The number of IoT devices is anticipated to rise alongside global improvements to 5G network coverage. However, such devices typically face hurdles regarding their connectivity and power supply; namely, short transmission distances and a fixed direction from which power can be received wirelessly.
The researchers have reported the production of a wirelessly powered transmitter-receiver for 5G networks that overcomes both of these problems.
Dr Atsushi Shirane, who led the project, said: “The millimetre-wave wireless power transfer system is a promising solution for massive Internet of Things, yet it has been hampered by technical problems. We were thus able to make a breakthrough by producing a 5G transceiver with high efficiency at big angles and distances.”
The transmitter-receiver produced by the team has two modes: a receiving mode and a transmitting mode.
In the receiving mode, the device receives a 5G signal and a millimetre-wave power signal. This...