ASK RF Power Modulation Using Switched DC Supply Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transmitting radio frequency (RF) power and data wirelessly face challenges in maximizing the quantity of RF power transmitted and efficiency, particularly when the RF driver circuit is powered by a battery or when the RF receiver circuit requires dynamically varying power levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation system that modulates a digital data signal onto RF power using a hybrid linear regulator circuit and an intermediate DC power switching circuit, allowing for efficient power transfer by toggling between input DC power and regulated DC power based on the digital data signal, thereby optimizing power delivery and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If RF power is transmitted wirelessly from an RF driver circuit to an RF receiver circuit, then power delivery capability is improved, but power transmission efficiency deteriorates when using battery-powered low voltage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the RF driver circuit's power output dynamically adjustable through ASK modulation. The circuit responds to load conditions and battery voltage levels by varying the amplitude of the RF signal, enabling optimal power transfer efficiency across different operating conditions rather than using a fixed power output level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplitude parameter of the RF power signal based on the digital data signal. By modulating the amplitude of the RF carrier wave according to the data being transmitted, the system simultaneously achieves efficient power transfer and data communication, resolving the contradiction between power delivery and efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the RF driver circuit uses a battery at relatively low voltage, then device portability and ease of operation are improved, but the quantity of RF power that may be transmitted deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action in the ASK modulation scheme, where the RF driver circuit periodically switches between different power levels according to the binary states of the data signal. This periodic modulation enables the circuit to transmit maximum power during '1' states while maintaining battery-powered portability, effectively resolving the contradiction between low voltage operation and power transmission quantity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the RF receiver circuit needs a dynamically varying amount of power, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but power transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the RF receiver circuit communicates its power requirements back to the RF driver circuit through the bidirectional communication interface. This feedback enables the driver circuit to adjust the amplitude of transmitted RF power to match the receiver's actual needs, maintaining high efficiency while providing adaptability to dynamically varying power requirements.
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 increased power output and efficiency, allowing for reliable operation of devices like cochlear implants even with small batteries of low voltage, and improves power and data transmission in various applications by efficiently managing power levels.
Implementation Method 1
a hybrid linear regulator circuit configured to generate regulated direct current (DC) power at a second voltage level tracking the first voltage level
Implementation Method 2
amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation system that modulates a digital data signal onto RF power
Implementation Method 3
an RF driver circuit that converts the intermediate DC power to radio frequency (RF) power and delivers the converted RF power wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
An amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation system includes a linear regulator circuit powered by input direct current (DC) power at a first voltage level and that generates regulated DC power at a second voltage level tracking the first voltage level. The system also includes an intermediate DC power switching circuit that receives a digital data signal and selectively couples an intermediate power node with the input DC power at the first voltage level when the digital data signal represents a first binary value, and with the regulated DC power at the second voltage level when the digital data signal represents a second binary value. The ASK modulation system also includes a radio frequency (RF) driver circuit powered by intermediate DC power received at the intermediate power node and that delivers RF output power representative of the digital data signal to a load at an RF carrier frequency.