UE-Assisted Wireless Power Transfer for Passive IoT Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G, struggle to efficiently support passive IoT devices due to the need for high input power and inefficient energy transfer, especially at longer distances, leading to challenges in powering and communicating with RFID-type sensors in industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A network device, such as a gNB, coordinates with nearby UEs to optimize energy transfer to passive IoT devices by controlling channel sensing and scheduling an energy harvesting waveform, enhancing efficiency without impacting uplink transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional 5G systems are used to communicate with passive IoT devices, then communication capability is maintained, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates and input power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a two-stage energy transfer mechanism where a first network device (gNB) transmits energy to a second network device (relay UE), which then transmits energy to the passive IoT device. This intermediary approach allows the first network device to operate at optimal power levels while the relay UE provides local energy amplification, thereby improving overall energy transfer efficiency without increasing input power requirements at the central network device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the energy transfer system by adding a spatial dimension through relay UEs positioned near the passive IoT devices. This creates a distributed energy transfer network where multiple nodes cooperate to deliver energy, transforming the traditional single-point transmission into a multi-dimensional energy delivery architecture that overcomes the limitations of direct long-distance energy transfer.
2Power
If energy harvesting waveform is transmitted to passive IoT devices, then power delivery is improved, but uplink transmission may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless communication spectrum into separate frequency resources for energy harvesting waveform transmission and uplink data transmission. The network device schedules specific time-frequency resources for energy transfer while maintaining dedicated resources for uplink communications, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, thus improving power delivery efficiency while preserving uplink transmission productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling mechanisms where the network device adapts the energy harvesting waveform transmission parameters based on real-time channel conditions and uplink traffic requirements. By dynamically adjusting the timing, frequency, and power levels of energy transfer, the system optimizes power delivery efficiency while ensuring that uplink transmission needs are met, preventing any negative impact on communication productivity.
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 improves energy transfer efficiency to passive IoT devices by leveraging nearby UEs, ensuring effective power delivery and communication even at longer distances, addressing the limitations of traditional 5G systems.
Implementation Method 1
The passive or semi-passive energy harvesting device may transmit an uplink communication by modulating and backscattering a downlink signal received via the antenna
Implementation Method 2
converting incident RF energy to electrical power to operate the device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and techniques for wireless communications. For example, a first network device can transmit, to second network device(s), a first information signal including information indicating a frequency for a backscattered signal. The first network device can transmit, to a third network device, a second information signal including information indicating a frequency shift for shifting a reference signal to produce the backscattered signal. The first network device can transmit the reference signal to the third network device. The first network device can select, based on channel reports received from the second network device(s), the energy harvesting waveform and at least one second network device for providing the energy harvesting waveform to the third network device. The first network device can transmit, to the at least one second network device, a scheduling signal including scheduling instructions to transmit the energy harvesting waveform to the third network device.