Value Proposition: A multi-tone wireless powering, clocking, and communication system for long-range passive IoT devices offers significant advantages by integrating power delivery, clock synchronization, and data communication into a single, efficient framework. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces the complexity and cost associated with traditional systems that require separate components for each function, ultimately enabling more effective deployment of battery-free IoT devices in various applications.
Technology Description: The technology utilizes a 16-tone multi-tone RF signal architecture that optimally delivers power while also enabling precise clock recovery and data transmission. By balancing the signal’s peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), this system improves the sensitivity of energy harvesting and utilizes harmonic components generated by the beat frequencies of the tones to achieve accurate clock synchronization. Additionally, data is encoded using a novel multi-tone BPSK scheme, which maintains the integrity of power delivery and clock signals during communication.
Unmet Need: This system addresses a critical unmet need in the IoT sector, where conventional passive devices often struggle with limitations such as short-range communications, low data rates, and inefficient power delivery methods. As the demand for expansive IoT applications grows, this technology fulfills the need for reliable, long-range, battery-free operation, enhancing performance and usability in environments where conventional solutions fall short.
Stage of Development: The system is in the development stage, with a recent poster presentation and a paper submitted for review. Future work will involve conducting real-world pilot tests to validate performance and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Publication(s): 3in1: System Co-Design for Wireless Power Transfer, Wireless Clocking, and Downlink Communication | Proceedings of the 30th Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking
