RF Transmitter Coupling to Building Wiring for Sensor Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID systems for powering wireless sensors in building applications have limited range and performance due to their dependence on propagation environments, making them unsuitable for many smart building applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter coupled to electrical wiring through a coupling circuit to transmit RF power or communication signals, allowing for extended range and reliable powering and communication of wireless sensors within a building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical over-the-air RFID systems are used to power wireless sensors, then the system can operate wirelessly, but the range is limited to a maximum of a few tenths of feet indoors and performance is highly dependent on propagation environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses building electrical wiring as an intermediary medium to transmit RF power and communication signals. Instead of relying on direct over-the-air RF propagation, the system couples the RF transmitter to electrical wiring which then distributes power and signals to sensors throughout the building, overcoming the limited range and propagation dependency of traditional RFID systems
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring system serves multiple functions: it provides both power delivery and communication signal transmission to wireless sensors. By utilizing the existing electrical infrastructure for dual purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate power and communication channels, enabling reliable long-range operation throughout the building
2Reliability
If building electrical wiring is used to transmit RF power and communication signals, then the range and reliability are improved, but a coupling circuit is required to interface the RF transmitter with the electrical wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling circuit acts as an intermediary interface between the RF transmitter and the electrical wiring system. It performs impedance matching and signal coupling functions, enabling the RF transmitter to efficiently transfer power and signals onto the electrical wiring without requiring complex direct integration with the building's electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing electrical wiring infrastructure already present in buildings, eliminating the need to lay new cables or install additional wiring. The coupling circuit automatically adapts to the existing wiring configuration, allowing the system to leverage the building's existing infrastructure for both power and signal distribution
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 maintenance-free, battery-less sensor networks with extended range and improved performance by utilizing existing electrical wiring as an RF antenna for powering and communicating with sensors, enhancing monitoring capabilities in smart building applications.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling circuit configured to couple the RF transmitter to electrical wiring to allow transmission of the RF power signals or the RF communication signals through the electrical wiring
Implementation Method 2
a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter configured to transmit at least one of RF power signals or RF communication signals
Implementation Method 3
a coupling circuit configured to impedance match the output of the transmitter to the electrical wiring
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for powering and communicating with wireless sensors are provided. One system includes a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter configured to transmit at least one of RF power signals or RF communication signals and a coupling circuit configured to couple the RF transmitter to electrical wiring to allow transmission of the RF power signals or the RF communication signals through the electrical wiring. The system also includes a connector configured to couple the RF transmitter to a power outlet of the electrical wiring.