This paper proposes a near-field communication (NFC) antenna solution for metal-cover smartphone applications. In this NFC antenna solution, a narrow slot is initially loaded into the metal cover, and the position of this slot can be altered (with flexibility) according to the design of the smartphone's external appearance. Next, an unconventional six-turn coil (with a six-sided irregular hexagonal shape) is designed that has a nonuniform linewidth and a nonuniform line gap between two lines, and it is partially loaded with a rectangular ferrite composite. In this design, an enhanced magnetic line of forces can be realized in certain specific locations, and an excellent inductively coupled near-field receiver is achieved. Notably, this proposed NFC antenna can pass the tests required by NFC forum certification, and its performances are comparable with the traditional NFC antenna that has nonmetallic cover.

Ferrite composites; Hexagonal shapes; Inductively-coupled; Nonuniform meandering line; Partial coverage; Smart-phone applications; Specific location; The near field communication (NFC)

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China