Zero-Energy Transceiver Segmentation for IoT Paging Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices face challenges in maximizing battery life while maintaining low latency and high energy efficiency, particularly in IoT applications, due to the energy-latency tradeoff in duty cycling techniques.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) that uses zero energy to receive signals, extracts energy from them, and decodes an energy signature to activate a secondary transceiver, enabling efficient power management through stored-energy threshold event stacking and separation encoding for on-demand wake-up commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If duty cycling techniques are used to extend battery life, then energy efficiency is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transceiver into two distinct components: a first transceiver that operates in zero-energy mode for receiving paging messages, and a second transceiver that operates in powered mode for full communication. This segmentation allows the device to maintain low-power operation while enabling rapid activation when needed, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the first transceiver continuously monitor for paging messages in zero-energy mode, and by pre-configuring the second transceiver to be activated immediately upon receiving a wake-up signal. This preliminary preparation eliminates the latency that would otherwise result from fully powering up the device periodically.
2Loss of time
If devices wake up frequently to check for messages, then latency is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transceiver functionality into two separate transceivers with different power requirements. The first transceiver can operate in zero-energy mode for periodic paging checks, while the second transceiver remains dormant until activated. This segmentation enables frequent low-power checks without the energy penalty of fully powering up the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a wake-up signal that triggers the activation of the second transceiver. This intermediary allows the system to bridge the gap between periodic checking and full activation, enabling the device to wake up frequently for messaging while maintaining low energy consumption through the intermediary's coordination.
3Device complexity
If a single transceiver is used for all operations, then device complexity is reduced, but energy management flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transceiver into two distinct functional units: a first transceiver optimized for zero-energy paging reception and a second transceiver optimized for powered communication. This segmentation provides energy management flexibility while keeping each individual transceiver relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality through the coordinated operation of two transceivers that serve different purposes within the same device. The first transceiver handles low-power paging functions, while the second handles full communication functions, allowing the device to adapt to different energy and functionality requirements without requiring a completely different device architecture.
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 extends battery life by allowing devices to remain in a low-power state for extended periods while ensuring rapid activation and minimizing latency for network communication, breaking the energy-latency tradeoff in traditional duty cycling methods.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more antennas and the first transceiver may be configured to receive a first signal from a network using zero energy from the WTRU. The one or more antennas and the first transceiver may be further configured to extract energy from the first signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may include one or more antennas and a first transceiver operatively coupled to the antennas. The one or more antennas and the first transceiver may be configured to receive a first signal from a network using zero energy from the WTRU. The one or more antennas and the first transceiver may be further configured to extract energy from the first signal. The first transceiver may be further configured to examine a separation between energy threshold events to decode an energy signature of the first signal. The first transceiver may be further configured to activate a second transceiver operatively coupled to the one or more antennas if the decoded energy signature matches a stored energy signature, wherein the second transceiver is powered by the WTRU. The one or more antennas and the second transceiver may be configured to receive a second signal from the network.