  10  may be a battery of sufficient size to allow processor  20  to perform those operations that are desired to be performed during the time power source  10  sources power to processor  20 . Battery size and capacity may vary by application and be based upon, among other things, the number and complexity of operations to be performed and the frequency with which such operations are expected to be repeated. It is understood that power source  10  may be other sources of power. In another example embodiment, power source  10  may be or include a capacitor which is charged by or through RF circuit  22  and have a capacitance size to allow for circuit  1  to perform the above-described one or more operations when coupled to power source  10 . 
         [0026]    RF circuit  22  includes RF receiver circuitry to receive an RF signal, and circuitry for using the received RF signal both to energize switching circuitry  24  for establishing an electrical connection between power source  10  and processor  20  and memory  21 , and to communicate data with processor  20  or otherwise access memory  21 . RF circuit  22  may include at least one antenna for receiving the RF signal over the air interface. In one example embodiment, a single antenna may be used to both energize switching circuitry  24  and communicate data with processor  20 . This embodiment may, for example, provide for limited energizing or limited data communication, or both. In another example embodiment, at least two antennae are employed, including a first lower frequency antenna for use in energizing switching circuitry  24  and a second higher frequency antenna for communicating data with processor  20  at a relatively higher bandwidth. RF circuit  22  may include one or more filters and/or amplifier circuitry for suitably selecting and/or conditioning received RF signals for use in energizing switching circuitry  24  and communicating data with processor  20 . 
         [0027]    RF circuit  22  may receive RF signals following any one or more RF communication standards and/or protocols, including RFID and the IEEE 802.11 standards. 
         [0028]    As discussed, when activated switching circuitry  24  provides an electrical connection between power source  10  and processor  20 , memory  21  and optionally RF circuit  22  to allow power source  10  to supply power thereto. Switching circuitry  24  may have a source terminal coupled to power source  10 , a drain terminal coupled to the power supply input of processor  20  and memory  21 , and at least one control terminal. A control terminal may be coupled to RF circuit  22  for receiving the portion of the received RF signal for energizing switching circuitry  24  to charge the control terminal so as to close the connection between the source terminal and the drain terminal of switching circuitry  24 . As can be seen, closing the connection between the source and drain terminals results in power source  10  being connected and supplying power to processor  20  and memory  21 . The control terminal of switching circuitry  24  may also be coupled to an output of processor  20 . In this way, processor  20  may maintain the charged state of the control terminal (to keep switching circuitry  24  closed) during the time operations are being performed, and discharge or de-energize the control terminal when the operations are complete, so as to open the connection between the source and drain terminals of switching circuitry  24 , resulting in power source  10  being disconnected from processor  20  and power source  10  thereafter having no load. Switching circuitry  24  may be constructed with a relay circuit or field effect power transistor or the like. 
         [0029]    Circuit  1  of device  100  may further include a main power connector  26  coupled to the supply terminal of processor  20 . This allows for processor  20  to perform operations during a normal mode of operation of device  100 . Such coupling may be direct or via second switching circuitry (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Further, circuit  1  may include a charging circuit for charging power source  10  (when implemented as a battery) when a power supply is connected to main power connector  26 . 
         [0030]    In another example embodiment, device  100  may include a main processor (not shown) that draws more power than power source  10  may be able to provide such that processor  20  is used mostly or entirely to perform operations in association with RF signals received by RF circuit  22  while device  100 , including the main processor, is otherwise unpowered. In this embodiment, memory  21  may be a two port memory having a first port for communicating its contents with processor  20  during the time when device  100  is mostly unpowered and a second port for communicating its contents with the main processor during normal operation of device  100 . Alternatively, memory  21  may be a switched memory for communicating its contents with both processor  20  and the main processor. 
         [0031]    The operation of circuit  1  of device  100  will be described. Initially, device  100 , and particularly circuit  1 , is unpowered, consuming no power. Upon reception of one or more RF signals, RF circuit  22  provides signal energy from the RF signal to charge or close switching circuitry  24 , which connects power source  10  to processor  20  and memory  21  so as to power the same. Once powered, processor  20  may drive switching circuitry  24  to maintain switching circuitry  24  in the closed position. When powered, processor  20  is also capable of performing a number of functions. 
         [0032]    The one or more RF signals may include authentication signal data which processor  20  may use to authenticate the source of the one or more RF signals. Authentication will serve to prevent a hacker from accessing device  100 . Following authentication, processor  20  may perform any one or more operations. 
         [0033]    For example, processor  20  may download firmware received by RF circuit  22  over the air interface, and program the firmware into memory  21 A so as to replace firmware previously stored therein. In this way, firmware for device  100  may be updated without having to power up device  100  using a traditional power source through main power connector  26 . It is understood that processor  20  may also download data for storage in memory  21 , such as country or region specific data in which device  100  is intended to be sold. 
         [0034]    In addition or in the alternative, RF circuit  22  includes an RF transmitter and processor  20  may upload data for transmission by RF circuit  22 . In this embodiment, RF communication may be powered by power source  10  for both receiving and transmitting RF signals over the air interface. Such uploaded data may include, for example, information relating to the particular location of device  100 . In this embodiment, device  100  is capable of being located despite being unpowered except for power source  10 . 
         [0035]    It is understood that processor  20  may perform any of a number of operations as specified in the one or more RF signals received by RF circuit  22  or as specified in memory  21  during the time processor  20  is powered by power source  10 . It is further understood that the operations performed during the time power source  10  supplies power to processor  20  may be different from the operations performed by device  10  during the normal mode of operation in which device  10  is powered by an external power source via main power connector  26 . 
         [0036]    As discussed, the example embodiments allow for communication with device  100  when device  100  is otherwise unpowered and consuming no power. In an example embodiment, device  100  may be boxed for shipment and subsequent sale, such as in a cardboard box. Further, device  100  may be contained in a protective bag within the cardboard box. In this embodiment, the antenna or antennae of RF circuit  22  may be located largely external to device  100 . 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , antenna assembly  202  of RF circuit  22  may be located on, embedded in or integrated with a protective bag  204  so as to allow for RF communication with device  100  despite being placed in bag  204  and contained in box  206 . Antenna assembly  202  may include a wire end  202 A that may be inserted into device  100  and provide a temporary electrical connection with the rest of RF circuit  22  of circuit  1 . The temporary electrical connection may be a pressure fit type of connection, similar to the type seen in some devices that are purchased with a battery and a removable piece of material is disposed between the battery and a battery terminal so as to prevent battery discharge until slidingly removed following purchase of the device. In this case, wire end  202 A of antenna assembly  202  may be a smooth piece of electrically conductive material that physically contacts the circuitry of RF circuit  22  so that device  100 , despite being unpowered, may be placed in protective bag  204  and boxed for shipment or sale yet remain capable of receiving RF signals. Device  100  may include a slot through which wire end  202 A of antenna assembly  202  is inserted in order to temporarily electrically connect with the remaining part of RF circuit  22 . 
         [0038]    As mentioned, antenna assembly  202  may be located on, embedded within or integrated with protective bag  204 . Specifically, the antenna portion  202 B of antenna assembly  202 , which receives RF signals, may be disposed along an outer portion of protective bag  204  and secured thereto using tape, an adhesive or the like. Wire end  202 A extends inwardly from an inner surface of bag  204  so as to connect with the remainder of RF circuit  22  appearing in device  100 . In this way, circuit  1  of device  100  may be capable of receiving RF signals via antenna assembly  202  and RF circuit  22  despite being contained within bag  204 . The amount by which wire end  202 A extends from an inner surface of bag  204  depends upon the dimensions of device  100 , the location of the slot which receives wire end  202 A on device  100 , and the location of the antenna portion  202 B of antenna assembly  202 . 
         [0039]    During the time device  100  is boxed and thus unpowered, device  100  may nevertheless communicate using circuit  1 . For example, firmware stored in memory  21  or other memory within circuit  1  or elsewhere in device  100  may be updated using circuit  1 . Further, data may be downloaded into or uploaded from device  100  when bagged and boxed. Then, following purchase of device  100 , the box  206  is opened and device  100  is removed from its protective bag  204 . Removing device  100  from the protective bag  204  causes the wire end  202 A of the antenna assembly  202  to slide out of its physical engagement with, and is thereby electrically disconnected from, the remainder of RF circuit  22 . Thereafter, without an antenna for receiving RF signals, circuit  1  can no longer be used. This, along with possible additional authentication mechanisms and/or disabling settings made once device  100  is powered up through main power connector  26 , provides a measure of security to prevent subsequent hacking of device  100 . 
         [0040]    In the event protective bag  204  is not used such that device  100  is placed directly within box  206 , antenna assembly  202  may be disposed along and/or embedded within box  206 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , antenna portion  202 B may be disposed along an outer surface of box  206  and secured thereto using tape, an adhesive or the like. In the event box  206  is a cardboard box, antenna portion  202 B may be disposed between adjacent inner and outer wall portions which form a wall or panel of box  206 . Wire end  202 A may extend from the inner surface of box  206 , slide within a slot appearing on device  100 , and at least temporarily connect to the remainder of RF circuit  22 . 
         [0041]    Components of circuit  1  may be included on the controller card of any product or device  100  that could potentially require late changes to embedded system firmware that is resident in on-board non-volatile memory. To prolong battery life, when circuit  1  is not in use, internal power source  10  is disconnected from processor  20  by way of switching circuitry  24 , as discussed above. When switching circuitry  24  is closed, internal power source  10  is connected to processor  20 , which is then capable of booting the re-programmed device. 
         [0042]    As discussed, the radiated communication link, RF circuit  22 , may serve a dual purpose in the example embodiments. A first purpose is communication and the second purpose is energy transfer. The energy transferred from the radiating RF source to circuit  1  is low, but is sufficient to support limited functionality. In an example embodiment, the energy is used to operate or control switching circuitry  24 . When the RF circuit  22  is excited by an external field, it can direct the energy derived from the radiated signal to “flip” or close the switch of switching circuitry  24 , thereby connecting internal power source  10  to processor  20  and the rest of circuit  1 . Once this is accomplished, the RF link can then be used solely for communication. 
         [0043]    As power source  10  provides power to circuit  1 , processor  20  will begin executing code (stored in local non-volatile memory  21 ) that will allow device  100  to perform its intended operations. As discussed, the intended operations may include downloading firmware received by RF circuit  22  into memory  21 , and/or uploading firmware from memory  21  to a destination via transmission by RF circuit  22 . 
         [0044]    The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, circuit  1  may utilize a battery assisted passive RFID tag as part of RF circuit  22 . 
         [0045]    It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.