RF-Powered Sensor Node Wireless Configuration via Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless passive sensor nodes (WPSNs) face challenges in miniaturization, cost, and energy efficiency due to the need for dedicated GPIO modules and OTP circuits, which result in complex systems with high testing and packaging costs, and energy losses during configuration.
Innovation Solution
A wireless passive sensor node with a radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit coupled to an antenna and energy storage, capable of receiving configuration data modulated in the radiofrequency signal, allowing user circuitry to operate in multiple configurations without dedicated GPIOs or OTPs, reducing power consumption and miniaturization barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated GPIO modules and OTP circuits are provided for configuration, then device functionality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration data from physical GPIO modules and OTP circuits, transferring it to wireless RF signal transmission. This removes the need for dedicated configuration hardware components while maintaining device adaptability through wireless configuration data delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF receiver circuit serves multiple functions: it receives both power and configuration data through the same antenna and circuitry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate GPIO and OTP components, reducing device complexity while maintaining configuration capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated GPIO modules and OTP circuits are provided, then configuration functionality is improved, but manufacturing and testing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data is extracted from physical configuration hardware (GPIO modules and OTP circuits) and transmitted wirelessly via RF signals. This eliminates the need for expensive dedicated configuration components, reducing manufacturing and testing costs while preserving configuration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical OTP circuits that require programming and testing, the patent uses wireless transmission of configuration data that can be copied and delivered remotely. This eliminates the need for costly programming equipment and testing procedures associated with dedicated configuration hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If re-configurable devices are provided, then device versatility is improved, but energy losses increase due to priming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transfer and configuration data transmission functions into a single RF signal. The configuration data is modulated onto the power-carrying RF signal, allowing simultaneous delivery of energy and configuration information without separate priming operations, thereby reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to harvest RF energy continuously and store it in an energy storage component before configuration is needed. This preliminary energy accumulation eliminates the need for energy-intensive priming operations when reconfiguration is required, reducing energy losses during configuration events.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional RF-powered WPSNs are implemented, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF receiver circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives power from the RF signal and simultaneously extracts configuration data modulated on the same signal. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating separate configuration hardware while maintaining wireless power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power transfer and configuration data delivery into a single RF signal transmission channel. The configuration data is modulated onto the power-carrying RF signal, merging two functions into one transmission mechanism and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution enables reduced power consumption, improved configuration speed, and cost savings by eliminating the need for extra pins and dedicated configuration circuits, while allowing for flexible operation and miniaturization of WPSNs.
Implementation Method 1
a radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit configured to be coupled to an antenna to harvest radiofrequency energy captured by the antenna from a radiofrequency signal
Implementation Method 2
a receiver circuit coupled to the radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit and configured to receive a configuration data signal modulating the radiofrequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radiofrequency-powered device such as a wireless passive sensor node, for instance, comprises a radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit configured to be coupled to an antenna to harvest radiofrequency energy captured by the antenna from a radiofrequency signal. The radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit is configured to be coupled to an energy storage component to store therein energy harvested via the radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit. The device comprises user circuitry configured to be supplied with energy harvested via the radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit and to operate in accordance with one of a plurality of configurations as a function of configuration data supplied thereto. A receiver circuit coupled to the radiofrequency energy harvesting circuit is configured to receive a configuration data signal modulating the radiofrequency signal and supply to the user circuitry configuration data extracted from the configuration data signal received.