Multi-Transducer SAW Sensor Tag for Low-Loss Multi-Sensor Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors and tags face challenges in identifying multiple sensors in a multi-sensor environment while transmitting both identification and sensor information efficiently, especially in harsh environments, and require enhanced bandwidth and reduced device loss.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple transducer/antenna pairs with different center frequencies and orthogonal frequency coded signals, along with weighted reflector gratings, to increase bandwidth, reduce device loss, and improve performance, allowing for simultaneous identification and data transmission in a wireless, passive SAW sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are deployed in a multi-sensor environment, then sensor coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but device identification and information retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification and data transmission functions into separate orthogonal frequency channels. Each sensor is assigned a unique identification code transmitted on one orthogonal frequency, while sensor data is transmitted on separate orthogonal frequencies. This segmentation allows multiple sensors to operate simultaneously without interference, resolving the complexity of identification and information retrieval in multi-sensor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes frequency division by assigning different center frequencies to multiple transducer/antenna pairs. Each transducer/antenna pair operates at a distinct frequency within the available bandwidth, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple sensors. This parameter change (frequency assignment) allows unique identification and data transmission for each sensor without increasing system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single transducer/antenna pair is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth and range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth into multiple frequency channels, with each transducer/antenna pair assigned to a specific center frequency. This segmentation allows the system to utilize the full available bandwidth through parallel frequency channels, effectively increasing the overall data transmission capacity without requiring a single complex wideband transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-frequency operation to multi-frequency operation by introducing the frequency dimension. Multiple transducer/antenna pairs operate simultaneously at different center frequencies, effectively adding a frequency dimension to the system. This dimensional expansion increases bandwidth utilization and data transmission capacity while maintaining relative device simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonal frequency coding is implemented, then identification and sensor data transmission are enabled simultaneously, but device loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the orthogonal frequency coding parameters by carefully selecting center frequencies and bandwidth allocations for each transducer/antenna pair. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves efficient spectrum utilization that minimizes interference and energy loss while maintaining the capability for simultaneous identification and data transmission.
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 the creation of small, cost-effective, wireless SAW sensors and tags with increased range and bandwidth, reducing device loss and improving overall performance by utilizing multiple transducer/antenna pairs and orthogonal frequency coding, enabling efficient identification and data transmission in multi-sensor environments.
Implementation Method 1
surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor offers advantages in that it is wireless, passive, small
Implementation Method 2
at least two transducer and antenna pairs each having a different bandwidth coupled with one of the at least two banks of reflectors
Implementation Method 3
at least two banks of reflectors fabricated thereon for producing at least two contiguous stepped frequencies having a different center frequency within a bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
A surface acoustic wave sensor or tag having multiple transducer/antenna pairs each having a different center frequency. The bandwidth of each transducer/antenna pair is inversely proportional to the number of transducer/antennas pairs used and the bandwidth is the sum of the bandwidth of the transducer/antenna pairs. Implementing a SAW sensor or tag with multiple transducer/antenna pairs significantly reduces device losses and improves the performance of the device since the individual transducer/antenna pair's fractional bandwidth is reduced by the ratio of the system bandwidth to the number of transducer antenna pairs used in the sensor.