Near Field Magnetic Induction Communication System

A Near Field Magnetic Induction Communication System is a short range wireless physical layer that communicates by coupling a tight, low-power, non-propagating magnetic field between devices. The concept is for a transmitter coil in one device to modulate a magnetic field which is measured by means of a receiver coil in another device.

Background: Technical Concepts

Near-Field Magnetic Induction Communication (NFMIC) systems differ from other wireless communications in that most conventional wireless RF systems use an antenna to generate and transmit a propagated electromagnetic wave. In these types of systems all of the transmission energy is designed to radiate into free space. This type of transmission is referred to as "far-field."

According to Maxwell's equation for a radiating wire, the power density of far-field transmissions attenuates or rolls off at a rate proportional to the inverse of the range to the second power (1/range2) or -20dB per decade. This slow attenuation over distance allows far-field transmissions to communicate effectively over a long range. The properties that make long range communication possible are a disadvantage for short range communication systems.

FreeLinc, a U.S. technology corporation located in Utah, has developed and holds numerous patents pertaining to Near Field Magnetic Induction Communication. The system uses a short range (less than 2 meters) wireless physical layer that communicates by coupling a tight, low-power, non-propagating magnetic field between devices. The concept is for a transmitter coil in one device to modulate a magnetic field which is measured by means of a receiver coil in another device.

The standard modulation schemes used in typical RF communications (amplitude modulation, phase modulation, and frequency modulation) can be used in near-field magnetic induction systems.

NFMI systems are designed to contain transmission energy within the localized magnetic field. This magnetic field energy resonates around the communication system, but does not radiate into free space. This type of transmission is referred to as "near-field." As shown in the graph below, the power density of near-field transmissions is extremely restrictive and attenuates or rolls off at a rate proportional to the inverse of the range to the sixth power (1/range6) or -60dB per decade.

In Diagram 2, the carrier frequency is 13.56MHz and has a wavelength (_) of 22 meters. The crossover point between near-field and far-field occurs at approximately _/2_. At this frequency the crossover occurs at 3.52 meters, at which point the propagating energy from the NFMI system conforms to the same propagation rules as any far-field system; rolling off at -20dB per decade. At this distance the propagated energy levels are -40dB to -60dB (10,000 to 1,000,000 times) lower than an equivalent intentional far-field system.

Uses

Near Field Magnetic Induction technology secures wireless communication between two-way radio accessories by creating a magnetic communication "bubble" around headsets, speaker-microphones and radios. This magnetic bubble has a radius of approximately 1.5 meters, is immune from radio frequency (RF) interference and virtually secure from eavesdropping. An eavesdropper would have to be standing next to the radio, within the magnetic bubble, to intercept wireless transmissions to and from a microphone or headset.

FreeLinc's Near-Field Magnetic Induction Communication Systems require low power thus allowing extended talk-time up to 20 continuous hours in most radio accessory applications. This NFMIC intellectual property has been integrated into secure wireless communication accessories, such as headsets and speaker microphones, for public safety, military personnel and other users of two-way radios.

Near Field Magnetic Induction Communication technology enables users of two-way radios to experience wireless mobility, wireless safety and wireless security with portable radio accessories. More information regarding Near Field Magnetic Induction Communication based products can be seen at [http://www.freelinc.com www.freelinc.com]

For further reference please see, below, US Patents Owned by FreeLinc, Orem, Utah.

Patents

US Patents Owned Anchor|patents_ownedby FreeLinc, Orem, Utah

Foreign Patents Owned by FreeLinc, Orem, Utah

References

* [http://www.www.freelinc.com FreeLinc]
* [http://www.freelinc.com/downloads/FreeLinc%20NFMI%20White%20Paper.pdf Near-Field Magnetic Induction Technology]
* [http://www.freelinc.com/downloads/LawOrder_Aug2006_1-18103181-eprint.pdf Law and Order: The Magazine for Police Management]
* [http://www.freelinc.com/downloads/FreeLinc_Intro_WhitePaper_8-01-06.pdf Two-way Radio Wireless Communication Accessories: Technology & Company Abstract]
* [http://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]