Ambient RF Power Harvesting Chip With Tiered Secure Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID chips lack power management capabilities to perform complex operations when exposed to varying levels of ambient electromagnetic power, limiting their functionality and security features.
Innovation Solution
An ambient electromagnetic power harvesting (AEPH) chip that adapts its operations based on available power levels, enabling simple identity broadcasting at low power and executing higher complexity tasks, including memory writing and secure communication, when exposed to moderate or high-intensity ambient electromagnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the AEPH chip performs complex operations (executing logic in trusted security zone, establishing secure wireless links) when exposed to high-power ambient electromagnetic fields, then functionality and security are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that adapt the chip's functionality based on available ambient electromagnetic power levels. When high-power fields are detected, the chip enables complex operations including executing logic in a trusted security zone and establishing secure wireless links. When low-power fields are present, the chip operates in a restricted mode to conserve energy, demonstrating dynamic adaptation of system capabilities to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on the power level of the ambient electromagnetic field. The processor transitions between different operational states (first operational state with limited functionality and second operational state with enhanced functionality) based on the detected power level, thereby optimizing the balance between functionality and energy consumption
2Reliability
If the AEPH chip enables trusted security zone operations and secure communication modes, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processor into distinct operational zones, including a trusted security zone that is separated from the main processing area. This segmentation allows secure operations to be isolated and protected, enabling enhanced security functionality while maintaining a manageable device architecture through clear functional separation
3Use of energy by moving object
If the AEPH chip performs only simple identity broadcasting at low power levels, then energy consumption is reduced, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational capabilities based on the ambient electromagnetic power environment. At low power levels, the chip performs simple identity broadcasting to conserve energy. When high-power ambient fields are detected, the chip transitions to enhanced operational modes including executing complex logic in the trusted security zone and establishing secure wireless communication links, thereby optimizing the balance between energy consumption and functionality
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
Enhances the functionality and security of RFID-like devices by enabling higher power operations and secure communication modes when sufficient power is available, while conserving energy at low power levels.
Implementation Method 1
receiving energy from a first ambient electromagnetic field by an AEPH chip
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A method of communicating information from an ambient electromagnetic power harvesting (AEPH) chip. The method comprises receiving energy from a first ambient electromagnetic field by an AEPH chip, wherein the first ambient electromagnetic field provides a first level of power; based on energy received from the first ambient electromagnetic field, performing a first tier of processing by a processor of the AEPH chip; receiving energy from a second ambient electromagnetic field by the AEPH chip, wherein the second ambient electromagnetic field provides a second level of power that is greater than the first level of power; determining by the processor that the second level of power is above a predefined threshold; and based on the second ambient electromagnetic field being above the predefined threshold, performing a second tier of processing by the processor, wherein the second tier of processing comprises writing information by the processor into a non-transitory memory.