Frequency-Shifted Backscatter Tag for Ultra-Low Power IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless data transmission methods, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, require significant power to operate, leading to battery drain and interference issues, which limit the duration and reliability of data collection and sharing in IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a frequency-shifted Backscatter system that uses a backscatter tag to shift the frequency band of an incident carrier signal, allowing for ultra-low power data transmission by operating at 50 microwatts or less, thereby reducing interference and extending data transfer distance and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is used for wireless data transmission, then data can be transmitted wirelessly, but power consumption increases significantly (tens of milliwatts)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backscatter tag as an intermediary device between the sensor and the receiver. The tag modulates an incident carrier signal to encode sensor data, enabling communication without the sensor needing its own high-power transmitter. This mediator approach allows the sensor to communicate reliably while consuming minimal power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electronic transmission system (requiring power amplifiers and high-power transmitters) with a backscatter modulation system. Instead of generating and transmitting radio waves directly, the sensor modulates reflected carrier signals, substituting the mechanical/electronic transmission mechanism with a reflection-based approach that consumes far less power.
2Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy is used to reduce power consumption, then power usage decreases compared to Wi-Fi, but it still consumes an order of magnitude more power than sensors like accelerometers
Solution Approach 1:
The backscatter tag system enables the sensor to communicate data without requiring its own power source for transmission. The tag harvests energy from the incident carrier signal and uses it to modulate the reflection, making the communication system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate battery power for transmission functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The incident carrier signal serves multiple functions: it provides the communication medium for data transmission, supplies power to the backscatter tag through energy harvesting, and enables long-range wireless communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power sources and transmission systems.
3Reliability
If high power is used for wireless transmission, then transmission distance and reliability improve, but battery drain increases and interference issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of requiring high transmission power into a benefit by using the incident carrier signal itself as the transmission medium. The carrier signal, which would otherwise be just a communication vehicle, becomes the power source for the backscatter tag, turning the requirement for strong signals into an advantage for energy harvesting.
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
The frequency-shifted Backscatter system enables cleaner signals and efficient data transfer with reduced power consumption, minimizing battery drain and interference, thus enhancing the performance of IoT devices in data collection and sharing.
Implementation Method 1
The tag modulates an incident carrier signal to encode sensor data
Implementation Method 2
shifts a frequency band in which the carrier signal is transmitted to a different frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for wireless communication are provided. The systems and methods employ a backscatter tag that is configured to shift an incident carrier signal received by the tag to a different frequency band and then transmitting the frequency-shifted carrier signal to a receiver. The frequency band to which the carrier signal is shifted is a band in which interference is minimal or non-existent. Further, the backscatter tag is able to operate in an ultra-low power manner, thereby allowing the tag to be incorporated into components like on-body sensors so that the tag can embed additional information into the carrier signal for transmission and processing by the receiver. Exemplary electronic circuits and systems that utilize a frequency-shifted Backscatter, as well as methods for implementing a frequency-shifted Backscatter, are also provided.