IoT Backscatter Circuit Modulating Sensory Data Without External CW
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backscattering solutions for BLE packets require an external CW signal source and operate in congested frequency bands, and existing Wi-Fi backscatter techniques are complex and require hardware and software modifications.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method for generating modulated backscattered sensory data using a sensor, waveform generator, and backscatter mixer within an IoT chip, which can modulate and transmit data without an external CW signal, and remodulate packets to comply with specific wireless protocols like BLE, allowing operation in any wireless environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional backscattering solutions use external CW signal sources, then modulation can be achieved, but device complexity and external dependencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external CW signal source from the backscattering system. The IoT chip now generates its own carrier signal internally, removing the dependency on external transmitters while maintaining the backscattering functionality. This is achieved by integrating a carrier generator and modulator within the IoT chip itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The IoT chip is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a sensor node and a signal generator/modulator. The chip can generate carrier signals, modulate data, and perform backscattering all within a single device, eliminating the need for separate external signal sources and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If backscattering operates in fixed BLE advertising channels, then protocol compliance is achieved, but frequency band congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency selection and channel hopping capability. Instead of being fixed to specific BLE advertising channels, the system can dynamically switch between multiple frequency channels, avoiding congested bands while maintaining protocol compliance through adaptive frequency management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating frequency parameter dynamically. By implementing frequency agility and the ability to operate on different RF channels beyond the fixed BLE advertising channels, the system maintains protocol compliance while avoiding frequency band congestion through parameter variation.
3Productivity
If Wi-Fi backscatter techniques are implemented, then data transmission is achieved, but hardware and software modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a simplified backscattering mechanism that copies the essential functionality of complex Wi-Fi backscatter techniques without requiring the same level of hardware and software modifications. The IoT chip uses a streamlined approach that achieves data transmission through backscattering while maintaining compatibility with existing BLE infrastructure.
4Reliability
If traditional transceivers are used for data transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IoT chip uses the existing RF signals from other devices in the environment to perform backscattering communication. Instead of actively transmitting signals which consumes power, the chip reflects and modulates incoming signals, allowing it to communicate while consuming minimal energy and maintaining communication reliability.
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 efficient and flexible backscattering of data in wireless IoT devices without the need for external transmitters or complex modifications, reducing power consumption and improving communication efficiency by using internal components to generate and remodulate signals within the IoT chip.
Implementation Method 1
Modulated backscattering is a transmission technique utilized to reduce communication power consumption at the sensor node when compared to a conventional RF transmitter. Backscatter modulation allows a remote device to wirelessly telemeter information without operating a traditional transceiver.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments disclosed herein include a circuit for generating modulated backscattered sensory data. The circuit includes a sensor configured to produce sensory data in a format of a bitstream; a waveformer configured to generate a waveform signal (m(t)) compliant with a wireless protocol; a backscatter mixer configured to modulate each bit in the bitstream using the waveform signal; and a wakeup trigger configured to trigger the backscatter mixer in response to a reception of a packet from a first wireless device, wherein the modulated backscattered bitstream is being transmitted to a second wireless device.