Wireless devices communicate without batteries
14 Aug 2013
Engineers from the University of Washington have designed a wireless communication system that allows electronic devices to interact without sending signals or using batteries.
The technique, which the engineers have dubbed ‘ambient backscatter’, utilises wireless transmissions that already exist, such as television signals.
Initially the engineers built compact, battery-free devices that can detect, harness and reflect a television signal that can then be picked up by similar devices.
The technique could enhance smart-sensor placement to help monitor and predict maintenance
UW spokesperson
Using the technique, two devices are able to communicate with each other by reflecting the existing signals to exchange information.
UW assistant professor Shyam Gollakota said: “It’s hopefully going to have applications in a number of areas including wearable computing, smart homes and self-sustaining sensor networks.”
Having been closely linked to the idea of an ‘Internet of Things’, the researchers believe the technique could enhance smart-sensor placement within any structure to help monitor and predict maintenance issues with little or no human interaction.
Early tests have shown that prototype devices were able to communicate with each other up to 6.5 miles (10.5km) apart and receiving devices picked up signals from their transmitting counterparts at a rate of 1 kilobit per second when up to 762mm apart – enough to send sensor reading or contact information.
