Self-Powered IC with Multi-Junction Photovoltaic Cell
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently and economically harnessing ambient energy for powering electronic devices and providing dependable power sources for widespread deployment of sensing elements in industrial wireless sensor networks, where batteries may not be sufficient.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic cell is integrated with an integrated circuit on a common substrate, featuring multiple pn junctions with different energy absorbing bandwidths, formed using CMOS semiconductor fabrication processes, to enable self-powering of the circuitry through electrical connections between the photovoltaic cell and circuit elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used to power electronic devices and sensing elements, then portable power is provided, but the power source becomes inadequate for remote applications and requires replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a photovoltaic cell with an integrated circuit on a common substrate to create a self-powered integrated circuit. The photovoltaic cell converts ambient light energy directly into electrical energy to power the circuit, merging power generation and circuit functionality into a single integrated unit that eliminates battery dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed to be self-powered through the photovoltaic cell portion, which harvests ambient energy to generate the electrical power needed by the circuit portion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external battery replacement or recharging, providing continuous operation for remote sensing applications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photovoltaic cells are used to harvest ambient energy, then power generation is achieved, but energy harvesting efficiency is insufficient for practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell is designed with multiple pn junctions having different energy absorbing bandwidths, with each junction optimized to absorb specific portions of the solar spectrum. This local quality differentiation across multiple junctions enables more complete utilization of ambient light energy compared to conventional single-junction cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite photovoltaic structure with multiple junctions made from different semiconductor materials, each with tailored bandgap properties. This composite approach allows the cell to harvest a broader range of photon energies from ambient light, significantly improving overall energy conversion efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple pn junctions with different energy absorbing bandwidths are implemented, then energy harvesting efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell is segmented into multiple pn junctions stacked vertically, with each junction having a specific function of absorbing particular energy ranges. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each junction while maintaining a structured, manufacturable architecture using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar single-junction design to a vertical multi-junction architecture, adding the dimension of depth. This vertical stacking enables multiple energy-absorbing interfaces within a compact footprint, enhancing efficiency without proportionally increasing lateral device 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
This configuration enhances energy harvesting efficiency and provides a reliable, portable power source for electronic devices and sensing elements, addressing the limitations of battery power in remote applications.
Implementation Method 1
harvest ambient energy to power electronic devices using photovoltaic, piezoelectric, electrodynamic, thermoelectric and other power generating technologies
Implementation Method 2
multiple pn junctions with different energy absorbing bandwidths
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic cell is provided as a composite unit together with elements of an integrated circuit on a common substrate. In a described embodiment, connections are established between a multiple photovoltaic cell portion and a circuitry portion of an integrated structure to enable self-powering of the circuitry portion by the multiple photovoltaic cell portion.