BLE Sensor Module with Wake-Up Control for Ultra-Low Power Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor modules face challenges with high power consumption and size limitations when using communication methods like LTE, LoRa, and WiFi, and even Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) does not adequately minimize power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultra-low-power wireless sensor module that incorporates a control IC for data transmission using BLE and a wake-up IC for selective data collection and transmission, along with an energy harvesting module to reduce power consumption, allowing for detachable connection to various sensors and operation in advertising or beacon modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireless communication methods like LTE, LoRa, or WiFi are used for data transmission, then communication range and data rate are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter by selecting BLE instead of high-power protocols like LTE or WiFi. BLE operates at lower power levels while maintaining adequate data transmission rates for sensor data, directly resolving the contradiction between transmission rate and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module operates in periodic cycles, alternating between sleep mode and active measurement/transmission modes. The control unit activates sensors and communicates only when needed, then returns to sleep mode, reducing average power consumption while maintaining necessary data transmission rates
2Speed
If high-performance communication modules are used, then communication capability is improved, but the volume and weight of the sensor module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects BLE technology which enables adequate communication capability with significantly smaller and lighter hardware components compared to LTE or WiFi modules. This parameter change in communication protocol allows maintaining communication functionality while reducing module volume and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential communication functionality needed for sensor data transmission using BLE, removing unnecessary features and components found in more capable but bulkier communication modules like LTE or WiFi, thus achieving compact size while maintaining sufficient communication capability
3Productivity
If sensors are continuously activated to collect data, then data collection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic operation by activating sensors only when measurement is required and keeping them in sleep mode otherwise. This periodic activation maintains data collection capability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor operation states based on real-time needs, transitioning between active measurement mode and sleep mode. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between data collection capability and power consumption by activating sensors only when necessary
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into one module, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with universal compatibility to control multiple different types of sensors through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality allows the same control unit to manage various sensors (temperature, humidity, motion, etc.) without requiring separate control circuits for each sensor type, thus achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor module is disclosed. The wireless sensor module comprises: a plurality of terminals which can be connected to a plurality of sensors, respectively; a sensor interface integrated circuit (IC) for driving a sensor connected to at least one from among the plurality of terminals; and a control IC for controlling the sensor interface IC to drive the connected sensor and acquiring sensing data of the connected sensor. The control IC transmits the sensing data to at least one external device by means of Bluetooth low energy (BLE).