Ambient IoT Backscatter Modulation for Robust Low-Power Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient IoT (A-loT) devices face challenges in integrating into 5G and future communication networks due to lack of RRC states and ARQ/HARQ protocols, limited power availability, and complex energy harvesting from carrier wave signals, leading to reduced communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A node generates a carrier wave signal with varying characteristics (frequency, amplitude, or phase) during modulation intervals to enhance data transmission diversity, and A-loT devices backscatter the signal with similar variations to improve robustness and energy harvesting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If A-loT devices harvest energy from carrier wave signals, then energy availability is improved, but device complexity increases due to specifically designed operation states
Solution Approach 1:
The A-loT device harvests energy from the carrier wave signal itself that is already being transmitted for communication purposes. The device uses the incident signal for both energy harvesting and information transmission, eliminating the need for separate energy sources and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier wave signal serves dual purposes: it acts as both the energy source for harvesting and the communication carrier for data transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specifically designed operation states and simplifies the device architecture
2Device complexity
If A-loT devices lack RRC states and ARQ/HARQ protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but data transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary acknowledgment mechanism where the receiving device sends back signal strength information and transmission status. This intermediary feedback system provides reliability assurance without requiring full ARQ/HARQ protocols, maintaining low device complexity while improving data transmission reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If A-loT devices have limited power available, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication capability duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The A-loT device continuously harvests energy from the carrier wave signal during ongoing communication transmissions. This continuous energy harvesting extends the communication capability duration by maintaining a steady energy supply without requiring periodic battery recharging or device activation
Solution Approach 2:
The device sustains its own energy needs by harvesting from the communication signal itself, creating a self-sustaining system where communication activity directly replenishes energy reserves, thereby extending operational duration without additional power sources
4Reliability
If carrier wave signal characteristics are varied during modulation, then data transmission robustness is improved, but signal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies physical parameters of the carrier wave signal such as signal strength and timing characteristics during modulation. These parameter changes enhance data transmission robustness against channel variations while avoiding complex modulation schemes, maintaining relatively simple device implementation
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
Enhances data transmission robustness and energy harvesting capabilities of A-loT devices, allowing them to operate effectively in diverse channel conditions and support multiple devices with varying reception bandwidths.
Implementation Method 1
circuitry, which in operation, generates a backscattering signal to be transmitted by backscattering the carrier wave signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a node, comprising a transceiver; and circuitry which, in operation, generates a carrier wave signal to be transmitted to an Internet of Thing, loT, device, wherein the circuitry, in operation, changes a value of a characteristic of the carrier wave signal at least between a first characteristic value and a second characteristic value during a modulation time interval, which defines a unit time interval for modulating the carrier wave signal to transmit data. Further, it is provided an loT device, comprising a transceiver which, in operation, receives a carrier wave signal, and circuitry, which in operation, generates a backscattering signal to be transmitted by backscattering the carrier wave signal, wherein the circuitry, in operation, changes a value of a characteristic of the backscattering signal at least between a first characteristic value and a second characteristic value within a modulation time interval, which defines a unit time interval for modulating the backscattering signal to transmit data.