RF Backscatter Communication for Battery-Free Cellular IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MTC/eMTC and NB-IoT communication technologies face challenges in achieving zero-power consumption while maintaining low cost and wide connectivity, essential for realizing the vision of 'interconnection of everything' in the 5G/6G era, particularly in scenarios requiring ultra-low power and large-scale IoT deployments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a zero-power-consumption communication method utilizing RF power harvesting and backscattering communication, where a zero-power-consumption device receives a power supply signal and a trigger signal to send data through backscattering, eliminating the need for batteries and reducing hardware complexity, and applicable in both cellular and sidelink communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional battery-powered communication devices are used, then communication functionality is ensured, but power consumption is high and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the battery component from the communication device, replacing it with a backscattering communication module that harvests power from ambient RF signals. This extraction eliminates the need for traditional power sources and reduces device complexity while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-powering by harvesting energy from ambient RF signals through the backscattering module. The system serves itself by converting received RF energy into usable power for its own operation, eliminating the need for external battery replacement or recharging.
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery-free backscattering communication is implemented, then power consumption is reduced to zero, but communication range and signal strength may be weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power harvesting function and the communication function into a single backscattering module. The same antenna and circuitry that receive RF signals for power harvesting also modulate and retransmit signals for communication, achieving both zero power consumption and adequate signal strength through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts modulation depth, backscattering coefficient, and signal processing parameters to optimize communication performance while maintaining zero power consumption. By changing these parameters, the device compensates for the lack of active power transmission capability.
3Device complexity
If RF power harvesting and backscattering is used, then hardware complexity and cost are reduced, but communication reliability in complex environments may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device monitors received signal strength, power harvesting efficiency, and communication quality. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts its operation mode, modulation parameters, and power allocation to maintain reliable communication in varying environmental conditions despite simplified hardware.
4Ease of manufacture
If simplified zero-power device architecture is adopted, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but functionality and adaptability for different application scenarios are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The backscattering communication module is designed with universal functionality that can operate in multiple communication modes (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and application scenarios (IoT sensing, asset tracking, smart metering). The same hardware platform adapts to different protocols and requirements through software configuration, maintaining versatility while keeping manufacturing costs low.
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 solution enables battery-free communication, reducing hardware complexity and costs, while ensuring wide connectivity and low power consumption, thereby supporting the rapid deployment of IoT technologies in various application scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a power supply signal, by a zero-power-consumption device, wherein the power supply signal is configured to supply power to the zero-power-consumption device
Implementation Method 2
sending a signal, by the zero-power-consumption device, through a back scattering way according to the power supply signal and the trigger signal
Data Source
AI summary
Zero-power-consumption communication methods and a device for cellular communication and sidelink communication are provided in the application. The zero-power-consumption communication method for cellular communication at least includes: a zero-power-consumption device. A zero-power-consumption communication method based on cellular communication by the zero-power consumption device includes receiving a power supply signer, wherein the power supply signal is used for supplying power to the zero-power-consumption device; receiving a trigger signal sent from a network device; and the zero-power-consumption device sending a signal through a back scattering way according to the trigger signal and the power supply signal.