Load-Utilized Constant Voltage Wireless Power and Data Transfer System for Multiple IoT Devices in RF-Challenging Environments

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are increasingly deployed in radio frequency-challenging environments such as underground, underwater, and high electromagnetic interference scenarios. In smart agriculture, for instance, multiple distributed IoT controllers require wireless power supply in the form of load-independent constant voltage (CV), while a multiparameter IoT sensor needs to be capable of transmitting data across varying distances. To address these requirements, this article presents a novel magnetic induction-based wireless power and data transfer system. The proposed system adopts a domino structure to support multiple devices. A unified load-utilized technique is then employed to realize individual CV output and data transmission, while the newly proposed load-resonator interleaved strategy enables these two functions to operate simultaneously within the same system. Theoretical analysis is conducted, and validation is provided through experimental measurements using 5- to 8-stage configurations under both in electronic and ex situ (laboratory soil) conditions. Results demonstrate the delivery of 160 mW CV power to each of three IoT controllers, along with successful 6 kbps data transfer from the sensor to all devices simultaneously, whereas failures occur when the proposed strategy is not applied.