Embedded Antenna Circuit Carrier for Backscatter Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient backscatter communication faces challenges with inefficient electromagnetic coupling and unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to electronic circuit shielding, which reduces signal quality and increases unwanted attenuation, especially in small communication devices.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the antenna arrangement and electronic circuit within a component carrier minimizes wiring distances and shielding effects, allowing for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and directional sensitivity through beamforming, enabling efficient modulation and demodulation of ambient backscatter signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic circuits are located close to the antenna arrangement to minimize wiring distance, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but unwanted electromagnetic interference and shielding effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate functional units: a transmit communication device with antenna arrangement and a receive communication device with electronic circuits. This segmentation allows the antenna to be positioned optimally for radiation while electronic circuits are protected from electromagnetic interference, resolving the contradiction between close proximity for signal quality and separation for interference reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuits are extracted from the transmit device and placed in the receive device. This extraction removes the harmful electromagnetic interference source from the antenna environment while maintaining the necessary signal processing functions, thus improving both signal-to-noise ratio and reducing electromagnetic interference simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic circuits are located far away from the antenna arrangement to reduce shielding effects, then electromagnetic interference decreases, but wiring distance increases and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary communication channel (ambient backscatter channel) is introduced between the transmit device antenna and receive device circuits. This intermediary allows signal transmission over longer distances without direct physical connection, eliminating the shielding problem while maintaining signal quality through the backscatter mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct electrical connection (mechanical wiring system) between antenna and circuits is replaced with an electromagnetic backscatter communication system. This substitution eliminates the physical wiring distance constraint and shielding issues by using ambient electromagnetic waves as the transmission medium.
3Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced for compact design, then portability improves, but electromagnetic coupling efficiency and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receive function with electronic circuits is extracted to a separate compact device, allowing the transmit device to maintain optimal antenna dimensions for electromagnetic coupling while the overall system remains portable. The separation enables each component to be sized appropriately for its function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single integrated device to a distributed multi-device architecture. This dimensional change in system organization allows compact individual devices while maintaining effective electromagnetic coupling through the backscatter channel between separated units.
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 configuration enhances the robustness and quality of ambient backscatter communication by reducing unwanted shielding and interference, achieving high SNR and directional sensitivity, even in compact designs, and allows for reliable communication in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna arrangement configured for scattering electromagnetic radiation, which has been emitted by a radio radiation source, towards a receive communication device
Implementation Method 2
an electronic circuit having a modulator unit coupled with the antenna arrangement and configured for modulating an impedance of the antenna arrangement in accordance with pieces of information
Data Source
AI summary
An ambient backscatter (transmit) communication device includes (a) an antenna arrangement for scattering electromagnetic radiation towards a receive communication device; (b) an electronic circuit having a modulator unit for modulating an impedance of the antenna arrangement in accordance with pieces of information to be communicated; and (c) a component carrier. At least a part of the antenna arrangement and/or the electronic circuit is embedded within the component carrier. An ambient backscatter (receive) communication device includes (a) an antenna arrangement for receiving ambient backscattered radiation; (b) an electronic circuit having a demodulator unit for demodulating the received ambient backscattered radiation to retrieve pieces of information; and (c) a component carrier. At least a part of the antenna arrangement and/or the electronic circuit is embedded within the component carrier. Furthermore are described a communication system and a method for transferring pieces of information by ambient backscattering.