Dynamic Demodulation for Wireless Power Signal Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power systems face challenges in efficiently demodulating and decoding communication signals due to varying signal characteristics and noise levels during power transfer, leading to potential communication breakdowns, especially in low signal-to-noise ratio conditions.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device with a dynamic demodulation engine that dynamically selects bit detection methods based on signal characteristics and performs real-time demodulation using analog-to-digital conversion and digital signal processing, optimizing demodulation and decoding of ASK and FSK signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed bit detection method is used for demodulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the communication reliability deteriorates under varying signal conditions and noise levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddemodulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic bit detection method selection mechanism that adapts to varying signal conditions. The system evaluates signal characteristics in real-time and dynamically switches between different bit detection algorithms (e.g., threshold-based, correlation-based, machine learning-based methods) to optimize demodulation performance under different noise levels and signal qualities, thereby maintaining high communication reliability without requiring a overly complex fixed system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different bit detection methods based on signal-to-noise ratio thresholds and signal characteristics. When signal conditions are favorable, simpler detection methods are used; when noise increases or signal quality degrades, more robust detection algorithms are automatically selected, allowing the system to maintain reliability across varying conditions while managing complexity through parameter adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional demodulation methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the decoding accuracy deteriorates in low signal-to-noise ratio conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing task into multiple stages: initial signal characterization, noise level assessment, appropriate bit detection method selection, and demodulation execution. This segmentation allows the system to apply sophisticated accuracy-enhancing techniques only when and where needed, rather than always using the most complex methods, thereby improving decoding accuracy in low SNR conditions while managing overall processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary signal analysis stage that assesses signal-to-noise ratio and signal characteristics before selecting the demodulation method. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator that determines whether traditional simple methods suffice or whether more advanced detection algorithms are required, improving decoding accuracy in challenging conditions while avoiding unnecessary complexity in favorable conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple bit detection methods are always applied, then the decoding accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the computational effort and power consumption by selecting bit detection methods based on real-time signal conditions. In high signal-to-noise ratio conditions, simple and low-power detection methods are used. In low signal-to-noise ratio conditions, the system activates more computationally intensive and power-consuming advanced detection methods only when necessary, thereby maintaining decoding accuracy while optimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different detection algorithm complexities based on signal quality thresholds. When signal conditions are good, the system uses low-complexity, low-power methods. When signal quality degrades below thresholds, the system transitions to higher-complexity, higher-power methods that provide better accuracy, thus adapting power consumption to actual decoding needs rather than always operating at maximum power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If signal processing is performed continuously at high complexity, then the decoding accuracy is maintained, but the productivity of other system functions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidsystem function throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts signal processing complexity based on signal conditions and system state. During periods of good signal quality, the system reduces processing complexity to free up computational resources for other functions. During periods of poor signal quality or when communication reliability is critical, the system increases processing complexity to maintain decoding accuracy, thereby balancing productivity across different system functions based on actual needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances communication reliability and efficiency by adapting to changing signal conditions, improving decoding accuracy and reducing power consumption, especially in noisy environments during power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

When a transmission coil of the power transmitter and a receiver coil of the power receiver are positioned close to one another they form a transformer that facilitates inductive transmission of an alternating current (AC) power between the power transmitter and the power receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The power receiver often includes a rectifier circuit that converts the AC power into a direct current (DC) power that may be utilized for various loads or components that require DC power to operate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11985014B2Digital demodulation for wireless power
Publication Date: 2024.05.14 RENESAS ELECTRONICS AMERICA INC
  • US11985014B2 patent drawing
  • US11985014B2 patent drawing
  • US11985014B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed that includes at least one processing device and firmware including a dynamic demodulation engine. The dynamic demodulation engine, when executed by the at least one processing device, is configured to obtain a digital signal waveform, dynamically select a bit detection method based at least in part on a characteristic of the digital signal waveform, perform demodulation of the digital signal waveform using the selected bit detection method and generate decoded packets based at least in part on the demodulation.