SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURE WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION USING ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION SIGNAL FROM A WIRELESS POWER RECEIVING DEVICE - Patent application

Abstract

In one exemplary embodiment of secure wireless power transmission using a one-way communication signal from a wireless power receiving device, the method includes receiving a first wireless power transmission signal at a wireless power receiving device having a second communication radio from a wireless power transmitting device having a first communication radio. In response to receiving the first wireless power transmission signal, broadcasting, via the second communication radio of the wireless power receiving device, without establishing a communication channel between the first and second communication radios, a data packet including information identifying (i) at least one power requirement of a power source of the wireless power receiving device and (ii) an amount of power that the wireless power receiving device receives from the first wireless power transmission signal. After broadcasting the data packet, receiving, at the wireless power receiving device, additional wireless power transmission signals from the wireless power transmitting device, each transmitted by the wireless power transmitting device using a predetermined sequence of different transmission characteristics.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 385,755, filed July 26, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 178,465, filed April 22, 2021, entitled "Systems and Methods for Secure Wireless Transmission of Power Using Unidirectional Communication Signals from A Wireless-Power-Receiving Device," and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 064,912, filed August 12, 2020, entitled "Systems and Methods for Secure Wireless Transmission of Power Using Unidirectional Communication Signals from A Wireless-Power-Receiving Device."

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments herein relate generally to systems and methods for wireless power transmission, and more particularly to systems and methods for safe wireless power transmission using one-way communication signals from a wireless power receiving device. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Some wireless power transmission systems, such as charging pads, utilize two-way communication between a wireless power receiving device and a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., a charging pad). These charging pads (e.g., wireless power transmitting devices) must communicate with the wireless power receiving device to verify that the device being charged is the correct device and to obtain charging information (e.g., battery level, charging state, required power, etc.). A two-way communication framework can require significant storage space on the limited memory available on certain circuits used in connection with receiving wireless power. Because storage is at a premium on these circuits, two-way communication can be undesirable; therefore, a communication framework is needed that requires less space while ensuring that power can be wirelessly transmitted in a secure manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a communication framework that can be implemented in a wireless power receiving device (e.g., a device having (i) a wireless power receiving circuit including at least one antenna and a power conversion circuit for converting wirelessly delivered energy into usable power, and (ii) an electronic device such as a smartphone, smart watch, laptop, hearing aid, etc., configured to be powered or charged by the usable power from the wireless power receiving circuit) that uses minimal storage space. To this end, systems and methods are described herein that can enable a wireless power receiving device to receive charging without establishing a communication channel (e.g., no handshake protocol is exchanged between the communication radio of the receiving device and the communication radio of the transmitting device). Instead of a bidirectional communication channel being used to convey information regarding wireless charging (e.g., high frequency power waves that, after being delivered to the wireless power receiving circuit over a distance, convert energy from the RF power waves into usable power for charging or powering an electronic device coupled to the wireless power receiving device), one-way advertisements may be used to achieve the desired result of safe wireless power transmission. In this improved communication framework, a wireless power receiving device can transmit advertisements and obtain information that enables a nearby wireless power transmitting device to determine and adapt to the charging requirements of the wireless power receiving device based on the data contained in these advertisements. The wireless power transmitting device then wirelessly delivers charging to the wireless power receiving device. In some embodiments using this framework, no communication is received by the wireless power receiving device from the wireless power transmitting device. Thus, wireless power receiving circuitry can be coupled to many different types of electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, hearing aids, etc.) to enable those electronic devices to be wirelessly charged using this one-way communication framework, and the electronic devices do not require additional software to enable them to receive wireless charging.In other words, this new framework is advantageous over the two-way communication framework because it can be implemented using less storage space on the wireless power receiving device (while at the same time requiring no additional storage space or very minimal storage space on the electronic device coupled with the wireless power receiving circuitry) without sacrificing security.

[0005]

[0005] It should be noted that the various embodiments described above can be combined with any other embodiment described herein. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive, and many additional features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art, especially when considering the drawings, the specification, and the claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used herein has been selected primarily for readability and instructional purposes, and is not intended to delineate or limit the subject matter of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006]

[0006] To enable a more detailed understanding of the present disclosure, a more specific description may be obtained by referring to the features of various embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings merely illustrate the features relevant to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting, since the description may admit of other useful features.

[0007] [Figure 1A] 1 is a block diagram of an RF wireless power transmission system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B]

[0008] FIG. 1 is another block diagram of an RF wireless power transmission system according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C]

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplary RF charging pad with an RF power transmitter integrated circuit and antenna section in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 1D]

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplary RF charging pad with an RF power transmitter integrated circuit coupled to a switch, in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 2]

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplary RF transmitter in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 3]

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplary RF receiver in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 4]

[0013] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating secure wireless power transmission using a one-way communication signal from a wireless power receiving device. [Figure 5A]

[0014] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for transmitting a one-way communication signal according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for transmitting a one-way communication signal in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 5C] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for transmitting a one-way communication signal in accordance with some embodiments.

[0008]

[0015] According to common practice, the various features illustrated in the accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Also, some of the accompanying drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method, or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used throughout the specification and figures to denote like features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments being described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments being described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0010]

[0017] 1A is a block diagram of components of a wireless power transmission environment 100 according to some embodiments. The wireless power transmission environment 100 includes, for example, a transmitter 102 (e.g., transmitters 102a, 102b...102n) and one or more receivers 120 (e.g., receivers 120a, 120b...120n). In some embodiments, each respective wireless power transmission environment 100 includes multiple receivers 120 (also referred to as wireless power receiving circuits), each associated with a respective electronic device 122. In some cases, the transmitter 102 is referred to herein as a "wireless power transmitting device" or a "wireless power transmitter." Also in some cases, the receiver 120 and the electronic device 122a, when coupled together, are collectively referred to herein as a "wireless power receiving device."

[0011]

[0018] An exemplary transmitter 102 (e.g., transmitter 102a) includes, for example, one or more processors 104, memory 106, one or more antenna arrays 110, one or more communication components 112 (also referred to herein as "wireless communication radios," "communications radios," or simply "radios"), and / or one or more transmitter sensors 114. In some embodiments, these components are interconnected via a communication bus 107. References to these components of the transmitter 102 encompass embodiments that include one or more of these components (and combinations thereof). The components are discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0012]

[0019] In some embodiments, a single processor 104 (e.g., the processor 104 of transmitter 102a) executes software modules for controlling multiple transmitters 102 (e.g., transmitters 102b...102n). In some embodiments, a single transmitter 102 (e.g., transmitter 102a) comprises multiple processors 104, such as one or more transmitter processors (e.g., configured to control transmission of signals 116 by the antenna array 110), one or more communication component processors (e.g., in some embodiments, the communication component is configured to receive communications transmitted by a wireless power receiving device without opening a communication channel; e.g., this may mean that no handshake protocol is required to enable the transmitter and receiving device to communicate with each other during the wireless charging process (as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A-5C)), and / or one or more sensor processors (e.g., configured to control operation of and / or receive output from the transmitter sensor 114).

[0013]

[0020] Receiver 120 receives transmission signal 116. In some embodiments, receiver 120 includes one or more antennas 124 (e.g., an antenna array including multiple antenna elements), a power converter 126, a receiver sensor 128, and / or other components or circuitry (e.g., a processor 140, a memory 142, and / or a communication component 144). In some embodiments, these components are interconnected via a communication bus 146. References to these components of receiver 120 encompass embodiments that include one or more of these components (and combinations thereof).

[0014]

[0021] The receiver 120 converts energy from the received signal 116 (also referred to herein as an RF power transmission signal, or simply an RF signal, RF wave, power wave, or power transmission signal) into electrical energy for powering and / or charging the electronic device 122. For example, the receiver 120 uses a power converter 126 to convert the energy obtained from the power wave 116 into alternating current (AC) electricity or direct current (DC) electricity for powering and / or charging the electronic device 122. Non-limiting examples of the power converter 126 include a rectifier, a rectifying circuit, and a voltage regulator, among other suitable circuits and devices.

[0015]

[0022] In some embodiments, receiver 120 is a standalone device that is detachably coupled to one or more electronic devices 122. For example, electronic device 122 includes processor 132 for controlling one or more functions of electronic device 122, and receiver 120 includes processor 140 for controlling one or more functions of receiver 120.

[0016]

[0023] In some embodiments, receiver 120 is a component of electronic device 122. For example, processor 132 controls the functionality of electronic device 122 and receiver 120. Also, in some embodiments, receiver 120 includes one or more processors 140 in communication with processor 132 of electronic device 122.

[0017]

[0024] In some embodiments, electronic device 122 includes one or more processors 132, memory 134, one or more communication components 136, and / or one or more batteries 130. In some embodiments, these components are interconnected via a communication bus 138. In some embodiments, communication between electronic device 122 and receiver 120 occurs via communication components 136 and / or 144. In some embodiments, communication between electronic device 122 and receiver 120 occurs via a wired connection between communication bus 138 and communication bus 146. In some embodiments, electronic device 122 and receiver 120 share a single communication bus.

[0018]

[0025] In some embodiments, the receiver 120 receives the one or more power waves 116 directly from the transmitter 102 (e.g., via one or more antennas 124). In some embodiments, the receiver 120 recovers the power waves from one or more energy pockets created by the one or more power waves 116 transmitted by the transmitter 102. In some embodiments, the transmitter 102 is a near-field transmitter that transmits the one or more power waves 116 within a near-field distance (e.g., less than approximately 6 inches from the transmitter 102, or in some other examples, less than (approximately) 12 inches from the transmitter 102). In other embodiments, the transmitter 102 is a far-field transmitter that transmits the one or more power waves 116 within a far-field distance (e.g., more than approximately 6 inches from the transmitter 102, or in some other examples, more than (approximately) 12 inches from the transmitter 102).

[0019]

[0026] After the power wave 116 is received and / or energy is recovered from the energy pocket, circuitry (e.g., integrated circuits, amplifiers, rectifiers, and / or voltage regulators) in the receiver 120 converts the energy in the power wave into usable power (i.e., electricity) that powers the electronic device 122 and / or is stored in the battery 130 of the electronic device 122. In some embodiments, the rectifier circuitry in the receiver 120 converts the electrical energy from AC to DC for use by the electronic device 122. In some embodiments, the voltage regulator circuitry increases or decreases the voltage of the electrical energy as required by the electronic device 122. In some embodiments, an electrical relay conducts the electrical energy from the receiver 120 to the electronic device 122.

[0020]

[0027] In some embodiments, the electronic device 122 obtains power from multiple transmitters 102 and / or using multiple receivers 120. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission environment 100 includes multiple electronic devices 122, each having at least one respective receiver 120 used to recover power waves from the transmitter 102 as power to charge the electronic device 122.

[0021]

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more transmitters 102 adjust the values ​​of one or more characteristics of the power waves 116 (e.g., waveform characteristics such as phase, gain, direction, amplitude, polarization, and / or frequency). For example, the transmitter 102 selects a subset of one or more antenna elements of the antenna array 110 to start transmitting the power waves 116, stop transmitting the power waves 116, and / or adjust the values ​​of one or more characteristics used to transmit the power waves 116. In some embodiments, the one or more transmitters 102 adjust the power waves 116 so that the trajectories of the power waves 116 converge to a predetermined location (e.g., a location or region in space) within the transmission field, resulting in a controlled constructive or destructive interference pattern. The transmitter 102 may adjust the values ​​of one or more characteristics for transmitting the power waves 116 to accommodate changes in the wireless power receiver that may adversely affect the transmission of the power waves 116. As described in more detail below, adjustments by the transmitter may be determined based on data provided in a one-way communication signal from the wireless power receiving device (e.g., the communication component 136 of the device 122a may be used to advertise data related to reception by the receiver 120 of the RF power waves, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5A-5C).

[0022]

[0029] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the transmitter 102 utilizes beamforming technology to wirelessly transfer power to the receiver 120, while in other embodiments, the transmitter 102 does not utilize beamforming technology to wirelessly transfer power to the receiver 120 (e.g., in situations where beamforming technology is not used, the transmitter controller IC 160 discussed below may be designed without circuitry that enables the use of beamforming technology, or the circuitry may be present but may be disabled to eliminate beamforming control capability).

[0023]

[0030] In some embodiments, each antenna array 110 of one or more transmitters 102 may include a set of one or more antennas configured to transmit power waves 116 into a respective transmission field of the one or more transmitters 102. An integrated circuit (e.g., a controller circuit (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) and / or a waveform generator (FIG. 1C) of each transmitter 102 may control the behavior of the antennas. For example, based on information received from the receiver 120 via a communication signal 118 (e.g., an advertisement such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertisement), the controller circuit (e.g., the processor 104 of the transmitter 102, FIG. 1A) may determine values ​​of waveform characteristics (e.g., amplitude, frequency, trajectory, direction, phase, polarization, among other characteristics) of the power waves 116 that will effectively provide power to the receiver 120 and, therefore, the electronic device 122. The controller circuit may also identify a subset of antennas that will be effective for transmitting the power waves 116 from the antenna array 110. In some embodiments, a waveform generator circuit (not shown in FIG. 1A) of each transmitter 102 coupled to the processor 104 may convert energy to generate a power wave 116 having specific values ​​of waveform characteristics specified by the processor 104 / controller circuitry, and then provide the power wave to the antenna array 110 for transmission.

[0024]

[0031] In some embodiments, the communication component 112 transmits a communication signal 118 to the receiver 120 via a wired and / or wireless communication connection. In some embodiments, the communication component 112 does not transmit anything to the receiver 120, but rather only receives communications (e.g., BLE advertisements) from the receiver 120 using the communication component 112. In some embodiments, if the communication component 112 does not transmit anything to the receiver 120, no communication channel is established between the communication component 112 and the receiver 120, which means that in some embodiments, the receiving device and the transmitting device do not need to go through a handshake protocol that allows the receiving device to send a BLE advertisement to the transmitting device. In some embodiments, the communication component 112 generates a beacon signal 118a (e.g., a test signal) that is used to triangulate the receiver 120. In some embodiments, the beacon signal 118a is used to convey information about charging availability from the transmitter 102 to the receiver 120. In some embodiments, signal 118a is used to adjust the value of one or more waveform characteristics used to transmit power wave 116 (e.g., to communicate the amount of power available from the RF test signal). In some embodiments, transmitter 102 does not need to communicate to receiver 120 information regarding adjusting the value of one or more waveform characteristics for transmitting power wave 116 because the advertisement transmitted from the receiver conveys all the information necessary to enable transmitter 102 to provide power to the receiver. In some embodiments, beacon signal 118a includes information related to status, efficiency, user data, power consumption, billing, geolocation, and other types of information (described in more detail below). In some embodiments, unidirectional advertisement signal 118b is used to communicate information regarding charging requirements from receiver 120 to transmitter 102. In some embodiments, only unidirectional advertisement signal 118b transmitted from receiver 120 to transmitter 102 includes information related to status, efficiency, user data, power consumption, charging information, billing, geolocation, and other types of information.

[0025]

[0032] In some embodiments, the communications component 112 comprises a communications component antenna for communicating with the receiver 120 and / or other transmitters 102 (e.g., transmitters 102b-102n). In some embodiments, these beacon signals 118a and unidirectional advertisement signals 118b are transmitted using a first channel (e.g., a first frequency band) that is separate from a second channel (e.g., a second frequency band different from the first frequency band) used to transmit the power waves 116. In some embodiments, no channel is created between the transmitter 102 and the receiver 120, and the communications component 112 receives incoming advertisements (e.g., BLE advertisements).

[0026]

[0033] In some embodiments, receiver 120 optionally includes a receiver-side communication component 144 (which may also be referred to herein as a second communication radio, while communication component 112 may be referred to herein as a first communication radio) configured to communicate various types of data with one or more of transmitters 102 using respective communication signals generated by the receiver-side communication component (which in some embodiments may be referred to as an advertising signal or advertisement signal). In other embodiments, receiver 120 may be configured to use communication component 136 of device 122a to communicate one-way communication advertisements as discussed herein (the discussion of one-way advertisements herein applies to situations in which receiver 120 uses its own communication component 144 as well as situations in which receiver 120 uses communication component 136 of device 122a). The data may include a location indicator for the receiver 120 and / or the electronic device 122, a power status of the device 122, status information for the receiver 120, status information for the electronic device 122 (e.g., charging stopped, charging but needing more power, charging at optimal set rate, charging but receiving excessive power, fault condition, etc.), status information regarding the power wave 116 (e.g., whether the electronic device 122 needs charging, whether the battery is critical, whether the receiver is on a charger (e.g., transmitter 102) or not (array voltage detected), etc.), and / or status information for the energy pocket. In other words, the receiver 120 may provide data regarding the current operation of the system 100 to the transmitter 102 via the beacon signal 118a and / or the one-way advertisement signal 118b, including information identifying the current location of the receiver 120 or the device 122, the amount of energy (i.e., available power) received by the receiver 120, and the amount of power received and / or used by the electronic device 122, among other possible data points including other types of information.

[0027]

[0034] In some embodiments, data contained in the beacon signal 118a and / or unidirectional advertisement signal 118b is used by the electronic device 122, the receiver 120, and / or the transmitter 102 to determine adjustments to the values ​​of one or more waveform characteristics used to transmit the power waves 116 by the antenna array 110. In some embodiments, the receiver 120 uses the beacon signal 118a and / or unidirectional advertisement signal 118b to convey data to, for example, alert the transmitter 102 that the receiver 120 has entered or is about to enter a transmission field (e.g., is about to enter wireless transmission range of the transmitter 102), provide information about the electronic device 122, provide user information corresponding to the electronic device 122, indicate the validity of the received power waves 116, and / or provide updated characteristics or transmission parameters that one or more transmitters 102 use to adjust the transmission of the power waves 116. In some embodiments, the transmitter alert is made in response to the electronic device 122 detecting a transmitter beacon signal generated by the transmitter 102. In some embodiments, the transmitter beacon signal is a low-power RF signal, such that the transmitter beacon signal has a lower power level compared to additional wireless transmission signals that are transmitted after the transmitter determines that the receiver is within wireless transmission range of the transmitter (an example of this is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0028]

[0035] In some embodiments, the transmitter sensor 114 and / or the receiver sensor 128 detect and / or determine conditions of the electronic device 122, the receiver 120, the transmitter 102, and / or the transmission field. In some embodiments, data generated by the transmitter sensor 114 and / or the receiver sensor 128 is used by the transmitter 102 to determine appropriate adjustments to the values ​​of one or more waveform characteristics used to transmit the power wave 116. Data received by the transmitter 102 from the transmitter sensor 114 and / or the receiver sensor 128 includes, for example, raw sensor data and / or sensor data processed by the processor 104, such as a sensor processor. The processed sensor data includes, for example, decisions based on the outputted sensor data. In some embodiments, sensor data received from sensors external to the receiver 120 and the transmitter 102 (e.g., thermal imaging data, information from optical sensors, etc.) is also used.

[0029]

[0036] 1B is another block diagram of an RF wireless power transmission system 150 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the RF wireless power transmission system 150 includes a far-field transmitter (not shown). In some embodiments, the RF wireless power transmission system 150 includes a near-field transmitter, which in some embodiments may be part of an RF charging pad 151 (also referred to herein as a near-field (NF) charging pad 151 or RF charging pad 151). The RF charging pad 151 may be an example of the transmitter 102 of FIG. 1A.

[0030]

[0037] In some embodiments, RF charging pad 151 comprises an RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 (described in more detail below). In some embodiments, RF charging pad 151 comprises one or more communication components 112 (e.g., wireless communication components such as WI-FI radio or BLUETOOTH radio). In some embodiments, RF charging pad 151 also connects to one or more power amplifier units 108-1,...108-n (PA or PA units) to control the operation of the one or more power amplifier units in driving external power transfer elements (e.g., antenna 290). In some embodiments, RF power is controlled and modulated at RF charging pad 151 via a switch circuit to enable the RF wireless power transmission system to transmit RF power via TX antenna array 110 to one or more wireless receiving devices.

[0031]

[0038] 1C is a block diagram of an RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 ("integrated circuit") according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, integrated circuit 160 comprises a CPU subsystem 170, an external device control interface, an RF subsection for DC-to-RF power conversion, and analog and digital control interfaces interconnected via interconnect components such as a bus or interconnect fabric block 171. In some embodiments, CPU subsystem 170 provides a digital control interface, e.g., to an external FLASH containing CPU executable code that is loaded into CPU subsystem random access memory (RAM) 174 (e.g., memory 206, FIG. 2A) or executed directly from the FLASH. 2 It includes a microprocessor unit (CPU) 202 with associated read-only memory (ROM) 172 for device programs that boot via the C port. In some embodiments, the CPU subsystem 170 also includes an encryption module or block 176 for authenticating and securing communication exchanges with external devices, such as wireless power receivers, that wish to receive wirelessly delivered power from the RF charging pad 150.

[0032]

[0039] In some embodiments, RF IC 160 also includes (or is in communication with) a power amplifier controller IC 161A (PA IC) responsible for controlling and managing the operation of the power amplifier (or power amplifiers), including taking impedance measurements at various measurement points within power amplifier 108, potentially used to detect foreign objects. PA IC 161A may be on the same integrated circuit as RF IC 160, or may be on its own integrated circuit separate from (but still in communication with) RF IC 160. Further details regarding the architecture and operation of the PA IC are provided in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 03,677 (Attorney Docket No. 117685-5197-PR).

[0033]

[0040] In some embodiments, executable instructions running on a CPU (such as those shown in memory 106 of FIG. 2 and described below) are used to manage the operation of RF charging pad 151 and to control external devices via a control interface, such as SPI control interface 175, and other analog and digital interfaces included within RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160. In some embodiments, the CPU subsystem also manages the operation of the RF subsection of RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160, including RF local oscillator (LO) 177 and RF transmitter (TX) 178. In some embodiments, RF LO 177 is adjusted based on instructions from CPU subsystem 170 to set various desired operating frequencies, while RF TX converts, amplifies, and modulates RF output as needed to generate achievable RF power levels.

[0034]

[0041] In the following description, various references are made to the antenna section and the power transfer section, which are used synonymously in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the antenna / power transfer section may include an antenna element that transmits propagating radio frequency waves, while in other embodiments, the antenna / power transfer section may include a capacitive charging coupler that conveys electrical signals but does not transmit propagating radio frequency waves.

[0035]

[0042] In some embodiments, the RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 provides an achievable RF power level (e.g., via RF TX 178) to an optional beamforming integrated circuit (IC) 109, which then provides a phase-shifted signal to one or more power amplifiers 108. In some embodiments, the beamforming IC 109 is used to ensure that transmit signals transmitted to a particular wireless power receiver using two or more antennas 210 (e.g., each antenna 210 may be associated with a different antenna section 290 or each may belong to a single antenna section 290) are transmitted with proper characteristics (e.g., phase) to ensure that the power transmitted to the particular wireless power receiver is maximized (e.g., the transmit signals arrive at the particular wireless power receiver in phase). In some embodiments, the beamforming IC 109 forms part of the RF power transmitter IC 160. In embodiments in which a capacitive coupler (eg, capacitive charging coupler 244 ) is used as antenna 210 , optional beamforming IC 109 may not be included in RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 .

[0036]

[0043] In some embodiments, the RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 provides the achievable RF power level directly to one or more power amplifiers 108 (e.g., via RF TX 178) and does not use the beamforming IC 109 (i.e., bypasses the beamforming IC when no phase shift is required, such as when only a single antenna 210 is used to transmit the transmit signal to the wireless power receiver). In some embodiments, the PA IC 161A receives the achievable RF power level and provides it to the one or more power amplifiers 108.

[0037]

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more power amplifiers 108 then provide RF signals to antenna sections 290 (also referred to herein as “power transfer sections”) for transmission to wireless power receivers authorized to receive power delivered wirelessly from the RF charging pad 151. In some embodiments, each antenna section 290 is coupled to a respective PA 108 (e.g., antenna section 290-1 is coupled to PA 108-1, antenna section 290-N is coupled to PA 108-N, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple antenna sections are each coupled to the same set of PAs 108 (e.g., all PAs 108 are coupled to each antenna section 290). Various placements and couplings of PAs 108 to antenna sections 290 allow the RF charging pad 151 to sequentially or selectively activate various antenna sections to determine the most efficient antenna section 290 to use to transfer wireless power to the wireless power receiver. In some embodiments, the one or more power amplifiers 108 are also in communication with the CPU subsystem 170 to enable the CPU 202 to measure the output power provided by the PA 108 to the antenna area 110 of the RF charging pad 151.

[0038]

[0045] 1C also illustrates that in some embodiments, antenna section 290 of RF charging pad 151 can include one or more antennas 210A-N. In some embodiments, each antenna section of multiple antenna sections 290 includes one or more antennas 210 (e.g., antenna section 290-1 includes one antenna 210-A, and antenna section 290-N includes multiple antennas 210). In some embodiments, the number of antennas included in each antenna section is dynamically determined based on various parameters, such as the location of the wireless power receiver on RF charging pad 151. In some embodiments, each antenna section 290 may include antennas of different types, while in other embodiments, each antenna section 290 may include a single antenna of the same type, while in still other embodiments, an antenna section may include some antenna sections including a single antenna of the same type and some antenna sections including antennas of different types. In some embodiments, the antenna / power transfer section may also or alternatively include a capacitive charging coupler that conveys electrical signals but does not transmit propagating radio frequency waves.

[0039]

[0046] In some embodiments, RF charging pad 151 may also include a temperature monitoring circuit in communication with CPU subsystem 170 to ensure that RF charging pad 151 remains within an acceptable temperature range. For example, if a determination is made that RF charging pad 151 has reached a threshold temperature, operation of RF charging pad 151 may be temporarily suspended until RF charging pad 151 falls below the threshold temperature.

[0040]

[0047] By including the illustrated components of RF power transmitter circuitry 160 (FIG. 1C) on a single chip, such transmitter chips can manage operations thereon more efficiently and quickly (and with lower latency), which helps improve user satisfaction with charging pads managed by these transmitter chips. For example, RF power transmitter circuitry 160 is cheaper to build, has a smaller physical footprint, and is easier to install.

[0041]

[0048] 1D is a block diagram of a charging pad 294 according to some embodiments. Charging pad 294 is an example of charging pad 151 (FIG. 1B), although one or more components included in charging pad 151 are not included in charging pad 294 for ease of discussion and illustration.

[0042]

[0049] Charging pad 294 includes RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160, one or more power amplifiers 108, PA IC 161A (which may be on the same IC as RF power transmitter IC 160 or a separate IC), and transmitter antenna array 290 having multiple antenna sections. Each of these components is described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1C. Charging pad 294 also includes switch 295 (i.e., transmitter-side switch) disposed between power amplifiers 108 and antenna array 290 and having multiple switches 297-A, 297-B, ... 297-N. Switch 295 is configured to switchably connect one or more power amplifiers 108 to one or more antenna sections of antenna array 290 in response to control signals provided by RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160.

[0043]

[0050] To achieve the above, each switch 297 is coupled to (e.g., provides a signal path to) a different antenna section of the antenna array 290. For example, switch 297-A may be coupled to a first antenna section 290-1 (FIG. 1C) of the antenna array 290, switch 297-B may be coupled to a second antenna section 290-2 of the antenna array 290, and so on. When closed, each of the multiple switches 297-A, 297-B, ... 297-N creates a unique path between each power amplifier 108 (or multiple power amplifiers 108) and a respective antenna section of the antenna array 290. Each unique path through the switch 297 is used to selectively provide an RF signal to a particular antenna section of the antenna array 290. It should be noted that two or more of the multiple switches 297-A, 297-B, ... 297-N may be closed at the same time, thereby creating multiple unique paths to the antenna array 290 that may be used simultaneously.

[0044]

[0051] In some embodiments, RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 (PA IC 161A, or both) is coupled to switch 295 and configured to control the operation of multiple switches 297-A, 297-B, ... 297-N (shown as a "control output" signal in FIGS. 1B and 1D). For example, RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 may close first switch 297-A while leaving other switches open. In another example, RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 may close first switch 297-A and second switch 297-B while leaving other switches open (various other combinations and configurations are possible). Furthermore, RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 is coupled to one or more power amplifiers 108 and configured to generate an appropriate RF signal (e.g., an "RF output" signal) and provide this RF signal to one or more power amplifiers 108. The one or more power amplifiers 108 are then configured to provide RF signals via the switches 295 to one or more antenna sections of the antenna array 290 depending on which switches 297 of the switches 295 are closed by the RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160.

[0045]

[0052] In some embodiments, the charging pad is configured to transmit test and / or normal power signals using different antenna sections, depending, for example, on the location of the receiver on the charging pad. Thus, when a particular antenna section is selected to transmit a test or normal power signal, a control signal is sent from RF power transmitter integrated circuit 160 to switch 295 to close at least one switch 297. In doing so, an RF signal from at least one power amplifier 108 may be provided to the particular antenna section using a unique path created by the currently closed at least one switch 297.

[0046]

[0053] In some embodiments, the switch 295 may be part of (e.g., within) the antenna array 290. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the switch 295 is separate from the antenna array 290 (e.g., the switch 295 may be a separate component or may be part of another component, such as the power amplifier 108). Note that any switch design capable of achieving the above may be used, and the design of the switch 295 shown in FIG. 1D is merely an example.

[0047]

[0054] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary transmitter device 102 (sometimes referred to herein as a transmitter 102, a wireless power transmitter 102, and a wireless power transmitting device 102) according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the transmitter device 102 includes one or more processors 104 (e.g., a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microprocessor, etc.), one or more communication components 112 (e.g., radios), a memory 106, one or more antennas 110, and one or more communication buses 108 for interconnecting these components (sometimes referred to as a chipset). In some embodiments, the transmitter device 102 includes one or more sensors 114, as described above with reference to FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the transmitter device 102 includes one or more output devices, such as one or more indicator lights, a sound card, a speaker, a small display for displaying textual information and error codes, and the like. In some embodiments, the transmitter device 102 includes a location detection device, such as a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) or other geolocation receiver, for determining the location of the transmitter device 102.

[0048]

[0055] The communications component 112 enables communications (e.g., over one or more communications networks) between the transmitter 102 and the receiver 120. In some embodiments, the communications component 112 comprises hardware capable of data communications using, for example, any of a variety of wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.), wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), and / or any other suitable communications protocols, including communications protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this application.

[0049]

[0056] Memory 106 includes high-speed random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR SRAM, or other random access solid-state memory devices, and optionally includes non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical disk storage devices, one or more flash memory devices, or one or more other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. Memory 106, or alternatively the non-volatile memory within memory 106, includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 106 or the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of memory 106 stores the following programs, modules, and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof: Operating logic 216, which includes procedures for handling various basic system services and performing hardware-dependent tasks; a communications module 218 for coupling to and / or communicating with remote devices (e.g., remote sensors, transmitters, receivers, servers, etc.) in cooperation with the communications component 112 and / or antenna 110; a sensor module 220 for obtaining and processing sensor data (e.g., in conjunction with the sensors 114) to, for example, determine the presence, speed, and / or location of objects in the vicinity of the transmitter 102; A power wave generation module 224 for generating and transmitting power waves (e.g., in cooperation with the antenna 110). In some embodiments, the power wave generation module 224 receives instructions from a transmitter controller IC based on information provided by a one-way communication signal received at the transmitter from a receiving device (an example of which is shown in FIG. 4). · Databases 226, including but not limited to: ○ Sensor information 228 for storing and managing data received, detected, and / or transmitted by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 114 and / or one or more remote sensors); Communication protocol information 234 for storing and managing protocol information for one or more protocols (e.g., custom or standard wireless protocols such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, etc., and / or custom or standard wired protocols such as Ethernet). o The one-way advertisement structure 237 enables a first communication radio of a transmitting device to decipher information provided by a second communication radio of a receiving device, for example in a BLE advertisement signal.

[0050]

[0057] Each of the above-identified elements (e.g., modules stored in memory 106 of transmitter 102) is optionally stored in one or more of the memory devices mentioned above and corresponds to a set of instructions for performing the functions described above. The above-identified modules or programs (e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as independent software programs, procedures, or modules; thus, various subsets of these modules are optionally combined or rearranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 106 optionally stores a subset of the above-identified modules and data structures. Additionally, memory 106 optionally stores additional modules and data structures not described above, such as a tracking module for tracking the movement and position of objects within the transmission field.

[0051]

[0058] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary receiver device 120 (also referred to herein as a receiver 120, a wireless power receiver 120, and a wireless power receiving circuit 120) according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the receiver device 120 comprises one or more processors 140 (e.g., a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microprocessor, etc.), one or more communication components 144, a memory 142, one or more antennas 124, a power recovery circuit 310, and one or more communication buses 308 for interconnecting these components (sometimes referred to as a chipset). In some embodiments, the receiver device 120 comprises one or more sensors 128, such as the one or more sensors described above with reference to FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the receiver device 120 comprises an energy storage device 312 for storing energy recovered via the power recovery circuit 310. In various embodiments, the energy storage device 312 comprises one or more batteries (e.g., battery 130, FIG. 1A), one or more capacitors, one or more inductors, etc.

[0052]

[0059] As described above with reference to Figure 1A, in some embodiments, the receiver 120 is internally or externally connected to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 122a, Figure 1A) via a connection 138 (e.g., a bus). In some embodiments, the energy storage device 312 is part of the electronic device.

[0053]

[0060] In some embodiments, the power recovery circuit 310 comprises one or more rectifier circuits and / or one or more power converters. In some embodiments, the power recovery circuit 310 comprises one or more components (e.g., power converter 126) configured to convert energy from the power waves and / or energy pockets into electrical energy (e.g., electricity). In some embodiments, the power recovery circuit 310 is further configured to provide power to a coupled electronic device (e.g., electronic device 122), such as a laptop or phone. In some embodiments, providing power to the coupled electronic device includes converting the electrical energy from an AC form to a DC form (e.g., usable by electronic device 122).

[0054]

[0061] The communications component 144 enables communications between the receiver 120 and the transmitter 102 (e.g., via one or more communications networks). In some embodiments, the communications component 144 comprises hardware capable of data communications using any of a variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.), custom or standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), and / or any other suitable communications protocol, including communications protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this application. In some embodiments, the receiver 120 uses a communications component of an electronic device. In some embodiments, if the receiver 120 uses a communications component of an electronic device, the receiver 120 does not include the communications component 144. In some embodiments, the communications component is external to the receiver 120.

[0055]

[0062] Memory 142 includes high-speed random-access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR SRAM, or other random-access solid-state memory devices, and optionally includes non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical disk storage devices, one or more flash memory devices, or one or more other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. Memory 142, or alternatively the non-volatile memory within memory 142, includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 142 or the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of memory 142 stores the following programs, modules, and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof: Operating logic 314, which includes procedures for handling various basic system services and performing hardware-dependent tasks; a communications module 316 for coupling to and / or communicating with remote devices (e.g., remote sensors, transmitters, other receivers, servers, electronic devices, mapping memories, etc.) in cooperation with communications component 144 and / or antenna 124. For example, communications module 316 may be used in cooperation with a second communications radio of a receiving device to provide an advertisement signal to a first communications radio of a transmitting device, such that the second communications radio can provide a data packet to the first communications radio that enables the transmitter to make specific adjustments to power transmissions to the receiving device (and all this can be done without establishing a communications channel between the first and second communications radios); a sensor module 318 for obtaining and processing sensor data (e.g., in conjunction with the sensor 128) to determine, for example, the presence, speed, and / or location of the receiver 120, the transmitter 102, or objects in the vicinity of the receiver 120; a power receiving module 320 for receiving energy (e.g., in conjunction with the antenna 124 and / or the power recovery circuitry 310), optionally converting it (e.g., to direct current) (e.g., in conjunction with the power recovery circuitry 310), transferring the energy to a coupled electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 122), and optionally storing the energy (e.g., in conjunction with the energy storage device 312); a power determination module 321 for determining (in conjunction with operation of the power receiving module 320) an amount of power received by the receiver based on energy extracted from the power wave (or RF test signal) and / or an energy pocket where the power wave converges (e.g., RF signal 116, FIG. 1A ). In some embodiments, the amount of power is reported in a data packet provided in an advertisement signal sent from the second communication radio of the receiving device to the first communication radio of the transmitting device. A switch module 330 for signaling when to open the switches of the power recovery circuit 310 to prevent power surges from damaging sensitive components; A toggle module 332 that controls the system impedance mismatch and can reflect a portion of the incoming power away from the antenna of the wireless power receiver. By adjusting the amount of power reflected by the antenna, the device can communicate with the wireless power transmitter without requiring dedicated communication components (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.) or wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.). · Databases 322 including, but not limited to: ○ Sensor information 324 for storing and managing data received, detected, and / or transmitted by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 128 and / or one or more remote sensors); Device settings 326 for storing and managing operational settings for the receiver 120, a coupled electronic device (e.g., electronic device 122), and / or one or more remote devices; and o Communication protocol information 328 for storing and managing protocol information for one or more protocols (e.g., custom or standard wireless protocols such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, etc., and / or custom or standard wired protocols such as Ethernet). o The one-way advertisement structure 330 enables a first communication radio of a transmitting device to decipher information provided by a second communication radio of a receiving device, for example in a BLE advertisement signal.

[0056]

[0063] In some embodiments, the power receiving module 320 communicates the amount of power to a communications module 316, which communicates the amount of power to other remote devices (e.g., transmitter 102, FIGS. 1-2). In some embodiments, this communications module 316 transmits advertisements and does not open a dedicated channel with a particular transmitter (e.g., transmitter 102). Additionally, in some embodiments, the power receiving module 320 may communicate the amount of power to a database 322 (e.g., database 322 stores the amount of power obtained from one or more power waves 116). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the power receiving module 320 instructs the communications module 316 to transmit data packets to the remote devices (e.g., each data packet may include information for multiple test signals transmitted by transmitter 102).

[0057]

[0064] In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system described herein may be used in one or more of near-field, NF+, mid-field, and far-field transmission applications. The near-field refers to the area around the transmitting antenna within a range of approximately one wavelength (of a power wave transmitted by a transmitter device at a certain frequency) or less. The far-field refers to the area around the transmitting antenna that is approximately two wavelengths or more (of a power wave transmitted by a transmitter device at a certain frequency). The mid-field refers to the area between the near field and the far field. For example, if the frequency of the transmitted wave is 2.4 GHz, the NF+ range is within approximately 0.188 m, the near-field range is within approximately 0.125 m, the mid-field range is from approximately 0.125 m to approximately 0.25 m, and the far-field range is approximately 0.25 m or more. In another example, when the frequency of the transmission wave is 5 GHz, the NF+ range is within about 0.09 m, the near-field range is within about 0.06 m, the mid-field range is from about 0.06 m to about 0.12 m, and the far-field range is about 0.12 m or more. In some embodiments, the operating frequency ranges from 400 MHz to 60 GHz.

[0058]

[0065] Each of the above-identified elements (e.g., modules stored in memory 142 of receiver 120) is optionally stored in one or more of the memory devices mentioned above and corresponds to a set of instructions for performing the functions described above. The above-identified modules or programs (e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as independent software programs, procedures, or modules; thus, various subsets of these modules are optionally combined or rearranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 142 optionally stores a subset of the above-identified modules and data structures. Furthermore, memory 142 optionally stores additional modules and data structures not described above, such as an identification module for identifying the device type of a connected device (e.g., the device type of electronic device 122).

[0059] Simplex NF / NF+ software design Overview

[0066] In some embodiments, in simplex mode, communication between a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., transmitter 402 in FIG. 4 corresponding to transmitter 102 in FIG. 1) and a wireless power receiving device (e.g., receiver 404 in FIG. 4 corresponding to receiver 120 in FIG. 1) is unidirectional (e.g., one-way communication). In some embodiments, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertisements from receiver 404 (e.g., as indicated by BLE advertisement arrow 406 in FIG. 4) are used by transmitter 402 as a pseudo-one-way communication channel for receiving advertisements. The following description describes system requirements, operation / provisioning modes, design, and implementation details of at least one embodiment.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061] advantage

[0067] The following is a summary of exemplary advantages of the disclosed embodiments: In some embodiments, secure wireless power transmission using one-way communication is advantageous because it is easier for the end customer to implement. In some embodiments, the amount of software code on the wireless power receiving device is minimal. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device 402 can verify that the wireless power receiving device 404 is receiving power based solely on one-way communication received from the wireless power receiving device 404. The system also has the ability to cease transmitting power to a receiver that has already been transmitted by a nearby transmitter. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter, while receiving a broadcast from the wireless power transmitting device, includes countermeasures to deal with unauthorized receivers and mitigate replay.

[0062]

[0068] In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device broadcasts the following information via BLE advertisements: power, voltage, battery percentage, and charge state. In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via BLE advertisements whether a storage element (e.g., battery, capacitor, etc.) of the wireless power receiving device needs charging. In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via BLE advertisements whether the status of a storage element associated with the wireless power receiving device is critical (e.g., outside of operating temperature range, overcharged, undercharged, or another error associated with the storage element). In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via BLE advertisements whether the wireless power receiving device is within range of a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., whether array voltage is detected). In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via BLE advertisements whether a storage element associated with the wireless power receiving device is not charging. In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via a BLE advertisement that a storage element associated with the wireless power receiving device is charging but requires more power from the wireless power transmitting device. In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via a BLE advertisement that a storage element associated with the wireless power receiving device is charging at an optimal set rate from the wireless power transmitting device. In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via a BLE advertisement that a storage element associated with the wireless power receiving device is charging but is receiving excessive power from the wireless power transmitting device. In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device may broadcast via a BLE advertisement that the storage element and / or the wireless power receiving device are indicating a fault condition.

[0063] System Communication Model

[0069] In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device 404 monitors the received wireless power transmission signal according to a broadcasted data packet (e.g., a BLE advertisement broadcast from the wireless power transmitting device 402). For example, FIG. 4 first shows an arrow 406 corresponding to a BLE advertisement, and then shows the change in received RF power as indicated by arrow 408 labeled "RF Power." In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving device 402 continuously updates its broadcast data packet (e.g., BLE advertisement data) with the current state of charge of a storage element associated with the wireless power receiving device 402, its voltage, the power received from the wireless power transmitting device 404, and whether more or less power is being requested from the wireless power transmitting device 404 (e.g., as indicated by text box 410 in FIG. 4 stating that advertising occurs every 100 ms).

[0064]

[0070] In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device 404 verifies that broadcast data packets (e.g., reports) received from the wireless power receiving device 402 are appropriate for the transmitter status. For example, in some embodiments, this is accomplished by having the wireless power transmitting device 404 use a pattern (e.g., a random pattern) to turn the power emitted by the wireless power transmitting device 404 on and off, and determining, via the wireless power transmitting device, whether the wireless power receiving device's 402 broadcast information, including received power information (e.g., report values), corresponds to the power transmitted by the wireless power transmitting device 404 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 by process block 412 illustrating such interaction). This verification process ensures that the wireless power transmitting device 404 is tracking the correct wireless power receiving device 402, even if other transmitters (e.g., provided by a different manufacturer than the transmitter implementing the simplex communication method described herein) are charging other nearby wireless power receiving devices. An example of this interaction is shown in FIG. 4.

[0065]

[0071] In some embodiments, each of the additional wireless power transmission signals (e.g., arrow 416 labeled "RF Power" in FIG. 4) has a power level that is predetermined by the wireless power transmitting device 402 and is a higher power level than the power level used for the first wireless power transmission signal (e.g., arrow 408 labeled "RF Power" in FIG. 4). In this manner, receipt of the additional wireless power transmission signals at the wireless power receiving device 404 may be verified by the wireless power transmitting device 404 by checking the power level reported from the wireless power receiving device 402 (e.g., arrow 416 labeled "RF Power" in FIG. 4).

[0066] System Assist Mode

[0072] In some embodiments, the system communication model is an open model, in which there is no authentication and / or encryption. In some embodiments, the open mode may be useful for devices with very small memory footprints (e.g., 32kB) and charging requirements that do not require data protection.

[0067]

[0073] In some embodiments, the system will be secured and data will be encrypted using a shared key. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the data included in broadcast data packets (e.g., BLE advertisements and / or WPT beacons) will be encrypted using a shared key. This mode provides some security without occupying a lot of memory space. The shared key may be secured to avoid potential security threats, and in some embodiments, the shared key may be provisioned at the time of manufacture.

[0068]

[0074] In some embodiments, the system is private, and authentication and encryption are performed using public key cryptography. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the data included in the broadcast data packets (e.g., BLE advertisements and / or WPT beacons) will be encrypted using a public key. In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving device 402 and the wireless power transmitting device 404 may be provisioned with the public key of another party to derive a common pre-shared key. This key may be used directly or indirectly to encrypt data found in the broadcast. This security mode provides additional security compared to the other modes described above. In some embodiments, this mode has dynamically generated keys.

[0069] Receiver ADV service data format In some embodiments, the data packet broadcast by the second communication radio (also referred to herein as a BLE advertisement in embodiments in which a BLE radio is used) has a predetermined format, an example of which is provided below for reference:

[0070] [Table 2]

[0071]

[0075] In other words, the data packet and the additional data packet provided by the second communication radio include information regarding the advertisement data length, service data type, Air Fuel Alliance SDO, technology type, RF-A, manufacturer specific, advertisement format version (AFV), sequence counter, receiver AD flag, BLE TX power (dBm) (signed), battery percentage (encoded), device power (mW) (encoded), array voltage (mV) (encoded), load voltage (mV) (encoded), array power (mW) (encoded), and / or battery voltage (mV) (encoded). In some embodiments, the first data set included in the data packet broadcast by the receiver is encrypted / encoded, while the second data set included in the data packet broadcast by the receiver is not encrypted / encoded.

[0072]

[0076] Additional details regarding the data contained in some of the bytes in the data packets broadcast by the receiver are also provided below.

[0073] Receiver advertisement format version

[0077] The table below shows additional structure / information for byte 5 in the exemplary data packet broadcast by the receiver device discussed above. This additional structure / information helps ensure a common advertisement messaging structure that supports multiple types of devices. Using this structure, communicating devices can differentiate between device types, supported message formats, and encryption states. This also allows for future modifications of the message structure without breaking backward compatibility.

[0074] [Table 3]

[0075]

[0078] In some embodiments, at least four bits of the common advertisement messaging structure are allocated to protocol version. In some embodiments, at least one bit of the common advertisement messaging structure is allocated to encryption. In some embodiments, at least one bit of the common advertisement messaging structure is allocated to MF / FF data. In some embodiments, at least one bit of the common advertisement messaging structure is allocated to NF / NF+ data. In some embodiments, at least one bit of the common advertisement messaging structure is allocated to information regarding whether the data corresponds to a transmitter or a receiver.

[0076] Receiver AD Flag

[0079] The table below shows additional structure / information for byte 8 in the exemplary data packet broadcast by the receiver device discussed above. The table below shows a set of flags that indicate the charging status of the receiver to help the transmitter determine the best charging algorithm for optimal system performance (e.g., a charging algorithm that ensures the receiver receives a sufficient amount of available power to power or charge the receiver).

[0077] [Table 4]

[0078] Charging status

[0080] In some embodiments, the exemplary data packets broadcast by the receiver devices discussed above may include information regarding the charging status of the receiver device. The table below lists examples of various charging statuses that the broadcast data packets may convey. These are provided to the transmitter to help determine the best charging algorithm (e.g., a charging algorithm that ensures that the receiver receives a sufficient amount of available power to power or charge the receiver).

[0079] [Table 5]

[0080]

[0081] Methods described herein can utilize the charging state information to help improve charging operations. For example, methods described herein can include operations in which, pursuant to a determination that a broadcast data packet from a wireless power receiving device includes information regarding the charging state of the wireless power receiving device, the wireless power transmitting device is configured to adjust transmission of wireless power based on the charging state information (e.g., if bits 4-6 indicate that the receiver is requesting an increase, the wireless power transmitting device can adjust transmission of wireless power by increasing the power level at which power is delivered to the receiver).

[0081] Receiver Charger Detection

[0082] In some embodiments, a device to which a receiver described herein is coupled (e.g., an electronic device configured to receive available power from a receiver device) can perform charger polling (which may be referred to herein as receiver charge detection), during which an application running on the device can periodically (e.g., once every one or two minutes) poll for the presence of a wireless power transmitter in the receiver's vicinity. When a charger is detected (e.g., because a power transmission signal is received at the receiver), the application running on the device can cause the receiver to initiate execution of a new routine or another software program that causes the receiver to update its broadcast data packets (e.g., as illustrated by process 414 shown in FIG. 4).

[0082]

[0083] In some embodiments, receiver charge detection is a receiver-only image that includes a charger interrupt. In this mode, the device to which the receiver is coupled can set the GPIO V array pin and interrupt logic HIGH according to one exemplary technique. The interrupt will be generated when the receiver is placed on the charger. The application can launch the new routine or other software program described above and update the information included in the broadcast data packet (e.g., as illustrated by process 414 in FIG. 4).

[0083]

[0084] In some embodiments, the receiver charger detection is a receiver dual image. In this mode, the charger detection should be part of the device to which the receiver is docked. This may be done by polling or interrupt. Once the charger is detected, the customer image can load the new routine or other software program described above.

[0084] Further Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0085] 5A-5C illustrate a flow diagram of a method for transmitting a one-way communication signal according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 5A-5C illustrate a method 500 for protecting 502 wireless power transmission using a one-way communication signal from a wireless power receiving device, performed in the wireless power receiving device (e.g., receiver 120 of FIG. 1A, receiver 120 of FIG. 3, and receiver 404 (corresponding to receiver 120) of FIG. 4).

[0085]

[0086] In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving device receives (504) a first wireless power transmission signal from a wireless power transmitting device having a first communication radio (e.g., transmitter 102 of FIG. 1A, transmitter 102 of FIG. 2, and wireless power transmitting device 402 (corresponding to transmitter 102) of FIG. 4) at a wireless power receiving device having a second communication radio.

[0086]

[0087] In some embodiments, in response to the wireless power receiving device receiving (506) the first wireless power transmission signal (e.g., FIG. 4 shows arrow 418 indicating a WPT beacon being transmitted from the wireless power transmitting device 404), the wireless power receiving device broadcasts (508) via a second communication radio of the wireless power receiving device (e.g., FIG. 4 shows arrow 406 indicating a BLE advertisement being broadcast from the wireless power receiving device 404) a data packet including information identifying (i) at least one power requirement of a power source of the wireless power receiving device, and (ii) the amount of power that the wireless power receiving device receives from the first wireless power transmission signal, without establishing a communication channel between the first and second communication radios.

[0087]

[0088] In some embodiments, after broadcasting the data packet, additional wireless power transmission signals are received (510) at the wireless power receiving device from the wireless power transmitting device (e.g., FIG. 4 shows arrow 408 indicating that the additional wireless power transmission signals have been transmitted from wireless power transmitting device 402). In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device transmits each of the additional wireless power transmission signals using a predetermined sequence of different transmission characteristics (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 by process block 412).

[0088]

[0089] In some embodiments, in response to receiving each additional wireless power transmission signal, the wireless power receiving device broadcasts (512) via a second communication radio of the wireless power receiving device a respective additional data packet containing information regarding the reception of the additional wireless power transmission signal without establishing a communication channel between the first and second communication radios (e.g., FIG. 4 shows arrow 420 indicating the additional data packet).

[0089]

[0090] In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device compares information regarding receipt of the additional wireless power transmission signal with a predetermined sequence of various transmission characteristics to determine whether to continue to wirelessly transmit power to the wireless power receiving device (514) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 by process block 412).

[0090]

[0091] Continuing with the description of method 500 with reference now to FIG. 5B, in some embodiments, the data packet and the additional data packet are broadcast (516) via a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication protocol (e.g., arrows 406 and 420 in FIG. 4 indicate that a BLE advertisement is broadcast from wirelessly powered device 404).

[0091]

[0092] In some embodiments, the additional data packet includes information that causes the wireless power transmitting device to adjust (518) characteristics of the additional wireless power transmission signal provided to the wireless power receiving device (e.g., FIG. 4 shows that after transmitter 402 receives a BLE advertisement as indicated by arrow 406, wireless power transmitting device 402 begins transmitting additional RF power as indicated by arrow 408). In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device (e.g., transmitter 402 of FIG. 4) adjusts characteristics of the additional wireless power transmission signal if the information reveals that the wireless power transmitting device is (i) not charging, (ii) charging but needs more power, (iii) charging at an optimal set rate, (iv) charging but receiving excessive power, and (v) in a fault state.

[0092]

[0093] In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving device is within wireless transmission range of the wireless power transmitting device when the second communication radio transmits (520) the data packet (e.g., as indicated by the text box 422 in FIG. 4 labeled "Charger Detected" and as indicated by the arrow 406 in FIG. 4 after the detection occurs and the BLE advertisement is sent).

[0093]

[0094] In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission range is a near-field transmission range of 12 inches or less from the wireless power transmitting device (522) (e.g., as indicated by the text box 424 that reads "The user places the receiver on top of the transmitter"). In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission range is a far-field transmission range of more than 12 inches from the wireless power transmitting device (524).

[0094]

[0095] In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving device is placed within wireless transmission range (526) (e.g., as indicated by text box 424) before receiving the first wireless power transmission signal at the wireless power receiving device and while the first communications radio of the wireless power transmitting device is not scanning. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device causes the first communications radio to begin scanning for broadcast data packets in response to detecting the wireless power receiving device within wireless transmission range (526) (e.g., as indicated by text box 426 in FIG. 4 labeled "Receiver Detection BLE Scan Enable").

[0095]

[0096] Continuing with the description of method 500 with reference now to FIG. 5C , in some embodiments, the predetermined sequence of various transmission characteristics is a sequence in which the wireless power transmitting device transmits (528) additional wireless power transmission signals at different times by switching transmission on and off for particular periods of time (e.g., as illustrated by process block 412 in FIG. 4 ).

[0096]

[0097] In some embodiments, the predetermined sequence of different transmission characteristics is a sequence in which the wireless power transmitting device transmits (530) each of the additional wireless power transmission signals using different power levels (e.g., as illustrated by process block 412 in FIG. 4).

[0097]

[0098] In some embodiments, the second communication radio of the wireless power receiving device communicates unidirectionally with the first communication radio of the wireless power transmitting device (532) and does not receive communication from the wireless power transmitting device (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4).

[0098]

[0099] In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving device broadcasts each of the data packet and the additional data packet at a predetermined time interval (534) (e.g., indicated by text box 410 indicating that the BLE advertisement is transmitted at every preset period). In some embodiments, the predetermined time interval is 100 ms or less (536) (e.g., indicated by text box 410 indicating that the BLE advertisement is transmitted every 100 ms). In some embodiments, the predetermined time interval is adjustable and may be configured to be 50 ms, 100 ms, 200 ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, or any value less than 300 ms. This allows for faster transmission of packets, which results in a faster response when adjusting power from the wireless power transmitting device, resulting in better control of charging characteristics without damaging the battery of the wireless power receiving device or other equipment.

[0099]

[0100] In some embodiments, the data packet and each respective additional data packet includes information about the current charging state, voltage, power received from the wireless power transmitting device, and information indicating whether more or less power is being requested (538) (e.g., BLE advertisements 406 and 420 shown in FIG. 4 include this information).

[0100]

[0101] In some embodiments, the data packet and each respective additional data packet includes 540 encrypted data (e.g., BLE advertisements 406 and 420 shown in FIG. 4 may include encrypted data).

[0101]

[0102] In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving device includes wireless power receiving circuitry, including power recovery circuitry, and approximately 32 KB of memory (e.g., FIG. 3 shows components of an exemplary RF receiver), which stores instructions that cause the wireless power receiving device to execute the one-way charging process described above. In some embodiments, these instructions occupy approximately 5 KB or less of memory (542). Compared to other systems, a 5 KB instruction size represents a significant reduction in program space, thereby freeing up memory space for other purposes at the receiver (e.g., receiver 120 of FIG. 3). In this manner, the techniques described herein enable the receiver (e.g., receiver 120 of FIG. 3) chip to operate more efficiently.

[0102]

[0103] In some embodiments, the data packet and the additional data packet also include information regarding the charging status of the power source selected from the group consisting of: (i) not charging; (ii) charging but needing more power; (iii) charging at an optimal set rate; (iv) charging but receiving excess power; and (v) in a fault state (544) (e.g., BLE advertisements 406 and 420 of FIG. 4 include this information).

[0103]

[0104] In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving device comprises a wireless power receiving circuit having a memory storing instructions that cause performance of any of the above functions for securely transmitting wireless power using a one-way communication signal from the wireless power receiving device. In some embodiments, a system comprises a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver and transmitter configured to perform operations that enable performance of any of the above functions. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprises instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the wireless power receiving device, cause the one or more processors to perform or cause performance of any of the above functions. The wireless power receiving device comprises means for causing performance of any of the above functions.

[0104]

[0105] While some of the various figures show some logical steps in a particular order, steps that are not order-dependent may be rearranged and other steps may be combined or separated. While some rearrangements and other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus the order and groupings presented herein are not an exhaustive list of options. Furthermore, it should be understood that the steps may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof.

[0105]

[0106] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0106]

[0107] Features of the present disclosure may be implemented using or with the aid of a computer program product, such as a storage medium(s) or computer-readable storage medium(s) having stored thereon instructions that can be used to program a processing system to implement any of the features presented herein. The storage medium (e.g., memory 206, 256) may include high-speed random-access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random-access solid-state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The memory optionally includes one or more storage devices located remotely from the CPU (e.g., processor). The memory, or alternatively, a non-volatile memory device within the memory, comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0107]

[0108] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, it will be understood that these elements are not intended to be limited by these terms and are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0108]

[0109] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. When used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or," as used herein, refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specifically recite the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0109]

[0110] As used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted to mean "when" the stated antecedent condition is true, or "upon" it is true, or "in response to determining" it is true, or "in accordance with a determination" it is true, or "in response to detecting" it is true, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined [that a stated condition precedent is true]," or "if [a stated condition precedent is true]," or "when [a stated condition precedent is true]," may be interpreted to mean "upon determining" that the stated condition precedent is true, or "in response to determining" that it is true, or "in accordance with a determination" that it is true, or "upon detecting" that it is true, or "in response to detecting" that it is true, depending on the context.

[0110]

[0111] The above description has been set forth in terms of specific embodiments for convenience of explanation. However, the illustrative description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the claims to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of operation and practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to use them.

Claims

1. A method for secure wireless power transmission using a one-way communication signal from a wireless power receiving device, comprising: receiving a first wireless power transmission signal at a wireless power receiving device having a second communication radio from a wireless power transmitting device having a first communication radio; In response to receiving the first wireless power transmission signal, broadcasting, via the second communications radio of the wireless power receiving device, a data packet including information identifying (i) at least one power requirement of a power source of the wireless power receiving device, and (ii) an amount of power that the wireless power receiving device receives from the first wireless power transmission signal, without establishing a communications channel between the first and second communications radios; receiving, at the wireless power receiving device, additional wireless power transmission signals from the wireless power transmitting device after broadcasting the data packet, each of the additional wireless power transmission signals being transmitted by the wireless power transmitting device using a predetermined sequence of different transmission characteristics; in response to receiving each additional wireless power transmission signal, broadcasting, via the second communications radio of the wireless power receiving device, a respective additional data packet including information regarding reception of the additional wireless power transmission signal without establishing a communications channel between the first and second communications radios; The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmitting device compares the information regarding reception of the additional wireless power transmission signal with a predetermined sequence of the various transmission characteristics to determine whether to continue to wirelessly transmit power to the wireless power receiving device.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data packet and the additional data packet are broadcast via a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication protocol.

3. the additional data packet includes information that causes the wireless power transmitting device to adjust a characteristic of the additional wireless power transmission signal provided to the wireless power receiving device; 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmitting device adjusts characteristics of the additional wireless power transmission signal if the information reveals that the wireless power receiving device is (i) not charging, (ii) charging but needs more power, (iii) charging at an optimal set rate, (iv) charging but receiving excessive power, or (v) in a fault state.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless power receiving device is within wireless power transmission range of the wireless power transmitting device when the second communication radio transmits the data packet.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the wireless power transmission range is a near-field transmission range of 12 inches or less from the wireless power transmitting device.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the wireless power transmission range is a far-field transmission range of greater than 12 inches from the wireless power transmitting device.

7. the wireless power receiving device is placed within the wireless power transmission range before receiving the first wireless power transmission signal at the wireless power receiving device and while the first communication radio of the wireless power transmitting device is not scanning; The method of claim 4 , wherein the wireless power transmitting device causes the first communications radio to begin scanning for broadcast data packets in response to detecting the wireless power receiving device within the wireless power transmission range.

8. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined sequence of different transmission characteristics is a sequence in which the wireless power transmitting device transmits the additional wireless power transmission signal at different times by switching transmission on and off for specific periods of time.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined sequence of different transmission characteristics is a sequence in which the wireless power transmitting device transmits each of the additional wireless power transmission signals using different power levels.

10. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second communication radio of the wireless power receiving device communicates unidirectionally with the first communication radio of the wireless power transmitting device and does not receive communication from the wireless power transmitting device.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless power receiving device broadcasts each of the data packet and the additional data packet at predetermined time intervals.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined time interval is less than or equal to 100 ms.

13. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data packet and each respective additional data packet includes information about a current charging state, voltage, and power received from the wireless power transmitting device, and information indicating whether more or less power is requested.

14. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data packet and each respective additional data packet contains encrypted data.

15. the wireless power receiving device comprises a wireless power receiving circuit including a power recovery circuit and approximately 32 kilobytes (KB) of memory; The memory stores instructions that cause the wireless power receiving device to perform the method of claim 1; The method of claim 1 , wherein the instructions occupy no more than about 5 KB of the memory.

16. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data packet and the additional data packet also include information regarding the charging state of the power source selected from the group consisting of: (i) not charging; (ii) charging but requiring more power; (iii) charging at an optimal set rate; (iv) charging but receiving excess power; and (v) in a fault state.

17. A wireless power receiving device, 17. A wireless power receiving device comprising a wireless power receiving circuit having a memory storing instructions that cause the execution of the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 for securely transmitting wireless power using a one-way communication signal from the wireless power receiving device.

18. A system including a wireless power receiving device and a wireless power transmitting device, A system, wherein the wireless power receiving device and the wireless power transmitting device are configured to perform operations that enable the implementation of the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a wireless power receiving device, cause the one or more processors to perform or cause the execution of the method of any one of claims 1 to 16; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

20. A wireless power receiving device comprising means for causing the execution of the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.

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