Integrated RFID Power Management Circuit for IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management integrated circuits lack fine control over power distribution in systems with communications interfaces, relying on timed events and external microcontroller commands, which is insufficient for applications requiring more nuanced power management.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a wireless communications circuit, selection circuit, and control circuit that harvests energy from wireless signals, selectively provides power to terminals based on energy levels and predetermined rules, allowing for dynamic power state transitions and reduced component count by integrating near field communications and power management functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power management integrated circuits use timed events or external microcontroller commands to sequentially power portions of the system, then the system can achieve basic power management functionality, but finer power control is not achieved and device complexity increases due to separate power management and communications circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power management integrated circuit and the near field communications circuit into a single integrated circuit device. This merging eliminates the need for separate power management and communications components, reducing overall device complexity while enabling the communications circuit to directly influence power management decisions through received signals, thereby achieving finer power control without increasing component count
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it manages power distribution to various system portions based on power source availability and receives/processes near field communications signals. The single device serves both as a power management controller and a communications receiver, allowing seamless integration of power control decisions with communications events, thus achieving versatile functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If separate power management and communications circuits are used, then basic functionality is achieved, but component costs increase and integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate power management and near field communications circuits into a single integrated circuit, directly improving ease of manufacture by reducing the number of discrete components that must be sourced, assembled, and tested. This consolidation simplifies the bill of materials and assembly processes while maintaining full functionality of both power management and communications operations
3Ease of operation
If timed events are used to sequentially power system portions, then simple control logic is maintained, but responsiveness to actual power availability and communications events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit monitors the actual availability of power from power sources and uses this feedback information to dynamically control power distribution. Additionally, it receives near field communications signals that provide feedback about system state or external events, and uses this information to adjust power management decisions in real time, ensuring accurate and reliable power allocation rather than relying on predetermined timed sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit determines power availability and configures power distribution in advance based on detected power sources and received communications signals, ensuring that power is ready and properly allocated before system operations begin. This preliminary configuration based on actual conditions rather than fixed timing improves both reliability and the simplicity of control logic by avoiding complex real-time adjustments
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 finer control over power states, reduces component costs, and allows access to non-volatile memory without external power, enhancing energy efficiency and integration in IoT applications.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communications circuit is configured to harvest energy received in a wireless communications signal
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes an integrated circuit interface, a wireless communications circuit, a selection circuit, and a control circuit. The integrated circuit interface includes a plurality of power supply input terminals, a plurality of power delivery terminals, and an energy harvest output terminal. The wireless communications circuit is configured to harvest energy received in a wireless communications signal and to provide harvested energy to the energy harvest output terminal. The selection circuit is coupled to the integrated circuit interface and is configured to selectively provide power to the plurality of power delivery terminals based on power received from the plurality of power supply input terminals in response to a control signal. The control circuit is configured to generate the control signal based on a first level of the harvested energy, any signals received on the plurality of power supply input terminals, and predetermined rules.