5G NR Sidelink Backscatter for Passive RF Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UHF RFID systems are not compatible with existing cellular communications systems like 5G NR, limiting the ability of cellular devices to communicate with passive RF devices such as PIOT devices, and existing sidelink communication schemes do not support backscatter communication.
Innovation Solution
Implement mechanisms that allow NR user equipments (UEs) to communicate with passive RF devices using sidelink-like communications, including techniques for resource allocation and coordination to facilitate backscatter communication in licensed NR bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UHF RFID systems are used to communicate with passive RF devices, then backscatter communication is enabled, but compatibility with existing cellular communications systems like 5G NR is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables NR UEs to perform both traditional cellular communications and backscatter communication with passive RF devices using the same physical layer and existing NR protocols. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain compatibility with 5G NR while adding the capability to communicate with PIOT devices, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the NR UE acts as both a cellular terminal and a reader device for passive RF devices. The UE uses its existing NR receiver to detect backscattered signals from PIOT devices and modulates signals for two-way communication, serving as a mediator that bridges cellular systems and passive RF communication without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing sidelink communication schemes are used, then device-to-device communication is enabled, but support for backscatter communication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends sidelink communication to support multiple modes including traditional active-to-active communication and new active-to-passive backscatter communication. By making the sidelink protocol universal and capable of handling both communication modes using the same physical layer, the system increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves backscatter communication support by modifying operational parameters such as setting the transmit power to a first level for active-to-active communication and a second, lower level for active-to-passive communication. These parameter changes enable the same physical layer to support different communication modes without requiring separate complex systems.
3Reliability
If passive RF devices are communicated with using traditional active transmission methods, then communication capability is achieved, but power consumption of the reader increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous two-way communication between active UEs and passive RF devices by utilizing the natural backscatter reflection of RF signals. The passive devices continuously modulate reflected signals without requiring their own power transmission, maintaining communication capability while significantly reducing the energy burden on readers compared to traditional active transmission methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive RF devices perform self-service communication by automatically modulating and reflecting incident RF signals from active UEs. The devices harvest energy from the incident signals and use it to drive their load and modulate backscatter signals, eliminating the need for separate power transmission and significantly reducing reader power consumption requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient communication between cellular devices and passive RF devices, reducing deployment costs and expanding the range of applications by allowing sidelink communications with PIOT devices in NR systems.
Implementation Method 1
communicating with one or more RF devices via backscatter communications using one or more of the frequency resource sets
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method of wireless communication by a reader device, generally including identifying frequency resource sets, within a frequency band, for communicating with radio frequency (RF) devices and communicating with one or more RF devices via backscatter communications using one or more of the frequency resource sets.