AIoT Backscatter Reflection Switching for Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices with energy storage face challenges in range extension due to the need for pre-charging and the limitations of continuous energy reception, while battery-less devices suffer from reduced effective range and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus and method that dynamically adjust the radio reflection coefficient of AIoT devices to enhance wireless energy harvesting and backscattering range. This is achieved through a three-part process: decreasing the radio reflection coefficient for energy harvesting, increasing it for range extension, and repeating the process as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the radio reflection coefficient is increased to extend backscattering range, then the communication range is improved, but the wireless energy harvesting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between two operational modes: a first mode where the radio reflection coefficient is increased to extend backscattering range, and a second mode where the radio reflection coefficient is decreased to enhance wireless energy harvesting. This periodic alternation allows the AIoT device to accumulate energy during low-reflection periods and then utilize stored energy during high-reflection periods for extended communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio reflection coefficient is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system continuously or periodically changes the radio reflection coefficient between high and low values based on operational requirements, enabling the device to adapt between range extension and energy harvesting modes, thereby resolving the static trade-off between these two functions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If an energy storage component is added to AIoT devices to extend range, then the operating duration is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AIoT device harvests and stores its own operating energy wirelessly from ambient radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure or complex battery management systems. The device serves itself by converting received radio energy into stored electrical energy through rectification and storage in a capacitor or battery, thereby extending operating duration without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the radio reflection coefficient over time, alternating between high and low values. This parameter modulation enables the device to function with a simple energy storage component by dynamically adjusting its energy consumption and harvesting rates, thereby achieving extended operating duration without requiring large or complex energy storage systems.
3Length of stationary object
If radio power is increased to extend communication range, then the backscattering range is improved, but the interference and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously transmitting at high power, the system uses periodic high-power backscattering bursts interspersed with low-power or energy-harvesting intervals. This periodic transmission pattern extends the effective communication range through accumulated energy reserves while reducing average interference levels and overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power operation.
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
This approach effectively extends the range of AIoT devices by optimizing energy harvesting and backscattering, while minimizing the need for increased radio power, thus reducing interference and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the device is capable of transmitting data by backscattering a radio transmission
Implementation Method 2
wireless energy harvesting from a radio transmission to an energy storage
Data Source
AI summary
An ambient internet of things, AIoT, device is configured to have more than two different states that are needed for channel coding and modulation with backscattering, such as an increased radio reflection coefficient that is closer to one than in normal backscattering. The AIoT device is configurable to at least an energy harvesting state in which the radio reflection coefficient is as close to zero as possible; a normal operation state in which the radio reflection coefficient higher but clearly below one to allow sufficient energy harvesting for various circuitries, such as processing and volatile memory circuitries; and a range extending state in which the radio reflection coefficient is as close to zero as possible so as to reach maximum range for outgoing data that is backscattered.