RFID Receiver Power Saving Mode via Periodic Timer Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID devices face challenges in achieving long operating cycles without frequent battery recharging due to high power consumption of RF transceivers, especially when continuously monitoring RF channels for data transfer, which limits their use in mobile and remote applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power saving mode in RFID devices where the receiver has reduced sensitivity to RF signals, using a timer to activate the receiver only when necessary, and transmitting data based on signal strength indications, allowing the device to remain in power saving mode for extended periods with minimal current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the RFID device continuously monitors the RF channel for data transfer requests, then the data transfer responsiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID device alternates between active monitoring mode and power-saving mode with reduced sensitivity. The device periodically wakes up to monitor for data transfer requests, then returns to low-power state. This periodic action maintains data transfer responsiveness while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
2Productivity
If the RFID device uses high data transfer rate channels, then the data transfer speed is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses high-rate data transfer channels only during periodic active intervals when data transfer is actually needed. During the majority of time, the device operates in power-saving mode with reduced transceiver activity. This periodic usage pattern enables high productivity when required while maintaining low average current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID device dynamically adjusts its operational state between high-performance mode (when data transfer is needed) and low-power mode (during idle periods). The transceiver components are activated only temporarily for data transfer operations, then returned to sleep state. This dynamic operation allows the system to achieve high data transfer rates when necessary while minimizing current consumption during normal operation.
3Reliability
If the RFID device remains in active mode for frequent data transfer, then the communication reliability is improved, but the battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID device implements periodic wake-up cycles where it briefly activates the receiver to check for data transfer requests, then returns to power-saving mode. This periodic operation pattern maintains communication reliability by ensuring the device is periodically available for data transfer while extending battery life through reduced active time. The timer-based wake-up mechanism ensures consistent availability without continuous power consumption.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the receiver sensitivity is continuously high, then the signal detection capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver operates with high sensitivity only during periodic active intervals when signal detection is needed. Between these intervals, the receiver enters power-saving mode with reduced sensitivity. This periodic high-sensitivity operation maintains excellent signal detection capability when required while significantly reducing average receiver power consumption during idle periods.
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 reduces average power consumption, enabling the use of smaller, less expensive batteries and allowing RFID devices to operate for longer periods, even in difficult-to-service locations, while maintaining reliable data transfer and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
transferring data from a first device, an RFID device, to a second device via a wireless RF channel
Implementation Method 2
the receiver monitors a signal strength on an RF channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to acquisition of data from RFID devices (132-136), such as sensor data. Prior art systems of active RFID devices have a problem of high average power consumption, and therefore, the energy source of the RFID devices needs to be replaced or charged frequently. The present invention provides a new solution wherein the RFID device has a power saving mode in which the receiver of the RFID device has a decreased ability to receive/detect RF signals. The RFID device may include a timer which is functional during the power saving mode, and the receiver of the RFID device will turn into active mode at a point of time based on the time value of the timer. Signal strength of an RF channel is indicated with a receiver, and transmission of data is dependent on the indication of the signal strength.