Backscatter Tag Illumination With Dedicated RACH Preambles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication networks face challenges in powering zero-energy devices such as backscatter tags, which lack energy storage capabilities, necessitating innovative methods for energy harvesting and signal modulation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a dedicated random access channel preamble to illuminate backscatter tags with a radio frequency signal, providing temporary power and enabling signal modulation and transmission, compatible with 3GPP standards like 5G and 6G.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If backscatter tags operate without batteries and energy storage capabilities, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to transmit signals continuously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using intermittent illumination signals from the illuminator to power the backscatter tag only when needed for communication. The tag operates in periodic cycles: receiving power during illuminator transmission slots, remaining in low-power or sleep mode during non-communication periods, and activating backscattering only when illuminated. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous operational capability through periodic energy harvesting while maintaining the simple batteryless structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator serves as an intermediary that provides both the enabling condition (RF power) and the information carrier (modulated signal) for the backscatter tag. The illuminator transmits RF signals that simultaneously power the tag through energy harvesting and carry communication information that the tag backscatters. This intermediary approach allows the simple tag structure to achieve extended operational duration by relying on the external illuminator for both power and communication functions.
2Reliability
If dedicated random access channel preambles are assigned to illuminators, then communication reliability and identification are improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the dedicated random access channel preamble to serve multiple functions simultaneously: (1) as an identification signal for the illuminator, (2) as a power activation signal for the backscatter tag, and (3) as a synchronization signal for communication timing. By making the preamble multi-functional, the system achieves improved communication reliability through dedicated identification while minimizing system resource consumption by eliminating the need for separate power activation and synchronization signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of illuminator identification, tag power activation, and communication synchronization into a single dedicated random access channel preamble transmission. The illuminator transmits the preamble which combines all necessary information for the tag to identify the illuminator, harvest power, and synchronize its backscattering operations. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable communication through dedicated preambles while reducing overall system resource consumption through functional integration.
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
Enables the operation of zero-energy backscatter tags by temporarily powering them and facilitating efficient signal transmission through frequency division multiplexing, supporting bi-static or multi-static architectures in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminator for illuminating at least one tag with a radio frequency signal
Implementation Method 2
a tag modulates an incoming radio frequency signal, e.g. with an information-bearing signal, e.g. by reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions, the at least one memory and the instructions configured to, with the at least one processor, cause an illuminator for illuminating at least one tag with a radio frequency signal to transmit an illuminator signal to the at least one tag based on a dedicated random access channel preamble associated with the illuminator.