Automatic Gain Control for Wireless Power Receiver Demodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies in in-band data transfer due to varying relative positions and orientations of sender and receiver, leading to signal strength changes that can cause previously readable signals to become faint or saturated, necessitating a solution for accurate and efficient demodulation of data signals.
Innovation Solution
A wireless receiver system incorporating a demodulation circuit with automatic bias control and gain control, slope detection, and comparator circuits to detect changes in electrical signals and generate alerts, allowing for accurate decoding of data signals regardless of signal strength variations, using a slope detection circuit and comparator to determine rise and fall thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If in-band data transfer is used to communicate data simultaneously with power transfer, then data communication efficiency is improved, but signal detection accuracy deteriorates when relative positions vary greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic gain control (AGC) that dynamically adjusts the gain of the demodulation circuit based on the detected signal strength. The system continuously monitors the received signal level and automatically modifies the amplification factor to maintain optimal signal detection accuracy across varying coupling conditions, transforming a static circuit into an adaptive one that responds to real-time signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the demodulation circuit by implementing variable gain control. The gain parameter is adjusted according to the detected signal strength, allowing the circuit to maintain consistent performance whether the signal is strong or weak. This parameter adaptation enables accurate edge detection of ASK-modulated data signals despite variations in transmitter-receiver coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power transfer circuitry multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power transfer and data communication functions simultaneously through in-band communication. The same magnetic coupling circuit used for wireless power transfer also serves as the communication channel for ASK-modulated data, eliminating the need for separate communication antennas and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transfer function and data communication function into a single integrated system. By modulating data onto the power transfer signal using amplitude shift keying (ASK) and detecting it through the existing power reception circuitry with added demodulation capabilities, the system combines two functions that traditionally would require separate hardware into one unified approach.
3Measurement precision
If signal gain is increased to detect faint signals, then detection sensitivity is improved, but signal saturation occurs for strong signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected signal strength is fed back to control the gain of the demodulation circuit. The system continuously monitors the signal level and adjusts the amplification factor accordingly, reducing gain when signals are strong to prevent saturation and increasing gain when signals are weak to improve detection sensitivity, creating a self-regulating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static gain setting into a dynamic, adaptive parameter that automatically adjusts based on real-time signal conditions. The demodulation circuit's gain is no longer fixed but varies continuously with the received signal strength, allowing the system to optimize detection sensitivity for faint signals while automatically preventing saturation for strong signals through automatic gain control.
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
The solution significantly reduces computational resources required for data decoding, allows for the use of less capable processors, and maintains efficient data transfer across varying coupling strengths, ensuring reliable data communication in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
inductive and/or resonant inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field and, hence, an electric current, in a receiving element
Implementation Method 2
apply automatic bias control and gain control to the electrical information to generate a modified electrical information signal
Implementation Method 3
detect a change in the modified electrical information signal, determine if the change in the modified electrical information signal meets or exceeds one of a rise threshold or a fall threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless receiver system includes a receiver antenna, a sensor, a demodulation circuit, and a receiver controller. The sensor is configured to detect electrical information superimposed on an AC wireless signal. The demodulation circuit is configured to receive the electrical information from the at least one sensor, apply automatic bias control and gain control to generate modified electrical information, detect a change in the modified electrical information and determine if the change in the modified electrical information meets or exceeds one of a rise threshold or a fall threshold. If the change exceeds one of the rise threshold or the fall threshold, an alert is generated. Alerts are decoded into the electrical information.