Patent Application
20240266884
The present disclosure relates generally to wireless-power transmission, and to wireless-power-transmitting devices with polarization-switching components.
Wireless charging systems for consumer devices typically require users to place devices at a specific position or orientation around the wireless power transmitter to be charged. These types of systems are poorly suited for environments in which multiple receiving devices need to be charged simultaneously (e.g., in a large room, manufacturing center, warehouse, etc.). Environments in which multiple receiving devices need to be powered simultaneously often include batteryless devices or devices that might be unable to communicate with a wireless-power transmitter (e.g., because the receiving device does not include a communication radio or is unable to provide sufficient power to a communication radio due to various reasons). Thus, these types of environments, which can include multiple receiving devices needing to be powered simultaneously, need infrastructure to allow wireless power transmitters to identify receiving devices that are initially active and/or inactive to allow for a comprehensive and efficiently-designed solution.
Additionally, many of these types of environments can include receiving devices (the inactive and/or active receiving devices) that operate at different frequency bands for receipt of wireless power. Thus, appropriately designed infrastructure also needs to be developed to support multiple frequency bands. Moreover, the infrastructure needs to comply with regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions, which can limit the flexibility and adoption of such systems as they need to be defined for each specific application in different jurisdictions without being able to be dynamically changed after production and/or manufacture of the sets.
Moreover, wireless charging systems may need to operate in areas with other types of active wireless communication, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or radio-frequency identification (RFID). In these situations, the wireless charging systems may cause interference with other types of wireless communication, leading to errors and/or failures. Thus, these types of environments need wireless charging systems that are able to coexist with the other wireless communication systems to allow for a comprehensive and efficiently designed solution.
As such, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power that address the above-mentioned drawbacks or needs.
As mentioned above, wireless charging system may be deployed in circumstances in which receivers are arranged at various locations and require differing frequencies, and in which other network devices and signals are present. Some of the embodiments described herein include wireless-power-transmission devices with multiple power amplifiers and antenna configurations depending on application requirements. In some embodiments the wireless-power-transmission devices include multiple DC power and networking options. The wireless-power-transmission devices described herein may include multiple power amplifiers and antenna elements in any band with individual or group operation, support for dynamic antenna pattern switching with low-cost switches, optional integrated matching, and/or optional dynamic tuning.
Some embodiments described herein include a wireless-power transmitting device that includes: (i) a programmable-splitter component configured to be switchable between a linear polarization setting and a circular polarization setting; (ii) a plurality of polarization-switching components coupled to a plurality of outputs of the programmable-splitter component; (iii) a plurality of amplifiers coupled to respective outputs of the plurality of polarization-switching components; and (iv) a plurality of antennas coupled to respective outputs of the plurality of amplifiers.
Some embodiments described herein include a wireless-power transmitting device that includes: (i) a housing; (ii) a plurality of antenna elements arranged within the housing, each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements having a different coverage zone of a plurality of coverage zones, wherein the plurality of coverage zones are configured to reduce overlap; (iii) a transmitter coupled to the plurality of antenna elements, the transmitter configured to govern operation of the plurality of antenna elements; and (iv) a plurality of radiofrequency (RF) wave reflectors arranged on the housing, where the plurality of RF wave reflectors and the plurality of antenna elements are arranged such that each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements produces a respective wireless-power radiation field pattern into a respective coverage zone of the plurality of coverage zones.
Some embodiments described herein include a wireless-power-transmitting device that includes: (i) a substrate; (ii) a plurality of patch antennas arranged on the substrate; and (iii) a transmitter coupled to the plurality of patch antennas, wherein: (a) each patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas includes at least one feed port; (b) the transmitter is configured to govern operation of each feed port of the at least one feed port of each patch antenna; and (c) the transmitter is configured to selectively produce a plurality of directive wireless-power radiation field patterns by adjusting feed port configurations.
The wireless power transmission systems and methods described herein enable a wireless power transmitter to discover and provide power for active and inactive power receivers within a wireless-power coverage area. Internet-of-things (IOT) systems can benefit from dedicated wireless power transmitters and bridges that augment existing networks and increase the capability of batteryless and battery-light applications. Batteryless IOT devices tend to have low power and functionality with limited networking capabilities. Moreover, wireless power receivers may operate at different frequencies and protocols. Gateway and bridging functionality can aid in localization and filtering of battery-less devices. This functionality can include network traffic management functionality and site survey and device location capabilities.
Conversely, ambient harvesting systems may have: (i) lower maximum energy available, (ii) limited range with WiFi-only harvesting (e.g., 2.4 and 5.8 GHz), and (iii) a non-deterministic WPT duty cycle due to networking traffic that can result in an unreliable power source. Many applications require networking (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) and sensor data that is periodic and/or event-based. Ambient harvesting systems may not be able to provide enough energy, and therefore the networking devices need a reliable power source.
Some embodiments described herein include a method of surveying for active and inactive power receivers within a wireless-power coverage area. The method includes (i) causing performance of a survey looking for active power receivers of a plurality of power receivers within a wireless-power coverage area using one or more communication radios; (ii) receiving information from an active power receiver of the plurality of power receivers; (iii) causing transmission of RF signals to energize inactive power receivers of the plurality of power receivers using a power-transmission antenna, where (a) a first RF signal of the RF signals is transmitted using a first value for a transmission characteristic, and (b) a second RF signal of the RF signals is transmitted using a second value for the transmission characteristic, the first and second values being distinct; (iv) receiving additional information from a first energized power receiver and further information from a second energized power receiver, where: (a) the first energized power receiver was one of the inactive power receivers until it received energy from the first RF signal, and (b) the second energized power receiver was one of the inactive power receivers until it received energy from the second RF signal; and (v) identifying two or more frequency bands for RF wireless power transmissions by a wireless-power transmitting device within the wireless-power coverage area based on the information, the additional information, and the further information.
Some embodiments described herein include a wireless-power transmitting device that includes (i) a polarization-switching component configured to switch between a left-hand circular polarization setting, a right-hand circular polarization setting, a horizontal polarization setting, and a vertical polarization setting; (ii) a plurality of antennas coupled to a plurality of outputs of the polarization-switching component; and (iii) a programmable-splitter component coupled to the polarization-switching component and configured to be switchable between a linear polarization setting and a circular polarization setting.
Some embodiments described herein include a wireless-power transmitting device that includes (i) a programmable-splitter component configured to be switchable between a linear polarization setting and a circular polarization setting; (ii) a plurality of polarization-switching components coupled to a plurality of outputs of the programmable-splitter component; (iii) a plurality of amplifiers coupled to respective outputs of the plurality of polarization-switching components; and (iv) a plurality of antennas coupled to respective outputs of the plurality of amplifiers.
Some embodiments described herein include a wireless-power transmitting device that includes (i) a housing; (ii) a plurality of antenna elements arranged within the housing, each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements having a different coverage zone of a plurality of coverage zones, wherein the plurality of coverage zones are configured to reduce overlap; (iii) a transmitter coupled to the plurality of antenna elements, the transmitter configured to govern operation of the plurality of antenna elements; and (iv) a plurality of radiofrequency (RF) wave reflectors arranged on the housing. The plurality of RF wave reflectors and the plurality of antenna elements are arranged such that each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements produces a respective wireless-power radiation field pattern into a respective coverage zone of the plurality of coverage zones.
Some embodiments described herein include a wireless-power transmitting device that includes (i) a substrate; (ii) a plurality of patch antennas arranged on the substrate; and (iii) a transmitter coupled to the plurality of patch antennas. Each patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas includes at least one feed port. The transmitter is configured to govern operation of each feed port of the at least one feed port of each patch antenna. The transmitter is configured to selectively produce a plurality of directive wireless-power radiation field patterns by adjusting feed port configurations.
Thus, methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for surveying for active and inactive power receivers within a wireless-power coverage area and providing wireless power transmission. Such methods may complement or replace conventional methods for surveying and power transfer.
Note that the various embodiments described above can be combined with any other embodiments described herein. The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have necessarily been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter.
So that the present disclosure can be understood in greater detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the features of various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. The appended drawings, however, merely illustrate pertinent features of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting, for the description may admit to other effective features.
In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.
Numerous details are described herein in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, some embodiments may be practiced without many of the specific details, and the scope of the claims is only limited by those features and aspects specifically recited in the claims. Furthermore, well-known processes, components, and materials have not been described in exhaustive detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure pertinent aspects of the embodiments described herein.
A transmitting device can be an electronic device that includes, or is otherwise associated with, various components and circuits responsible for generating and transmitting electromagnetic energy, forming transmission energy within a radiation profile at locations in a transmission field, monitoring the conditions of the transmission field (e.g., by monitoring receiver communications), and/or adjusting the radiation profile as needed. A radiation profile, as described herein, refers to a distribution of energy field within the transmission range of a transmitting device or an individual antenna (also referred to as a “transmitter”). A receiver (which may also be referred to as a wireless-power receiver or tag) can be an electronic device that comprises at least one antenna, at least one rectifying circuit, and at least one power converter, which may utilize energy transmitted in the transmission field from a transmitter for powering or charging the electronic device (e.g., for purposes of communication and/or advertising).
In the example illustrated in
Each transmitter within the wireless-power network provides WPT to a respective wireless power zone (e.g., the wireless power zones 304, 308, and 312) providing power to a plurality of receivers, e.g., the receivers 303-1 through 303-8. In some embodiments, the receivers include batteryless and small-battery devices. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitters communicate a network status and/or device status to the cloud 316, the gateway 314, and each other. In some embodiments, an operating area defined by the wireless-power network is adjustable via transmit power control based on feedback from the receivers and/or the other transmitting devices. In some embodiments, the gateway 314 (e.g., an access point) governs the operating state and/or operating area of each transmitting device (e.g., to reduce or minimize operating area overlap between two or more of the wireless power transmitting device). In some embodiments, the operating state and/or operating area of each transmitting device is stored at a database 318 (e.g., a network storage location). In some embodiments, the wireless power zones overlap (e.g., the overlap region 320), and the network 300 assigns a receiver to a particular transmitting device or power zone. For example, the receiver 303-4 in
In some embodiments, a wireless power transmitting device identifies, locates, and energizes receiver devices. In some embodiments, a transmitting device filters and/or aggregates data from a collection of receiver devices in the wireless power operating area. In some embodiments, a transmitting device has a dynamically programmable energizing power zone area (e.g., based on feedback from energized receiver devices and/or a site map). In some embodiments, a transmitting device has programmable bridging and gateway functionality. In some embodiments, a transmitting device has programmable BLE scanning timing (e.g., for optimizing receiver (e.g., the receiver 303) reception). In some embodiments, a transmitting device aggregates, filters, and retransmits receiver information (e.g., on BLE via advertisement and/or mesh connections). In some embodiments, a transmitting device aggregates, filters, and retransmits receiver information on a backhaul network (e.g., WiFi or ethernet networks). In some embodiments, a transmitting device has cloud-control API for dynamic re-programmability via the cloud 316. In some embodiments, a transmitting device has a (self-organizing) array of transmitters.
In some embodiments, the network 300 has knowledge (e.g., in the network storage 318) of all the transmitting devices, gateways, and receiver metrics (e.g., per unit time). In some embodiments, adaptive time-series data is aggregated up to the network 300. In some embodiments, the aggregated data (e.g., a full dataset) is stored in a database (e.g., in memory of a transmitting device, the gateway 314, or network storage 318).
In some embodiments, the network 300 performs concentration and segregation by adjusting the wireless power zone for each transmitting device. In some embodiments, the network 300 performs smart gateway filtering (e.g., via stream analysis). In some embodiments, the network 300 reduces/minimizes the amount of additional traffic in the case of very large numbers of receivers that may be visible from multiple transmitters (e.g., via optimization techniques described above, such as smart gateway filtering). In some embodiments, the network 300 minimizes the zone overlap by programming the receiver BLE transmit power. In some embodiments, the network 300 prioritizes based on role, performance, schedule, and/or event type. Examples of event types can include glass break detection, a mass receiver drop event, and the like. Performance metrics examples include a receiver advertising frequency, a frequency of sensor information updates or timed parameter change, received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and angle of arrival (AoA), filtered MAC address, physical location information, and the like. In some embodiments, the system has an onboard AI system (e.g., the AI engine 478) configured to evaluate performance metrics and govern the operation of the transmitting devices accordingly.
In some embodiments, the network 300 includes multiple gateways in communication with subsets of the transmitting devices (and one another). In some embodiments, the gateways communicate with each other and/or the cloud to upload and/or bridge preferred receivers. In some embodiments, the gateway communications include proprietary and standards-based communications (e.g., BLE mesh option). In some embodiments, the gateway communication is used to reinforce the location of the receivers based on gateway location.
The integrated transmitter platform 400 further includes a filter 412 (e.g., a band-pass filter for 915 MHz), a low-pass filter (LPF) 416, a power amplifier 414, a phase splitter 418, balancing units (baluns) 420 and 422, and antennas 424 and 426 (e.g., sub-GHz antennas). In some embodiments, the power amplifier 414 is a power amplifier integrated circuit (IC) (e.g., 30 dBm) with programmable power scaling via internal settings or external supply. In various embodiments, the power amplifier 414 has one or more of: continuous wave programmable frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), pulse-width modulation (PWM), amplitude modification (AM), and on-off keying (OOK). In some embodiments, the phase splitter 418, balancing units 420 and 422, and antennas 424 and 426 comprise an integrated balanced dual-dipole antenna feed. The integrated transmitter platform 400 further includes an antenna 428, one or more resonators (e.g., including a resonator 432, which can be c, a system-on-chip (SoC) 430, a transceiver 438, a switching component 440, and a frontend module 442. In some embodiments, the SoC 430 is, or includes a 2.4 GHz WPT and BLE circuit with time division multiplexing (TDM) BLE and WPT functionality. In some embodiments, the frontend module 442 includes a programmable 2.4 GHz 20 dBm power amplifier. In some embodiments, the transceiver 438 is and WPT transmitter IC with individually-programmable output power, modulation, bandwidth, and/or transmission length. The integrated transmitter platform 400 further includes a phase splitter 444 (e.g., a 90-degree hybrid phase splitter), balancing units 446 and 448, and antennas 450 and 452 (e.g., 2.4 GHz antennas). In some embodiments, the phase splitter 444, balancing units 446 and 448, and antennas 450 and 452 comprise an integrated balanced dual-dipole antenna feed.
The antenna circuit 602 is configured for coplanar, collocated dual-band operation (e.g., a same phase-center for both bands). In some embodiments, the antenna circuit 602 is circular-polarized for two or more bands. In some embodiments, the antenna circuit 602 is bill of materials (BOM)-programmable between RHCP and LHCP. In some embodiments, the antenna circuit 602 has high isolation (e.g., at least 15 dB or between 5 to 25 dB) between ports and frequency bands. In some embodiments, the antenna circuit 602 low band is BOM-programmable in a frequency range of 860-960 MHz (e.g., including 865 MHz to 918 MHz). In some embodiments, the antenna circuit 602 has a reflector integrated into the housing.
In some embodiments, the programmable wireless power transmitter (e.g., the transmitting device 102) includes a multiband WPT energizing source with configurable transmission patterns in multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, a programmable wireless power transmitter includes one or more flexible radios for system calibration, device energizing, and communication functions. In some embodiments, a programmable wireless power transmitter includes a programmable physical layer (e.g., for frequency-hopping, PWM/OOK signaling, and modulation). In some embodiments, a programmable wireless power transmitter includes programmable and/or dynamic TDM between WPT and communications. In some embodiments, a programmable wireless power transmitter has a compact housing with an integrated antenna and reflector. In some embodiments, the integrated antenna (e.g., the antenna circuit 602) has a coplanar, collocated (e.g., same phase center) multiband dual linear-polarized or circular-polarized antenna structure. In some embodiments, the integrated antenna can be operated as circular-polarized antenna or cross-polarized. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter includes at least one antenna with dynamic polarization-switching. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter includes at least one antenna integrated with a feeding structure on the PCB. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 650 has at least one antenna that is BOM-programmable or has dynamic switched frequency tuning (for embodiments in which dynamic switched frequency tuning is utilized, the skilled artisan will understand upon reading this disclosure that updates would be made to the switching networks for use with this type of tuning).
In accordance with some embodiments, the wireless-power transmitting device (e.g., the transmitting device 102) is configured for a plurality of energizing and communication transmissions. In some embodiments, the plurality of transmissions includes a 918 MHz programmable WPT waveform with a PWM frequency and duty cycle, AM/OOK, Baud rate, frequency, CW, fixed frequency and FHSS, and/or programmable output power up to 30 dBm (or even up to 45 dBm). In some embodiments, the plurality of transmissions includes a 2.4 GHz WPT waveform with programmable frequency, modulation, bandwidth, data rate, programmable duty-cycle and timing to other radios, and/or programmable output power up to 20 dBm. In some embodiments, the plurality of transmissions includes a BLE transmission with programmable advertising period and scan windows, timing to energizing waveforms, programmable output power up to 20 dBm, and/or programmable repeater/bridge functionality.
In some embodiments, the plurality of transmissions includes a gateway operation transmission with receiver hub for various protocol (e.g., BLE, UWB, RFID, WiFi, etc.) receivers where data is filtered and retransmitted via BLE or dedicated backhaul (e.g., PoE, WiFi, or LTE). In some embodiments, the gateway operation transmission has programmable and/or adaptive filtering for high volumes of receivers, e.g., dynamically tracking receiver information and load-balance to the uplink. In some embodiments, the gateway operation transmission localizes each receiver to a gateway for location and uplink bandwidth conservation. In some embodiments, the gateway operation transmission has a control API channel, e.g., a remote-control API for scheduled or dynamic transmitting.
In accordance with some embodiments, the wireless-power transmitting device (e.g., the transmitting device 102) is programmable for regulatory compliance. In this way, the transmitter programmability can be used to achieve regulatory compliance for dedicated WPT devices. For example, for Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Part 15 compliance, the transmitting device 102 can be configured as follows:
As another example, for EN302-208 compliance, the transmitting device 102 can be configured as follows:
In some embodiments, some, but not all, of the operations illustrated in
The transmitting device causes (902) performance of a survey looking for active power receivers of a plurality of power receivers (e.g., wireless-power receivers 303) within a wireless-power coverage area using one or more communication radios. For example, the transmitting device sends transmission(s) at different frequency bands as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the one or more communication radios are configured for (904) system calibration transmissions, energizing transmissions, and communications transmissions (e.g., the radios described above with reference to
The transmitting device receives (906) information from an active power receiver of the plurality of power receivers (e.g., as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the information from the active power receiver includes (908) an indication of harvesting capability for the active power receiver. In some embodiments, the transmitting device performs a site survey of devices in range, where the site survey does not include any WPT (e.g., communication radios only). In some situations, some devices are active already (e.g., battery-powered devices). Receivers (e.g., the receivers 104, 106, 108, and 110) can advertise their harvesting capability or the system may have a look-up table (LUT) based on device type.
In some embodiments, the information from the active power receiver includes (910) an indication of a receiver type for the active power receiver, and a harvesting capability for the active power receiver is identified based on the receiver type (e.g., using a LUT). LUT may be local or in the cloud and may be dynamically updated. In some embodiments, the transmitting device identifies which bands are needed based on the data from the receivers. In some embodiments, the LUT is a three-dimensional lookup table (e.g., a 3DLUT) configured to map to a three-dimensional area (e.g., the warehouse shown in
The transmitting device causes (912) transmission of radio-frequency (RF) signals to energize inactive power receivers of the plurality of power receivers using a power-transmission antenna. A first RF signal of the RF signals is transmitted (914) using a first value for a transmission characteristic (e.g., a first frequency value). A second RF signal of the RF signals is transmitted (916) using a second value for the transmission characteristic (e.g., a second frequency value), the first and second values being distinct. In some embodiments, the transmitting device performs a site survey of devices in range, where the site survey includes WPT. For example, the transmitting device 102 transmits a signal at a first frequency in
In some embodiments, the transmitting device causes (918) transmission of the first RF signal and the second RF signal in sequence. In some embodiments, the transmitting device energizes multiple bands in sequence or concurrently to identify sleeping or batteryless receivers. Energizing the multiple bands may include a 918 MHz max duty cycle and a 2.4 GHz energizing duty cycle with fixed preset balance between WPT and scan/communication.
In some embodiments, the transmitting device modulates (920) the RF signals in accordance with one or more wake-up patterns. In some embodiments, the site survey of devices in range includes known wake-up patterns required to turn on sleeping receivers (e.g., clock calibrations and OOK patterns). For example, the power transmitter 414 in
The transmitting device receives (934) additional information from a first energized power receiver and further information from a second energized power receiver. The first energized power receiver is (936) one of the inactive power receivers before receiving energy from the first RF signal. The second energized power receiver is (938) one of the inactive power receivers before receiving energy from the second RF signal.
The transmitting device identifies (940) two or more frequency bands for RF wireless-power transmissions by a wireless-power transmitting device within the wireless-power coverage area based on the information, the additional information, and the further information. For example, the transmitting device 102 in
In some embodiments, the two or more frequency bands for RF radio-frequency wireless-power transmissions are identified (942) based on the harvesting capability for the active power receiver.
In some embodiments, the transmitting device generates (944) an energizing pattern for RF wireless-power transmissions based on the identified two or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, generating the energizing pattern includes (946) setting a power level for the power-transmission antenna. In some embodiments, generating the energizing pattern includes (948) setting a duty cycle for each frequency band of the two or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, generating the energizing pattern includes (950) selecting a polarization setting and a phase setting. For example,
In some embodiments, the energizing pattern is (952) further based on a site map of the wireless-power coverage area. In some embodiments, generating the energizing pattern includes (954) scheduling energizing time periods and device scanning time periods. In some embodiments, the transmitting device performs a site survey then a WPT optimization, then a site activation and network organization/optimization. In some embodiments, the transmitting device adds battery-less or sleeping receivers without electronic system level capability onboarding. In some embodiments, prior to generating the energizing pattern, the transmitting device determines (956) that the energizing pattern complies with one or more regulatory standards (e.g., the FCC Part 15 and/or EN302-208 standards described previously).
In some embodiments, the transmitting device registers (958) the energizing pattern with a server system. For example, the transmitting device 302 in
In some embodiments, the server system is configured (960) to assist with generating respective energizing patterns for each of multiple wireless-power transmitting devices, including the wireless-power transmitting device, that are within the wireless-power coverage area. In some embodiments, for each transmitting device (e.g., the transmitting devices 302, 306, and 310 and/or the gateway 314 shown in
In some embodiments, the transmitting device determines (962) that at least one of the active power receiver, the first energized power receiver, and the second energized power receiver is no longer within the wireless-power coverage area; and modifies the energizing pattern based on remaining receivers in the wireless-power coverage area in accordance with the determination. For example, in
In some embodiments, the transmitting device determines (964) that at least one additional power receiver is within the wireless-power coverage area; and modifies the energizing pattern based on the at least one additional power receiver in accordance with the determination. For example, in
In some embodiments, the communication component(s) 1010 (e.g., wireless communication components, such as WiFi and/or Bluetooth radios) enable communication between the wireless-power transmitter 1000 and one or more communication networks. In some embodiments, the communication component(s) 1010 are capable of data communications using any of a variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.) custom or standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), and/or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.
In some embodiments, the communication component(s) 1010 receives charging information from a wireless-power receiver (or from an electronic device configured to be charged by the wireless-power receiver; e.g., the receiver 104,
In some embodiments, the charging information indicates that a wireless-power receiver is configured or equipped to receive wirelessly-delivered power from the wireless-power transmitter 1000. More specifically, the wireless-power receiver can use a wireless communication protocol (such as BLE) to transmit the charging information as well as authentication information to the one or more integrated circuits (e.g., RFIC 1060) of the wireless-power transmitter 1000. In some embodiments, the charging information also includes general information such as charge requests from the receiver, the current battery level, charging rate (e.g., effectively transmitted power or electromagnetic energy successfully converted to usable energy), device specific information (e.g., temperature, sensor data, receiver requirements or specifications, and/or other receiver specific information), etc.
In some instances, the communication component(s) 1010 are not able to communicate with wireless-power receivers for various reasons, e.g., because there is no power available for the communication component(s) 1010 to use for the transmission of data signals or because the wireless-power receiver itself does not actually include any communication component of its own. As such, in some embodiments, the wireless-power transmitters 1000 described herein are still able to uniquely identify different types of devices and, when a wireless-power receiver is detected, figure out if that the wireless-power receiver is authorized to receive wireless-power (e.g., by measuring impedances, reflected power, and/or other techniques).
The one or more power amplifiers 1020 (e.g., analogous to the power amplifiers shown in
In some embodiments, the output power of the single power amplifier 1020 is equal or greater than 2 W. In some embodiments, the output power of the single power amplifier 1020 is equal or less than 15 W. In some embodiments, the output power of the single power amplifier 1020 is greater than 2 W and less than 15 W. In some embodiments, the output power of the single power amplifier 1020 is equal or greater than 4 W or is equal or less than 8 W. In some embodiments, the output power of the single power amplifier 1020 is greater than 4 W and less than 8 W. In some embodiments, the output power of the single power amplifier 1020 is greater than 8 W and up to 50 W.
In some embodiments, by using the single power amplifier 1020 with an output power range from 2 W to 15 W, the electric field within the power transmission range of the antenna 1030 controlled by the single power amplifier 1020 is at or below a specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 1.6 W/kg, which is in compliance with the FCC SAR requirement in the United States. In some embodiments, by using a single power amplifier 1020 with a power range from 2 W to 15 W, the electric field within the power transmission range of the antenna 1030 controlled by the single power amplifier 1020 is at or below a SAR value of 2 W/kg, which is in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission SAR requirement in the European Union. In some embodiments, by using a single power amplifier 1020 with a power range from 2 W to 15 W, the electric field within the power transmission range of the antenna 1030 controlled by the single power amplifier 1020 is at or below a SAR value of 0.8 W/kg. In some embodiments, by using a single power amplifier 1020 with a power range from 2 W to 15 W, the electric field within the power transmission range of the antenna 1030 controlled by the single power amplifier 1020 is at or below any level that is regulated by relevant rules or regulations. In some embodiments, the SAR value in a location of the radiation profile of the antenna decreases as the range of the radiation profile increases.
In some embodiments, the radiation profile generated by the antenna controlled by a single power amplifier is defined based on how much usable power is available to a wireless-power receiver when it receives electromagnetic energy from the radiation profile (e.g., rectifies and converts the electromagnetic energy into a usable DC current), and the amount of usable power available to such a wireless-power receiver can be referred to as the effective transmitted power of an electromagnetic signal. In some embodiments, the effective transmitted power of the electromagnetic signal in a predefined radiation profile is at least 0.5 W. In some embodiments, the effective transmitted power of the signal in a predefined radiation profile is greater than 1 W. In some embodiments, the effective transmitted power of the signal in a predefined radiation profile is greater than 2 W. In some embodiments, the effective transmitted power of the signal in a predefined radiation profile is greater than 5 W. In some embodiments, the effective transmitted power of the signal in a predefined radiation profile is less than or equal to 4 W. In some embodiments, there are a range of values that fall within the effective transmitted power (e.g., 2-4 W).
In some embodiments, the transmitting device 1000 is coupled to or integrated with an electronic device, such as a pen, a marker, a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a hearing aid, smart glasses, headphones, computer accessories (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote speakers), and/or other electrical devices. In some embodiments, the wireless-power transmitter 1000 is coupled to or integrated with a small consumer device, such as a fitness band, a smart watch, and/or other wearable product. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the wireless-power transmitter 1000 is an electronic device.
In some embodiments, the RFIC 1060 also includes (or is in communication with) a PAIC 1061A that is responsible for controlling and managing operations of a power amplifier, including, but not limited to, reading measurements of impedance at various measurement points within the power amplifier, instructing the power amplifier to amplify the electromagnetic signal, synchronizing the turn on and/or shutdown of the power amplifier, optimizing performance of the power amplifier, protecting the power amplifier, and other functions discussed herein. In some embodiments, the impedance measurement are used to allow the wireless-power transmitters (via the RFIC 1060 and/or PAIC 1061A) to detect of one or more foreign objects, optimize operation of the one or more power amplifiers, assess one or more safety thresholds, detect changes in the impedance at the one or more power amplifiers, detect movement of the receiver within the wireless transmission field, protect the power amplifier from damage (e.g., by shutting down the power amplifier, changing a selected power level of the power amplifier, and/or changing other configurations of the wireless-power transmitters), classify a receiver (e.g., authorized receivers, unauthorized receivers, and/or receiver with an object), compensate for the power amplifier (e.g., by making hardware, software, and/or firmware adjustments), tune the wireless-power transmitters, and/or other functions.
In some embodiments, the PAIC 1061A may be on the same integrated circuit as the RFIC 1060. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the PAIC 1061A may be on its own integrated circuit that is separate from (but still in communication with) the RFIC 1060. In some embodiments, the PAIC 1061A is on the same chip with one or more of the power amplifiers 1020. In some other embodiments, the PAIC 1061A is on its own chip that is a separate chip from the power amplifiers 1020. In some embodiments, the PAIC 1061A may be on its own integrated circuit that is separate from (but still in communication with) the RFIC 1060 enables older systems to be retrofitted. In some embodiments, the PAIC 1061A as a standalone chip communicatively coupled to the RFIC 1060 can reduce the processing load and potential damage from over-heating. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, it is more efficient to design and use two different ICs (e.g., the RFIC 1060 and the PAIC 1061A).
In some embodiments, executable instructions running on the CPU are used to manage operation of the wireless-power transmitters and to control external devices through a control interface, e.g., SPI control interface 1075, and the other analog and digital interfaces included in the RFIC 1060. In some embodiments, the CPU subsystem 1070 also manages operation of the subsection of the RFIC 1060, which includes a local oscillator (LO) 1077 and a transmitter (TX) 1078. In some embodiments, the LO 1077 is adjusted based on instructions from the CPU subsystem 1070 and is thereby set to different desired frequencies of operation, while the TX converts, amplifies, modulates the output as desired to generate a viable power level.
In some embodiments, the RFIC 1060 and/or PAIC 1061A provide the viable power level (e.g., via the TX 1078) directly to the one or more power amplifiers 1020 and does not use any beam-forming capabilities (e.g., bypasses/disables a beam-forming IC and/or any associated algorithms if phase-shifting is not required, such as when only a single antenna 1030 is used to transmit power transmission signals to a wireless-power receiver). In some embodiments, by not using beam-forming control, there is no active beam-forming control in the power transmission system. For example, in some embodiments, by eliminating the active beam-forming control, the relative phases of the power signals from different antennas are unaltered after transmission. In some embodiments, by eliminating the active beam-forming control, the phases of the power signals are not controlled and remain in a fixed or initial phase. In some embodiments, the RFIC 1060 and/or PAIC 1061A regulate the functionality of the power amplifiers 1020 including adjusting the viable power level to the power amplifiers 1020, enabling the power amplifiers 1020, disabling the power amplifiers 1020, and/or other functions.
Various arrangements and couplings of power amplifiers 1020 to antenna coverage areas 1090 (which can be instance of the plurality of power-transfer points of a transmitter antenna element) allow the wireless-power receiver to sequentially or selectively activate different antenna coverage areas 1090 (e.g., power transfer points) in order to determine the most efficient and safest (if any) antenna coverage area 1090 to use for transmitting wireless-power to a wireless-power receiver.
In some embodiments, the one or more power amplifiers 1020 are also controlled by the CPU subsystem 1070 to allow the CPU 1073 to measure output power provided by the power amplifiers 1020 to the antenna coverage areas (e.g., plurality of power-transfer points) of the wireless-power transmitter. In some embodiments, the one or more power amplifiers 1020 are controlled by the CPU subsystem 1070 via the PAIC 1061A. In some embodiments, the power amplifiers 1020 may include various measurement points that allow for at least measuring impedance values that are used to enable the foreign object detection techniques, receiver and/or foreign object movement detection techniques, power amplifier optimization techniques, power amplifier protection techniques, receiver classification techniques, power amplifier impedance detection techniques, and/or other safety techniques described in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,985,617.
In some embodiments, the near-field power transmitters disclosed herein may use adaptive loading techniques to optimize power transfer. Such techniques are described in detail in commonly-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/065886 (Published PCT Application WO 2018/111921) and, in particular, in reference to
As described herein, power harvesting circuitry captures and converts ambient energy from the environment, such as light, heat, vibration, or radio waves, into electrical energy that can be used to power electronic devices. In some embodiments, the power harvesting circuitry 1159 includes one or more rectifying circuits and/or one or more power converters. In some embodiments, the power harvesting circuitry 1159 includes one or more components (e.g., a power converter) configured to convert energy from power waves and/or concentrated areas of RF energy to electrical energy (e.g., electricity). In some embodiments, the power harvesting circuitry 1159 is further configured to supply power to a coupled electronic device, such as a laptop or phone. In some embodiments, supplying power to a coupled electronic device include translating electrical energy from an AC form to a DC form (e.g., usable by the electronic device).
In some embodiments, the antenna(s) 1160 include one or more helical antennas, such as those described in detail in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,734,717 (e.g., with particular reference to
In some embodiments, the wireless-power receiver 1100 includes one or more output devices such as one or more indicator lights, a sound card, a speaker, a small display for displaying textual information and error codes, etc. In some embodiments, the wireless-power receiver 1100 includes a location detection device, such as a GPS or other geo-location receiver, for determining the location of the wireless-power receiver 1100.
In various embodiments, the one or more sensors 1162 include one or more thermal radiation sensors, ambient temperature sensors, humidity sensors, IR sensors, occupancy sensors (e.g., RFID sensors), ambient light sensors, motion detectors, accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes. It is noted that the foreign object detection techniques can operate without relying on the one or more sensor(s) 1162.
The communication component(s) 1154 enable communication between the wireless-power receiver 1100 and one or more communication networks. In some embodiments, the communication component(s) 1154 are capable of data communications using any of a variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.) custom or standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), and/or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document. It is noted that the foreign object detection techniques can operate without relying on the communication component(s) 1154.
The communication component(s) 1154 include, for example, hardware capable of data communications using any of a variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.) and/or any of a variety of custom or standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.
The memory 1156 includes high-speed random-access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR SRAM, or other random-access solid-state memory devices; and, optionally, includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical disk storage devices, one or more flash memory devices, or one or more other non-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 1156, or alternatively the non-volatile memory within memory 1156, includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, the memory 1156, or the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the memory 1156, stores the following programs, modules, and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
Each of the above-identified elements (e.g., modules stored in memory 1156 of the wireless-power receiver 1100) is optionally stored in one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set of instructions for performing the function(s) described above. The above-identified modules or programs (e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules are optionally combined or otherwise rearranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the memory 1156 optionally, stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, the memory 1156 optionally, stores additional modules and data structures not described above, such as an identifying module for identifying a device type of a connected device (e.g., a device type for an electronic device that is coupled with the wireless-power receiver 1100). In some embodiments, the memory 1156 stores a secure element module for providing identification information to the wireless-power transmitter (e.g., the wireless-power transmitter uses the identification information to determine if the wireless-power receiver 1100 is authorized to receive wirelessly delivered power). In some embodiments, the memory 1156 stores a signature-signal generating module used to control various components to cause impedance changes at the antenna(s) 1160 and/or power harvesting circuitry 1159 to then cause changes in reflected power as received by a signature-signal receiving circuit.
In some situations, a WPT TX may operate in an area with multiple networks in the same frequency band. In some cases, the WPT TX may interfere with other networks. In those cases, it is desirable to detect and classify signals in the area and configure the WPT TX into an appropriate non-interfering state.
In some situations, wireless power networks are deployed in areas with legacy tracking and communications systems. For example, an ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID read zone may overlap with a wireless power network (WPN) zone. In some situations, a WPN may interfere with RFID reading (e.g., tags located in a WPN cell could be jammed). In some embodiments, a WPN TX is used to augment a forward link-limited RFID system by repeating the reader-to-tag signal and optionally the tag-to-reader phase. For example, tags located in the wireless power zone 354 may have higher response rates and higher probability of successful reading. In addition, tags located in the wireless power zones 352 and 336 are visible to the RF device 1302.
An integrated transmitter platform with synchronization capability may operate in several different modes defined by hardware capability and/or software programmability. The modes may include an RFID reader mode, an RFID repeater mode, a WPT mode, a listen-before-talk mode, and a data classification and aggregation mode. In some embodiments, in the RFID reader mode, the transmitter includes an RFID reader unit. In some embodiments, in the RFID repeater mode the transmitter is nominally off until an RFID signal is detected, an RFID reader envelope is followed by the repeater, and functionality may be enabled or disabled via firmware. In some embodiments, in an RFID repeater and WPT mode, the transmitter is nominally running WPT functionality and, if an RFID reader pattern is received, the transmitter automatically transitions into RFID repeating mode. In some embodiments, the RFID repeating mode continues until no RFID read pattern is detected for some amount of time (e.g., a programmable timeout). In some embodiments, the RFID frequency is programmable. For example, an existing WPT frequency plan may be followed in some cases, and in other cases (e.g., using a software-defined radio (SDR) receiver), the RFID frequency may be detected and the repeater frequency plan adjusted for best performance. In some embodiments, in an RFID repeater, WPT, and listen-before-talk mode, the repeater works as above with WPT in RFID-compatible always-on mode (non-reader). If an in-band signal is detected above a programmable detection threshold, WPT is temporarily disabled (e.g., using programmable thresholds). In some embodiments, in an RFID repeater, WPT, listen-before-talk (LBT), and data classification/aggregation mode, the repeater works as above with WPT in RFID-compatible always-on mode (non-reader). If an in-band signal is detected above a programmable detection threshold, a radio communication receiver samples and classifies the signal (e.g., as RFID read, backscatter, LoRA, or 802.11h). The signal may constitute a packet or frame of data. If the WPN TX is also a gateway, the data packet/frame may be forwarded to the cloud based on some criteria. In some embodiments, the functionality described above is implemented in hardware. In some embodiments, the functionality described above is software programmable.
The return signal 1518 also decreases across the range L1 to a value of −71 dBm. The received signal is boosted at the antenna 1504 to a value of −65 dBm. In some embodiments, the receive signal is boosted at the antenna 1504 to a value of between −100 to −40 dBm. In the example of
For example, with a WPT repeater, there are at least two factors that affect the system link budget, such as the RFID reader's sensitivity and the RFID tag's sensitivity. In some embodiments, other factors are considered, such as any obstructions between communicating devices. In this configuration, the system coverage is determined by the RFID reader's sensitivity. A carrier cancellation amplifier can be placed in the middle of the tag group to increase the coverage and it has the capability to help the RFID reader to reach the potential coverage. For example, the WPT repeater is installed at a place 12 meters from the RFID reader where it picks up the RFID reader's signal and amplifies it and broadcast at an EIRP of 36 dBm. In this example, the WPT repeater powers up all the tags around it in an 8-meter radius.
In some embodiments, the repeater device is configured to operate in a RFID-only mode and/or a hybrid RFID and WPT mode. For example, the WPT device can be disabled completely when RFID is detected. In an example, the location of the reader, un-boosted area, and boosted area are known, and separate antennas can be used to receive the RFID and transmit the repeated signal. The repeater device can be implemented with a shared antenna for TX and receiver (RX), e.g., for lower cost and/or better control of isolation.
In some embodiments, the WPT device listens for other transmissions and modulates its TX. In some embodiments, the RFID receiver identifies the RFID signals so the TX can follow the reader envelope. In some embodiments, a programmable SDR receiver examines data properties and determines what action to take, via parametric analysis and preamble/data demodulation. In some embodiments, the WPT device is used to energize BLE tags and sensors in the presence of RFID, and is collocated with LoRa, 802.11 ah, and/or other networks. In some embodiments, there is a protocol-specific and/or software-programmable receiver in the WPT device, such that the receiver can be programmed to detect and classify nearby signals as likely to be impacted or not. For example, the WPT transmitter can use an RFID hybrid mode or other coexistence mode depending on the signals present in the area. In some embodiments, a SDR solution is used with a hardware receiver and modulator to minimize repeater latency.
In some embodiments, the state diagram includes only a subset of the states shown in
Table 2 below shows example power for a UHF RFID system without a repeater/boost.
Table 3 below shows example power for a UHF RFID system with a repeater/boost.
Table 4 below shows example power for a reader to a WPT transmit with antenna isolation.
Table 5 below shows example power for a reader to a WPT transmit with carrier cancellation.
Table 6 below shows example power for a reader to a WPT transmit with carrier cancellation via isolator.
The transmitting device detects (2102) an RFID signal. In some embodiments, the RFID signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal. In some embodiments, the RFID signal comprises an RFID transmission signal. In some embodiments, the RFID signal is detected using a signal-detecting receiver.
The transmitting device causes (2104) transmission of one or more RF signals to energize one or more power receivers, where the one or more RF signals are configured to boost the RFID signal. In some embodiments, the one or more RF signals are synchronized with the RFID signal. In some embodiments, configuring the one or more RF signals to boost the RFID signal includes increasing a range and/or performance of the RFID signal. In some embodiments, the transmitting device determines timing information of the RFID signal; and configures the transmission of the one or more RF signals. In some embodiments, the timing information comprises a time period and/or frequency of the RFID signal. In some embodiments, the transmitting device determines an envelope of the RFID signal; and configures the one or more RF signals to conform to the envelope of the RFID signal. In some embodiments, the one or more RF signals are transmitted concurrently with detecting the RFID signal. In some embodiments, the RFID signal has a first frequency, and the one or more RF signals are configured to have the first frequency. In some embodiments, the RFID signal is detected using a first antenna and the one or more RF signals are transmitted using a second antenna.
In some embodiments, the transmitting device, prior to detecting the RFID signal, causes transmission of the one or more RF signals; and, in response to detecting the RFID signal, the transmitting device ceases to cause transmission of the one or more RF signals; and configures the one or more RF signals to boost the RFID signal, where the one or more RF signals are caused to be transmitted after the configuring.
The transmitting device scans (2152) an area for wireless communications. For example, the transmitting device detects energy as described previously with respect to
The transmitting device identifies (2154) the presence of a communications network based on the scan. For example, the transmitting device performs an RFID pattern check and/or analyzes properties of the detected signal/energy to identify the presence of the communications network, as described previously with respect to
In accordance with a determination that transmission of WPT signals would not interfere with the communications network, the transmitting device provides (2156) the WPT signals in a first configuration. In some embodiments, the scanning and the determining are performed at a same chip (e.g., a single integrated circuit). In some embodiments, determining whether the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network includes determining that the WPT signals share at least a portion of a frequency band with the communications network. In some embodiments, determining whether the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network includes classifying a protocol type of the communications network.
In accordance with a determination that the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network, the transmitting device provides (2158) the WPT signals in a second configuration, the second configuration configured to reduce interference with the communications network. In some embodiments, the transmitting device determines whether the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network. In some embodiments, the transmitting device transitions from the second configuration to the first configuration in accordance with one or more predefined criteria. In some embodiments, the transmitting device receives a packet from the communications network; and transmits the packet to a remote device.
For example, while the two disconnect switches 2306a-2306b are both in their respective position 1, the phase-select switch 2308a being at position 1 and the phase-select switch 2308b being at position 1 corresponds to a LHCP setting, the phase-select switches 2308a being at position 2 and the phase-select switches 2308b being at position 1 corresponds to a RHCP setting, the phase-select switches 2308a being at position 1 and the phase-select switches 2308b being at position 2 corresponds to a linear out-of-phase setting, and the phase-select switches 2308a being at position 2 and the phase-select switches 2308b being at position 2 corresponds to a linear in-phase setting. Additionally, switching the pair of phase-select switches 2308a in its position 2 and switching the disconnect switch 2306b in its position 2 corresponds to a horizontal linear polarization setting, and switching the pair of phase-select switches 2308b in its position 2 and switching the disconnect switch 2306a in its position 2 corresponds to a vertical linear polarization setting.
The integrated transmitter platform 2320 further includes a communications module 2342 communicatively coupled to at least one communication antenna 2344 similar to the communications module 472 described in reference to
The integrated transmitter platform 2320 further includes a controller integrated circuit (IC) 2350, in accordance with some embodiments. The controller IC 2350 is configured to produce a WPT pattern by individually controlling the two antennas 2316a-2316b, the two phase switching modules 2330a-2330b, and the two amplifiers 2312a-2312b. In some embodiments, the controller IC 2350 is a WPT controller with programmable frequencies 864-867 MHz and 902-928 MHz. In some embodiments, the programmable frequencies are in a range between 860-960 MHz, which can be consistent with local regulations in certain jurisdictions. The controller IC 2350 is connected to the splitter 2304 to transmit WPT signals to the antenna tuning circuit 2300. In some embodiments, the controller IC 2350 is connected to the splitter 2304 via a band-pass filter 2352. The controller IC 2350 is further connected to the two disconnect switches 2306a-2306b and the two phase switching modules 2330a-2330b to switch the antenna tuning circuit between the different settings. The controller IC 2350 is further connected to the two amplifiers 2312a-2312b to control respective gains of the two amplifiers 2312a-2312b and, in some embodiments, to receive data from the two amplifiers 2312a-2312b. The controller IC 2350 is further connected to a resonator 2354 (e.g., a 16M resonator, a 26M resonator, a 50M resonator, etc.). The controller IC 2350 is configured to produce the LHCP setting, the RHCP setting, the linear out-of-phase setting, the linear in-phase setting, the horizontal linear polarization setting, and the vertical linear polarization setting at the two antennas 2316a-2316b, in accordance with some embodiments.
In some embodiments, the integrated transmitter platform 2320 further includes a Bluetooth module 2360 connected to a Bluetooth front-end module 2362. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth module 2360 is connected to the Bluetooth front-end module 2362 via a band-pass filter 2358. The Bluetooth front-end module 2362 is connected to a phase-switching module comprising a splitter 2364 and a series of phase-selection switches. The phase-switching module is connected to at least one antenna 2366a-2366b. In some embodiments, the phase-switching module allows the integrated transmitter platform to be programmed to a horizontal linear polarization setting, a vertical linear polarization setting, and/or an RHCP setting. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth front-end module 2362 is connected to the phase-switching module via at least one low-pass filter 2368. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth module 2360 is further connected to a resonator 2356 (e.g., a 16M resonator, a 26M resonator, a 50M resonator, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller IC 2350, the Bluetooth module 2360, and the Bluetooth front-end module 2362 are configured to produce WPT patterns at the at least one antenna 2366a-2366b. In some embodiments, the WPT patterns at the at least one antenna 2366a-2366b are programmable with frequencies in a range of 100 MHz to 10 GHz (e.g., 2.4 GHz). In some embodiments, the controller IC 2350 is configured for TDM between the Bluetooth and WPT functionalities. In this way, the integrated transmitter platform 2320 is configured to have integrated zone discrimination, integrated networking (e.g., IP networking), and integrated POE and DC power with automatic switching. In accordance with some embodiments, the integrated transmitter platform 2320 includes multiple power amplifiers and antenna elements configurable for individual and/or group operation with dynamic antenna pattern switching (e.g., using low cost switches), optional integrated matching, and optional dynamic tuning.
In some embodiments, the multi-patch antenna array 2600 includes a circular feeding arrangement (e.g., illustrated by the feed ports 2604a-2604d), which allows miniaturization of the antenna array dimensions. In some embodiments, the multi-patch antenna array 2600 is configured for reconfigurable directive patterns that include linear-polar (x-pol) (e.g., with peak gain of 11.6 dBi), linear-polar (y-pol) (e.g., with peak gain of 11.6 dBi), circular-polar (left-hand) (e.g., with peak gain of 11.6 dBi), and circular-polar (right-hand) (e.g., with peak gain of 11.6 dBi). In some embodiments, the multi-patch antenna array 2600 is reconfigurable for non-directive patterns (e.g., aiming for side coverage).
Table 7 shows how each of the eight feed ports 2614a-2614h is configured to produce the horizontal linear polarized directive WPT pattern, the vertical linear polarized directive WPT pattern, the LHCP directive WPT pattern, the RHCP directive WPT pattern, and a non-directive WPT pattern. In some embodiments, each of the eight feed ports 2614a-2614h is configured to have a same magnitude (unless a respective antenna is configured to be off). Table 1 shows the phase shift at each of the eight feed ports 2614a-2614h to achieve a desired WPT pattern.
Turning now to some example embodiments of the methods, devices, systems, and computer-readable storage media described earlier. In short, the descriptions below proceed by first discussing the paragraphs beginning with an A symbol, which relate to surveying for active and inactive receivers; following that is a discussion of paragraphs beginning with a B symbol, which relate to a wireless-power transmitting device; following that is a discussion of paragraphs beginning with a C symbol, which relate to wireless power and wireless synchronization; following that is a discussion of paragraphs beginning with a D symbol, which relate to operating a transmitter device; following that is a discussion of paragraphs beginning with a E symbol, which relate to wireless power coexistence; and following that is a discussion of paragraphs beginning with a F symbol, which relate to a repeater device.
(A1) In accordance with some embodiments, a method of surveying for active and inactive power receivers within a wireless-power coverage area is performed (e.g., the method 900). The method includes: (i) causing performance of a survey looking for active power receivers of a plurality of power receivers within a wireless-power coverage area using one or more communication radios (e.g., the frontend module 442 and coupled antennas 450 and 452 in
(A2) In some embodiments of A1, the information from the active power receiver includes an indication of harvesting capability for the active power receiver (e.g., whether the active power receiver is configured for 918 MHz or 865 MHz WPT).
(A3) In some embodiments of A2, the two or more frequency bands for radio-frequency wireless-power transmissions are identified based on the harvesting capability for the active power receiver (e.g., the active power receiver is configured for 865 MHz WPT and one of the identified bands is 865 MHz).
(A4) In some embodiments of any of A1-A3: (i) the information from the active power receiver includes an indication of a receiver type (e.g., a device identifier or a device type identifier) for the active power receiver; and (ii) the method further includes identifying a harvesting capability for the active power receiver based on the receiver type. In some embodiments, identifying the harvesting capability for the active power receiver comprises using an LUT stored in the memory of the wireless-power transmitting device. In some embodiments, identifying the harvesting capability for the active power receiver comprises sending the indication of the receiver type to a remote system (e.g., a server system in the cloud 316, as shown in
(A5) In some embodiments of any of A1-A4, causing transmission of RF signals to energize the inactive power receivers comprises causing transmission of the first RF signal and the second RF signal in sequence. In some embodiments, the first RF signal and the second RF signal are transmitted concurrently or simultaneously (e.g., as illustrated in
(A6) In some embodiments of any of A1-A5, causing transmission of RF signals to energize the inactive power receivers comprises modulating the RF signals in accordance with one or more wake-up patterns. In some embodiments, the wake-up patterns include clock calibrations and OOK patterns.
(A7) In some embodiments of any of A1-A6, the inactive power receivers of the plurality of power receivers include a batteryless device. In some embodiments, the plurality of power receivers are located within a warehouse environment and there can be numerous (e.g., hundreds or thousands) of such power receivers in the warehouse environment, each of which is used to help track inventory. Other examples include grocery store pricing tags that can be power receivers. These examples are non-limiting and non-commercial applications are also contemplated, including ones in which internet of things devices within residential homes are the power receivers.
(A8) In some embodiments of any of A1-A7, the method further includes generating an energizing pattern (e.g., the energizing pattern 112 in
(A9) In some embodiments of A8, generating the energizing pattern includes setting a power level for the power-transmission antenna. In some embodiments, generating the energizing pattern includes setting a respective power level for each of the one or more communication radios (e.g., a power level at which to amplify a power transmission signal using a power amplifier).
(A10) In some embodiments of A8 or A9, generating the energizing pattern includes setting a duty cycle for each frequency band of the two or more frequency bands.
(A11) In some embodiments of any of A8-A10, generating the energizing pattern includes selecting a polarization setting and a phase setting. (e.g., linear polarization and/or circular polarization feeding schemes). In some embodiments, generating the energizing pattern further includes selecting a frequency-hopping setting (e.g., via a programmable splitter component).
(A12) In some embodiments of any of A8-A11, the energizing pattern is further based on a site map of the wireless-power coverage area. In some embodiments, the site map includes relative locations of walls and impediments to wireless-power transmission. In some embodiments, the site map includes relative locations of other transmitters in the coverage area.
(A13) In some embodiments of any of A8-A12, generating the energizing pattern includes scheduling energizing time periods and device scanning time periods (e.g., BLE advertisement and scanning).
(A14) In some embodiments of any of A8-A13, the method further includes, prior to generating the energizing pattern, determining that the energizing pattern complies with one or more regulatory standards (e.g., based on duty cycle, intensity, and modulation scheme).
(A15) In some embodiments of any of A8-A14, the method further includes, after generating an energizing pattern, (i) determining that at least one of the active power receiver, the first energized power receiver, and the second energized power receiver is no longer within the wireless-power coverage area; and (ii) in accordance with the determination, modifying the energizing pattern based on remaining receivers in the wireless-power coverage area (e.g., as illustrated in
(A16) In some embodiments of any of A8-A15, the method further includes, after generating an energizing pattern, (i) determining that at least one additional power receiver is within the wireless-power coverage area; and (ii) in accordance with the determination, modifying the energizing pattern based on the at least one additional power receiver (e.g., as illustrated in
(A17) In some embodiments of any of A8-A16, the method further includes registering the energizing pattern with a server system (e.g., the gateway device 314 or a device in the cloud 316 in
(A18) In some embodiments of A17, the server system is configured to assist with generating respective energizing patterns for each of multiple wireless-power transmitting devices, including the wireless-power transmitting device, that are within the wireless-power coverage area. In some embodiments, the server system provides an optimized energizing pattern to the wireless-power transmitting device (or information for optimizing the energizing pattern at the wireless-power transmitting device) so as to minimize overlap of power transfer between the multiple wireless-power transmitting devices. In some embodiments, the information from the active and energized receivers is used to identify a frequency band for another wireless-power transmitting device. For example, multiple power bridges (transmitter devices) may be configured with frequency and coverage area settings (e.g., concurrently). For example, server determines which receivers are going to be powered by which wireless-power transmitting devices, so the coverage areas for each of the transmitting devices can be configured dynamically and be something that is server-defined and then pushed down to the transmitting devices (or the transmitting devices can coordinate among one another to refine and/or do some of the coverage designations/modifications locally). In some embodiments, the different wireless-power transmitting devices receive the information from different power-receivers and all of the various received information is used in the aggregate to generate the energizing patterns for the various wireless-power transmitting devices (e.g., the wireless-power transmitting device does not need to receive the information from the power receivers, it can be another transmitting device, or a collection of transmitting devices, that receives that information that is then used to generate an energizing pattern for the wireless-power transmitting device).
(A19) In some embodiments of any of A1-A18, the one or more communication radios are configured for system calibration transmissions, energizing transmissions, and communications transmissions.
(A20) In some embodiments of any of A1-A19, the power-transmission antenna is distinct from the one or more communication radios. In some embodiments, the one or more communication radios include one or more antennas that are distinct from the power-transmission antenna.
(A21) In some embodiments of A20, the transmission of the RF signals is caused using a plurality of power-transmission antennas, including the power-transmission antenna (e.g., the antennas shown in
(A22) In some embodiments of A21, the plurality of power-transmission antennas are coplanar to one another and collocated within a same housing (e.g., have the same phase center and are integrated with feeding structure on main PCB).
(A23) In some embodiments of A22, the plurality of power-transmission antennas have a multiband dual linear-polarized or circular-polarized structure (e.g., can be operated as circular-polarized or cross-polarized).
(A24) In some embodiments of A22 or A23, the plurality of power-transmission antennas are configured for dynamic polarization-switching (e.g., have BOM-programmable or dynamic switched frequency tuning).
In accordance with some embodiments, a computing system includes one or more processors; memory; and one or more programs stored in the memory and configured for execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing any of the methods of A1-A24. In some embodiments, the computing system is a server system. In some embodiments, the computing system is the wireless-power transmitting device.
In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured for execution by a computing system having one or more processors and memory, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing any of the methods of A1-A24. In some embodiments, the computing system is a server system (e.g., A17-A18). In some embodiments, the computing system is the wireless-power transmitting device (e.g., A1).
(B1) In accordance with some embodiments, a wireless-power transmitting device (e.g., the transmitting device 102) includes (i) a polarization-switching component configured to switch between a left-hand circular polarization setting, a right-hand circular polarization setting, a horizontal polarization setting, and a vertical polarization setting; (ii) a plurality of antennas coupled to a plurality of outputs of the polarization-switching component; and (iii) a programmable-splitter component coupled to the polarization-switching component and configured to be switchable between a linear polarization setting and a circular polarization setting (e.g., as illustrated in
(B2) In some embodiments of B1, the device further includes one or more balancing units (e.g., the balancing units 420, 422, 446, and 448 in
(B3) In some embodiments of B1 or B2, the programmable-splitter component includes a 90-degree phase shift element (e.g., the phase shifter 508) coupled with a switching element (e.g., the switch matrix 506). in some embodiments, the programmable-splitter component includes a phase shift element in the range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees.
(B4) In some embodiments of any of B1-B3, the device further includes a variable-gain component (e.g., the amplifier 502) coupled to an input of at least one of the polarization-switching components (e.g., the switch matrix 506) and the programmable-splitter component (e.g., the splitter 504), the variable-gain component configured to vary a voltage of an output signal supplied to the at least one of the polarization-switching component and the programmable-splitter component (e.g., based on a control voltage supplied to the variable gain component).
(B5) In some embodiments of any of B1-B4, the plurality of antennas are adapted to transmit at a sub-1 gigahertz frequency (e.g., 918 MHz) and a 2.4 gigahertz frequency (e.g., same phase center for both bands).
(B6) In some embodiments of any of B1-B5, the plurality of power-transmission antennas are coplanar to one another and collocated within the same housing (e.g., as illustrated in
(B7) In some embodiments of any of B1-B6, the plurality of antennas have a multiband dual linear-polarized or circular-polarized structure (e.g., as illustrated in
(B8) In some embodiments of any of B1-B7, switching between the left-hand circular polarization setting, the right-hand circular polarization setting, the horizontal polarization setting, and the vertical polarization setting comprising adjusting respective phases for the plurality of antennas (e.g., as illustrated in
(B9) In some embodiments of any of B1-B8, the plurality of antennas comprise a first subset of antennas (e.g., the antennas 604) adapted for a first frequency band and a second subset of antennas (e.g., the antennas 606) adapted for a second frequency band.
(B10) In some embodiments of B9, the first and second subsets of antennas are positioned in a coplanar, alternating arrangement (e.g., two groups of four symmetrically shaped antennas).
(B11) In some embodiments of B10, the first and second subsets of antennas are arranged to maintain high isolation between antenna ports (e.g., at least 15 dB).
(B12) In some embodiments of any of B1-B11, the plurality of antennas are mounted to an antenna board, and the wireless-power transmitting device further includes a reflective housing (e.g., the housing 654) enclosing at least a portion of the antenna board.
(B13) In some embodiments of any of B1-B12, the polarization-switching component is configured to select one of the left-hand circular polarization setting, the right-hand circular polarization setting, the horizontal polarization setting, and the vertical polarization setting in accordance with an energizing pattern selected for the wireless-power transmitting device.
(B14) In some embodiments of B13, the programmable-splitter component is configured to select one of the linear polarization setting and the circular polarization setting in accordance with the energizing pattern selected for the wireless-power transmitting device.
(B15) In some embodiments of B14, the energizing pattern is selected based on a plurality of power receivers identified within a wireless-power coverage area of the wireless-power transmitting device (e.g., as illustrated in
In accordance with some embodiments, a method of forming the wireless-power transmitting device of any of A1-A24 comprises providing and coupling each of the components of the wireless-power transmitting device recited in any of B1-B15.
In accordance with some embodiments, a method of using the wireless-power transmitting device of any of B1-B15 comprises transmitting RF signals to a power receiver to wirelessly deliver power to the power receiver.
In accordance with some embodiments, the wireless-power transmitting device of any of B1-B15 is used as a component of the wireless-power transmitting device of any of A1-A24.
(C1) In accordance with some embodiments, a method of providing wireless power and wireless synchronization (e.g., the method 2100) includes (i) detecting an RF identification signal; and (ii) causing transmission of one or more RF signals to energize one or more power receivers, wherein the one or more RF signals are configured to boost the RFID signal. In some embodiments, the method is performed at any one of the transmitting devices described herein. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a wireless power bridge. In some embodiments, the wireless power bridge is configured to operate as an RF repeater (e.g., for RFID signals).
(C2) In some embodiments of C1, the one or more RF signals are synchronized with the RFID signal.
(C3) In some embodiments of C1 or C2, configuring the one or more RF signals to boost the RFID signal includes increasing a range and/or performance of the RFID signal. In some embodiments, configuring the RF signals to boost the RFID signal includes adjusting one or more frequencies of the RF signals based on a frequency of the RFID signal.
(C4) In some embodiments of any of C1-C3, the method further includes determining timing information of the RFID signal; and configuring the transmission of the one or more RF signals.
(C5) In some embodiments of C4, the timing information comprises a time period and/or frequency of the RFID signal.
(C6) In some embodiments of any of C1-C5, the RFID signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal (e.g., from an RFID reader).
(C7) In some embodiments of any of C1-C6, the RFID signal comprises an RFID transmission signal (e.g., from an RFID tag).
(C8) In some embodiments of any of C1-C7, the RFID signal is detected using a signal-detecting receiver (e.g., an RFID receiver with read interrupt signaling and data demodulation). In some embodiments, the receiver is a data communication receiver. In some embodiments, the receiver is a sampling receiver with detection and demodulation hardware (e.g., for LoRa, WiFi, and/or RFID). In some embodiments, the receiver is a sampling receiver with software-defined demodulation for various types of networks (e.g., power, preamble, and classification).
(C9) In some embodiments of any of C1-C8, the method further includes determining an envelope of the RFID signal; and configuring the one or more RF signals to conform to the envelope of the RFID signal. For example, the one or more RF signals are modulated to follow the reader ASK/OOK envelope to repeat the reader signal.
(C10) In some embodiments of any of C1-C9, the one or more RF signals are transmitted concurrently with detecting the RFID signal. For example, using antenna spatial multiplexing, non-reciprocity, and/or carrier cancellation.
(C11) In some embodiments of any of C1-C10, the RFID signal has a first frequency, and the one or more RF signals are configured to have the first frequency. For example, the RFID frequency is detected, and the repeater frequency plan is adjusted for best performance.
(C12) In some embodiments of any of C1-C11, the RFID signal is detected using a first antenna and the one or more RF signals are transmitted using a second antenna.
(C13) In some embodiments of any of C1-C12, the method further including, prior to detecting the RFID signal, causing transmission of the one or more RF signals; and, in response to detecting the RFID signal (a) ceasing to cause transmission of the one or more RF signals; and (b) configuring the one or more RF signals to boost the RFID signal, where the one or more RF signals are caused to be transmitted after the configuring.
(D1) In accordance with some embodiments, a method of operating a transmitter device includes (i) operating the transmitter device in a first mode, including: (a) detecting an RF identification signal; and (b) augmenting the RFID signal using a transmitter of the transmitter device (e.g., repeating the RFID signal); and (ii) operating the transmitter device in a second mode, including (a) detecting one or more power receivers; and (b) causing transmission of one or more RF signals, via the transmitter, to energize the one or more power receivers. In some embodiments, while in the first mode, the transmitter is off (powered-down) until an RFID signal is received. In some embodiments, the second mode is disabled in response to detecting the RFID signal (e.g., to avoid interference). In some embodiments, the method is performed at any one of the transmitting devices described herein. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a wireless power bridge. In some embodiments, the wireless power bridge is configured to operate as an RF repeater (e.g., for RFID signals).
(D2) In some embodiments of D1, operating the transmitter device in the second mode further includes detecting the RFID signal and configuring the one or more RF signals to augment the RFID signal.
(D3) In some embodiments of D1 or D2, the RFID signal is detected using a first antenna and the RFID signal is augmented using a second antenna.
(D4) In some embodiments of D1 or D2, the RFID signal is detected and augmented using a same antenna.
(D5) In some embodiments of D4, the one or more RF signals are transmitted using the same antenna.
(D6) In some embodiments of any of D1-D5, the transmitter device is configured to operate in the second mode in accordance with a determination that at least one power receiver is detected; and the transmitter device is configured to operate in the first mode in accordance with a determination that the at least one power receiver is not detected.
(D7) In some embodiments of any of D1-D6, the transmitter device is configured to transition from the first mode to the second mode in accordance with detection of at least one power receiver.
(D8) In some embodiments of any of D1-D7, the transmitter device is further configured to operate in a third mode, including (i) detecting the one or more power receivers; and (ii) causing transmission of one or more second RF signals, via the transmitter, to energize the one or more power receivers, the one or more second RF signals configured to reduce interference with a communication signal.
(D9) In some embodiments of D8, the transmitter device is configured to operate in the second mode in accordance with a determination that no communication signal is detected; and the transmitter device is configured to operate in the third mode in accordance with a determination that at least one communication signal is detected. In some embodiments, while operating in the third mode, the transmitter device is configured to transition to the second mode in accordance with the communication signal no longer being detected (e.g., a preset time out).
(D10) In some embodiments of D8 or D9, operating in the third mode further includes (i) determining whether transmission of the one or more RF signals would interfere with the communication signal; (ii) in accordance with a determination that the transmission of the one or more RF signals would not interfere with the communication signal, causing transmission of the one or more RF signals; and (iii) in accordance with a determination that the transmission of the one or more RF signals would interfere with the communication signal, causing transmission of the one or more second RF signals.
(D11) In some embodiments of any of D1-D10, available modes of the transmitter device are enabled or disabled in firmware, the available modes including the first mode and the second mode.
(E1) In accordance with some embodiments, a method of providing wireless power and wireless synchronization (e.g., the method 2150) includes, at a device configured to provide wireless power transmission (WPT) signals: (i) scanning an area for wireless communications; (ii) identifying the presence of a communications network based on the scan; (iii) in accordance with a determination that transmission of the WPT signals would not interfere with the communications network, providing the WPT signals in a first configuration; and (iv) in accordance with a determination that the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network, providing the WPT signals in a second configuration, the second configuration configured to reduce interference with the communications network. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a network device (e.g., a bridge or gateway device). In some embodiments, the method is performed at any one of the transmitting devices described herein. In some embodiments, a software-defined radio (SDR) is used to determine/set the configurations based on properties of detected communication signals. In some embodiments, the configuration selection is based on a power level and/or classification of the communications network. For example, a first configuration is used for the presence of WiFi, a second configuration is used for the presence of LoRa, and a third configuration is used for the presence of GSM.
In some embodiments, the communications network is an RFID, WiFi, LoRa, or GSM network. In some embodiments, the second configuration includes transmission of WPT signals in an envelope-follower mode. In some embodiments, the second configuration includes transmission of WPT signals in a non-envelope-follower mode. In some embodiments, the second configuration includes transmission of WPT signals in a static CW or hopping transmission pattern.
(E2) In some embodiments of E1, the method further includes determining whether the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network. In some embodiments, the determination occurs at the device, in some embodiments the determination occurs at a remote system (e.g., presence data is sent to the remote system for analysis and instructions).
(E3) In some embodiments of E2, the scanning and the determining are performed at a same chip. In some embodiments, the scanning and the determining at different chips.
(E4) In some embodiments of E2 or E3, determining whether the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network comprises determining that the WPT signals share at least a portion of a frequency band with the communications network.
(E5) In some embodiments of any of E2-E4, determining whether the transmission of the WPT signals would interfere with the communications network comprises classifying a protocol type of the communications network. For example, an RFID protocol, an 802.11 protocol, or a LoRA protocol. For example, the receiver demodulates/decodes the incoming signal (e.g., the preamble), software reads the data, and classifies the incoming signal as RFID or not RFID. In this example, the RFID signals are considered to interfere, and the non-RFID signals are considered not to interfere. The classification can be periodic, and/or there can be a time limit or some other programmable limit for coexistence mode. In some embodiments, the classification is based on a frequency, a spectrum, a bandwidth, a shape, and/or a packet power profile.
(E6) In some embodiments of any of E1-E5, the method further includes transitioning from the second configuration to the first configuration in accordance with one or more predefined criteria. In some embodiments, the one or more predefined criteria include a timeout criterion, a number of reads criterion, and/or other parameters received from the communications network.
(E7) In some embodiments of any of E1-E6, the method further includes receiving a packet from the communications network; and transmitting the packet to a remote device. In some embodiments, communication packets are forwarded to a network (cloud) server.
In accordance with some embodiments, a computing system includes one or more processors, memory, and one or more programs stored in the memory and configured for execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing any of the methods described herein (e.g., the methods 900, 2100, 2150, A1-A24, C1-13, D1-D11, and E1-E7).
In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs configured for execution by a computing system having one or more processors and memory, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing any of the methods described herein (e.g., the methods 900, 2100, 2150, A1-A24, C1-13, D1-D11, and E1-E7).
(F1) In accordance with some embodiments, a repeater device includes: (i) a receiver configured to detect an incoming radio-frequency (RF) identification signal; (ii) circuitry coupled to the receiver and a transmitter, the circuitry configured to: (a) detect a power envelope of the incoming RFID signal; and (b) modulate an output signal in accordance with the power envelope to generate a modulated output signal; and (iii) the transmitter configured to transmit the modulated output signal. In some embodiments, the receiver comprises an RFID tag IC. In some embodiments, the receiver comprises a power rectifier component, an envelope detection component, and an RFID signal decoder component. In some embodiments, the repeater device is configured to monitor decoded data and switch to a hybrid operation mode in accordance with the decoded data meeting one or more criteria (e.g., as described previously with respect to
(F2) In some embodiments of F1, the repeater device further includes control circuitry configured to generate a power envelope for the output signal based on the power envelope of the incoming RFID signal. For example, the control circuitry may be a controller or microcontroller.
(F3) In some embodiments of F1 or F2, the circuitry comprises an amplitude demodulator for detecting the power envelope, and an amplitude modulator for modulating the output signal. In some embodiments, the circuitry includes a coupling component configured to provide the power envelope to the amplitude modulator. In some embodiments, the circuitry includes a classification component configured to detect patterns corresponding to different communication standards.
(F4) In some embodiments of any of F1-F3, the receiver and the transmitter are components of a same antenna. In some embodiments, the circuitry comprises a directional coupler configured to sample the incoming RFID signal. In some embodiments, the circuitry comprises a signal conditioning component configured to apply a gain, attenuation, and/or filer to the RFID signal.
(F5) In some embodiments of any of F1-F4, the receiver and the transmitter are components of a different antennas.
(F6) In some embodiments of any of F1-F5, the receiver comprises one or more of: a tuner configured to convert the incoming RFID signal to an intermediate frequency; an analog-to-digital converter; a digital downconverter; and a digital signal processor (DSP). In some embodiments, the DSP is programmable. In some embodiments, the DSP is configured to decode the data.
(F7) In some embodiments of any of F1-F5, the repeater device further includes a cancellation circuit configured to isolate the receiver from the transmitter. For example, the cancellation circuit is arranged in series between the receiver and the transmitter. In some embodiments, the cancellation circuit comprises a variable phase shifter and/or an attenuator. In some embodiments, the cancellation circuit is adaptive (e.g., uses feedback from the receiver to adjust one or more outputs). In some embodiments, a carrier cancellation function is implemented in a processor (e.g., a DSP). In some embodiments, the cancellation circuit comprises a circulator.
(F8) In some embodiments of any of F1-F7, the repeater device is configured to perform any of the methods of C1-13, D1-D11, and E1-E7. In some embodiments, the repeater device includes one or more components from any of the transmitting devices described herein (e.g., the repeater device is an instance of one of the transmitting devices described herein).
In some embodiments, the repeater device is configured for RFID detection and enhancement. As an example, the repeater device detects an RFID interrogation over-the-air, and synchronizes a WPT transmission to interrogators in time and/or frequency. In some embodiments, the transmitting device is configured to boost range of an RFID response signal, e.g., amplify the backscatter signal by applying power during the tag to reader phase of RFID. In some embodiments, the transmitting device is configured to detect, synchronize, and boost the reader signal to improve the range of an existing RFID reader. In some embodiments, the transmitting device includes an algorithm to switch between a pure WPT mode and an RFID hybrid mode (e.g., as described previously with respect to
In some embodiments, the repeater device is configured for programmable listen-before-talk and classification. For example, the repeater device scans and identifies communication networks in-band and classifies the networks as likely or unlikely victims based on a combination of factors. In this example, the repeater device sets the transmitter to a non-interfering configuration if needed.
In some embodiments, the repeater device is a wireless power bridge. In some embodiments, the repeater device includes dedicated WPT band(s) with programmable PHY optimized for wireless power transmission, e.g., with or without data communication in the WPT band(s). In some embodiments, the wireless power bridge operates in one of several modes which may have different hardware configurations and/or may be software-programmable. For example, the modes may include RFID repeater only; RFID repeater and WPT; RFID repeater, WPT, and listen-before-talk; or RFID repeater, WPT, and LBT with data classification.
In some embodiments, the repeater device includes a signal-detecting receiver inside a WPN transmitter. In some embodiments, the repeater device includes a power and/or envelope detector to enable TX to match RFID activity. In some embodiments, the repeater device includes a RFID receiver with read interrupt signaling and data demodulation. In some embodiments, the repeater device includes a data communication receiver inside a WPN transmitter. In some embodiments, the repeater device includes a sampling receiver with LoRa, WiFi, and RFID detection/demodulation in hardware. In some embodiments, the repeater device includes a sampling receiver with software-defined demodulation for various victim networks (e.g., power, preamble, and/or classification).
In some embodiments, the repeater device includes an electromagnetic and/or electronic solution to enable simultaneous receive and transmit for RFID boosting, including one or more of: antenna spatial multiplexing (diversity), electromagnetic or electronic non-reciprocity, and fixed and/or adaptive carrier cancellation.
(G1) In accordance with some embodiments, a wireless-power transmitting (WPT) device (e.g., the antenna tuning circuit 2300, the antenna tuning circuit 2550, the antenna tuning circuit 2630, etc.) includes a programmable splitter component (e.g., the splitter 2304), a plurality of polarization switching components (e.g., the two phase-shifting modules 2330a-2330b), a plurality of amplifiers (e.g., the two amplifiers 2312a-2312b), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., the two antennas 2316a-2316b). The programmable splitter component is configured to be switchable between a linear polarization setting (e.g., a horizontal linear polarization setting, a vertical linear polarization setting, a linear out-of-phase setting, and/or a linear in-phase setting) and a circular polarization setting (e.g., an LHCP setting and/or an RHCP setting). The plurality of polarization switching components are coupled to a plurality of outputs of the programmable splitter component (e.g., as illustrated in
(G2) In some embodiments of G1, the WPT device further includes another amplifier (e.g., the preamplifier 2302), and the programmable splitter component is coupled to an output of the other amplifier (e.g., as illustrated in
(G3) In some embodiments of G1-G2, the WPT device further includes a plurality of filters (e.g., the two low-pass filters 2322a-2322b), and the plurality of filters are coupled to the respective inputs of the plurality of antennas (e.g., as illustrated in
(G4) In some embodiments of G1-G3, each of the plurality of polarization-switching components switch between a left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) setting, a right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) setting, a horizontal polarization setting, and a vertical polarization setting. In some embodiments, the each of the plurality of polarization-switching components further switch between an in-phase linear polarization setting, an out-of-phase linear polarization setting, a horizontal non-directive setting, and a vertical non-directive setting.
(G5) In some embodiments of G1-G4, the switching between the left-hand circular polarization setting, the right-hand circular polarization setting, and the horizontal polarization setting, and the vertical polarization setting includes adjusting respective phases for the plurality of antennas.
(G6) In some embodiments of G1-G5, each of the plurality of amplifiers is configured to vary a voltage of an output signal supplied to the plurality of antennas (e.g., each of the plurality of amplifiers is a variable-gain amplifier).
(G7) In some embodiments of G1-G6, the WPT device further includes a controller coupled to the programmable splitter, each of the plurality of polarization-switching components, and each of the plurality of amplifiers (e.g., as illustrated in
(G8) In some embodiments of G1-G7, the WPT device further includes a communication device (e.g., a WiFi device, a Bluetooth device, an LTE device, and/or an Ethernet device) coupled to the controller (e.g., as illustrated in
(G9) In some embodiments of G1-G8, the WPT device further includes a plurality of matching components (e.g., the two load-balancing components 2314a-2314b). The plurality of matching components are coupled to the respective outputs of the plurality of amplifiers (e.g., as illustrated in
(G10) In some embodiments of G1-G9, the WPT device further includes a multi-band wireless-power transmission source (e.g., included in the IC controller 2350). The programmable-splitter component is coupled to an output of the multi-band wireless-power transmission source (e.g., as illustrated in
(G11) In some embodiments of G1-G10, the WPT device further includes a dynamic power supply (e.g., the dynamic power supply 2370). The dynamic power supply is coupled to the plurality of amplifiers.
(G12) In some embodiments of G1-G11, the plurality of antennas includes at least one stacked patch antenna (e.g., the stacked patch antennas described in reference to
(G13) In some embodiments of G1-G12, the WPT device receives power via an Ethernet connection (e.g., the power-over-ethernet connection 2344).
(G14) In some embodiments of G1-G13, the plurality of antennas are arranged within a housing (e.g., the indoor housing 2570, the first outdoor housing 2580, and the second outdoor housing 2590). The housing comprises two pieces coupled with an O-ring (e.g., the O-ring gasket 2595).
(G15) In some embodiments of G1-G14, the programmable splitter component includes a 90-degree (or 180-degree) phase shift element (e.g., the at least two phase shifters 2310a-2310d) coupled with a switching element (e.g., the two pairs of phase-select switches 2308a-2308b) (e.g., as illustrated in
(G16) In some embodiments of G1-G15, the WPT device further includes at least one variable-gain component coupled to respective inputs of the plurality of polarization-switching components. The at least one variable-gain component is configured to vary a voltage of an output signal supplied to the plurality of polarization-switching components.
(G17) In some embodiments of G1-G16, the plurality of antennas are adapted to transmit at a sub-1 gigahertz frequency and a 2.4 gigahertz frequency.
(G18) In some embodiments of G1-G17, the plurality of antennas include a least one of a dual-patch antenna (e.g., the dual-patch antenna described in reference to
(G19) In some embodiments of G1-G18, the plurality of antennas have a multi-band dual linear polarized and/or circular-polarized structure.
(G20) In some embodiments of G1-G19, the plurality of antennas include a first subset of antennas adapted for a first frequency band and a second subset of antennas adapted for a second frequency band.
(G21) In some embodiments of G1-G20, the first and second subsets of antennas are positioned in a coplanar, alternating arrangement (e.g., as illustrated in
(G22) In some embodiments of G1-G21, the first and second subsets of antennas are arranged to maintain high isolation between antenna ports (e.g., as illustrated in
(G23) In some embodiments of G1-G22, the plurality of antennas are mounted to an antenna board, and the wireless-power transmitting device further comprises a reflective housing enclosing at least a portion of the antenna board (e.g., as illustrated in
(G24) In some embodiments of G1-G23, the programmable-splitter component is configured to select one of a linear polarization setting (e.g., a horizontal linear polarization setting, a vertical linear polarization setting, a linear out-of-phase setting, and/or a linear in-phase setting) and a circular polarization setting (e.g., an LHCP setting and/or an RHCP setting) in accordance with an energizing pattern selected for the WPT device.
(G25) In some embodiments of G1-G24, the energizing pattern is selected based on a plurality of power receivers identified within a wireless-power coverage area of the wireless-power transmitting device.
(H1) In accordance with some embodiments, a wireless power transmitting (WPT) device includes a housing (e.g., the housing illustrated in reference to
(H2) In some embodiments of H1, the transmitter includes a programmable splitter component (e.g., the splitter 2554), a plurality of polarization switching components, and a plurality of amplifiers (e.g., the amplifier 2562). The programmable splitter component is configured to be switchable between a linear polarization setting (e.g., a horizontal linear polarization setting, a vertical linear polarization setting, a linear out-of-phase setting, and/or a linear in-phase setting) and a circular polarization setting (e.g., an LHCP setting and/or an RHCP setting). The plurality of polarization switching components are coupled to a plurality of outputs of the programmable splitter component (e.g., as illustrated in
(H3) In some embodiments of H1-H2, the transmitter is configured to select one of a linear polarization setting (e.g., a horizontal linear polarization setting, a vertical linear polarization setting, a linear out-of-phase setting, and/or a linear in-phase setting) and a circular polarization setting (e.g., an LHCP setting and/or an RHCP setting) in accordance with an energizing pattern selected for the WPT device.
(H4) In some embodiments of H1-H3, the energizing pattern is selected based on a plurality of power receivers identified within the respective coverage zone of the plurality of coverage zones area of the WPT device.
(H5) In some embodiments of H1-H4, the transmitter is configured to govern operation of the plurality of antenna elements such that (i) a first antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements produces a first wireless-power radiation field pattern into a first coverage zone of the plurality of coverage zones, and (ii) a second antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements produces a second wireless-power radiation field pattern, distinct from the first wireless power radiation field pattern, into a second coverage zone of the plurality of coverage zones.
(H6) In some embodiments of H1-H5, the transmitter is configured to govern operation of the plurality of antenna elements such that a portion of the plurality of antenna elements produces a group wireless-power radiation field pattern into a portion of the plurality of coverage zones.
(H7) In some embodiments of H1-H6, the transmitter is configured to identify a receiver based on a receiver's location in the plurality of coverage zones.
(H8) In some embodiments of H1-H7, the plurality of antenna elements include at least one of a folded dipole antenna (e.g., as illustrated in
(H9) In some embodiments of H1-H8, the plurality of RF wave reflectors are arranged to reduce interference between a plurality of wireless-power radiation field patterns produced by the plurality of antenna elements.
(H10) In some embodiments of H1-H9, the plurality of antenna elements are arranged in one of a circular shape (e.g., as illustrated in
(H11) In some embodiments of H1-H10, the wherein the housing includes two pieces coupled with an O-ring (e.g., the O-ring gasket 2595) (e.g., as illustrated in
(I1) In accordance with some embodiments, a wireless-power transmitting (WPT) device includes a substrate (e.g., as illustrated in
(I2) In some embodiments of I1, the transmitter is further configured to selectively produce a plurality of non-directive wireless-power radiation field patterns by adjusting the feed port configurations (e.g., as shown by Table 7 and illustrated in
(I3) In some embodiments of I1-I2, the plurality of non-directive wireless-power radiation field patterns includes at least one side wireless-power radiation field pattern (e.g., as illustrated in
(I4) In some embodiments of I1-I3, each of the at least one feed port of each patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas is configured to reduce interference between each of the at least one feed port of each patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas.
(I5) In some embodiments of I1-I4, the at least one feed port of each patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas are arranged in a circular arrangement (e.g., as illustrated in
(I6) In some embodiments of I1-I5, the transmitter includes a programmable-splitter component (e.g., the splitter 2634), a plurality of polarization-switching components, and a plurality of amplifiers (e.g., the amplifier 2642). The programmable splitter component is configured to be switchable between a linear polarization setting (e.g., a horizontal linear polarization setting, a vertical linear polarization setting, a linear out-of-phase setting, and/or a linear in-phase setting) and a circular polarization setting (e.g., an LHCP setting and/or an RHCP setting). The plurality of polarization switching components are coupled to a plurality of outputs of the programmable splitter component (e.g., as illustrated in
(I7) In some embodiments of I1-I6, the transmitter further includes another amplifier (e.g., the preamplifier 2632). The programmable-splitter component is coupled to an output of the other amplifier (e.g., as illustrated in
(I8) In some embodiments of I1-I7, the transmitter further includes a plurality of matching components (e.g., the load balancing component 2644). The plurality of matching components are coupled to the respective outputs of the plurality of amplifiers (e.g, as illustrated in
(I9) In some embodiments of I1-I8, each of the plurality of polarization-switching components switch between a left-hand circular polarization setting, a right-hand circular polarization setting, a horizontal polarization setting, a vertical polarization setting, and at least one non-directive linear polarization setting (e.g., as shown by Table 7).
(I10) In some embodiments of I1-I9, the switching between the left-hand circular polarization setting, the right-hand circular polarization setting, and the horizontal polarization setting, and the vertical polarization setting includes adjusting respective phases for each of the at least one feed port of each patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas (e.g., as shown by Table 7).
(I11) In some embodiments of I1-I10, at least one of the plurality of polarization-switching components have a fixed phase (e.g., feed port 2614a, as shown by Table 7).
(I12) In some embodiments of I1-I11, the plurality of patch antennas comprises four patch antennas (e.g., as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the devices described herein (e.g., a WPT device, WPN transmitter device, and/or other type of device) are implemented in a lighting fixture. In some embodiments, the devices described herein further include lighting components (e.g., light emitting diodes, filaments, and other types of lighting components). In some embodiments, the devices described are configured to couple to (and acquire power from) a light socket, lamp socket, or other type of light fixture mount. In some embodiments, the devices are configured to obtain power via an AC and/or DC lighting power supply. In some embodiments, the devices are configured to obtain power via a power over ethernet (PoE) connection integrated in the light socket or mount (e.g., coupled via PoE 466 and/or USB voltage source 464). In some embodiments, the programmable bridging and/or gateway functionality described herein is incorporated into lighting fixtures and/or lighting controls. In some embodiments, an assigned power zone area (wireless power zone) for a device is based on a light fixture location for the device. In some embodiments, the devices described herein have a form factor corresponding to a light box, pendant light, or table lamp. In some embodiments, an antenna of the device is integrated into a light box reflector. In some embodiments, an antenna of the device is integrated into a pendant light fixture (e.g., hanging from a ceiling). In some embodiments, an antenna of the device is integrated into a task lamp.
The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments described herein and variations thereof. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Features of the present invention can be implemented in, using, or with the assistance of a computer program product, such as a storage medium (media) or computer readable storage medium (media) having instructions stored thereon/in which can be used to program a processing system to perform any of the features presented herein. The storage medium (e.g., memory 1372, 1374, or 1156) can include, but is not limited to, high-speed random-access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random-access solid-state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storage devices. Memory optionally includes one or more storage devices remotely located from the CPU(s) (e.g., processor(s)). Memory, or alternatively the non-volatile memory device(s) within the memory, comprises a non-transitory computer readable storage medium.
Stored on any one of the machine-readable medium (media), features of the present invention can be incorporated in software and/or firmware for controlling the hardware of a processing system (such as the components associated with the wireless-power transmitter 1300 and/or wireless-power receivers 1100), and for enabling a processing system to interact with other mechanisms utilizing the results of the present invention. Such software or firmware may include, but is not limited to, application code, device drivers, operating systems, and execution environments/containers.
It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined [that a stated condition precedent is true]” or “if [a stated condition precedent is true]” or “when [a stated condition precedent is true]” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “upon detecting” or “in response to detecting” that the stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context.
The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles of operation and practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/314,742, filed on May 9, 2023, and entitled “Integrated Wireless-Power-Transmission Platform Designed to Operate in Multiple Bands, and Multi-Band Antennas for Use Therewith,” which claims priority to: U.S. Prov. App. No. 63/342,000, filed on May 13, 2022, and entitled “Integrated Wireless-Power-Transmission Platform Designed to Operate in Multiple Bands, and Multi-Band Antennas for Use Therewith;”U.S. Prov. App. No. 63/411,060, filed on Sep. 28, 2022, and entitled “Integrated Wireless-Power-Transmission Platform Designed to Operate in Multiple Bands, and Multi-Band Antennas for Use Therewith;”U.S. Prov. App. No. 63/490,441, filed on Mar. 15, 2023, and entitled “Integrated Wireless-Power-Transmission Platform Designed to Operate in Multiple Bands, and Multi-Band Antennas for Use Therewith;”U.S. Prov. App. No. 63/496,663, filed on Apr. 17, 2023, and entitled “Integrated Wireless-Power-Transmission Platform Designed to Operate in Multiple Bands, and Multi-Band Antennas for Use Therewith,” each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63342000 | May 2022 | US | |
| 63411060 | Sep 2022 | US | |
| 63490441 | Mar 2023 | US | |
| 63496663 | Apr 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18314742 | May 2023 | US |
| Child | 18639430 | US |
