RF Transponder Power Allocation via Scheduled Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-less devices, such as RFID tags, face challenges in consistently collecting and harnessing RF energy due to intermittent power transmission from reader devices, which limits their operational capabilities and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where reader devices and transponder devices communicate to determine a schedule for RF power signal transmission based on requested uptime parameters, allowing transponder devices to collect and harness energy effectively for powering processing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If reader devices transmit RF power signals intermittently, then power consumption is reduced, but energy collection reliability at transponder devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing scheduled transmission intervals for RF power signals between reader devices and transponder devices. The system determines specific time windows when power signals will be transmitted and when transponders will attempt to collect energy, creating a periodic pattern that balances power conservation with reliable energy harvesting. This scheduled approach allows both devices to operate efficiently while ensuring transponders receive sufficient energy during their active collection periods.
2Reliability
If RF power signal transmission is continuous, then energy collection reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having reader devices and transponder devices exchange messages beforehand to determine and agree upon transmission schedules. Before actual power signal transmission begins, the system establishes time windows and coordination parameters, allowing transponders to prepare for energy collection and readers to prepare power signals in advance. This preliminary coordination ensures reliable energy transfer when transmission occurs while avoiding continuous transmission and its associated power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transponder devices share the same reader device, then system versatility improves, but power allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing power signal transmission into distinct time windows allocated to different transponder devices. Instead of attempting to serve multiple transponders simultaneously which would reduce efficiency, the system segments the transmission schedule so that each transponder receives dedicated time slots for energy collection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility with multiple devices while preserving allocation efficiency through time-division multiplexing.
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
This approach enables transponder devices to operate reliably by ensuring sufficient energy collection for computing and sensor tasks, even with intermittent power sources, enhancing their processing capabilities and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
processing circuits of such a battery-less device may be powered, at least in part, by radio frequency (RF) energy, light energy or acoustical energy transmitted by devices in a close proximity and collected at the battery-less device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems and devices for allocating a power signal. In one particular implementation, a reader device may exchange messages with one more transponder devices to determine an allocation of a power signal. For example, one or more transponder devices may provide one or more messages in a downlink signal indicative of a requested signal up time.