ASK RF Power Modulation Using Dynamic Supply Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transmitting RF power and data wirelessly face challenges in maximizing power transfer quantity and efficiency, particularly when the RF driver circuit is powered by a battery with low voltage or when the RF receiver circuit requires dynamically varying power levels.
Innovation Solution
An ASK modulation system that includes a hybrid linear regulator circuit and an intermediate DC power switching circuit, which modulates digital data onto RF power by toggling between input DC power and regulated DC power based on the data signal, allowing for efficient power delivery and data transmission to loads with varying power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If RF power is transmitted wirelessly to medical implants, then power delivery capability is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates when using low-voltage batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the RF driver circuit's supply voltage dynamically variable rather than fixed. The circuit transitions between different voltage modes (e.g., 1.8V and 3.3V) based on operational requirements, allowing optimization of power transfer efficiency while maintaining the ability to deliver sufficient power to the implant. This dynamic voltage adjustment resolves the contradiction between limited battery voltage and efficiency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the RF driver circuit from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted between different levels. By modifying the supply voltage parameter dynamically, the system achieves both improved power delivery capability and maintained power transfer efficiency, overcoming the limitation of low-voltage batteries in wireless power transmission applications.
2Duration of action of moving object
If RF driver circuit operates at low voltage to extend battery life, then duration of action is improved, but power output capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the RF driver circuit's supply voltage based on real-time power requirements. During periods of low power demand, the circuit operates at lower voltage (e.g., 1.8V) to conserve battery life. When high power output is needed, the voltage increases (e.g., to 3.3V) to provide sufficient power. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction between extending battery life and maintaining power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic voltage mode switching where the RF driver circuit alternates between low-voltage and high-voltage operational modes based on the power requirements of the implant. This periodic adjustment allows the system to optimize battery life during normal operation while periodically providing high power output when needed, resolving the contradiction between duration of action and power capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF receiver circuit requires dynamically varying power levels, then adaptability is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the RF driver circuit to dynamically adjust its supply voltage in response to varying power requirements of the receiver circuit. The system transitions between different voltage levels (e.g., 1.8V, 3.3V) to match the instantaneous power demands, achieving both high adaptability and maintained power transfer efficiency through real-time voltage optimization.
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 system enhances power transfer efficiency and capability, enabling reliable operation of devices like cochlear implants with small batteries and low voltages, while maintaining efficient data transmission, even under varying power demands.
Implementation Method 1
a hybrid linear regulator circuit configured to generate regulated DC power at a second voltage level tracking the first voltage level
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate DC power switching circuit that selectively couples an intermediate power node with the input DC power when the digital data signal represents a first binary value and with the regulated DC power when the digital data signal represents a second binary value opposite to the first binary value
Implementation Method 3
an RF driver circuit powered by intermediate DC power received by the RF driver circuit at the intermediate power node. The RF driver circuit generates an RF output signal representative of the digital data signal and delivers the RF output signal to a load at an RF carrier frequency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
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.