Thermoelectric Wireless Communication Between Chip Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for wireless communication between devices within the same electronic chip, such as radiofrequency transmission, are expensive due to the need for radiofrequency antennas within the chip.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoelectric generators, where one device generates a thermal gradient based on a signal using the Peltier effect and another device generates an electrical signal using the Seebeck effect, allowing for wireless communication between thermally coupled thermoelectric generators without the need for additional antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radiofrequency transmission is used for wireless communication between devices within the same chip, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to the need for radiofrequency antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiofrequency electromagnetic system with a thermal field system using thermoelectric generators. Instead of using radiofrequency antennas and electromagnetic waves for communication, the invention uses thermally coupled thermoelectric generators that convert electrical signals to thermal gradients and back, thereby substituting a complex RF system with a simpler thermal-based system that leverages existing chip infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the transmitting and receiving devices. The thermal field acts as a mediator that transfers information between the two thermoelectric generators without requiring direct electrical connection or radiofrequency antennas, thus enabling wireless communication through a thermal intermediary that is already present in the chip structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radiofrequency antennas are introduced into the chip for wireless communication, then communication function is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the thermoelectric generators serve multiple functions: they act as both transmitters and receivers, convert between electrical and thermal energy, and enable wireless communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate RF antennas, signal processing circuits, and power management components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining wireless communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex radiofrequency system (including antennas, impedance matching networks, and RF amplifiers) with a simpler thermal-based system using thermoelectric generators. The thermal field system requires fewer components and can be integrated more easily into existing chip architectures, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermoelectric generators are used for wireless communication, then manufacturing cost is reduced by eliminating antennas, but thermal coupling efficiency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes thermal coupling efficiency by changing physical parameters such as the thermal conductivity of the coupling medium, the geometry and spacing of the thermoelectric generators, and the operating temperature ranges. These parameter adjustments ensure reliable thermal coupling between generators while maintaining cost-effectiveness and eliminating the need for expensive RF antennas.
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 method enables cost-effective wireless communication between devices within the same chip by leveraging existing microelectronics technologies and fabrication methods, facilitating the transmission of logic information cues without the expense of radiofrequency antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal is generated within the first device and the first thermoelectric generator is electrically powered as a function of the first signal so as to generate a first thermal gradient in the first generator
Implementation Method 2
a second thermal gradient in the second generator and generating a second signal generated within the second device on the basis of the electrical energy produced by the second thermoelectric generator in response to the second thermal gradient
Data Source
AI summary
Method of wireless communication between a first device and a second device, in which, the first device and the second device comprising respectively a first thermoelectric generator and a second thermoelectric generator, the two thermoelectric generators being in thermal coupling, a first signal is generated within the first device, the first thermoelectric generator is electrically powered as a function of the first signal so as to create a first thermal gradient in the said first generator and a second thermal gradient in the second generator, and a second signal is generated within the second device on the basis of the electrical energy produced by the second thermoelectric generator in response to the said second thermal gradient.