Integrated UWB Transceiver With On-Chip Antenna and Crystal-Free Clocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of ultra-wideband transceivers in cubic-mm sensor nodes faces challenges due to the large size of antennas and crystals, and the limited power capacity of micro-batteries, which restricts power consumption and integration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ultra-wideband transceiver design featuring a transmitter, receiver, and clock generator with a temperature-compensated relaxation oscillator, on-chip monopole antennas, and a micro-battery-powered baseband controller, along with current limiting and storage capacitors to manage power efficiently, allowing for duty-cycling and operation across a wide voltage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If complete integration of sensor transceivers is implemented at mm-scale, then device size is reduced, but power consumption becomes excessive relative to micro-battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver implements duty-cycled operation where the radio operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The system alternates between active transmission/reception periods and sleep periods, reducing average power consumption while maintaining communication functionality. This is achieved through periodic activation of the transmitter and receiver circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state between active and sleep modes based on communication requirements. The transceiver can transition between different power states, activating full functionality only when data transmission is needed and entering low-power mode during idle periods, thereby adapting power consumption to actual operational demands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna and crystal components are included in cubic-mm sensor node, then communication and clocking functions are provided, but these components become the largest components in the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the clock generator directly into the transceiver chip, merging the previously separate crystal oscillator component with the main integrated circuit. This integration eliminates the need for a discrete crystal component, reducing overall device volume while maintaining clocking functionality through an on-chip relaxation oscillator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the clocking function from the traditional crystal oscillator and implements it as an integrated relaxation oscillator within the transceiver circuitry. This extraction allows the system to eliminate the large external crystal component while maintaining necessary clocking operations through a compact on-chip implementation.
3Volume of moving object
If micro-battery volume is reduced to fit cubic-mm sensor node, then device compactness is improved, but power capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the transceiver to match the limited power capacity of the miniaturized micro-battery. By adjusting duty cycle, transmission power levels, and sleep current characteristics, the system optimizes power consumption to extend battery life despite the reduced battery volume and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver employs periodic operation patterns that alternate between high-power transmission bursts and low-power idle states. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate energy during sleep periods and utilize it during brief active periods, effectively extending the operational life of the small micro-battery.
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 design achieves low power consumption, reduced component size, and efficient operation within the constraints of mm-scale sensor nodes, enabling reliable communication and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a clock generator comprising a relaxation oscillator
Implementation Method 2
an RC network comprises first resistor and a series combination of a capacitor and a second resistor
Implementation Method 3
a clock generator comprising a temperature-compensated relaxation oscillator
Implementation Method 4
at least one on-chip monopole antenna electrically connected to at least one of the transmitter or receiver for transmitting and/or receiving electrical signals
Implementation Method 5
a micro-battery operative to provide operating power to each of the transmitter, receiver, clock generator, and baseband controller
Implementation Method 6
a current limiter electrically connected between the micro-battery and at least one of the transmitter, receiver, clock generator, or baseband controller
Implementation Method 7
a storage capacitor electrically connected to the current limiter and the at least one of the transmitter, receiver, clock generator, or baseband controller
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated ultra wideband transceiver. The transceiver comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and at least one on-chip monopole antenna electrically connected to at least one of the transmitter or receiver for transmitting and/or receiving electrical signals. The transceiver further comprises a clock generator comprising a temperature-compensated relaxation oscillator, a baseband controller electrically connected to, and configured to exert a measure of control over, at least one the transmitter, receiver, or clock generator, and a micro-battery operative to provide operating power to each of the transmitter, receiver, clock generator, and baseband controller.