Ambient RF Power-Harvesting Chip for Long-Range Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID location tracking methods, such as passive and active RFID tracking, are limited by short range and high costs due to the need for separate reader devices and power sources, with passive RFID tags only effective up to 15 meters and active tags being expensive to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The use of Ambient Electromagnetic Power Harvesting (AEPH) chips that receive radio frequency waves from cell sites to draw power and broadcast identification signals, allowing for longer-range location detection and tracking without the need for a separate reader device, using high-frequency bands like 47 GHz for more efficient power harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If passive RFID tags are used for location tracking, then the system is inexpensive and simple, but the tracking range is limited to only 15 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power harvesting function and identification signal transmission function into a single RFID tag device. The tag simultaneously harvests power from ambient RF signals and transmits location information, eliminating the need for separate reader devices and power sources. This merging enables extended tracking range while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a power harvesting device and an identification signal transmitter. By integrating these functions into a single universal device, the system achieves long-range tracking capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Length of stationary object
If active RFID tags are used for location tracking, then the tracking range is extended, but the maintenance cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag harvests power from ambient RF signals present in the environment, enabling it to operate autonomously without external power sources or batteries. This self-powered operation eliminates the need for battery replacement or recharging, significantly reducing maintenance costs while extending tracking range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts ambient RF signals, which are normally just electromagnetic waves in the environment, into useful power for operating the RFID tag. By harvesting energy from these ambient signals, the tag achieves extended range operation without requiring expensive active power sources.
3Measurement precision
If separate reader devices are used for RFID tracking, then location detection accuracy is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reader device functionality from the tracking system and integrates it into the RFID tag itself. The tag contains both the power harvesting circuitry and the identification signal transmitter, eliminating the need for separate external reader devices while maintaining location detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of power harvesting, signal reception, and identification transmission are merged into a single integrated RFID tag device. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating separate reader devices while preserving location detection accuracy through the tag's embedded capabilities.
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 cost-effective, long-range location detection and tracking of objects by leveraging ambient electromagnetic power, reducing the need for separate reader devices and minimizing data transmission, resulting in a more power and network-efficient solution compared to traditional RFID methods.
Implementation Method 1
one or more rectifier circuits coupled to the one or more antennas configured to convert the radio frequency waves into power as a direct current voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system for ambient electromagnetic power harvesting (AEPH) chip location detection and tracking comprises an AEPH chip and a reader device. The AEPH chip comprises antennas configured to receive radio frequency waves from a cell site associated with a carrier network, rectifier circuits coupled to the one or more antennas configured to convert the radio frequency waves into power as a direct current voltage, a power storage coupled to the one or more rectifiers circuits configured to store the power, and a transceiver coupled to the power storage and configured to broadcast an identification signal using the power stored in the power storage in response to receiving the radio frequency waves from the cell site. The reader device comprises a transceiver configured to receive the identification signal from the AEPH chip, and processors coupled to the transceiver and configured to obtain a location of the AEPH chip.