Wireless Sensor FRAM Memory for Battery Life Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless sensor networks face significant battery life reduction due to high energy consumption from RF transmission, particularly in remote locations where battery replacement is costly and challenging, and existing memory technologies like Flash are not suitable for efficient data logging and processing.
Innovation Solution
Employing Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM) for in-network local storage within sensor nodes to reduce communication energy costs by enabling adaptive data collection, predictive modeling, and duplicate packet suppression, leveraging FRAM's low power requirements and high write endurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data is transmitted frequently over RF to ensure real-time monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing data logging and predictive modeling locally in FRAM before RF transmission. Sensor data is continuously captured and stored in FRAM memory, allowing the system to pre-process and analyze data locally. This preliminary data collection and analysis reduces the need for frequent real-time transmissions, as bulk transmissions can be performed later when energy is available, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining monitoring accuracy.
2Productivity
If RF duty cycle is increased to transmit more sensor data, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing data handling into distinct phases: continuous local logging in FRAM, periodic predictive modeling, and intermittent bulk RF transmission. Instead of transmitting every data point immediately, the system segments data collection from transmission, allowing efficient batch processing and reduced RF duty cycle while maintaining overall productivity through comprehensive data capture and analysis.
3Device complexity
If Flash memory is used for data logging, then device complexity is reduced, but write endurance is insufficient and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from Flash memory technology to FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) technology. This change in memory type fundamentally alters the parameters of write endurance, speed, and energy consumption. FRAM provides near-SRAM write speeds and unlimited write endurance compared to Flash's limited cycles, while maintaining non-volatility. The parameter change enables continuous data logging without wear concerns and reduces energy consumption during write operations.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If battery capacity is increased to extend battery life, then duration of action is improved, but weight increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical/chemical energy storage approach (larger battery) with an electronic/data processing approach (FRAM-based local storage and predictive modeling). Instead of increasing battery capacity to extend operation, the system uses intelligent data handling, local caching, and predictive analytics to reduce the frequency and volume of RF transmissions, thereby extending battery life without increasing battery size or weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor module for use in a wireless sensor network. The sensor module collects sensor data in a periodic manner with a first time period. The sensor data is logged in a non-volatile ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) within the sensor module. The sensor module is placed in a reduced power idle mode between sensor data collection periods, wherein the logged sensor data is preserved by the FRAM during the idle mode. A representation of the logged sensor data is transmitted over a radio channel to a remote receiver in a periodic manner with a second time period, wherein the second time period is longer than the first time period.