This research investigates how to draw energy from a distant emanating and alternating (i.e., AC) magnetic source and deliver it to a battery (i.e., DC). The objective is to develop, design, simulate, build, test, and evaluate a CMOS charger integrated circuit (IC) that wirelessly charges the battery of a microsystem. A fundamental challenge here is that a tiny receiver coil only produces mV's of AC voltage, which is difficult to convert into DC form. Although LC-boosted diode-bridge rectifiers in the literature today extract energy from similar AC sources, they can do so only when AC voltages are higher than what miniaturized coils can produce, unless tuned off-chip capacitors are available, which counters the aim of integration. Therefore, rather than rectify the AC voltage, this research proposes to rectify the current that the AC voltage induces in the coil. This way, the system can still draw power from voltages that fall below the inherent threshold limit of diode-bridge rectifiers. Still, output power is low because, with these low currents, small coils can only extract a diminutive fraction of the magnetic energy available, which is why investing battery energy is also part of this research. Ultimately, the significance of increasing the power that miniaturized platforms can output is higher integration and functionality of micro-devices, like wireless microsensors and biomedical implants.

This thesis deals with the design and realization of wireless power charging circuit for embedded systems. The research section focuses on the various ways and technologies used in applications of wireless power transfer. The theoretical part also briefly characterizes resonant inductive coupling and critical parameters of the transfer. This is followed by realization of various variants of transfer coils and electromagnetic oscillators. Wireless power charging prototype system is created and used for testing purposes to find optimal configuration of resonator. The hardware unit presented in the final part of the thesis exploits microcontroller and implemented software is extended by foreign object detection algorithm along with method to monitor battery charging state.

This dissertation evaluates the possibility of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for space applications, with an emphasis in launch vehicles (rockets). After performing literature review for WPT systems, it was identified that magnetic resonance provides the more suited set of characteristics for this application. Advanced analysis, simulation and testing were performed to magnetic resonance WPT systems to acquire system performance insight. This was accomplished by evaluating/varying coupling configuration, load effects and magnetic element physical characteristics (i.e. wire material, loop radius, etc.). It was identified by analysis, circuit simulation and testing that the best coupling configuration for this application was series-series and series-shunt with Litz wire loop inductors. The main concern identified for the implementation of these systems for space applications was radiated emissions that could potentially generate electromagnetic interference (EMI). To address this EMI concern, we developed the Electromagnetic Compatibility Radiated Emissions Compliance Design Evaluation Approach for WPT Space Systems. This approach systematically allocates key analyses, simulations and tests procedures to predict WPT EMC compliance to NASA’s EMC standard Mil-Std-461E/F. Three prototype/magnetic elements were successfully assessed by implementing the WPT EMC design approach. The electric fields intensity generated by the WPT prototypes/magnetic elements tested were: 30.02 dBµV/m, 28.90 dBµV/m and 82.13 dBµV/m (requirement limit: 140 dBµV/m). All three prototypes successfully transferred power wirelessly and successfully met the NASA EMC requirements.

One of the main challenges in wireless power transfer (WPT) devices is performance degradation when the receiver’s position and characteristics vary. The variations in the system parameters such as load impedance and coupling strength in WPT devices affect performance characteristics such as output voltage and power. When the system parameters are different from the optimal operating conditions, the performances are degraded. Therefore, the load impedance and coupling strength must be monitored to do the necessary optimization and control. However, such control approaches require additional sensing circuits and a data communication link between transmitter- and receiver-sides. This study proposes a new machine learning (ML) assisted WPT system that predicts the power delivered to the receiver by only using measurements at the transmitter-side. In addition, a method is also proposed to estimate load impedance and coupling coefficient using machine learning approach. We study what parameters measurable at the transmitter-side can be used to predict the output power delivered to receivers at variable load impedance and coupling strengths. In the proposed method, the output power of an inductor-capacitor-capacitor (LCC)-Series tuned WPT system is successfully predicted only using the measured root-mean-square (RMS) of the input current. Random forest algorithm has shown best accuracy to estimate the output power based on transmitter-side parameters only. The proposed approach is experimentally validated using a laboratory prototype. Harmonic components of the input current are used to assess the load impedance and coupling coefficient successfully. Multi-output regression has the highest accuracy for estimating the load impedance and coupling coefficient. The proposed ML algorithm is also used to classify the turn-on and -off regimes to ensure high-efficient operation. / En av de viktigaste utmaningarna med trådlösa kraftöverföring enheter är degraderingen av prestandan när mottagarens position och egenskaper varierar. Variationerna av systemets parametrar, såsom belastningsmotstånd och kopplings styrka i WPT-anordning, påverkar prestanda egenskaperna såsom spänning och effekt. När system parametrarna skiljer sig från de optimala drifts förhållandena, försämras prestandan. Därför måste luftmotståndet och kopplings styrkan övervakas, för att göra nödvändig optimering och kontroll. Sådana styrmetoder kräver emellertid ytterligare avkännings kretsar, och en data kommunikationslänk mellan sändar- och mottagarsidan. Denna studie föreslår ett nytt maskininlärning assisterat WPT-system, som förutsäger kraften som levereras till mottagaren genom att endast använda mätningar på sändarsidan. Dessutom föreslås en metod för att detektera belastningsimpedans och kopplings koefficient med användning av maskin inlärningsmetoder. Vi studerar vilka parametrar som är mätbara på sändarsidan och som kan användas för att förutsäga utgången effekten som levereras till mottagare vid varierande belastningsmotstånd och kopplings nivåer. I den föreslagna metoden förutses framgångs effekten för ett induktor-kondensator-kondensator LCCserie avstämt WPT-system endast framgångsrikt med hjälp av det uppmätta effektivvärdet för ingångs strömmen. Slumpmässig skogsalgoritm har visat exceptionell noggrannhet för att uppskatta uteffekten endast baserat på sändarsidans parametrar. Den föreslagna metoden valideras experimentellt med användning av en laboratorium prototyp. Harmoniska komponenter i ingångs strömmen används för att framgångsrikt bedöma last motståndet och kopplings koefficienten. Multi-utgångsregression har verkat vara mycket exakt för att uppskatta belastningsimpedans och kopplingskoefficient. Den föreslagna maskininlärning algoritmen används också för att klassificera start-och-off-regimer för att säkerställa hög effektiv drift.

In this dissertation I present results on our efforts to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of silicon nanowire ion-sensitive field-effect transistors for the detection of biomarkers, as well as a novel method for wireless power transfer based on metamaterial rectennas for their potential use as implantable sensors. The sensing scheme is based on changes in the conductance of the semiconducting nanowires upon binding of charged entities to the surface, which induces a field-effect. Monitoring the differential conductance thus provides information of the selective binding of biological molecules of interest to previously covalently linked counterparts on the nanowire surface. In order to improve on the performance of the nanowire sensing, we devised and fabricated a nanowire Wheatstone bridge, which allows canceling out of signal drift due to thermal fluctuations and dynamics of fluid flow. We showed that balancing the bridge significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio. Further, we demonstrated the sensing of novel melanoma biomarker TROY at clinically relevant concentrations and distinguished it from nonspecific binding by comparing the reaction kinetics. For increased sensitivity, an amplification method was employed using an enzyme which catalyzes a signal-generating reaction by changing the redox potential of a redox pair. In addition, we investigated the electric double layer, which forms around charges in an electrolytic solution. It causes electrostatic screening of the proteins of interest, which puts a fundamental limitation on the biomarker detection in solutions with high salt concentrations, such as blood. We solved the coupled Nernst-Planck and Poisson equations for the electrolyte under influence of an oscillating electric field and discovered oscillations of the counterion concentration at a characteristic frequency. In addition to exploring different methods for improved sensing capabilities, we studied an innovative method to supply power to implantable biosensors wirelessly, eliminating the need for batteries. A metamaterial split ring resonator is integrated with a rectifying circuit for efficient conversion of microwave radiation to direct electrical power. We studied the near-field behavior of this rectenna with respect to distance, polarization, power, and frequency. Using a 100 mW microwave power source, we demonstrated operating a simple silicon nanowire pH sensor with light indicator.

Recentemente os sistemas de transferência de energia sem fio WPT (do inglês Wireless Power Transfer) têm sido amplamente estudados com o propósito de alimentar eficientemente diversos tipos de cargas através de técnicas específicas, dentre elas destaca-se a transferência capacitiva de potência CPT (do inglês Capacitive Power Transfer) e a transferência indutiva de potência IPT (do inglês Inductive Power Transfer), sendo esta última objeto deste estudo. Em um sistema de transferência indutiva de potência a carga é alimentada através de um transformador fracamente acoplado. Em função do elevado espaçamento entre as bobinas primária e secundária, da ausência de núcleo magnético, ou o emprego do núcleos divididos e separados por um grande entreferro, o transformador apresenta alta reatância de dispersão e baixa reatância de magnetização, o que resulta em elevadas correntes, baixa eficiência e regulação da tensão ruim quando houver variação da carga. Com o intuito de aumentar a eficiência e melhorar a regulação de tensão (ou corrente) são aplicadas compensações capacitivas em ambos os lados do transformador, elevando o número de elementos reativos, o que dificulta a compreensão do seu comportamento. Adicionalmente, as diversas configurações geométricas possíveis para a construção das bobinas dificultam a otimização do projeto de transferência indutiva de potência. Esta dissertação analisa e compara as estratégias de compensação série-série (SS) e série-paralela (SP) sob diversos pontos de vista, identificando pontos de operação relevantes nos quais o sistema atua como uma fonte de corrente ou de tensão em malha aberta, modela os elementos que constituem um sistema de transferência indutiva de potência para alcançar à eficiência requisitada. Adicionalmente este trabalho lista os impactos na fonte e na carga quando do desvio das condições nominais de operação e dá diretrizes que permitem escolher os elementos de um sistema IPT. Na sequência esta dissertação propõe as diretrizes para a construção do transformador com valores predefinidos de fator de qualidade, indutâncias próprias e fator de acoplamento. Por fim, o presente trabalho dimensiona e confecciona alguns sistemas IPT a partir de uma lista de especificações, usando uma metodologia de projeto baseada em fórmulas aproximadas e a valida experimentalmente. / Recently Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is widely studied in order to efficiently feed many different kinds of loads using specific techniques, such as Capacitive Power Transfer (CPT) and Inductive Power Transfer (IPT). IPT system relies on large air gap and loosely coupled transformer which will be studied in this work. Due to the large separation between the primary and secondary coils, the absence of a magnetic core, or the presence of split cores the transformer presents large leakage inductances, resulting in poor voltage regulation against load variation. Moreover, the low magnetizing inductance results in high magnetizing currents, reducing the overall efficiency. In order to improve the WPT performance, capacitive compensation techniques are applied in both sides of the transformer. Series compensation is commonly used at the primary side of the WPT transformer while Series or Parallel compensation is eligible to the secondary side. In addition, the loosely coupled transformer must be designed, in spite of the complex relationship between the various electrical and geometrical parameters of the coils that complicates the transformer construction and its optimization. This work compares Series-Series and Series-Parallel compensation strategies based on a simple approach, comprehensively highlighting the pro and cons of each one. Also the open loop operation in voltage source and current source modes, and the effect of the gap length for both compensation strategies are discussed. Moreover, the elements that constitute an inductive power transfer system are modeled in order to achieve the required efficiency. This research also proposes some guidance to build the transformer with high figure-of-merit and coupling. Finally, the present work designs and builds few IPT systems that satisfies a set of specifications, based on a simplified design procedure. The proposed design methodology is experimentally validated.

Recentemente os sistemas de transferência de energia sem fio WPT (do inglês Wireless Power Transfer) têm sido amplamente estudados com o propósito de alimentar eficientemente diversos tipos de cargas através de técnicas específicas, dentre elas destaca-se a transferência capacitiva de potência CPT (do inglês Capacitive Power Transfer) e a transferência indutiva de potência IPT (do inglês Inductive Power Transfer), sendo esta última objeto deste estudo. Em um sistema de transferência indutiva de potência a carga é alimentada através de um transformador fracamente acoplado. Em função do elevado espaçamento entre as bobinas primária e secundária, da ausência de núcleo magnético, ou o emprego do núcleos divididos e separados por um grande entreferro, o transformador apresenta alta reatância de dispersão e baixa reatância de magnetização, o que resulta em elevadas correntes, baixa eficiência e regulação da tensão ruim quando houver variação da carga. Com o intuito de aumentar a eficiência e melhorar a regulação de tensão (ou corrente) são aplicadas compensações capacitivas em ambos os lados do transformador, elevando o número de elementos reativos, o que dificulta a compreensão do seu comportamento. Adicionalmente, as diversas configurações geométricas possíveis para a construção das bobinas dificultam a otimização do projeto de transferência indutiva de potência. Esta dissertação analisa e compara as estratégias de compensação série-série (SS) e série-paralela (SP) sob diversos pontos de vista, identificando pontos de operação relevantes nos quais o sistema atua como uma fonte de corrente ou de tensão em malha aberta, modela os elementos que constituem um sistema de transferência indutiva de potência para alcançar à eficiência requisitada. Adicionalmente este trabalho lista os impactos na fonte e na carga quando do desvio das condições nominais de operação e dá diretrizes que permitem escolher os elementos de um sistema IPT. Na sequência esta dissertação propõe as diretrizes para a construção do transformador com valores predefinidos de fator de qualidade, indutâncias próprias e fator de acoplamento. Por fim, o presente trabalho dimensiona e confecciona alguns sistemas IPT a partir de uma lista de especificações, usando uma metodologia de projeto baseada em fórmulas aproximadas e a valida experimentalmente. / Recently Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is widely studied in order to efficiently feed many different kinds of loads using specific techniques, such as Capacitive Power Transfer (CPT) and Inductive Power Transfer (IPT). IPT system relies on large air gap and loosely coupled transformer which will be studied in this work. Due to the large separation between the primary and secondary coils, the absence of a magnetic core, or the presence of split cores the transformer presents large leakage inductances, resulting in poor voltage regulation against load variation. Moreover, the low magnetizing inductance results in high magnetizing currents, reducing the overall efficiency. In order to improve the WPT performance, capacitive compensation techniques are applied in both sides of the transformer. Series compensation is commonly used at the primary side of the WPT transformer while Series or Parallel compensation is eligible to the secondary side. In addition, the loosely coupled transformer must be designed, in spite of the complex relationship between the various electrical and geometrical parameters of the coils that complicates the transformer construction and its optimization. This work compares Series-Series and Series-Parallel compensation strategies based on a simple approach, comprehensively highlighting the pro and cons of each one. Also the open loop operation in voltage source and current source modes, and the effect of the gap length for both compensation strategies are discussed. Moreover, the elements that constitute an inductive power transfer system are modeled in order to achieve the required efficiency. This research also proposes some guidance to build the transformer with high figure-of-merit and coupling. Finally, the present work designs and builds few IPT systems that satisfies a set of specifications, based on a simplified design procedure. The proposed design methodology is experimentally validated.

There are various situations in which electrical energy is desired but cannot by conveniently supplied. Since the days of Hienrich Hertz and Nikola Tesla, scientists have tried to solve this problem using different methods of wireless power transfer. Today, wireless power transfer has only been commercially demonstrated at small distances through use of induction. This thesis demonstrated the transfer of wireless power at relatively large distances through radio frequencies in the development of a prototype for a commercial product - a wireless household lamp.

Wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies have become important for our everyday life. The most commonly used near-field WPT method is inductive coupling, which suffers from low efficiency and small range. The Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) method was developed recently, and it can be used to wirelessly transfer power with higher efficiency over a longer distance than the inductive coupling method. This dissertation develops new SCMR systems that have better performance compared to standard SCMR systems. Specifically, two new 3-D SCMR systems are designed to improve the angular misalignment sensitivity of WPT systems. Their power transfer efficiency for different angular misalignment positions are studied and analyzed. Prototypes are built for both systems and their performance is validated through measurement. Furthermore, new planar broadband conformal SCMR (CSCMR) systems are developed that maintain high efficiency while providing significantly larger bandwidth than standard CSCMR systems. Such broadband CSCMR systems are used here for the first time to simultaneously accomplish highly efficient wireless power transfer and high data rate communication through the same wireless link. These systems that combine wireless power and communication are expected to enable next-generation applications with battery-less and “power-hungry” sensors. Example applications include implantable and wearable sensors as well as embedded sensors for structural health monitoring.

The objective of the proposed research is to advance the power efficiency of wireless neural stimulating systems in inductively powered implantable medical devices (IMD). Several innovative system- and circuit-level techniques are proposed towards the development of power-management circuits and wireless neural stimulating systems with inductive power transmission to improve the overall stimulation power efficiency. Neural stimulating IMDs have been proven as effective therapies to alleviate neurological diseases, while requiring high power and performance for more efficacious treatments. Therefore, power-management circuits and neural stimulators in IMDs should have high power efficiencies to operate with smaller received power from a larger distance. Neural stimulating systems are also required to have high stimulation efficacy for activating the target tissue with a minimum amount of energy, while ensuring charge-balanced stimulation. These features provide several advantages such as a long battery life in an external power transmitter, extended-range inductive power transfer, efficacious and safe stimulation, and less tissue damage from overheating. The proposed research presents several approaches to design and implement the power-efficient wireless neural stimulating IMDs: 1) optimized power-management circuits for inductively powered biomedical microsystems, 2) a power-efficient neural stimulating system with adaptive supply control, and 3) a wireless switched-capacitor stimulation (SCS) system, which is a combination structure of the power-management circuits and neural stimulator, to maximize both stimulator efficiency (before electrodes) and stimulus efficacy (after electrodes).