Passive Memory Firmware Update via Wireless Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for configuring and updating firmware in electronic controllers require electrical power, making the process complex, costly, and inconvenient, especially for devices like intelligent LED light bulbs where accessing the processor for reprogramming is challenging after manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A programmable controller with a passive memory component that can be activated and updated using a wireless communication link, such as NFC, allowing firmware updates without an external power source, using energy drawn from the signal itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to install firmware on electronic controllers, then the firmware can be updated, but the controller must be activated and connected to external power sources, increasing device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power connection system with an electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The external device transmits both power and firmware data through electromagnetic signals (e.g., RF, NFC) that can be received by the controller without physical power connections. This substitution eliminates the need for power outlets and connectors during firmware installation, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface of the controller is designed to serve multiple functions: it can communicate data and simultaneously receive power through the same electromagnetic interface. This multi-functionality allows the controller to receive firmware updates without requiring separate power connection infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Loss of time
If the controller is packaged before firmware installation, then packaging can be delayed, but conventional methods require the controller to be activated and connected to power during firmware installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables firmware to be installed on controllers before they are packaged for shipment. The controller receives and stores firmware in its memory through wireless power and data transfer, allowing it to be fully configured before packaging. This preliminary action eliminates the need to delay packaging until after firmware installation, as the controller can be programmed while in its inactive, packaged state.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the requirement for physical power connection with wireless electromagnetic power transfer, the system enables firmware installation on packaged controllers. The external device transmits power and data through electromagnetic fields that can penetrate packaging materials, allowing convenient firmware installation without requiring the controller to be removed from packaging or connected to power outlets.
3Reliability
If the controller is activated for firmware updates, then the firmware can be updated, but this requires external power connections and increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power connection system with wireless electromagnetic power transfer. The controller receives power and firmware data simultaneously through electromagnetic signals from an external device. This substitution eliminates the need for power outlets, connectors, and associated installation infrastructure, directly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable firmware update capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field serves as an intermediary that transfers both power and data from the external device to the controller without requiring physical connections. This intermediary mechanism enables firmware updates to be performed remotely and conveniently, eliminating the need for costly power connection infrastructure while ensuring reliable firmware update capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If power connections are required for firmware installation, then firmware can be installed, but this adds complexity to the assembly line configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power connection system with wireless electromagnetic power transfer. The assembly line only needs to provide wireless communication capability (e.g., RF or NFC transmitters) rather than configuring power outlets, connectors, and physical power delivery infrastructure. This substitution dramatically simplifies assembly line configuration while maintaining firmware installation 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
Enables convenient, cost-effective, and power-independent firmware configuration and updates for electronic controllers, simplifying manufacturing and enabling updates for devices like LED light bulbs without the need for external power.
Implementation Method 1
The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the system for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at least part of the firmware update process.