Beatrice Lang
In today's world, we are surrounded by Wi-Fi signals, and researchers have been working on harnessing this underutilized energy source to power small electronics. This has led to the development of new technology that uses tiny smart devices known as spin-torque oscillators to harvest and convert wireless radio frequencies into energy. While the concept of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is simple, it has a wide range of applications, from powering flexible and wearable electronics to large-area electronics and medical devices. This technology can also be used to provide network connectivity to devices outside the Wi-Fi range without the need for Ethernet cables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Super-thin, flexible, 2-D |
| Device | Rectenna |
| Function | Converts Wi-Fi signals into electricity |
| Power | Can be used to power electronics, medical devices, sensors, etc. |
| Availability | Standard off-the-shelf products |
| Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) | Through electromagnetic induction |
| WPT Applications | Wireless charging pads, electric toothbrushes, charging stands, etc. |
| Antenna | High-gain point-to-point antennas |
| Range | Several kilometres |
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What You'll Learn
Powerline networking as a stable alternative to Wi-Fi
Powerline networking is a great alternative to Wi-Fi, offering a stable connection and faster speeds. Powerline adapters use a building's electrical wiring to transmit data, bypassing the need for Wi-Fi and its limitations. This means that the connection is not affected by barriers such as walls, which can cause signal loss in standard Wi-Fi setups.
Powerline adapters are relatively simple to set up and are a cost-effective solution for those who are unable to install Ethernet cabling. They are plugged into a wall outlet, and the signal is transmitted over the electrical current to another adapter in the same building or electrical network. This eliminates the need for cabling installations, saving time and money.
However, it is important to note that the quality of the signal through a Powerline adapter depends on the condition of the electrical wiring. Outdated wiring may not support this technology. Additionally, phone chargers and other electronic devices can interfere with the signal, so it is recommended to disconnect these devices when streaming large files.
There are several Powerline networking kits available on the market, with TP-Link and Devolo offering some of the fastest and most reliable options. The TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT offers speedy connections and dual Ethernet jacks, allowing for the wiring of two nearby devices. Devolo's Magic 2 Wi-Fi 6 delivers fast speeds, stable connections, and the benefits of mesh Wi-Fi technology, making it ideal for homes with thick walls that block Wi-Fi signals.
Powerline networking provides a stable and reliable alternative to Wi-Fi, offering stronger signals and faster speeds. With a simple setup process and cost-effective benefits, it is a great option for those looking to improve their network connectivity.
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Converting Wi-Fi signals to electricity with 2-D materials
Wi-Fi signals can be converted to electricity with the help of 2-D materials. This technology is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where oscillating electromagnetic fields generate current when received in a conductor. Wi-Fi is an electromagnetic wave that carries electrical and magnetic energy.
Researchers from MIT have developed a novel device that uses a flexible radio-frequency (RF) antenna to capture electromagnetic waves, including those carrying Wi-Fi. This antenna is then connected to a two-dimensional semiconductor that is just a few atoms thick. The AC signal travels into the semiconductor, which converts it into a DC voltage that could be used to power electronic circuits or recharge batteries. This device, called a rectenna, is made of a 2D material called molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which is just three atoms thick.
The use of 2D materials allows for the creation of flexible electronics that can be manufactured in a roll-to-roll process to cover very large areas. This technology has the potential to power large-area electronics, wearables, medical devices, and more. It also reduces the problem of parasitic capacitance, where materials in electrical circuits store a small electrical charge that slows down the circuit. With lower parasitic capacitance, the device can capture signals up to 10GHz and have longer battery life.
The development of this technology opens up new possibilities for powering electronic systems in the future, such as embedding electronics in everyday objects and creating smart cities with sensors to monitor structural health.
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Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) and electromagnetic induction
Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is the transmission of electrical energy without wires as a physical link. It is based on technologies that use time-varying electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields. WPT is useful for powering devices where interconnecting wires are inconvenient, hazardous, or impossible.
WPT systems consist of a power transmitter and a power receiver coupled by a wireless link, rather than a traditional wired connection. The coupling path can be capacitive, inductive, or radiative. Capacitive coupling is based on an electric field, inductive coupling is based on a magnetic field, and radiative coupling is based on an electromagnetic field.
Inductive coupling is the most common method of WPT and is used in charging devices such as smartphones, electric shavers, and implantable medical devices. It is based on the principles of electromagnetic induction, similar to the operation of a transformer. A magnetic field created by a coil of wire (the transmitter coil) induces a voltage in another coil (the receiver coil). This voltage is then used to power or charge the receiving device.
Far-field or radiative techniques, also called power beaming, transfer power by beams of electromagnetic radiation, such as microwaves or laser beams. These techniques can transport energy over longer distances but must be aimed at the receiver.
Near-field or non-radiative techniques transfer power over short distances by magnetic fields using inductive coupling between coils of wire, or by electric fields using capacitive coupling between metal electrodes. These fields are not radiative, so the energy stays within a short distance of the transmitter.
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Spin-torque oscillators (STOs) and wireless radio frequencies
Spin-torque oscillators (STOs) are a class of emerging spintronic devices that offer a wide range of high-frequency applications. STOs are small, CMOS-compatible, and have a nano-sized footprint, making them an attractive potential alternative for many high-frequency applications. The mutual synchronization of STOs is critical for communication, energy harvesting, and neuromorphic applications. Short-range magnetic coupling-based synchronization has spatial restrictions, while long-range electrical synchronization using vortex STOs has limited frequency responses, restricting them for on-chip GHz-range applications.
To overcome these limitations, researchers have demonstrated the electrical synchronization of four non-vortex uniformly magnetized STOs using a single common current source in both parallel and series configurations at the 2.4 GHz band, resolving the frequency-area quandary for designing STO-based on-chip communication systems. Under injection locking, synchronized STOs demonstrate excellent time-domain stability and substantially improved phase noise performance. By integrating eight electrically connected STOs, a battery-free energy-harvesting system can be achieved by utilizing wireless radio-frequency energy to power electronic devices such as LEDs.
The science of spintronic devices, which exploit the spin degree of freedom of electrons, is a rapidly growing field in modern science and technology. STOs are one of the central technologies in this field, already making significant technological impacts on magnetic sensors and magnetic random-access memories (MRAMs). STOs offer a wide range of applications beyond energy harvesting, including wireless transmission and reception, digital and analog modulation, spectrum analysis, and neuromorphic computing.
The ability to utilize STOs for wireless radio-frequency energy harvesting has important implications for the future of electronics. STOs can potentially power small electronic devices and sensors wirelessly, contributing to the development of smart homes and cities with energy-efficient applications in communication, computing, and neuromorphic systems. Furthermore, STOs can play a role in wireless charging and wireless signal detection systems, opening up new possibilities for the integration of electronics into everyday objects.
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High-gain antennas for long-distance power transfer
High-gain antennas are crucial for extending wireless signals over long distances, enhancing signal strength, and improving network performance. They are essential for users aiming to expand their network's range, stability, and coverage. High-gain antennas differ from standard antennas in their ability to amplify and direct signals more effectively.
The "gain" of an antenna is a critical measure that directly impacts its signal amplification capabilities. It refers to an antenna's ability to direct radio waves in a specific direction, enhancing signal power. Higher antenna gain allows for longer transmission distances, improved signal quality, and better overall wireless performance. Gain is measured in decibels (dB or dBi), which represent the antenna's ability to focus power in a specific direction compared to an isotropic radiator (equal power in all directions).
For applications requiring long-distance communication in a particular direction, high-gain directional antennas are the right choice. These antennas concentrate their signal power for greater distances. Examples include Yagi, parabolic, and panel antennas. Yagi antennas, with their high directional gain, are popular for point-to-point communication. Their narrow beamwidth allows them to focus the signal in a specific direction, maximizing range and minimizing interference. Parabolic dish antennas use a parabolic reflector to concentrate radio waves into a narrow, high-power beam, achieving very high gain and enabling connections across several kilometers.
High-gain antennas offer enhanced signal strength, reliable connectivity over longer distances, and reduced chances of dropped connections. They improve network performance by minimizing packet loss and latency, resulting in faster data transfer speeds. Additionally, they provide cost savings by reducing the need for multiple routers, repeaters, or access points, making them a cost-effective solution for large properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Powerline Networking is a way to provide network connectivity to devices outside the Wi-Fi range without the need for Ethernet cables. It offers stability and less latency than wireless connections.
Powerline kits come with two adapters, each with an Ethernet port. One adapter is connected to an electrical outlet and a modem or router via an Ethernet cable. The other adapter is plugged into an electrical outlet near the device you want to connect to the network. The first adapter converts the Ethernet protocol to the HomePlug AV2 protocol, which is then transmitted across electrical wires.
Wi-Fi shooting, or Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), is the transfer of power without wires. Wi-Fi is an electromagnetic wave that carries electrical and magnetic energy. This energy can be captured and converted into electricity.
Wi-Fi shooting can be used to power small electronics, sensors, and wearable devices. It can also be used to bring electronic intelligence to infrastructure such as bridges and highways.
