Wireless Nanoionic RF Switch Rectenna Powering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio frequency switches, such as MEMS and solid-state devices, fail to meet the demands of high data rate communication systems due to issues like high power consumption, reliability problems, and complex manufacturing processes, which are not suitable for future applications requiring low power, high speed, and high isolation.

Innovation Solution

A nanoionic switch using chalcogenide glass with oxidizable and inert electrodes, where a rectenna module converts radio waves into electrical current to change the state of the switch from 'off' to 'on' or vice versa without requiring a power source, utilizing ion conduction in solid electrolytes for low-loss and high-isolation switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If MEMS-based switches are used, then insertion loss is reduced and isolation is improved, but switching speed decreases and actuation voltage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidswitching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical moving parts of MEMS switches with a solid-state nanoionic switching mechanism. The nanoionic switch uses ion migration in a solid electrolyte layer to change resistance states, eliminating mechanical components while achieving low insertion loss and high isolation through electrical field control of ionic conduction paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using very low actuation voltages (0.3-1V) compared to conventional MEMS (5-50V). This is achieved through the nanoionic mechanism where small voltage changes drive ion migration, enabling fast switching speeds while maintaining the low loss and high isolation characteristics needed for RF applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If solid state switches are used, then switching speed is improved, but power consumption increases and isolation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed voltage signals to control the nanoionic switch states. Instead of continuous power application, brief voltage pulses trigger ion migration to desired states, after which the switch maintains its state without continuous power consumption, achieving both fast switching and low steady-state power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The nanoionic switch exhibits non-volatile memory characteristics where the ion migration creates stable resistance states that persist without continuous power. The device essentially services itself by maintaining its switched state through the stable ionic configurations, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain isolation or switching states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If MEMS switches are used, then isolation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveisolationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated nanoionic switch layer structure. The solid electrolyte layer with patterned electrodes combines switching, isolation, and memory functions in one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components, complex packaging, and multiple processing steps required by MEMS devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves high isolation (>30 dB) through the high resistance off-state of the nanoionic switch created by blocked ion migration paths. This is accomplished with simple planar electrode patterns and thin film deposition, avoiding complex three-dimensional MEMS structures and their associated manufacturing challenges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 nanoionic switch achieves low insertion loss, high isolation, and efficient power management, enabling reliable and fast switching with minimal energy consumption, suitable for high-frequency applications like 3G wireless phones and space-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

receiving the signal at a rectenna module and converting the signal to electrical current at the rectenna module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing ion conduction in solid electrolytes for low-loss and high-isolation switching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9819475B1Wireless nanoionic-based radio frequency switch

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA

AI summary

A nanoionic switch connected to one or more rectenna modules is disclosed. The rectenna module is configured to receive a wireless signal and apply a first bias to change a state of the nanoionic switch from a first state to a second state. The rectenna module can receive a second wireless signal and apply a second bias to change the nanoionic switch from the second state back to the first state. The first bias is generally opposite of the first bias. The rectenna module accordingly permits operation of the nanoionic switch without onboard power.