KR20090038027A - Rf power transmission network and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an RF power transmission network. The network includes at least one RF power transmitter, at least one power tapping component, and at least one load. The at least one RF power transmitter, the at least one power tapping component, and the at least one load are connected in series. The RF power transmitter sends power through the network. The power is radiated from the network to be received by a device to be charged, re-charged, or directly powered by the power.

Description

RF power transmission network and method {RF POWER TRANSMISSION NETWORK AND METHOD}

The present invention relates to a serial radio frequency (RF) power transmission network.

As processor performance expands and power requirements are relaxed, devices that are completely unrelated to wires or power cords are exploding. These "untethered" devices range from cell phones or wireless keyboards to building sensors or active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.

Engineers or designers of these unlimited devices must continue to address the limitations of portable power supplies that use batteries as an important design variable. The performance of processors and handheld devices doubles every 18 to 27 months (according to Moore's law), but battery capacity is growing only 6 percent annually.

Despite the power-intensive design and the latest battery technology, many devices do not meet the lifespan cost and maintenance requirements for applications that require many unlimited devices, such as logistics or building automation. Today's devices that require two-way communication require scheduled maintenance management that replaces or recharges the device's power supply (typically a battery) every three to eighteen months. Unidirectional devices, such as automated facility meter readers that only send their status but do not receive a signal, typically have better battery life to replace within 10 years. Scheduled power maintenance for both device types is expensive and can be cumbersome for the entire system in which the device is intended to be monitored and / or controlled. Unscheduled maintenance is much more expensive and cumbersome. At large, the relatively high cost associated with internal batteries also reduces the number of practical, economically viable devices that can be deployed.

The ideal solution to the power problem of an unlimited number of devices is a device or system that can collect and use enough energy from the environment. The energy used will then directly power the unlimited device or expand the power supply. However, this ideal solution may not always be practical in practice due to the low energy in the environment and local constraints that limit the ability to use a dedicated energy supply.

Considering these factors, there is a need for a system that provides a solution for ideal situations and more limited environments.

Conventional inventions, such as, for example, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60 / 683,991 and 60 / 763,582, both of which are named power transmission networks and are incorporated herein by reference, focused on parallel network for power distribution. . These inventions do not make use of serial circuitry because the loss from transmission lines, series switches, directional couplers (DCs) and connectors cannot be tolerated in many applications using this technology. However, in certain applications such as small circuit networks with coaxial cable infrastructure, such as desk area, or using new or existing low loss coaxial cable infrastructure in a building for distributing RF power, this loss may be acceptable or minimized. .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a serial RF power network that can be suitably implemented as part of a system for supplying RF power to a device for charging or recharging the device or directly powering the device.

Serial networks have several advantages over parallel networks in certain applications. For example, using a serial network can reduce the amount of transmission lines. In a parallel network, transmission lines are typically connected to each antenna in an RF power transmitter. In a serial network, each antenna removes a certain amount of power from a serially connected transmission line. Another advantage of the serial RF power transfer network is that it can be easily expanded / collapsed. For example, by adding additional power tapping components in series or adding additional power tapping components at the end of the network, additional antennas can be added to the network to increase the length of the series.

High efficiency rectification methods and apparatus for various loads suitable for receiving the RF power distributed by the present invention are described in detail in US Provisional Patent Application 60 / 729,792, incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an RF power transmission network. This network includes a first RF power transmitter for generating power. The network includes at least one power tapping component electrically connected in series to the first RF power transmitter to separate power received from the first RF power transmitter into at least a first portion and a second portion. The network includes at least one antenna electrically connected to the at least one power tapping component to receive the first portion and transmit power.

The present invention relates to a power transmission system. The system includes a first RF power transmitter for generating power. The system includes at least one power tapping component electrically connected in series to the first RF power transmitter to separate power received from the first RF power transmitter into at least a first portion and a second portion. The system includes at least one antenna electrically connected to the at least one power tapping component to receive the first portion and transmit power. The system includes a device to be powered. The system includes a receive antenna electrically connected to the device and configured to receive the transmitted power.

The present invention relates to an RF power transmission method. The method includes generating power with a first RF power transmitter. Split the power received from the first RF power transmitter into at least a first portion and a second portion with at least one power tapping component electrically connected in series with the first RF power transmitter. At least one antenna electrically connected to the at least one power tapping component receives the first portion. Transfer power with at least one antenna.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiver having a wireless power harvester for generating direct current. The apparatus includes a coupler having a first input with a first power. The apparatus includes a second input having a second power. The apparatus includes an output having a greater output power than each of the first and second powers as a combination of the first and second powers. The device includes an antenna electrically connected to the output and transmitting output power to the receiver.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiver having a wireless power harvester for generating direct current. The device has a main line and a secondary line separated by a distance d from the main line and includes a field adjust coupler that increases or decreases power to a desired level. The device includes an adjustment mechanism for changing the distance d. The device includes an antenna for transmitting power to the receiver.

1 shows a simple series network in accordance with the present invention;

2 illustrates a multiple input series network in accordance with the present invention;

3 illustrates a coupler that may be used in the present invention;

4 shows a three-transmitter network according to the invention;

5 shows a power divider used in the present invention;

6 illustrates an adjustable directional coupler that may be used in the present invention;

7 and 8 illustrate a multipath network in accordance with the present invention;

9 shows a switching network according to the invention;

10 shows a second switching network according to the invention;

11 illustrates a desktop installation of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like elements throughout the figures.

"Top", "bottom", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", and derivatives thereof are related to the present invention as oriented in the drawings for the following description. do. However, it should be understood that the present invention may take a number of alternative variations and step sequences except as expressly defined by the moon. It is also to be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, specific dimensions or other physical characteristics related to the embodiments described herein are not to be considered as limiting.

The present invention relates to an RF power transmission network 10 as shown in FIG. The network 10 includes a first RF power transmitter 12a for generating power. The network 10 is electrically connected in series to the first RF power transmitter 12a to at least one power tapping that separates the power received from the first RF power transmitter 12a into at least a first portion and a second portion. ) Component 14a. This network includes at least one antenna 20a electrically connected to at least one power tapping component 14a for receiving a first portion and transmitting power.

At least one power tapping component 14a may be a directional coupler, as shown in FIG. 3. Circuitry 10 may include a second RF power transmitter 12b electrically connected in series to at least one power tapping component 14a as shown in FIG. 2. The network 10 is electrically connected to one or more of the first RF power transmitter 12a, the at least one power tapping component 14a, the at least one antenna 20a, and the second RF power transmitter 12b. At least one controller 74a may be included. At least one power tapping component 14a may be a bidirectional coupler 36. Alternatively, the at least one power tapping component can be a power divider 52 as shown in FIG. 4.

The network 10 may include at least one additional RF power transmitter 12b electrically connected in series with at least one power tapping component 14a as shown in FIG. 2. The network 10 is electrically connected to one or more of the first RF power transmitter 12a, at least one power tapping component 14a, at least one antenna 20a and at least one additional RF power transmitter 12b. At least one controller 74a may be connected. The network 10 may include a termination load 16. The network 10 may include at least one transmission line 18. In one embodiment, the power transmitted from the first RF power transmitter 12a does not include data.

The network 10 may include at least one controller 74a electrically connected to one or more of the first RF power transmitter 12a, at least one power tapping component 14a, and at least one antenna 20a. Can be. At least one controller 74a of the at least one controller may be electrically connected to at least one other controller 74b of the at least one controller. The network 10 may be configured to transmit power in the form of pulses through at least one antenna 20a.

At least one of the at least one power tapping component 14a may be a switch 82a as shown in FIG. 9. The switch 82a can be controlled via a control line. The switch 82a can be controlled by sensing power. The sensed power may be pulse power. The pulse power can vary in duration. The pulse power can vary in timing. The switch 82a may be controlled via a communication signal. The communication signal can be transmitted via a coaxial cable.

Antenna 20a may be a transmission line 18 as shown in FIG. 1. At least some of the power received from the first RF power transmitter 12a may be used as operating power by the at least one power tapping component 14a. The network 10 may include a second power tapping component 14b electrically connected in series with at least one power tapping component 14a, in which case the at least one power tapping component 14a is a first RF power source. Disposed between the transmitter 12a and the second power tapping component 14b. The second power tapping component 14b receives a second portion from the at least one power tapping component 14a and separates it into at least a third portion and a fourth portion.

The first RF power transmitter 12a may include a first connector that electrically connects the first RF power transmitter 12a to at least one power tapping component 14a, wherein the at least one power tapping component 14a Includes a second connector that electrically connects the at least one power tapping component to the second power tapping component 14b.

The present invention relates to a system 100 for power transfer as shown in FIG. The system includes a first RF power transmitter 12a for generating power. The system has at least one power tapping component 14a electrically connected in series to the first RF power transmitter 12a to separate power received from the first RF power transmitter 12a into at least a first portion and a second portion. It includes. The system includes at least one antenna 20a electrically connected to at least one power tapping component 14a for receiving a first portion and transmitting power. The system includes a device 94 to be powered. The system includes a receive antenna 92 electrically connected to the apparatus 94 and configured to receive the transmitted power.

The network 10 includes at least one controller 74a electrically connected to one or more of an RF power transmitter, at least one power tapping component 14a and at least one antenna 20a as shown in FIG. It may include. At least one of the at least one power tapping components may be a switch 82a as shown in FIG. 9. The system 100 may be configured to transmit power in the form of pulses through at least one antenna 20a. At least some of the power received from the first RF power transmitter 12a may be used as operating power by the at least one power tapping component 14a. In one embodiment, the power transmitted from the first RF power transmitter 12a does not include data.

The network 10 may include a second power tapping component 14b electrically connected in series with at least one power tapping component 14a as shown in FIG. 11, in which case at least one power tapping component ( 14a) is disposed between the first RF power transmitter 12a and the second power tapping component 14b. The second power tapping component 14b receives the second portion from the at least one power tapping component 14a and separates it into at least a third portion and a fourth portion, and the first antenna 20b has a second power tapping component. Receives and transmits a third portion electrically connected to the track 14b.

As shown in FIG. 3, there is an apparatus for transmitting wireless power to a receiver having a wireless power harvester generating a direct current. The apparatus includes a combiner 38 having a first input 40a having a first power. The device includes a second input 40b having a second power. The apparatus includes an output having a greater output power than each of the first power and the second power as a combination of the first power and the second power. The device includes an antenna 20a electrically connected to the output to transmit output power to the receiver.

As shown in FIG. 6, there is an apparatus for transmitting wireless power to a receiver having a wireless power harvester generating direct current. The device includes a field adjust coupler 60 that increases or decreases power to a desired level, which coupler has a mainline 62 and a secondary line 64 away from the main line 62 by a distance d. have. The device includes an adjustment mechanism for changing this distance d. The apparatus includes an antenna 20a for transmitting power to the receiver.

The present invention relates to an RF power transmission method. The method includes generating power with the first RF power transmitter 11a as shown in FIG. There is a step of separating the power received from the first RF power transmitter 12a into at least a first portion and a second portion with at least one power tapping component electrically connected in series to the first RF power transmitter 12a. There is a step in which at least one antenna 20a electrically connected to at least one power tapping component 14a receives the first portion. There is a step of transmitting power with at least one antenna 20a.

The method receives power transmitted wirelessly from at least one antenna 20a at a receiving antenna 92 coupled to the device 94 and configured to receive the transmitted power, and is disposed in the device 94 so that the device ( Converting the power received by the receive antenna 92 with the power harvester electrically connected to 94. The method includes adding a second power tapping component electrically connected in series to the at least one power tapping component, wherein the at least one power tapping component 14a comprises a first RF power transmitter 12a and a second power tapping component ( And 14b). The second power tapping component 14b receives a second portion from the at least one power tapping component 14a and separates it into at least a third portion and a fourth portion. There may be a step of receiving at the second antenna 20b electrically connected to the second power tapping component 14b. There may be a step of transmitting power from the second antenna 20b.

Single input serial network

Briefly described with reference to FIG. 1, a single input (“simple”) series power distribution / transmission network 10 according to the present invention comprises a single RF transmitter 12a and at least one power tapping component (PTC) 14a. It includes. The single input series network 10 terminates with a load 16. PTCs 14a-14c are connected in series.

Power proceeds from direction RF D from RF power transmitter 12a. Thus, there is only one power direction in the single input series network 10. As shown in FIG. 1, power proceeds from left to right.

In the network 10, the connections 18 (generally referred to herein as transmission lines) are made via coaxial cables, transmission lines, waveguides, or other suitable means. The load 16 includes, but is not limited to, antennas, terminators, couplers, directional couplers, bidirectional couplers, dividers, combiners, power dividers, circulators, attenuators, or other components that act as loads. It is not. The transmission line 18 or the final PTC 14c must be terminated using the load 16 to eliminate reflections. It should be noted that the circulator as well as the divider and combiner can supply the reflected power back to the series connection.

PTC 14a removes power from transmission line 18 (or other connections) and supplies this removed power to other components such as load 16, antenna 20a or other transmission line 18. . Preferably, PTC 14a sends the remaining power to the next component in series, such as load 16, antenna 20a, other PTC 14b, or other transmission line 18.

Preferably, the PTC 14a has three or more input / output sections (connectors) through which power is input, output (receive) and / or output (pass). For example, PTC 14a has an input, a first output for received power and a second output for passed power. PTC 14a receives power at its input. PTC 14a separates power into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is "accepted" and sent to a first output, such as antenna 20a (to be described later). The second part is " passed " and is connected in series to the next component, such as another PTC 14b.

PTC 14a may be a directional coupler as shown in FIG. 1. The directional coupler can be implemented with a divider or coupler.

One output of each PTC 14a-14c is preferably connected to an antenna 20a-20c, respectively. Each antenna 20a-20c radiates power into a coverage area (or volume). The coverage area is defined by the minimum electric field and / or magnetic field strength. For example, a coverage area may be defined as an area (or space) where the radiated electric field intensity is at least 2 volts (2 V / m) per meter. The coverage area from a given antenna 20a may or may not overlap with other coverage areas from other antennas 20b and 20c. Other outputs of each PTC 14a-14c may be connected to a load 16 and other transmission line 18.

If PTC 14a-14c is implemented as a directional coupler, the directional coupler can be designed to tap (or remove) a certain percentage (dB) from transmission line 18. For example, a -20dB coupler and a 1000 Watt (W) input appear as a 10W output to the termination load 16. In the network 10 the directional couplers may all have the same coupling (eg -20dB), or in some cases standard coupling (eg -3, -6, -10dB) or nonstandard coupling (eg -3.4, -8, -9.8 dB).

The circulator 22a or insulator may be connected in series between the RF power transmitter 12a and the first PTC 14a to prevent reflected power that may damage the RF power transmitter 12a.

1 shows an RF power transmitter 12a, a circulator 22a, three PTCs 14a-14c (implemented as directional couplers) connected to antennas 20a-20c, respectively, and a termination load 16 A single input serial network 10 is shown.

In use, the RF power transmitter 12a supplies power along each transmission line (s) 18 to each PTC 14a-14c in the network 10. Each PTC 14a-14c taps power from the transmission line and sends this power to each of the connected antennas 20a-20c and load 16. The antennas 20a-20c and the load 16 radiate power to the coverage areas corresponding to each of the antennas 20a-20c and the load 16. Any device to be powered receives the radiated power if it is within the coverage area. The received power is used to charge or recharge the device or to operate the device directly.

Dual input series network

2, the dual input series power distribution / transmission network 10 according to the present invention is characterized by a first RF power transmitter 12a and a network (at the first end 32 of the network 10). A second RF power transmitter 12b at the second end 34 of 10). One or more PTCs 14 are connected in series between the first RF power transmitter 12a and the second RF power transmitter 12b.

Preferably, each PTC 14 is also connected to its own antenna 20a-20c. Each antenna 20a-20c radiates power to a coverage area. The coverage area from a given antenna 20a may or may not overlap with other coverage areas from other antennas 20b and 20c.

PTC 14a-14c may be a bidirectional coupler that couples the waves in both directions. Thereby, the dual power direction, that is, the first power direction A derived from the first RF power transmitter 12a and the second power direction B derived from the second RF power transmitter 12b are possible.

The first circulator 22a is a first RF power transmitter 12a between the first RF power transmitter 12a and the PTC 14a to prevent reflected power that may damage the first RF power transmitter 12a. ) Can then be connected in series. Similarly, the second circulator 22b may be disposed in series between the second RF power transmitter 12b and the corresponding PTC 14b.

The first RF power transmitter 12a and the second RF power transmitter 12b may have the same frequency. However, they will actually have slightly different frequencies due to component tolerances and will drift out of phase and average to some finite value. This problem is described in detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 699,148 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 763,582, both of which are named power transmission networks and are incorporated herein by reference. The first RF power transmitter 12a and the second RF power transmitter 12b may be designed to have different frequencies or have independent channels.

The advantage of the network 10 with dual (or multiple, described below) RF power transmitters 12a, 12b is that the network 10 concentrates losses at one end (as in the single input series network 10). Rather than spreading the losses along the transmission line 18. Another advantage is that less power is required for each RF power transmitter 12a, 12b. For example, one transmitter 12a may input 1000W, or two transmitters 12a and 12b may each input 500W. Using these two 500 W inputs will result in lower power, component cost, etc. of the network 10. The RF power transmitters 12a and 12b may have different power levels if advantageous.

2 shows a first RF power transmitter 12a, a first circulator 22a, three PTCs 14a-14c (implemented as bidirectional couplers) connected to antennas 20a-20c, respectively, and a second circulator ( 22b), and a dual input series network 10 with a second RF power transmitter 12b.

In use, the RF power transmitters 12a, 12b supply power along each transmission line (s) 18 to each PTC 14a-14c in the network 10. Each PTC 14a-14c taps power from the transmission line and sends this power to each of the connected antennas 20a-20c. The antennas 20a-20c radiate power to the coverage area corresponding to each antenna 20a-20c. Any device to be powered receives the radiated power if it is within the coverage area. The received power is used to charge or recharge the device or to operate the device directly.

Referring to FIG. 3, a given bidirectional coupler 36 may require a combiner 38 that couples the power from each power direction A, B. The first input 40a with the first initial power enters the bidirectional coupler 36 from the first power direction A. The second input 40b with the second initial power enters the bidirectional coupler 36 from the second power direction B. The tap of the first input (eg -20dB) and the tap of the second input (eg -20dB) are coupled at the combiner 38, which couples the combined power 42 to the antenna 22a or other transmission line 18. (Or a combination of both).

The first input leaving bidirectional coupler 36 (which may be an input to another bidirectional coupler 36) has been reduced by the amount of power tapped and by the amount of loss (insertion loss) from the coupler 36 itself. This also applies to the second input leaving the bidirectional coupler 36. That is, when the first input 40a exits the bidirectional coupler 36, the amount of power currently present is equal to the power lost in the initial power minus tapped power minus coupler 36 (insertion loss).

Alternatively, the bidirectional coupler 36 may be designed to not sense the power direction, and thus not require the combiner 38. Therefore, the PTC 14a (in this case, the bidirectional coupler) may simply be called a coupler.

Multi-input serial network

4, the multi-input serial power distribution / transmission network 10 according to the present invention may include a first RF power transmitter 12a, first connected through a power divider 52 in a star or cluster pattern, for example. 2 RF power transmitter 12b and at least one third power transmitter 12c. One or more PTCs 14a may be disposed in series between the first, second and / or third RF power transmitters 12a-12c and the power divider 52.

Preferably, each PTC 14a-14c is also connected to its respective antenna 20a-20c. Each antenna 20a-20c radiates power to a coverage area. The coverage area from a given antenna 20a may or may not overlap with other coverage areas from other antennas 20b and 20c.

PTC 14a-14c may be a bidirectional coupler that couples waves in two directions. The power divider 52 combines (or routes power) the waves in a plurality of directions. Accordingly, a plurality of power directions, that is, a first power direction A derived from the first RF power transmitter 12a, a second power direction B derived from the second RF power transmitter 12b, and a third RF A third power direction C originating from the power transmitter 12c is possible. The power divider 52 can be a combiner or divider. In the multi-input serial network 10 as compared to the dual-input serial network 10 (shown in FIG. 2), the network 10 is connected to the first input 40a and the second from the first RF power transmitter 12a. It includes not only the second input 40b from the RF power transmitter 12b but also at least the third input 40c from the third RF power transmitter 12c.

Referring to FIG. 5, the number of ports on the power divider 52 can be increased using 1-N dividers, so that N + 1 ports can be given on the power divider 52. Each output on one divider 54a is connected to one of the outputs of the other dividers 54b. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the three-port power divider 52 includes three 1-3 dividers 54a-54c. Power from direction A enters first port 56a and is divided by divider 54a and directed to dividers 54b and 54c. Power from direction B enters second port 56b and is split by divider 54b and directed to dividers 54a and 54c. Power from direction C enters third port 56c and is split by divider 54c and directed to dividers 54a and 54b.

The multi-input serial network 10 shown in FIG. 4 may include additional RF power transmitters and / or additional power dividers connected in various configurations. That is, the network 10 may be extended so that one or more power dividers 52 connect the plurality of RF power transmitters 12a-12c. Thus, the network 10 may include a plurality of star patterns or clusters.

4 shows a multiple input serial network 10 having a first RF power transmitter 12a, a second RF power transmitter 12b, a third RF power transmitter 12c and a power divider 52. The first PTC 14a (implemented as a bidirectional coupler) is connected between the first RF power transmitter 12a and the second RF power transmitter 12b. The second PTC 14b is connected between the second RF power transmitter 12b and the third RF power transmitter 12c. The third PTC 14c is connected between the third RF power transmitter 12c and the power divider 52. Each PTC 14a-14c is also connected to the antenna 20a.

In use, the RF power transmitters 12a-12c supply power along each transmission line 18 to each PTC 14 in the network 10. Each PTC 14a-14c taps power from the transmission line and sends this power to each of the connected antennas 20a-20c. The antennas 20a-20c radiate power to the coverage area corresponding to each antenna 20a-20c. Any device to be powered receives the emitted power if it is within the coverage area. The received power is used to charge or recharge the device or to operate the device directly.

Adjustable PTC

In general, the amount of power exiting the PTC 14a is equal to the amount of power entering the PTC 14a minus the amount of power tapped by the PTC 14a. Thus, the initial amount of power from the RF power transmitter 12a is reduced each time power passes through the PTCs 14a-14c.

For example, the network includes two PTCs implemented as -20 dB couplers. If the input to the first coupler is 100W, the amount tapped will be 1W (i.e. 100W / 100 = 1W) and the amount of power drawn out will be 99W (i.e. 100W-1W = 99W). When 99W reaches the second -20dB coupler, the amount tapped will be 0.99W (99W / 100 = 0.99W) and the amount that exits the second coupler will be 98.01W.

Outlined with reference to FIG. 6, field adjustment PTC 60 may be used in the present invention to ensure that all outputs are at a desired level. The power can be increased or decreased by varying the coupling coefficient by the field adjustment PTC 60.

For example, PTC 60 is a bidirectional coupler. In order to make this bidirectional coupler adjustable, an adjustment mechanism such as, but not limited to, a screw or an electrical controller is introduced to change the distance or electrical characteristics. The coupling factor depends on the distance between the main line 62 and the secondary line 64 of the bidirectional coupler or the electrical characteristics of the coupler. Note that changing the length of the coupler also changes its characteristics.

By including the field adjustment PTC 60 in the network 10, the power supplied to each antenna throughout the network 10 can be maintained at a substantially constant level.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, multiple paths may exist in a network. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the network 10 includes an RF power transmitter 12a connected in series to a first PTC 14a (implemented as a directional coupler) and a power divider 54 (1-2). . The first output of the power divider 54 is connected to the second PTC 14b and terminates at the first termination antenna (load) 16b. The second output of the power divider 54 is connected to a third PTC 14c connected in series with the fourth PTC 14d and terminates at the second terminated antenna (load) 16d. The first, second, third and fourth PTCs 14a-14d are antennas (first antenna 20a, second antenna 20b, third antenna 20c and fourth antenna 20d, respectively). Connected to the respective antennas 20a-20d to supply power to the various coverage areas. Any device to be powered receives the radiated power if it is within the coverage area. The received power is used to charge or recharge the device or to operate the device directly.

As another example, referring to FIG. 8, the network 10 includes an RF power transmitter 12a in series with a circulator 22 connected to a first PTC 14a (implemented as a directional coupler). The first PTC 14a is connected in series to the second PTC 14b and the third PTC 14c and terminates at the first termination antenna (load) 16c. The first PTC 14a is also connected in series to the fourth PTC 14d and the fifth PTC 14e, and terminates at the second termination antenna (load) 16e. In addition, the fourth PTC 14d is connected to the sixth PTC 14f and terminated at the third termination load 16f. The second, third, fifth, and sixth PTCs 14b, 14c, 14e, and 14f each have an antenna (second antenna 20b, third antenna 20c, third) to radiate power to various coverage areas. Fifth antenna 20e and sixth antenna 20f). Note that a given PTC may not have an associated antenna for power radiation. Any device to be powered receives the radiated power if it is within the coverage area. The received power is used to charge or recharge the device or to operate the device directly.

Other embodiments

9, the present invention may be implemented as a switching network 10 (network including at least one switch 82) in accordance with any embodiment. In the switching network 10, the PTC 14a or at least one of the PTCs is a switch 82a or includes a switch 82a. These components are connected in series.

The switch 82a may be in an electromechanical or solid state such as a relay or a PIN diode, respectively, but is not limited thereto. The switch 82a may have a configuration suitable for the network 10 such as SPST, DPDT, SP3T, etc., but is not limited thereto.

Preferably, the switch 82a is also connected to the antenna 20a. Antenna 20a radiates power to the coverage area. The coverage area from a given antenna 20a may or may not overlap with other coverage areas from other antennas 20b and 20c.

Preferably, switch 82a receives or passes power. When power is received, this power is supplied to specific components of the network 10, such as antenna 20a. When power passes, it is connected to the next connected component in series. For PTC 14 without direct antenna connection, switch 82a can pass power sequentially or simultaneously to one or more components.

Each switch 82a, 82b accepts or passes power, so the network 10 can be designed to generate power in the form of a pulse. That is, any antenna 20a, 20b connected to the switches 82a, 82b may be turned on or off as desired. For example, one antenna 20a of the network can be turned on at a time. Pulsing networks are described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 356,892 and US provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 758,018, both of which are named pulsing transmission networks and are incorporated herein by reference.

The switch 82a can be controlled by any suitable means. The switch 82a may be controlled by the RF power transmitter 12a using the control line 18. This control line may send a communication signal and / or power to the switch 82a. The switch 82a may have a timer or clock (eg, a “smart switch”). A communication signal may be sent through the coaxial cable 18 at the same frequency or at a separate frequency to inform switch 82a when to switch. DC power may be sent over a transmission line to power PTC 14a (in this case switch 82a) or any other component in the network. The PTC or power distribution component may also derive power from the transmission line by consuming a portion of the RF power, preferably by rectifying the RF power to DC power.

The switch 82a may sense pulse power supplied from the RF power transmitter 12a to determine a switch timing. The pulse may be designed to generate a node identifier that signals switch 82a to switch. The pulses can have different frequencies (timings) and can be of varying durations (long and short pulses).

The switch 82a may sense power. When power is detected at the input, the switch 82a generates a power pulse, which may then pass power for a period of time before generating the pulse again.

Preferably, switch 82a taps a portion of the power from transmission line 18 and rectifies RF power to DC power to provide switching information to switch 82a or switch controller 74a (described below). The supplied pulse forming the node identifier or power may be detected. The rectified DC power informs switch 82a or switch controller 74a that RF power transmitter 12a is supplying pulses, sending node identifiers, or sending power.

In addition, the switch 82a may sense whether DC power may be used on the power line 18 together with the RF power. DC power may be used to directly power switch 82a or switch controller 74 or may be used as an input to switch controller 74a. If DC power is used to power the switch 82a directly, the controller in the RF power transmitter 12a may switch and remove the DC power from the transmission line 18 in a pulsed manner and thereby switch (s) 82a and 82b. Can be controlled.

Any output of the switch 82a that is not working (i.e., connected to an antenna or other component of the network) may be open circuited or to have little effect on radiation from the working antenna of the inactive antenna. May be connected to the load 16.

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the single input series switching network 10 includes an RF power transmitter 12a, a first switch 82a, a second switch 82b, and an end antenna 16. The first switch 82a is connected to the first antenna 20a. The second switch 82b is connected to the second antenna 20b.

The first switch 82a can receive power from the RF power transmitter 12a and send this power to the first antenna 20a. Alternatively, the first switch 82a may pass power toward the second switch 82b. The second switch 82b can receive power and send this power to the second antenna 20b. Alternatively, the second switch 82b may pass power toward the termination antenna 16. In this configuration, the first antenna 20a, the second antenna 20b, or the termination antenna 16 emits RF energy at any given time. The network 10 may be designed to generate pulsed power from each of the first antenna 20a, the second antenna 20b and the termination antenna 16. The network 10 may be designed such that no antenna is transmitting power for a given period of time. This may be accomplished by powering down or off the RF power transmitter 12a or terminating the power to the load.

The network 10 may be configured to radiate RF energy from one or more antennas at any given time. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a single input series switching network 10 includes an RF power transmitter 12a, a first PTC 14a, a second PTC 14b, and a third PTC 14c. The first switch 82a is connected to the first PTC 14a and the first antenna 20a. The second switch 82b is connected to the second PTC 14b and the second antenna 20b. The third switch 82c is connected to the third PTC 14c and the third antenna 20c. The fourth switch 82d is also connected to the third PTC 14c. The fourth switch is connected to the fourth antenna 20d and the termination antenna 16.

The first PTC 14a supplies power to the first switch 82a and the second PTC 14b. The first switch 82a may receive power and supply the power to the first antenna 20a. Alternatively, the first switch 82a may pass power to an end load (not shown) or open circuit.

The second PTC 14b supplies power to the second switch 82b and the third PTC 14c. The second switch 82b may receive power and supply this power to the second antenna 20b. Alternatively, the second switch 82b may pass power to an end load (not shown) or open circuit.

The third PTC 14c supplies power to the third switch 82c and the fourth switch 82d. The third switch 82c may receive power and supply this power to the third antenna 20c. Alternatively, the third switch 82c may pass power to an end load (not shown) or open circuit. The fourth switch 82d may receive power to supply this power to the fourth antenna 20d or to pass this power toward the termination antenna 16.

In such a configuration one or more antennas 20a-20d may be operated at any given time. The configuration of the PTC and the switch in a given installation of the network 10 must be determined by the desired coverage areas to be obtained from the RF energy radiating from the antennas.

1, 2, 4, and 7-11 will be described in general, the present invention may include a controller 74a for controlling the operation of the network in accordance with certain embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, the controller 74a is connected to one or more components of the network 10. The controller 74a may be used to change the frequency, polarization or radiation pattern of the antennas 20a-20c. Controller 74a may be used to generate power pulses from network 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, one or more controllers 74a are used to control the components of the network 10. The controller 74a may communicate with one or more other controllers 74a of the network 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, the controller 74a is connected to the switching network 10. The controller 74a is used to control (or support control) the switching of the switches 82a-82d.

Referring to FIG. 11, an implementation of a series power distribution / transmission network 1 is illustrated. This network includes an RF power transmitter 12a connected to a first PTC 14a, a second PTC 14b, a third PTC 14c, and a terminating antenna 16. The RF power transmitter 12a and the first, second and third PTCs 14a-14c are connected in series. The first, second and third PTCs 14a-14c are each shown with their respective antennas 20a-20c (here dipoles) but any antenna or radiating device may be used in this or any embodiment. Is connected). Antennas 20a-20c, 16 radiate power to receive antenna 92 (shown as a dipole) of device 94 to be powered. The device 94 preferably includes a power harvester that converts RF power into a form that the device 94 can use.

For example, the small version of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11, helps to reduce safety issues by reducing the average power transmitted by a single antenna. This can be important in desktop applications. For example, the device 94 may receive power from the plurality of antennas 20a-20c, 16. The antennas 20a-20c, 16 may be arranged in a U-shape or mounted on a flexible unit to allow a user to attach them to the desk area.

The tapping coupler can be used in the present invention to eliminate connector losses. This is described in detail in US Pat. No. 6,771,143, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The network according to the invention preferably uses a low loss coaxial cable, transmission line or waveguide 18.

If a coaxial cable 16 is used that is easy to leak into the network, an antenna may not be needed. In this configuration coaxial cable 16 will radiate power.

The above-described various embodiments included in the present invention may be implemented independently or in combination with each other (in whole or in part).

The present invention should not be confused with power transmission by inductive coupling where the device requires a device close to the power source. In the RFID Handbook by Klaus Finkenzeller, this inductive coupling region is defined as the distance between the transmitter and receiver below 0.16 times lambda (where lambda is the wavelength of the RF wave). define. The invention can be implemented in the far-field region as well as in the near-field (sometimes called inductive) region. The far field is farther than 0.16 times lambda.

In any embodiment of the present invention, the transmitted RF power may be limited to including only power. That is, no data exists in the signal. If data is needed in the application, this data is preferably transmitted in a separate band or has a separate receiver.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications, additions, and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (40)

A first RF power transmitter for generating power; At least one power tapping component electrically connected in series with the first RF power transmitter to separate power received from the first RF power transmitter into at least a first portion and a second portion; And At least one antenna electrically connected to the at least one power tapping component to receive the first portion and transmit power RF power transmission network comprising a. The method of claim 1, And said at least one power tapping component is a directional coupler. The method of claim 1, And a second RF power transmitter electrically connected in series with the at least one power tapping component. The method of claim 3, At least one controller electrically connected to one or more of the first RF power transmitter, the at least one power tapping component, the at least one antenna, and the second RF power transmitter. The method of claim 3, And said at least one power tapping component is a bidirectional coupler. The method of claim 3, Directional couplers are RF power transmission networks that are field adjustable directional couplers. The method of claim 3, And said at least one power tapping component is a power divider. The method of claim 3, At least one additional RF power transmitter electrically connected in series with the at least one power tapping component. The method of claim 8, At least one controller electrically connected to one or more of the first RF power transmitter, the at least one power tapping component, the at least one antenna, and the at least one additional RF power transmitter. . The method of claim 1, RF power transmission network further comprising a terminating load. The method of claim 1, RF power transmission network further comprising at least one transmission line. The method of claim 1, The power transmitted from the first RF power transmitter does not include data. The method of claim 1, And at least one controller electrically connected to one or more of the first RF power transmitter, the at least one power tapping component, and the at least one antenna. The method of claim 13, At least one of the at least one controllers is electrically connected to at least another of the at least one controllers. The method of claim 1, The network is configured to transmit the power in pulse form via at least one antenna. The method of claim 1, At least one of the at least one power tapping components is a switch. The method of claim 16, The switch is controlled via a control line. The method of claim 16, And the switch is controlled by sensing power. The method of claim 18, And said sensed power is pulse power. The method of claim 19, And the pulsed power varies in duration. The method of claim 19, And the pulsed power is timing changed. The method of claim 16, The switch is controlled via a communication signal. The method of claim 22, And the communication signal is transmitted via a coaxial cable. The method of claim 1, And the antenna is a transmission line. The method of claim 1, At least a portion of the power received from the first RF power transmitter is used as operating power by the at least one power tapping component. The method of claim 1, A second power tapping component electrically connected in series with the at least one power tapping component, wherein the at least one power tapping component is disposed between the first RF power transmitter and the second power tapping component; And a power tapping component that receives the second portion from the at least one power tapping component and separates it into at least a third portion and a fourth portion. The method of claim 26, The first RF power transmitter includes a first connector to electrically connect the first RF power transmitter to the at least one power tapping component, wherein the at least one power tapping component connects the at least one power tapping component to the at least one power tapping component. And a second connector electrically connecting to the second power tapping component. A first RF power transmitter for generating power; At least one power tapping component electrically connected in series with the first RF power transmitter to separate power received from the first RF power transmitter into at least a first portion and a second portion; At least one antenna electrically connected to the at least one power tapping component for receiving the first portion and transmitting power; A device to be powered; And A receive antenna electrically connected to the device and configured to receive the transmitted power Power transmission system comprising a. The method of claim 28, At least one controller electrically connected to one or more of the first RF power transmitter, the at least one power tapping component, and the at least one antenna. The method of claim 28, At least one of the at least one power tapping components is a switch. The method of claim 28, And the system is configured to transmit the power in pulse form via at least one antenna. none The method of claim 28, At least a portion of the power received from the first RF power transmitter is used as operating power by the at least one power tapping component. The method of claim 28, The power transmitted from the first RF power transmitter does not include data. The method of claim 28, A second power tapping component electrically connected in series with the at least one power tapping component and a second antenna electrically connected with the second power tapping component, wherein the at least one power tapping component is coupled with the first RF power transmitter. Disposed between the second power tapping component, the second power tapping component receiving the second portion from the at least one power tapping component and separating it into at least a third portion and a fourth portion, and the second antenna Receives the third portion and transmits power. Generating power with a first RF power transmitter; Separating the power received from the first RF power transmitter into at least a first portion and a second portion by at least one power tapping component electrically connected in series with the first RF power transmitter; Receiving the first portion by at least one antenna electrically connected to the at least one power tapping component; And Transmitting power through the at least one antenna RF power transmission method comprising a. The method of claim 36, Receiving power wirelessly transmitted from the at least one antenna at a receive antenna electrically coupled to the device and configured to receive the transmitted power, and power received by the receive antenna electrically connected to the device RF power transmission method comprising the step of converting to a harvester (power harvester). The method of claim 37, A second power tapping component electrically connected in series with at least one power tapping component disposed between the first RF power transmitter and a second power tapping component, wherein the second power tapping component is configured to receive the first power tapping component from the at least one power tapping component; Receiving two portions and separating them into at least a third portion and a fourth portion; Receiving the third portion at a second antenna electrically connected to the second power tapping component; And Transmitting power from the second antenna RF power transmission method comprising a. An apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiver having a wireless power harvester for generating direct current, A coupler having a first input having a first power; A second input having a second power; An output unit having a combination of the first power and the second power and having an output power greater than each of the first power and the second power; And An antenna electrically connected to the output to transmit the output power to the receiver Power transmission device comprising a. An apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiver having a wireless power harvester for generating direct current, A field adjust coupler having a main line and a secondary line spaced from the main line by a distance d, the field adjusting coupler increasing or decreasing power to a desired level; An adjustment mechanism for changing the distance d; And An antenna for transmitting the power to the receiver Power transmission device comprising a.

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