A method and a device for making available electric charge in order to charge an electronic card including a near-field communication module by way of a terminal. The terminal has what is known as a reader mode in which it is able to supply power to the card in near-field mode and receive data from the card. The method includes the following steps, on the terminal, set to reader mode, so as to generate an electromagnetic field able to charge such an electronic card: initializing the communication between the terminal and the card; receiving a message from the card, the message containing at least one datum telling the terminal that it should maintain the electric charge; and maintaining the electric charge while remaining in reader mode.

A circuit for a communication device and a method for switching a communication device are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes activating at least one first antenna and at least one second antenna of a near-field communication (NFC) device for switching the NFC device between first field detection phases and second card detection phases.

A system is provided for communicating between a 3D metrology instrument and a portable computing device via near field communications. In one embodiment, the metrology device is an articulated coordinate measurement machine (AACMM), a laser tracker, a laser scanner or a triangulation scanner, and the portable communications device is a cellular phone or a tablet. The portable device may use the NFC to retrieve data stored on a circuit associated with an object to be inspected and use the data to perform an inspection on the object using the metrology device.

A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component.

A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.

A system and method are disclosed for activating remote monitoring functionality of a personal wireless device associated with a released individual. After incarceration, former inmates are released under a variety of different circumstances, many of which require follow-up check-ins with case managers or other individuals. As part of their release, inmates often agree to multiple restrictions and requirements. In order to better monitor compliance with those requirements, a personal wireless device assigned to the released individual can be programmed with certain rules and automatically trigger when a violation is detected. As a result of a detected violation, the personal wireless device activates certain devices, such as a camera, microphone, etc., to capture data in order to remotely monitor the released individual. A case manager can also manually activate monitoring.

In an embodiment, an electronic device includes a first near field communication module, at least one second communication module, at least one portion of a volatile memory, at least one register, and at least one first circuit configured to activate the near field communication module, wherein the at least one second communication module is configured to power the at least one portion of the volatile memory, the at least one register and the at least one first circuit with a first supply voltage when the electronic device is in an on state and when the first near field communication module is in a standby mode.

A novel concept for Near Field Communication (NFC) is described herein. In accordance with the embodiments described herein, orthogonal carrier signals are transmitted between NFC transmitter and NFC receiver circuit. In one arrangement, a carrier signal is unmodulated to ensure uninterrupted energy transfer to the receiver circuit. The orthogonal carriers are used to implement full-duplex Near Field Communication.

A near field communication (NFC) reader detects whether NFC devices are passive NFC devices or active NFC devices. The NFC reader outputs an interrogation signal and a carrier signal. When the NFC reader receives a response signal from an NFC device responsive to the interrogation signal, the NFC reader interrupts the carrier signal before the end of the response signal. The NFC reader determines whether the NFC device is a passive NFC device or an active NFC device depending on whether the response signal continues during the interruption of the interrogation signal.

Provided is a contactless electronic system configured for contactless communications with a reader over an electromagnetic field and comprising a power supply, a current monitor, a processing system comprising a hardware processor configured for performing operations, a dynamic extra current loader and a clock generator. The current monitor is configured for determining maximal current Imax that can be provided by the power supply to the processing system from the electromagnetic field, and is configured for comparing, during an execution phase of said hardware processor, said determined maximal current Imax and a current drawn by the processing system.