Energy Harvesting IoT Tag Testing via Capacitor Charging Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing energy harvesting IoT tags are inefficient and costly, particularly in mass production settings, as they require precise construction and accurate determination of antenna parameters to ensure optimal energy harvesting and communication functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing energy harvesting IoT tags involve transmitting a harvesting signal and measuring the capacitor charging time, assigning a pass value if the charging time is within a predetermined threshold, using a transmitter, receiver, and processing circuitry to determine the charging time and assess tag functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PCB design with soldering is used for assembling IoT tags, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical soldering process with a non-contact RF energy transfer system. The inlay design with integrated antennas eliminates the need for traditional PCB soldering, substituting mechanical assembly with electromagnetic field-based power and data transfer, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (power supply, data storage, communication) into a single integrated inlay component. By merging the antenna, capacitor, and memory into one unified structure, the assembly process is simplified compared to traditional PCB designs that require separate components and multiple soldering operations
2Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive testing of antenna parameters is performed during production, then manufacturing precision and tag functionality are improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detailed antenna parameter verification from the production line testing process. By pre-calculating and pre- verifying antenna parameters during the design phase, the production testing is reduced to simple functional checks, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs comprehensive antenna parameter verification and optimization during the design and prototyping phase before mass production. This preliminary action ensures that the antenna design is already optimized, eliminating the need for time-consuming parameter testing during actual production runs
3Measurement precision
If energy harvesting tags are tested in static mode with moving probes, then measurement precision is improved, but production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional testing approach by making the tag move relative to a stationary probe rather than moving the probe over a stationary tag. This is achieved by placing tags on a conveyor belt system, which simplifies the testing mechanism while maintaining measurement precision through controlled relative motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic testing intervals as tags pass through the testing zone on the conveyor belt. The testing is performed at regular intervals when tags are in the optimal position relative to the probe, maintaining measurement precision while enabling continuous high-throughput production testing
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 efficient and accurate testing of IoT tags, ensuring they can charge and operate within specified parameters, reducing production costs and time while maintaining reliable performance.
Implementation Method 1
Some of the antennas are used for radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting... Energy harvesting allows an IoT tag to operate without relying on a battery source or other external power supply by using over-the-air signals to charge a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for method for testing an energy harvesting tag, comprising: transmitting a harvesting signal to an energy harvesting tag at time T1; receiving a response signal from the energy harvesting tag at time T2; determining a capacitor charging time of the energy harvesting tag as a difference between T2 and T1; and assigning a pass value to the energy harvesting tag when the capacitor charging time is less than a predetermined threshold amount.