ASK Demodulation Circuit With Dynamic Threshold Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the use of additional antennas and circuitry for in-band data communication, leading to interference, harmonic distortion, and increased Bill of Materials (BOM), while in-band data transfer becomes ineffective when sender and receiver positions vary significantly.
Innovation Solution
A demodulation circuit that includes a slope detector and comparator circuit to decode ASK signals by detecting voltage rate of change, reducing computational resources and BOM by allowing cheaper processors, and dynamically adjusting thresholds for accurate signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for in-band data communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but system complexity and BOM cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireless power transfer and data communication functions into a single antenna and circuit system. The same antenna used for power transfer also receives modulated data signals, eliminating the need for separate communication antennas and reducing system complexity while maintaining data transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer antenna and associated circuitry are designed to perform dual functions: transferring wireless power and receiving communication signals. The system can operate in both power-only mode and power-plus-communication mode, making the system universally applicable to different operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for in-band data communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but BOM cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transfer and communication functions into shared hardware components, specifically using the same antenna and signal processing circuitry for both purposes. This consolidation reduces the quantity of components required, directly lowering BOM costs while preserving full data transfer functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas are used for out of band communications, then data communication is enabled, but EMI and harmonic distortion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and communication signals in the same frequency band and uses a single antenna system, eliminating the presence of multiple antennas that could generate cross-talk and interference. This unified approach reduces EMI and harmonic distortion compared to multi-antenna configurations
4Loss of energy
If in-band data transfer is used, then system efficiency is improved, but communication effectiveness deteriorates when positions vary
Solution Approach 1:
The demodulation circuit dynamically adjusts its detection thresholds and parameters based on the received signal strength and characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable communication across varying positions and coupling conditions while continuing to operate in the efficient in-band mode
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 demodulation circuit enables fast and accurate in-band communications regardless of sender and receiver positions, reducing computational resources and system costs, and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna configured to couple with at least one other antenna of at least one other system and wirelessly transmit alternating current (AC) signals
Implementation Method 2
The slope detector circuit is configured to (i) receive a voltage of wireless power signals from the at least one sensor, (ii) detect a rate of change of the voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A demodulation circuit includes a slope detector circuit and a comparator circuit. The slope detector circuit is configured detect a change in the voltage and determine if the voltage rate of change meets or exceeds one of a rise threshold or a fall threshold. The comparator circuit is configured to set an upper limit and lower limit for rate of change, compare the voltage rate of change to the limits, determine that the voltage rate of change meets or exceeds the limits, if the voltage rate of change meets or exceeds the rising and falling rate of change limits, (v) set a lower limit for a falling rate of change, (vi) receive the voltage rate of change and determine that the voltage rate of change meets or exceeds the fall or rise threshold, if the voltage rate of change meets or exceeds the falling or rising rate of change.