RF-Powered LED Chip With Integrated Inductor-Capacitor Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state lighting devices, such as LEDs, rely on batteries or grid-tied power sources, which increase size, weight, and complexity, and there is a need for devices that can operate without these power sources.
Innovation Solution
Integration of capacitor and inductor structures within LED chips to harvest power from radio frequency signals, allowing the LED chips to be compact and operate independently of batteries or grid-tied power sources, with the inductor structure configured to receive RF signals and store energy in a capacitor, enabling the LED to emit light without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries or grid-tied power sources are used to power LED devices, then reliable power supply is achieved, but device size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the battery or grid-tied power source from the LED device system. Instead of including a power storage device (battery) or complex power management circuitry for grid connection, the invention uses an RF receiver and rectifier circuit to harvest power directly from ambient RF signals, thereby removing the battery component and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The LED device is designed to harvest its own operating power from ambient RF environment without requiring external power sources or batteries. The RF receiver captures RF signals, the rectifier circuit converts them to DC power, and this self-generated power supplies the LED, creating a self-sufficient system that eliminates dependency on external power infrastructure
2Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to power portable LED devices, then continuous operation is achieved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the portable LED device system and replaces it with an RF power harvesting subsystem consisting of an RF receiver and rectifier circuit. This extraction eliminates the weight of the battery while maintaining continuous operation capability by continuously harvesting power from ambient RF signals in the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical energy storage system (battery) with an electromagnetic energy harvesting system (RF receiver and rectifier). Instead of storing energy chemically in a battery, the system captures electromagnetic RF signals from the environment and converts them to electrical power, substituting a different physical principle to achieve the same functional outcome
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated capacitor and inductor structures are added to LED chips for RF power harvesting, then battery-free operation is achieved, but chip fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RF receiver antenna, capacitor, and inductor structures into a single integrated LED chip package. The capacitor and inductor are formed using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques on the same substrate as the LED, and the RF receiver is integrated alongside these components, creating a unified monolithic structure that simplifies assembly and manufacturing while enabling complete power source independence
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chip structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the LED structure provides light emission, the capacitor provides energy storage and circuit timing, the inductor provides RF signal reception and rectification, and the combination enables both RF power harvesting and conventional electrical operation. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated package that can operate in various power modes
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
The integration of power-harvesting components in LED chips results in a compact, battery-free, and grid-tied power-free solution, enabling efficient light emission and reducing device size and weight, while allowing for wireless operation.
Implementation Method 1
the inductor structure is configured to harvest power from a radio frequency (RF) signal
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor structure coupled to the active LED structure
Data Source
AI summary
A LED chip has integrated capacitor and inductor structures, wherein a capacitor structure is coupled to an active LED structure of the LED chip, the inductor structure is coupled to the capacitor structure, and the inductor structure is configured to harvest power from an externally supplied radio frequency (RF) signal. At least portions of the inductor and capacitor are arranged in or on ceramic passivation material. A LED chip may have a footprint of no greater than 2.5 mm×2.5 mm, and/or a top area of no greater than 6.25 mm2. A resistor element or memristor element may be coupled between the capacitor structure and the active region. Methods of fabricating such LED chips are also provided.