Ambient RF Backscatter Transceiver MIMO Spread Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless data transmission methods, such as traditional backscatter communication, face challenges in energy efficiency, range, bandwidth, and the need for specialized infrastructure, particularly for powering small, numerous computing devices embedded in objects and environments.
Innovation Solution
Ambient RF backscatter transceivers that utilize low-power circuitry to decode backscattered ambient RF signals, employing multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) multiplexing or spread spectrum code demodulation to transmit data by modulating the impedance of an antenna, allowing devices to communicate without generating RF waves and leveraging existing ambient RF signals for power harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional backscatter communication is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but transmission range and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling backscatter transceivers to perform multiple functions: they can communicate with RFID readers using traditional backscatter modes, and simultaneously communicate with smartphones using ambient RF signals as carriers. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended transmission range by leveraging the smartphone's existing RF infrastructure while maintaining the energy efficiency of backscatter communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the ambient RF signal from smartphones as a mediator between the backscatter transceiver and the distant receiver. Instead of directly transmitting over long distances with limited energy, the system modulates backscattered signals onto the ambient RF carrier wave, which then transports the information over extended ranges through the smartphone's existing transmission infrastructure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional backscatter communication is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but specialized infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for specialized RFID reader infrastructure by making smartphones universal backscatter transceivers. The smartphone's existing RF communication capabilities are leveraged to serve dual purposes: as the ambient RF signal source and as the receiving device, thereby removing the requirement for dedicated specialized infrastructure while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the smartphone's own ambient RF signals to enable backscatter communication. The smartphone simultaneously generates the carrier wave and receives the modulated backscattered signals, effectively serving itself as both transmitter and receiver without requiring external specialized infrastructure.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional radio wave generation is used, then transmission range is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by modulating the backscattered signal onto the ambient RF carrier wave in a periodic manner. The backscatter transceiver periodically switches its impedance to encode data, and this modulated signal is then periodically transmitted over the ambient RF carrier, allowing efficient energy utilization throughout the transmission cycle while maintaining extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient RF signal serves as an intermediary that carries the backscattered modulation over long distances. Instead of the backscatter transceiver directly generating high-power radio waves to achieve long range (which would consume excessive energy), the system uses the ambient RF signal as a pre-existing energy carrier that transports the information efficiently over extended ranges.
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 enables efficient, low-power wireless data transmission over longer distances with improved reliability and increased bandwidth, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
transmit data wirelessly by modulating a backscatter of an ambient RF signal
Implementation Method 2
modulating the impedance of an antenna
Implementation Method 3
demodulate the backscattered ambient RF signal using one of multiple input, multiple output multiplexing demodulation or spread spectrum code demodulation
Implementation Method 4
spread spectrum code demodulation to retrieve the first data
Implementation Method 5
leveraging existing ambient RF signals for power harvesting
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, ambient RF backscatter transceivers, and methods for communicating using MIMO and spread spectrum coding of backscattered ambient RF signals are described. An example system may include an ambient RF backscatter transceiver that include an antenna configured to receive a backscattered ambient radio frequency (RF) signal, and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The receiver may be configured to demodulate the backscattered ambient RF signal using one of multiple input, multiple output multiplexing demodulation or spread spectrum code demodulation to retrieve the first data. The backscattered ambient RF signal may be generated by backscattering an ambient RF signal at a first frequency. The ambient RF signal may be configured to provide other data at a second frequency.