Optical Receiver Forward-Biased Photodiode Ambient Light Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical receivers face challenges in efficiently managing ambient light, which leads to increased power consumption and high production costs due to the need for complex and expensive energy transducers, and existing solutions do not effectively separate data signal currents from extraneous light currents in environments with high ambient light levels.
Innovation Solution
An optical receiver design that uses a photodiode operated in a forward-biased direction to separate data signal currents from extraneous light currents using a coupling unit and amplifying unit, with an energy storage unit that includes a charge pump to store energy from ambient light for extended operation, allowing for stand-alone operation without additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the photodiode is operated in reverse direction with a resistor to dissipate photocurrent, then the data signal can be processed, but the power consumption increases significantly due to the photocurrent being generated by the power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional operation mode by operating the photodiode in forward direction instead of reverse direction. This allows the photodiode to function as an energy source rather than a load, converting the previously harmful photocurrent into useful power for the circuit while maintaining data signal processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver system becomes self-powered by utilizing the photocurrent generated from ambient light to charge an energy storage unit. The system serves itself by converting the previously wasted energy into useful power, eliminating the need for external power supply and significantly reducing power consumption
2Reliability
If extraneous light is suppressed before data signal amplification, then the receiver amplifier avoids saturation, but the operating time is limited without additional power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photocurrent into two independent paths: one for data signal processing and another for energy storage. By separating the extraneous light current from the data signal current through a coupling unit, the system can simultaneously suppress extraneous light for amplifier protection while storing energy from the same light source to extend operating time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful extraneous light current that causes amplifier saturation into a beneficial energy source. By directing this current through an energy storage unit, the system transforms the harmful photocurrent into useful electrical energy that extends the operating time of the receiver
3Duration of action of moving object
If complex energy transducers are used to generate sufficient energy from ambient light, then the operating time is extended, but the production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the photodiode multi-functional by using it for both data signal reception and energy generation. Instead of adding separate complex energy transducers, the existing photodiode is operated in forward direction to serve dual purposes, significantly reducing production costs while extending operating time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own photodiode to generate energy for itself, creating a self-powered optical receiver. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive external energy transducers and power sources, reducing production costs while maintaining extended operating capability
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 design significantly extends the operating time of optical sensors, reduces power consumption, and lowers production costs by utilizing ambient light for energy storage, enabling efficient operation in environments with high ambient light levels without the need for additional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode (2) for receiving light and for converting the light into a photocurrent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical receiver (1) for receiving alternating-light data signals and for storing electrical energy obtained from extraneous light, having a photodiode (2) for receiving light, which comprises extraneous light and an alternating-light data signal component with a higher frequency in comparison to the extraneous light, and for converting the light into a photocurrent (IP) which comprises a data signal current (IN) and an extraneous light current (IF) said receiver additionally comprises a coupling unit (3) for coupling in and separating the data signal current generated by the optical alternating-light data signal component from the extraneous light current generated by the extraneous light, an amplifying unit (4) for amplifying the data signal current and an energy storage unit (5) which is charged by the extraneous light current (IF) and which includes a circuit for increasing voltage, wherein the energy charged in the energy storage unit (5) is used for at least partially supplying the energy for the optical receiver (1) and/or for at least partially supplying the energy for a measurement arrangement (16) comprising the optical receiver (1).