Researchers, led by Professor Khaled Salama from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, have made a significant breakthrough in optical wireless communication (OWC) systems with the development of a reconfigurable simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer (SLIPT) system. The innovation uses a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) design, published in “Light: Science & Applications,” and showcases an advanced setup that enables photodiodes (PD) to decode information from multiple light beams while simultaneously harvesting energy. This dual functionality is critical for powering remote Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ensuring their continuous operation without the need for external power sources. This novel system combined space- and time-domain SLIPT with a PD matrix, effectively resolving common OWC issues like beam wandering and misalignment. The researchers achieved a maximum gross data rate of 25.7 Mbps in a Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) configuration and an impressive 85.2 Mbps in the MIMO configuration. These findings indicate the system’s superior capabilities in both high-speed communication and energy harvesting in practical scenarios.
Dual Functionality for IoT Devices
The importance of this dual-functionality system for IoT devices cannot be overstated, particularly as it operates in real-time without needing a battery, relying solely on harvested energy. The system can achieve a data rate of 5 Mbps in ultra-low-power mode, making it a groundbreaking proof-of-concept that integrates high data rates with self-sustaining power. This feature is especially critical for autonomous IoT devices, which often need to function in harsh environments, including space. The study explores two operational modes: single PD mode and quadrant PD mode. In the single PD mode, energy harvesting is prioritized, with one PD focusing on data reception while the others are dedicated to power generation.
In contrast, the quadrant PD mode emphasizes data transfer, using up to four PDs for data reception while reducing the total power harvested. An embedded control system dynamically manages the balance between these modes for optimal efficiency. This flexible approach allows the SLIPT system to adapt to varying operational needs, making it an excellent candidate for a wide range of applications. By ensuring both high-speed data transfer and efficient energy harvesting, the system addresses one of the key challenges in the deployment of IoT devices, which often require stable and sustaining power sources. This breakthrough is not just theoretically promising but also showcases real-world feasibility, backed by practical data and rigorous testing.
Future Developments and Applications
Researchers, led by Professor Khaled Salama from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, have made a groundbreaking advancement in optical wireless communication (OWC) systems. They have developed a reconfigurable simultaneous lightwave information and power transfer (SLIPT) system using a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) design. This innovation was published in “Light: Science & Applications” and features an advanced setup that allows photodiodes (PD) to decode information from multiple light beams while simultaneously harvesting energy. This dual functionality is essential for powering remote Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ensuring they operate continuously without external power sources. The novel system combines space- and time-domain SLIPT with a PD matrix, successfully addressing common OWC challenges like beam wandering and misalignment. The researchers achieved a maximum gross data rate of 25.7 Mbps in a Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) configuration and an impressive 85.2 Mbps in the MIMO configuration. These results highlight the system’s superior capabilities in both high-speed communication and energy harvesting in real-world scenarios.
