Abstract: A near field communications (NFC) enabled device configured to adaptively switch between a power saving sense mode and a communication mode is provided. The NFC enabled device includes a sense signal controller configured to cause an initiating coupler to generate a sense signal, and a sensor unit configured to determine when a target RF communicator is in near field range based on a change in an impedance of the initiating coupler. The NFC enabled device also includes an activation signal controller configured to cause the initiating coupler to send an activation signal to a target coupler upon determination by the sensor unit that the target RF communicator is in near field range. The NFC enabled device generates the sense signal when in the power saving sense mode, and sends the activation signal to the target RF communicator when in the communication mode.

Abstract: A near field communications (NFC) enabled device configured to adaptively switch between a power saving sense mode and a communication mode is provided. The NFC enabled device includes a sense signal controller configured to cause an initiating coupler to generate a sense signal, and a sensor unit configured to determine when a target RF communicator is in near field range based on a change in an impedance of the initiating coupler. The NFC enabled device also includes an activation signal controller configured to cause the initiating coupler to send an activation signal to a target coupler upon determination by the sensor unit that the target RF communicator is in near field range. The NFC enabled device generates the sense signal when in the power saving sense mode, and sends the activation signal to the target RF communicator when in the communication mode.

Abstract: A near field RF communicator (100) has an inductive coupler (102) and a first signal provider (109, 110, 111) to cause the inductive coupler to provide a first signal that when inductively coupled to the inductive coupler of another near field RF communicator in near field range is insufficient to cause initiation of communication with that other near field RF communicator. A sensor (116) senses a change in an impedance of the inductive coupler (102) due to inductive coupling of the first signal between the inductive couplers of the said near field RF communicator and a said other near field RF communicator in near field range.

Abstract: A near field RF communicator (100) has an inductive coupler (102) and a first signal provider (109, 110, 111) to cause the inductive coupler to provide a first signal that when inductively coupled to the inductive coupler of another near field RF communicator in near field range is insufficient to cause initiation of communication with that other near field RF communicator A sensor (116) senses a change in an impedance of the inductive coupler (102) due to inductive coupling of the first signal between the inductive couplers of the said near field RF communicator and a said other near field RF communicator in near field range.