Drive-Sense Circuit for Single-Line Wireless Power and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems face challenges in efficiently managing power signals and communication signals simultaneously, particularly in detecting electrical characteristics of sensors and actuators, which affects the accuracy and reliability of data communication and power transfer.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of drive-sense circuits that can simultaneously drive and sense signals via a single line, using a resonating capacitor to facilitate electromagnetic coupling between coils, allowing for the detection of electrical characteristics and adaptation of power signals for efficient wireless power transfer and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuits are used for driving and sensing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive circuit and sense circuit into a single integrated circuit that can simultaneously perform both driving and sensing functions. The drive-sense circuit includes a drive circuit portion that outputs drive signals and a sense circuit portion that detects sensor signals, both through the same signal line, thereby reducing component count and system complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive-sense circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive actuators, sense sensor signals, detect electrical characteristics (impedance, capacitance, resistance), and adapt power signals all through a single circuit block. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate circuits are used for power and communication, then reliability is improved, but component heat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power amplifier functions and communication functions into a single integrated circuit. The power amplifier portion handles power signal generation while the sense circuit portion handles communication and sensing, both within the same circuit block. This integration reduces the total component count and associated heat generation from multiple separate circuits.
3Productivity
If a power amplifier is used for wireless power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but ability to detect electrical characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is functionally segmented into distinct portions: a power amplifier portion for efficient power signal generation and transmission, and a sense circuit portion for accurate detection of sensor signals and electrical characteristics. This functional segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific task while sharing common infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense circuit acts as an intermediary that monitors and detects electrical characteristics (impedance, capacitance, resistance) of sensors and actuators during power transfer operations. This intermediary sensing capability provides feedback that enables accurate detection without compromising the power amplifier's efficiency in power signal generation.
4Device complexity
If drive-sense circuits are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated drive-sense circuit incorporates self-diagnostic and self-adjustment capabilities that allow it to automatically compensate for manufacturing variations and component tolerances. The circuit can detect and adapt to actual electrical characteristics during operation, reducing the stringency of pre-manufacturing precision 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 accurate detection of electrical characteristics, ensuring reliable wireless power transfer and communication, reducing component heat and complexity, and improving the efficiency of power transfer and data communication.
Implementation Method 1
using a resonating capacitor to facilitate electromagnetic coupling between coils
Implementation Method 2
Power amplifier based wireless power transfer and communications
Data Source
AI summary
A device operative to transfer power wirelessly includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC), memory that stores operational instructions, and processing module(s). The DSC generates a drive signal based on a reference signal and provides the drive signal to a first coil via a single line and via a resonating capacitor, and simultaneously senses the drive signal via the single line, to facilitate electromagnetic coupling to a second coil to transfer power wirelessly to another device. The DSC also detects electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal. The processing module(s) generates the reference signal and processes the digital signal to determine the electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal. In some examples, the processing module(s) adapts the reference signal based on detection of the other device (e.g., based on interpreting the electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal).