Solar Cell Modulation Circuit for Optical Wireless Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies, such as RFID, face limitations in crowded radio-frequency bands, require proximity to a reader for energization, and are inadequate for underwater use, leading to the need for a novel approach to wireless data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A modulating circuit that switches between energy harvesting and wireless transmitter modes using high-efficiency solar cells to modulate photo-luminescent and electro-luminescent emissions for wireless communication, allowing data transmission without relying on radio-frequency bands and functioning in various environments, including underwater.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radio-frequency bands are used for wireless communication, then wireless data transmission is enabled, but interference levels increase and throughput decreases due to crowded bands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication reliabilityVSAvoidradio-frequency interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio-frequency electromagnetic communication with optical communication using luminescent emissions from solar cells. Instead of using crowded radio bands, the system modulates the optical emissions (photo-luminescence and electro-luminescence) of solar cells to transmit data wirelessly, thereby avoiding radio-frequency interference entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If RFID technology is used for wireless communication, then data transmission is enabled, but the device must be in close proximity to the reader for energization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solar cell-based wireless communication device is self-powered through incident light harvesting. The solar cell generates electrical energy from ambient light to drive both the modulation of luminescent emissions for data transmission and the operation of the communication device, eliminating the need for an external reader to provide power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If RFID devices are mounted on metallic surfaces, then mounting is simplified, but special mounting equipment is required to avoid detuning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidmounting equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces RFID technology with solar cell-based optical communication. Since solar cells are not susceptible to detuning by metallic surfaces in the same way RFID tags are, they can be mounted directly on metallic surfaces without requiring special mounting equipment or detuning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If low-frequency RFID devices are used for underwater communication, then underwater functionality is achieved, but the communication range is greatly diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderwater communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio-frequency communication with optical communication using modulated luminescent emissions. Optical signals can penetrate water more effectively than radio frequencies, enabling both underwater functionality and extended communication range compared to low-frequency RFID devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable and efficient wireless communication by leveraging solar cells' ability to convert light into electrical charge and emit modulated luminescent emissions, overcoming the limitations of traditional RFID systems and radio-based communication.

Implementation Method 1

A modulating circuit adapted to modulate between an energy harvesting mode and a wireless transmitter mode is disclosed. The circuit includes a solar cell adapted to generate charge from injected electrons onto the solar cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

the modulation of photo-luminescent and electro-luminescent emissions of said solar cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto-luminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 3

the modulation of photo-luminescent and electro-luminescent emissions of said solar cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-luminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12143152B2Systems and methods for light collection and distribution

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 PURDUE RES FOUND

AI summary

A modulating circuit adapted to modulate between an energy harvesting mode and a wireless transmitter mode is disclosed which includes a solar cell, an energy-harvesting circuit, a first switch coupling the solar cell to the energy harvesting circuit and controlled by a first control line, a second switch coupling the solar cell to a programmable current source and controlled by a second control line, a transmitter/energy harvesting mode circuit adapted to select between a transmitter mode and an energy harvesting mode, and a symbol-to-current mapping circuit adapted to encode data to be communicated by the solar cell, the symbol-to-current mapping circuit adapted to adjust the programmable current source to thereby provide a metered current to the solar cell.