Techniques for filtering multi-component signals

Techniques are described herein for filtering and/or otherwise isolating or extracting components of multi-component signals. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for filtering and/or otherwise extracting a continuous wave component (or wireless power component) and a modulated data component from a multi-component signal. In some embodiments, the techniques describe systems, apparatuses and methods for filtering and/or otherwise isolating or extracting a frequency (e.g., modulated data component) from a continuous wave (e.g., wireless power component) without affecting the levels of other frequencies. The individual components or signals can be transmitted by one or more sources and received at one or more existing antennas of an electronic device simultaneously.

BACKGROUND

Delivering wireless power to electronic devices is a very challenging problem that requires an electronic device to be configured with additional dedicated circuitry and/or components that receive and process the wireless power. Unfortunately, adding the additional circuitry and/or components increases the costs and footprint (or size) of the electronic devices that are already space-limited and expensive.

Furthermore, reusing components such as, for example, an existing antenna, for additional purposes can result in processing circuitry receiving signals that damage and/or otherwise affect proper functioning of components. For example, signal interference between a modulated data signal and a wireless power signal in an integrated circuit, e.g. a Wi-Fi chip or core, can result in damage to the chip and/or other components of the electronic device. As discussed above, adding an additional dedicated antenna to resolve the signal interference issue requires extra space, increases costs and can require major modifications to the underlying design of the electronic devices.

Accordingly, a need exists for technology that overcomes the problem demonstrated above, as well as one that provides additional benefits. The examples provided herein of some prior or related systems and their associated limitations are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of existing or prior systems will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the following Detailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques are described herein for filtering and/or otherwise isolating or extracting components of multi-component signals. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for filtering and/or otherwise extracting a continuous wave component (or wireless power component) and a modulated data component from a multi-component signal. In some embodiments, the techniques describe systems, apparatuses and methods for filtering and/or otherwise isolating or separating an information signal (e.g., modulated data component) from a continuous wave (e.g., wireless power component) without affecting the levels of other frequencies. The individual components or signals can be transmitted by one or more sources and received at one or more existing antennas of an electronic device simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the continuous wave components comprise wireless power signals that are received simultaneously and/or in conjunction with modulated data components at an electronic device within a wireless power delivery environment. For example, the continuous wave component can be a wireless power signal transmitted by a wireless power transmission system (or charger) and the modulated data component can be any data communication signal such as, for example, a Wi-Fi signal, a Bluetooth signal, a ZigBee signal, etc., that is transmitted by a modulated data source (e.g., a Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11 router)

The techniques described herein allow reuse of existing components, particularly antennas, which reduce the costs of the electronic devices and save valuable space. As described herein, one or more existing data antennas (e.g., Wi-Fi antenna and/or Bluetooth antenna) can be utilized to receive both modulated data signal and a continuous wave (or wireless power) signal. As discussed, the modulated data signal (or component) and wireless power signal (or component) can be transmitted by multiple sources and received simultaneously at the one or more existing data antennas of an electronic device.

Additionally, because the individual components of the multi-component signals are isolated, extracted and routed to the appropriate processing circuitry (e.g., modulated data component routed to Wi-Fi chip or core) for processing, the processing circuitry is protected from damage that can occur as a result of attempting to process multiple components of the multi-component signals. For example, in some embodiments, the techniques isolate the modulated data component from a wireless power signal (or component) to efficiently deliver wireless power and data in a wireless power delivery environment while protecting the electronic device's components (e.g., Wi-Fi chip or core) from failure.

By way of example and not limitation, the signal filtering techniques described herein can be used in various consumer, industrial, military and medical applications, etc.

I. Wireless Charging System Overview/Architecture

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an example wireless power delivery environment100depicting wireless power delivery from one or more wireless chargers101to various wireless devices102within the wireless power delivery environment. More specifically,FIG. 1illustrates an example wireless power delivery environment100in which wireless power and/or data can be delivered to available wireless devices102.1-102.nhaving one or more power receiver clients103.1-103.n(also referred to herein as “wireless power receivers” or “wireless power clients”). The wireless power receivers are configured to receive wireless power from one or more wireless chargers101.

As shown in the example ofFIG. 1, the wireless devices102.1-102.nare mobile phone devices102.2and102.n, respectively, and a wireless game controller102.1, although the wireless devices102.1-102.ncan be any (smart or dumb) wireless device or system that needs power and is capable of receiving wireless power via one or more integrated power receiver clients103.1-103.n. As discussed herein, the one or more integrated power receiver clients or “wireless power receivers” receive and process power from one or more transmitters/chargers101.a-101.nand provide the power to the wireless devices102.1-102.nfor operation thereof.

Each charger101(also referred to herein as a “transmitter”, “array of antennas” or “antenna array system”) can include multiple antennas104, e.g., an antenna array including hundreds or thousands of antennas, which are capable of delivering wireless power to wireless devices102. In some embodiments, the antennas are adaptively-phased radio frequency antennas. The charger101is capable of determining the appropriate phases to deliver a coherent power transmission signal to the power receiver clients103. The array is configured to emit a signal (e.g., continuous wave or pulsed power transmission signal) from multiple antennas at a specific phase relative to each other. It is appreciated that use of the term “array” does not necessarily limit the antenna array to any specific array structure. That is, the antenna array does not need to be structured in a specific “array” form or geometry. Furthermore, as used herein the term “array” or “array system” may be used include related and peripheral circuitry for signal generation, reception and transmission, such as radios, digital logic and modems. In some embodiments, the charger101can have an embedded Wi-Fi hub.

The wireless devices102can include one or more receive power clients103. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 1, power delivery antennas104aand data communication antennas104bare shown. The power delivery antennas104aare configured to provide delivery of wireless radio frequency power in the wireless power delivery environment. The data communication antennas are configured to send data communications to and receive data communications from the power receiver clients103.1-103and/or the wireless devices102.1-102.n. In some embodiments, the data communication antennas can communicate via standard protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc. Non-standard or hybrid communication protocols are also possible.

Each power receiver client103.1-103.nincludes one or more antennas (not shown) for receiving signals from the chargers101. Likewise, each charger101.a-101.nincludes an antenna array having one or more antennas and/or sets of antennas capable of emitting continuous wave signals at specific phases relative to each other. As discussed above, each array is capable of determining the appropriate phases for delivering coherent signals to the power receiver clients102.1-102.n. For example, coherent signals can be determined by computing the complex conjugate of a received beacon signal at each antenna of the array such that the coherent signal is properly phased for the particular power receiver client that transmitted the beacon signal.

Although not illustrated, each component of the environment, e.g., wireless power receiver, charger, etc., can include control and synchronization mechanisms, e.g., a data communication synchronization module. The chargers101.a-101.ncan be connected to a power source such as, for example, a power outlet or source connecting the chargers to a standard or primary alternating current (AC) power supply in a building. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the chargers101.a-101.ncan be powered by a battery or via other mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the power receiver clients102.1-102.nand/or the chargers101.a-101.nutilize reflective objects106such as, for example, walls or other RF reflective obstructions within range to beacon and deliver and/or receive wireless power and/or data within the wireless power delivery environment. The reflective objects106can be utilized for multi-directional signal communication regardless of whether a blocking object is in the line of sight between the charger and the power receiver client.

As described herein, each wireless device102.1-102.ncan be any system and/or device, and/or any combination of devices/systems that can establish a connection with another device, a server and/or other systems within the example environment100. In some embodiments, the wireless devices102.1-102.ninclude displays or other output functionalities to present data to a user and/or input functionalities to receive data from the user. By way of example, a wireless device102can be, but is not limited to, a video game controller, a server desktop, a desktop computer, a computer cluster, a mobile computing device such as a notebook, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), a Blackberry device, a Treo, and/or an iPhone, etc. The wireless device102can also be any wearable device such as watches, necklaces, rings or even devices embedded on or within the customer. Other examples of a wireless device102include, but are not limited to, safety sensors (e.g., fire or carbon monoxide), electric toothbrushes, electronic door lock/handles, electric light switch controller, electric shavers, etc.

Although not illustrated in the example ofFIG. 1, the charger101and the power receiver clients103.1-103.ncan each include a data communication module for communication via a data channel. Alternatively or additionally, the power receiver clients103.1-103.ncan direct the wireless devices102.1-102.nto communicate with the charger via existing data communications modules.

Additionally, in some embodiments the beacon signal, which is primarily referred to herein as a continuous waveform, can alternatively or additionally take the form of a modulated signal.

FIG. 2is a sequence diagram200illustrating example operations between a wireless charger101and a power receiver client103for commencing wireless power delivery, according to an embodiment. Initially, communication is established between the charger101and the power receiver client103. The charger101subsequently sends a beaconing schedule to the power receiver client103to arrange the beacon broadcasting and the RF power/data delivery schedule. Based on the schedule, the power receiver client103broadcasts the beacon. As shown, the charger101receives the beacon from the power receiver client103and detects the phase (or direction) at which the beacon signal was received. The charger101then delivers wireless power and/or data to the power receiver client103based the phase (or direction) of the received beacon. That is, the charger101determines the complex conjugate of the phase and uses the complex conjugate to deliver power to the power receiver client103in the same direction in which the beacon signal was received from the power receiver client103.

In some embodiments, the charger101includes many antennas; one or more of which are used to deliver power to the power receiver client103. The charger101can detect phases at which the beacon signals that are received at each antenna. The large number of antennas may result in different beacon signals being received at each antenna of the charger101. The charger may then determine the complex conjugate of the beacon signals received at each antenna. Using the complex conjugates, one or more antenna may emit a signal that takes into account the effects of the large number of antennas in the charger101. In other words, the charger101emits a signal from one or more antennas in such a way as to create an aggregate signal from the one or more of the antennas that approximately recreates the waveform of the beacon in the opposite direction.

As described herein, wireless power can be delivered in power cycles. A more detailed example of the signaling required to commence wireless power delivery is described below with reference toFIG. 3. As discussed herein, once paired, the charger and the client have an established link for transmission of RF power and for communication of data. The following example describes an example of the system power cycle (which includes the pairing process) according to an embodiment.

In an example of operation, a master bus controller (MBC), which controls the charger array, receives power from a power source and is activated. The MBC activates the proxy antenna elements on the charger array and the proxy antenna elements enter a default “discovery” mode to identify available wireless receiver clients within range of the charger array. When a client is found, the antenna elements on the charger array power on, enumerate, and (optionally) calibrate.

Next, the MBC generates a Beacon Beat Schedule (BBS) cycle, and a Power Schedule (PS) for all wireless power receiver clients that are to receive power based on their corresponding properties and/or requirements. The MBC also identifies any other available clients that will have their status queried in the Client Query Table (CQT). Clients that are placed in the CQT are those on “standby”, e.g., not receiving a charge. The BBS and PS are calculated based on vital information about the clients such as, for example, battery status, current activity/usage, how much longer it has until it runs out of power, priority in terms of usage, etc.

The Proxy AE broadcasts the BBS to all clients. As discussed herein, the BBS indicates when each client should send a beacon. Likewise the PS indicates when and to which clients the array should send power to. Each client starts broadcasting its beacon and receiving power from the array per the BBS and PS. The Proxy can concurrently query the Client Query Table to check the status of other available clients. A client can only exist in the BBS or the CQT (e.g., waitlist), but not in both. In some embodiments, a limited number of clients can be served on the BBS and PS (e.g., 32). Likewise, the CQT may also be limited to a number of clients (e.g., 32). Thus, for example, if more than 64 clients are within range of the charger, some of those clients would not be active in either the BBS or CQT. The information collected in the previous step continuously and/or periodically updates the BBS cycle and/or the PS.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless charger300, in accordance with an embodiment. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 3, the wireless charger300includes a master bus controller (MBC) board and multiple mezzanine boards that collectively comprise the antenna array. The MBC includes control logic310, an external power interface (IF)320, a communication block330, and proxy340. The mezzanine (or antenna array boards350) each include multiple antennas360a-360n. Some or all of the components can be omitted in some embodiments. Additional components are also possible.

The control logic310is configured to provide all control and intelligence to the array components. The control logic310may comprise one or more processors, FPGAs, memory units, etc., and direct and control the various data and power communications. The communication block330can direct data communications on a data carrier frequency, such as the base signal clock for clock synchronization. The data communications can be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc. Likewise, the proxy340can communicate with clients via data communications as discussed herein. The data communications can be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc. The external power interface320is configured to receive external power and provide the power to various components. In some embodiments, the external power interface320may be configured to receive a standard external 24 Volt power supply. Alternative configurations are also possible.

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless power receiver (client), in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 4, the receiver400includes control logic410, battery420, communication block430and associated antenna470, power meter440, rectifier450, a combiner455, beacon signal generator460and an associated antenna480, and switch465connecting the rectifier450or the beacon signal generator460to one or more associated antennas490a-n. Some or all of the components can be omitted in some embodiments. Additional components are also possible.

A combiner455receives and combines the received power transmission signals from the power transmitter in the event that the receiver400has more than one antenna. The combiner can be any combiner or divider circuit that is configured to achieve isolation between the output ports while maintaining a matched condition. For example, the combiner455can be a Wilkinson Power Divider circuit.

The rectifier450receives the combined power transmission signal from the combiner455, if present, which is fed through the power meter440to the battery420for charging. The power meter440measures the received power signal strength and provides the control logic410with this measurement. The control logic410also may receive the battery power level from the battery420itself. The control logic410may also transmit/receive via the communication block430a data signal on a data carrier frequency, such as the base signal clock for clock synchronization. The beacon signal generator460transmits the beacon signal, or calibration signal, using either the antenna480or490. It may be noted that, although the battery420is shown for being charged and for providing power to the receiver400, the receiver may also receive its power directly from the rectifier450. This may be in addition to the rectifier450providing charging current to the battery420, or in lieu of providing charging. Also, it may be noted that the use of multiple antennas is one example of implementation and the structure may be reduced to one shared antenna.

A client identifier (ID) module415stores a client ID that can uniquely identify the power receiver client in a wireless power delivery environment. For example, the ID can be transmitted to one or more chargers when communication are established. In some embodiments, power receiver clients may also be able to receive and identify other power receiver clients in a wireless power delivery environment based on the client ID.

An optional motion sensor495can detect motion and signal the control logic410to act accordingly. For example, when a device is receiving power at high frequencies, e.g., above 500 MHz, its location may become a hotspot of (incoming) radiation. Thus, when the device is on a person, e.g., embedded in a mobile device, the level of radiation may exceed acceptable radiation levels set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other medical/industrial authorities. To avoid any potential radiation issue, the device may integrate motion detection mechanisms such as accelerometers or equivalent mechanisms. Once the device detects that it is in motion, it may be assumed that it is being handled by a user, and would trigger a signal to the array either to stop transmitting power to it, or to lower the received power to an acceptable fraction of the power. In cases where the device is used in a moving environment like a car, train or plane, the power might only be transmitted intermittently or at a reduced level unless the device is close to losing all available power.

II. Filtering Multi-Component Signals (e.g., Data and Power Filters)

Existing technology does not have the capability to simultaneously receive a continuous wave (e.g., a wireless power signal) and a modulated data signal via the same existing antennas in the wirelessly powered electronic device. More specifically, the existing technology is limited in its ability to extract data from a modulated data signal in the presence of interfering continuous wave RF energy when both signals are simultaneously incident on the common antenna or antenna array connected to the wirelessly power electronic device.

Accordingly, the signal extraction systems and apparatuses described herein are configured to filter and/or otherwise isolate or extract components of multi-component signals. In some embodiments, the signal extraction systems and apparatuses are configured to filter data and power from multi-component signals. The signal extraction systems and apparatuses are discussed with primary reference to extraction of a modulated data signal and a wireless power signal simultaneously received by one or more existing modulated data antennas of an electronic device. That is, in some examples of operation, a wireless charger delivers wireless power signals to various electronic devices having embedded wireless power receivers or “clients” in a wireless power delivery environment. The electronic devices are equipped with one or more wireless receivers that can leverage the existing modulated data antenna e.g. Wi-Fi antenna for reception of power signals in addition to the modulated data signals. As discussed above, without the filtering techniques described herein, use of an existing modulated data antenna can result in damage to the modulated data integrated circuitry as well as an inability to decipher overlapping or simultaneous communications from a wireless power source and a modulated data source.

The signal extraction systems and apparatuses described herein allow the electronic devices to receive both the modulated data signals and the wireless power signals simultaneously via one or more existing antennas without regard for damaging the modulated data processing circuitry, or compromising modulated data integrity. Other examples and uses of the signal extraction systems and apparatuses described herein are also possible.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example signal extraction system505configured to, among other features, extract a data component (or signal)530and a power component (or signal)540from a multi-component signal525received at an antenna520in a wireless environment500, according to some embodiments. As discussed herein, antenna520can be an existing modulated data antenna such as, for example, a Wi-Fi antenna and/or a Bluetooth antenna of a mobile electronic device.

According to the example ofFIG. 5, the signal extraction system505receives a continuous wave (e.g., wireless power signal) and a modulated data signal (e.g., Wi-Fi signal) from one or more sources. The one or more sources can include a wireless charger and a Wi-Fi router. Alternatively, a single source could include a wireless charger. As discussed herein, a wireless charger can include hundreds or thousands of antennas. In some examples, the wireless charger can include a Wi-Fi hub. In such cases, a wireless power signal can be transmitted from the majority of the antennas of the wireless charger and a Wi-Fi signal can be transmitted by one or more of the remaining antennas of the wireless charger.

The antenna520routes the multi-component signal525(e.g., the continuous wave and the modulated data signal) to the signal extraction system505. The signal extraction system505receives the multi-component signal525, and processes the received signal via filtering and extraction elements to separate and/or otherwise extract the modulated data component530and/or a continuous wave (or wireless power) component540from the multi-component signal525. Once extracted, the signal extraction system505can route the modulated data component530and the continuous wave (or wireless power) component540to appropriate channels for processing. This process is shown and discussed in greater detail with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating example wireless device602including a signal extraction system605configured to, among other features, extract a data component (or signal)630and a power component (or signal)640from a multi-component signal625received at an antenna620in a wireless environment600, according to some embodiments. More specifically, in the example ofFIG. 6, the signal extraction system605is included as part of and/or otherwise embedded in a wireless power receiver (or client)603. As discussed herein the wireless power receiver (or client)603is configured to receive and process wireless power signals from a wireless charger and utilize the power contained therein. The signal extraction system605can be signal extraction system505ofFIG. 5although alternative configurations are possible. Likewise, the wireless power receiver (or client)603and wireless device602can be wireless power receiver client103and wireless device102ofFIG. 1, respectively, although alternative configurations are possible.

The example ofFIG. 6is similar to the example ofFIG. 5in that the signal extraction system505receives a multi-component signal625and processes the received signal via filtering and extraction elements to separate and/or otherwise extract a modulated data component630and a continuous wave (or wireless power) component640from the multi-component signal625. However, in the example ofFIG. 6, the signal extraction system605is shown embedded in wireless power receiver client603. The wireless power receiver client603is embedded in a wireless device602. The wireless device602can be wireless device102ofFIG. 1although alternative configurations are possible.

Once extracted, the signal extraction system605routes the modulated data component630to a standard modulated data path that can include a data switch665configured to determine a type of modulated data (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) and route the modulated data to the appropriate integrated circuitry (chip or core) for processing the data. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 6, data chip670A and670B are shown, however the wireless device602can include any number of data chips including a single data chip in which case no data switch665would be used.

The continuous wave (or wireless power) component640is routed to a rectifier650that converts the received alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and then to a battery660for storage. A more detailed description of the process of the wireless power receiver is discussed with reference toFIG. 4.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare diagrams illustrating example components of various signal extraction systems700A and700B, respectively, according to some embodiments. More specifically, the example components of signal extraction systems700A and700B include a two-way splitter720, a filter network730, a delay element740, an amplitude compensation element745and an extraction system750. The examples ofFIGS. 7A and 7Bare similar except for the placement of delay element740which is shown in processing path #1in the example ofFIG. 7Band in processing path #2in the example ofFIG. 7A. One or more delay elements740can be placed in processing paths #1and/or #2as long as the signals received at the extraction element750are received in-phase. Although not shown, the delay element740can alternatively or additionally be placed and/or otherwise included as part of the design of any of the two-way splitter720, the filter network730, the delay element740, and/or the extraction system750.

The two-way splitter720can be any splitting device or element configured to split the incoming multi-component signal725into two multi-component signals725aand725b. In some embodiments, the signals are then routed onto separate processing paths, multi-component signal725aonto processing path #2and multi-component signal725bonto processing path #1. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, the two-way splitter720has a zero degree phase shift, although a phase shift is possible on one or both ends of the two-way splitter720in some embodiments.

The filter network element730is configured to filter out the modulated data component710of the multi-component signal725. In some embodiments, the modulated data component710is filtered out using a bandpass filter. For example, the multi-component signal725acan be split evenly multiple times and routed through delay networks that are integer multiples of the wavelength. The evenly split signals each include a continuous wave part and a modulated data part. The evenly split signals can then be combined resulting in the continuous wave parts adding constructively and the modulated data parts (which sit on top of the continuous wave parts) averaging (or cancelling) out through the filter network element730resulting in a filtered signal735. As discussed above, in the example ofFIG. 7A, the filtered signal735includes only the continuous wave or wireless power signal components. Various additional examples of bandpass filters are shown and discussed in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B.

In the example ofFIG. 7A, the delay paths result in the filtered signal735being out of phase with multi-component signal725b. As discussed above, in some embodiments, both inputs to the extraction element750need to be in-phase. Accordingly, the filtered signal735is routed to the delay element740which provides additional phase compensation resulting in the delayed filtered signal745being in-phase with the multi-component signal725bat the input to the extraction element750. Additionally, in some embodiments, both paths should the same or similar in amplitude as well as phase-compensated. The amplitude compensation element742can provide the amplitude compensation. Although illustrated on processing path #2(e.g., the filtered path), it is appreciated that in some embodiments, amplitude compensation can be provided to either or both paths.

The extraction element750is configured to receive the delayed filtered signal745and the multi-component signal725bin-phase and process the signals to extract the modulated data component (or signal) and/or the continuous wave (or wireless power) component (or signal). As illustrated in the example ofFIGS. 9A and 9B, the extraction element750can be a Rat-Race Hybrid circuit (or component, also referred to herein as a “Rat-Race Coupler”). However, in some embodiments, the extraction element750can alternatively comprise a data delay network, a mixer, etc.

FIG. 8is a data flow diagram illustrating an example process800for separating a modulated data component and a power component from a multi-component signal, according to some embodiments. More specifically,FIG. 8illustrates an example process for separating a modulated data component from a multi-component signal by using the power component against the multi-component signal. A signal extraction system and, more particularly, an extraction element such as, for example, extraction element750ofFIGS. 7A and 7Bcan, among other functions, perform the example process800.

To begin, at process810, the extraction element receives a first signal over a first path at a first input port of an extraction element. The first signal is received includes the modulated data component and the power component.

At process812, the extraction element receives a second signal over a second path at a second input port of the extraction element. The second signal is simultaneously received at the second port over a second path in-phase with the first signal at the first port. Moreover, the second signal comprises a portion of the multi-component signal including the power component.

Lastly, at process814, the extraction element couples the first and second in-phase signals to constructively generate a sum signal and destructively generate a difference signal. According to the example ofFIG. 8, the sum signal comprises the power component and the difference signal comprises the modulated data component.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare diagrams illustrating example components of signal extraction systems, according to some embodiments. As described herein, a single existing data antenna (e.g., Wi-Fi antenna and/or Bluetooth antenna) can be utilized to receive both the modulated data communications (component or signal) and the wireless power signals (or component).

As shown in examples ofFIGS. 9A and 9B, both the data and the power signals are routed to a 2-way splitter that directs the signals to a filter network element in the form of a Bandpass Filter (BPF) and a signal extraction element in the form of a Rat-Race Hybrid circuit (or component). The BPF filters out the modulated data component from the multi-component (or mixed) signal which includes the combined modulated data component and the wireless power component. In the examples ofFIGS. 9A and 9B, the filtered signal gets routed to the Rat-Race Hybrid circuit. The modulated data and wireless power mixed signal (or multi-component signal) also gets routed to the Rat-Race Hybrid circuit.

The Rat-Race Hybrid circuit uses the wireless power signal against itself to cancel the wireless power signal at a delta output. That is, at the delta output, the Rat-Race Hybrid circuit subtracts the output of the BPF (the wireless power component) from the multi-component signal resulting in the modulated data component. At a second output, the sum output, the signals are merged or added together. This results in two filtered outputs at the Rat-Race Hybrid. The extracted communication signal gets routed to modulated data processing circuitry (e.g., a Wi-Fi chip or core) and the extracted wireless power signal (e.g., approximate power signal) gets routed to a rectifier and ultimately to a battery for use in powering another battery of the electronic device or for powering the electronic device directly.

An example of reconstruction/recovery is described below. To begin, a general expression for phase-modulated data is:
S(t)=Aej(ωt+ϕ+ϕM(t))[1]

Where

A is an arbitrary constant

ω the angular carrier frequency.

ϕ is an arbitrary phase offset

ϕM(t) is the angle of the phase modulation.

For the multiple-path filter, the input is split into N channels, delayed by integer numbers of wavelengths, and recombined after the various delays. The signal after recombination is:

Assuming a zero mean for the phase modulation, we have a recombined signal of

Since the delays are integer numbers of wavelengths, we have

and thus,
S(t)=A[exp(j(ωt+ϕ)]  [6]
Which is simply the un-modulated carrier.

Next, data/carrier separation is discussed. For the general case of received data, consider a continuous wave (CW) wireless power signal, as well as a received phase-modulated RF signal as in [1], presented to a splitter. The output of each side is then:

One side is further split by a N-Way splitter; each output is then

Each of these signals is processed as demonstrated above, leaving

Where ρpathis the accumulated delay from the interconnect and splitter (common to all the delay elements). Recall that we assume the low frequency phase-modulation is averaged out during the delay/recombination process. We then add a compensating delay to provide an overall phase equal to λ/2 for this filtered path or,

Signal [10] is presented to the 180° tap (or input) of a rat-race coupler (see, e.g.,FIGS. 9A and 9B). The 0° rat-race tap (or input) receives the other side of the split received signal, amplitude-compensated for the path losses in the filter path. [7].

At the 90° tap of the rat-race, the two signals are added, yielding:

An alternative path adds a λ/4 delay to the output of the bandpass filter [10], and ¾ λ to the non-bandlimited phase-modulated signal (at the 0° rat-race port) which, when added at the ¾ λ rat-race port yields:

Example Systems

FIG. 10depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of a representative electronic device1000with a wireless power receiver or client in the form of a mobile (or smart) phone or tablet computer device, according to an embodiment. Various interfaces and modules are shown with reference toFIG. 10, however, the mobile device or tablet computer does not require all of modules or functions for performing the functionality described herein. It is appreciated that, in many embodiments, various components are not included and/or necessary for operation of the category controller. For example, components such as GPS radios, cellular radios, and accelerometers may not be included in the controllers to reduce costs and/or complexity. Additionally, components such as ZigBee radios and RFID transceivers, along with antennas, can populate the Printed Circuit Board.

The wireless power receiver client can be a power receiver clients103ofFIG. 1, although alternative configurations are possible. Additionally, the wireless power receiver client can include one or more RF antennas for reception of power and/or data signals from a charger, e.g., charger101ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 11depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in the example form, of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.

In the example ofFIG. 11, the computer system includes a processor, memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device. Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrative simplicity. The computer system1100is intended to illustrate a hardware device on which any of the components depicted in the example ofFIG. 1(and any other components described in this specification) can be implemented. For example, the computer system can be any radiating object or antenna array system. The computer system can be of any applicable known or convenient type. The components of the computer system can be coupled together via a bus or through some other known or convenient device.

The detailed description provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily only the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description defines certain examples of the invention, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.