Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
BS ISO IEC 15149 โ Magnetic Field Area Network (MFAN) Series
Information technology โ Telecommunications and information exchange between systems โ Magnetic field area network (MFAN) (2015/2016)
๐ BS ISO/IEC 15149 is the British Standards Institution (BSI) adoption of ISO/IEC 15149, a series under the general title Information technology โ Telecommunications and information exchange between systems โ Magnetic field area network (MFAN), developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1, with UK participation through IST/6 (Data communications). MFAN uses magnetic fields (magnetic induction coupling) for short-range wireless communication and wireless power transfer. The series specifies in-band control, extended-range relay, and authentication security protocols, providing standardization support for magnetic-coupled wireless energy communication (e.g., mobile charging, medical implants, industrial wireless power).
๐ก MFAN’s uniqueness: magnetic field propagation is not blocked by metal or non-magnetic materials, making it suitable for near-field communication and energy transfer through walls and human tissue. However, energy transfer needs in-band control coordination, range extension needs relays, and security needs authentication โ so the three parts support one another.
1. Structure and Scope of the Series ๐
The BS ISO/IEC 15149 series is divided by protocol function. This batch covers Parts 2, 3, and 4:
| Part | Standard No. | Subject | ICS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 2 | BS ISO/IEC 15149-2:2015 | In-band control protocol for wireless power transfer | 35.110 |
| Part 3 | BS ISO/IEC 15149-3:2016 | Relay protocol for extended range | 35.110 |
| Part 4 | BS ISO/IEC 15149-4:2016 | Security protocol for authentication | 35.110 |
โ ๏ธ Part 2 (2015, first edition) addresses in-band control for wireless power transfer; Parts 3 and 4 (2016, first editions) address relay and authentication respectively. Use all three together for a complete MFAN communication and energy-transfer system.
2. In-Band Control Protocol (Part 2) ๐ง
Part 2 specifies the in-band control protocol for wireless power transfer (WPT), coordinating energy transfer and data exchange within the magnetic channel:
- Network elements: network composition, node roles, and connection methods;
- In-band control: overlaying control signalling in the same channel as power transfer for power regulation, load negotiation, and exception handling;
- Protocol flows: control frames, handshakes, and state transitions to ensure safe and efficient wireless power transfer.
This protocol is the control core of MFAN energy-transfer applications (e.g., wireless charging).
3. Extended-Range Relay Protocol (Part 3) ๐ฅ
Part 3 specifies the relay protocol for extended range, extending the communication and energy-transfer distance of the magnetic network via relay nodes:
- Network elements and relay node roles;
- Relay protocol: relay forwarding, path selection, and energy/data coordination among relay nodes;
- Protocol flows: relay request, forwarding, and acknowledgement mechanisms.
โ
Value: magnetic near-field transfer has limited range. The relay protocol enables multi-hop MFAN, extending the coverage of wireless energy transfer and communication.
4. Authentication Security Protocol (Part 4) ๐ ๏ธ
Part 4 specifies the security protocol for authentication, providing identity authentication and communication security for MFAN:
- Symbols and abbreviated terms: keys, algorithm identifiers, etc.;
- Authentication protocol: node identity authentication, key agreement, and security parameters;
- Security protection: preventing replay and man-in-the-middle attacks, protecting energy transfer and control signalling.
๐จ Security note: wireless energy transfer can be eavesdropped or illegally requested. The authentication protocol ensures only authorized devices can establish an MFAN connection and receive energy, preventing unauthorized access.
5. Engineering Practice Essentials ๐
- ๐ Wireless charging: implement power coordination and communication in magnetic-coupled energy transfer per Part 2.
- ๐ง Multi-hop networks: deploy relays per Part 3 to extend magnetic field coverage.
- ๐ Secure access: enable authentication per Part 4 to prevent unauthorized device access and energy theft.
- ๐ Medical implants: MFAN suits through-tissue near-field energy transfer and communication, while also meeting implant safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
6. Frequently Asked Questions โ
โ Q: How does MFAN differ from NFC or Bluetooth?
A: MFAN uses magnetic coupling and can transfer energy and communicate simultaneously; the magnetic field penetrates metal and non-magnetic media, giving near-field characteristics different from NFC/Bluetooth.
A: MFAN uses magnetic coupling and can transfer energy and communicate simultaneously; the magnetic field penetrates metal and non-magnetic media, giving near-field characteristics different from NFC/Bluetooth.
โ Q: Why is an in-band control protocol needed?
A: Wireless power transfer needs coordination of power, load, and exceptions. In-band control does this in the same channel, avoiding extra channel overhead while ensuring real-time response.
A: Wireless power transfer needs coordination of power, load, and exceptions. In-band control does this in the same channel, avoiding extra channel overhead while ensuring real-time response.
โ Q: What problem does the relay protocol solve?
A: Magnetic near-field transfer has limited range; relay nodes extend coverage through multi-hop, enlarging the range of wireless energy transfer and communication.
A: Magnetic near-field transfer has limited range; relay nodes extend coverage through multi-hop, enlarging the range of wireless energy transfer and communication.
โ Q: Is MFAN suitable for long-distance transmission?
A: No. Magnetic coupling is a near-field technology, typically centimetre to metre range; use RF wireless technology for longer distances.
A: No. Magnetic coupling is a near-field technology, typically centimetre to metre range; use RF wireless technology for longer distances.