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We propose a sensing system comprising a large network of tiny, battery-less, Radio Frequency (RF)-powered sensors that use backscatter communication. The sensors use an entirely passive technique to 'sense' the parameters of the wireless channel between themselves. Since the material properties influence RF channels, this fine-grain sensing can uncover multiple material properties both at a large scale and fine spatial resolution. In this paper, we study the feasibility of the proposed passive technique for monitoring parameters of material in which the sensors are embedded. We performed a set of experiments where the sensor-to-sensor wireless channel parameters are well-defined using physics-based modeling, and we compared the theoretical and experimentally obtained values. For some material parameters of interest, like humidity or strain, the relationship with the observed wireless channel parameters have to be modeled relying on data-driven approaches. The initial experiments show an observable difference in the sensor-to-sensor channel phase with variation in the applied weights.
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Organic Photovoltaic Cell-Powered Backscatter Communication System: A Compact Design
The paper outlines the design, prototyping, and simulation processes involved in creating a compact radio frequency (RF) backscatter communication system, powered by Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) cells. This system is integral to a mine rescue operation, particularly useful in scenarios where miners are trapped due to accidents. In such situations, a rescue drone, equipped with a searchlight and the discussed communication system, takes the lead in the assisted escape mission for miners. The drone establishes duplex communication with the miners through a battery-free, wearable transponder device. Initial experiments employing a RF backscatter testbed - which utilizes both software-defined radios and OPV cells - were conducted. These preliminary tests were crucial for assessing the conditions necessary for successful backscatter communication, as well as for evaluating the energy-harvesting performance of the system. Findings from these experiments indicate that the device can operate battery-free, powered solely by OPV cells, even under low illuminance levels of less than 75 lux. In the pursuit of crafting the device in a compact form, a co-design initiative was launched. This effort focused on developing a meander dipole antenna in tandem with the OPV cells, targeting a resonant frequency of 912 MHz. Simulation results, obtained from ANSYS HFSS, revealed significant changes in antenna impedance and S parameters yet minimal impact on the radiation pattern of the antenna with the integration of the layered OPV structure.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2431272
- PAR ID:
- 10540260
- Publisher / Repository:
- IEEE
- Date Published:
- ISBN:
- 978-1-7281-9054-9
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 5652 to 5657
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Backscatter communications energy harvesting wireless power transfer wearable device wireless communications testbed measurements.
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Denver, CO, USA
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Conference Paper:
- https://doi.org/10.1109/ICC51166.2024.10623032
