Backscatter Signal Patterns for Low-Power Bit Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication devices consume substantial battery power, making frequent battery replacement or recharging necessary, which is unsustainable and resource-intensive, especially with the increasing number of IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing backscattering communication techniques that modulate and reflect ambient RF signals using low-complexity circuitry, comprising a switch and load, to transmit data bits by either passing or absorbing the incoming signal based on predefined patterns, eliminating the need for power-hungry components like DACs and ADCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional wireless communication components (DACs, mixers, oscillators, power amplifiers) are used, then data transmission functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the power-hungry signal generation components (DACs, mixers, oscillators, power amplifiers) from the wireless device, retaining only the essential backscatter modulation functionality. This extraction eliminates the primary source of power consumption while preserving the core data transmission capability through ambient RF signal reflection modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the active electronic signal generation system with a passive backscatter modulation system. Instead of generating RF signals through complex electronic components, the device modulates ambient RF signals by controlling the impedance of its antenna, substituting active electronics with a passive reflection-based mechanism that consumes minimal power.
2Ease of operation
If conventional wireless communication components are used, then data transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the power-hungry signal generation components (DACs, mixers, oscillators, power amplifiers) from the wireless device, retaining only the essential backscatter modulation functionality. This extraction eliminates the primary source of power consumption while preserving the core data transmission capability through ambient RF signal reflection modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the active electronic signal generation system with a passive backscatter modulation system. Instead of generating RF signals through complex electronic components, the device modulates ambient RF signals by controlling the impedance of its antenna, substituting active electronics with a passive reflection-based mechanism that consumes minimal power.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more battery-powered devices participate in wireless communication, then connectivity increases, but battery replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables wireless devices to communicate without requiring external power supply or battery maintenance. By harvesting energy from ambient RF signals and using passive backscatter modulation, the device serves itself energetically, eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging and enabling scalable deployment of IoT devices.
4Productivity
If conventional wireless communication is used, then data transmission rate is maintained, but resource consumption (battery production) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables wireless devices to communicate without requiring external power supply or battery maintenance. By harvesting energy from ambient RF signals and using passive backscatter modulation, the device serves itself energetically, eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging and enabling scalable deployment of IoT devices.
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 significantly reduces power consumption, enabling long battery life and reducing the demand for new batteries, while allowing for efficient data transmission even in high-interference environments.
Implementation Method 1
backscatter communication techniques that modulate and reflect ambient RF signals
Implementation Method 2
passing or absorbing, by a wireless device, an incoming signal
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclose a method of transmitting a data bit by passing or absorbing, by a wireless device, an incoming signal, the method comprising: for a data bit value zero, obtaining a first pattern comprising a number of chips having a predefined duration; for a data bit value one, obtaining a second pattern comprising the number of chips having the predefined duration; and either passing or absorbing, during each chip, the incoming signal in accordance with the first pattern or the second pattern, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are selected to have an equal number of chips during which the incoming signal is absorbed. Further, examples disclose a method of receiving a data bit.