WO2019055783A1

WO2019055783A1 - Systems and methods for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions

Info

Publication number: WO2019055783A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/051082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yunhong Liu
Original assignee: Energous Corp
Current assignee: Energous Corp
Priority date: 2017-09-14
Filing date: 2018-09-14
Publication date: 2019-03-21
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-14

Abstract

A wireless power receiving system includes antenna arms and antenna grounds oriented in horizontal directions and an electrical connection oriented in vertical direction that has a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of a transmitted wireless power wave. The electrical connection connects the antenna grounds perpendicular to the electrical connection. The wireless power receiving system can receive both the horizontal and vertical polarized E-fields of the transmitted wireless power wave emitting from a wireless power transmitter. In some embodiments, a battery with a vertical outer case forms the electrical connection, and both vertical and/or horizontal currents can be induced by the transmitted power wave polarized in any direction on the horizontal antenna grounds and/or the vertical outer case of the battery. In some embodiments, a metalized fixture or a metallic clamp forms the electrical connection.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECEIVING BOTH HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL POLARIZED WIRELESS

POWER TRANSMISSIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless power transmission, and more particularly, to systems and methods for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers, mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices, require frequent charging of a power-storing component (e.g., a battery) to operate. Many electronic devices require charging one or more times per day. Often, charging an electronic device requires manually connecting an electronic device to an outlet or other power source using a wired charging cable. In some cases, the power-storing component is removed from an electronic device and inserted into charging equipment. Such charging is time consuming, burdensome, and inefficient because it often requires users to carry around multiple charging cables and/or other charging devices, and frequently requires users to locate appropriate power sources, e.g. wall outlets, to charge their electronic devices. Additionally, conventional charging techniques potentially deprive a user of the ability to use the device while it is charging, and/or require the user to remain next to a wall outlet or other power source to which their electronic device or other charging equipment is connected.

[0003] One way to address this issue is to wirelessly transmit power to an electronic device. Wireless power waves are typically transmitted as polarized waves. Polarized electromagnetic waves have an electric field vector E and a magnetic field vector H in the directions perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation. The electric field E and the magnetic field H are also perpendicular to one another. For instance, when a wave is transmitted in a horizontal direction, a vertical polarized wave has its electric field E oscillating in the vertical direction. Similarly, when a wave is transmitted in a horizontal direction, a horizontal polarized wave has its electric field E oscillating in the horizontal direction. [0004] Existing systems and methods used for receipt of power waves can generally only receive transmitted power waves polarized in certain directions. For example, if the electric field of a polarized power wave is perpendicular to the antenna plane direction of a wireless power receiver, then, generally, no power wave transmission can be received by the antenna of the receiver.

[0005] In addition, building a wireless charging system for consumer devices typically requires complicated, and often, expensive antenna components to receive wirelessly delivered power. Many of these consumer devices are also very small without any spare space for added antenna components. Further, due to the size of existing antennas and ever decreasing size of consumer electronic devices, the number of antennas that can be included in an array of antennas in such consumer devices is limited, which in turn limits any beamforming and power distribution properties of such an antenna array.

[0006] As such, it would be desirable to provide a wireless charging system that addresses the above-mentioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY

[0007] There is a need for improved antenna designs that help to address the shortcomings of conventional charging systems described above. In particular, there is a need for a wireless power receiving system that can receive wireless power waves polarized in any direction. The wireless power receiving systems described herein address these shortcomings with both vertical and horizontal antenna components that can receive both vertical and horizontal polarized E-fields of a transmitted power wave. By fully utilizing the antenna volume between the antenna arms and antenna ground planes within the wireless power receiving system disclosed herein, the system effectively enhances the efficiency, gain and bandwidth of the wireless power receiving system. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiving system includes antenna arms and antenna grounds oriented in horizontal directions and an electrical connection oriented in vertical direction that connects the antenna grounds on both top and bottom sides of the wireless power receiving system. The electrical connection is configured to have a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of a transmitted wireless power wave. In some embodiments, a battery with a vertical conductive outer case forms part of the electrical connection. The antenna arms and antenna grounds are disposed or formed on, or connected to, antenna printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis passing through the center of the battery and/or a large portion of an outer case of a battery. Both vertical and/or horizontal currents can be induced by the transmitted power wave polarized in any direction on the horizontal antenna grounds and/or mainly in the vertical outer case of the battery. In another words, the antenna grounds and the outer case of the battery are complementary in receiving both horizontal and/or vertical polarized external E-fields of the transmitted wireless power waves, as the antenna grounds and the battery path are substantially perpendicular to one another.

[0008] Compared to conventional wireless receivers which can only receive wireless transmitted power waves polarized in a certain direction, the wireless power receiving system disclosed herein effectively increases the effectiveness of the wireless charging system. For example, the wireless power receiving system can receive wireless power waves at a location or in an orientation where a conventional wireless power receiver cannot otherwise receive power. The ability of receiving wireless transmitted power waves polarized in any direction also increases the overall amount of power received by the wireless power receiving system. In addition, the wireless power receiving system described herein can be used in near field, mid-field and/or far field transmission applications.

[0009] (Al) In some embodiments, a receiver for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions includes a first antenna ground plane. The receiver also includes first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane and configured to receive a transmitted wireless power wave, wherein the first and the second antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the first antenna ground plane and the first and the second antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another. The receiver also includes a second antenna ground plane. The receiver also includes third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane and configured to receive the transmitted wireless power wave, wherein the third and the fourth antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another. The receiver also includes an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes. The electrical connection is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the first and second antenna ground planes, and has a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave. [0010] (A2) In the embodiments of (Al), the receiver further includes a first antenna board adjacent, parallel and connected to first antenna ground plane, and further includes a second antenna board adjacent, parallel and connected to the second antenna ground plane.

[0011] (A3) In the embodiments of (A2), the first antenna ground plane and the second antenna ground plane are planar, and an area of the first antenna ground plane is more than ¼ of area of the first antenna board, and an area of the second antenna ground plane is more than ¼ of area of the second antenna board.

[0012] (A4) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A3), the first antenna board has a first rectifier connected to the first and second antenna arms, and the second antenna board has a second rectifier connected to the second and third antenna arms, wherein the first and the second rectifiers are configured to convert an alternating current of the transmitted wireless power wave to a direct current for providing power to a device.

[0013] (A5) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A4), the transmitted wireless power wave is a radio frequency (RF) wave.

[0014] (A6) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A5), the receiver further includes a battery having a metallic case that is substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes placed between the first and the second antenna ground planes.

[0015] (A7) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A6), the electrical connection includes: the metallic case of the battery, an alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a direct current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

[0016] (A8) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A6), the electrical connection comprises: the metallic case of the battery, a first alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a second alternating current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

[0017] (A9) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A8), the alternating current coupled connection includes a capacitor. [0018] (A10) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A9), the receiver further includes a power management integrated circuit connected to the battery and configured to regulate direct current to the battery from a rectifier connected to the power management integrated circuit.

[0019] (Al 1) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A10), the receiver further includes a supporting fixture that connects the first antenna ground plane to the second antenna ground plane, wherein the electrical connection comprises an inner or an outer metalized surface of the supporting fixture.

[0020] (A12) In the embodiments of any of (Al-Al 1), the electrical connection includes a metal clamp that connects the first antenna board to the second antenna board.

[0021] (A13) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A12), the receiver has a maximum dimension equal or smaller than 10 millimeters.

[0022] (A14) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A13), wherein the first antenna ground plane is integrated as part a first antenna board, and the second antenna ground plane is integrated as part of a second antenna board.

[0023] (A15) In the embodiments of any of (A1-A14), at least one of a horizontal current and a vertical current is induced, by at least one of: a horizontal polarized electric field and a vertical polarized electric field of the transmitted wireless power wave, in at least one of the first antenna ground plane, the second antenna ground plane and the electrical connection.

[0024] (A16) In the embodiments of any of (Al-Al 5), wherein each of the antenna arms is disposed above, below, or on the plane of a respective antenna board.

[0025] (A17) In the embodiments of any of (Al-Al 6), the receiver is configured to receive near-field, mid-field and far-field wireless power transmissions.

[0026] (A18) In the embodiments of any of (Al-Al 7), the first and second antenna boards are substantially symmetric to one another.

[0027] (A19) In the embodiments of any of (Al-Al 8), the receiver further includes one or more antenna arms connected to a respective antenna ground plane. [0028] (A20) In some embodiments, a method for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power waves, includes the following steps: providing a first antenna ground plane and first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane, the first and the second antenna arms being substantially perpendicular to one another; providing a second antenna ground plane and third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane, the third and the fourth antenna arms being substantially perpendicular to one another; providing an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes, the electrical connection being substantially perpendicular to the first and second antenna ground planes, and having a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave, and; receiving a transmitted wireless power wave by the first, the second, the third and the fourth antenna arms; wherein the first antenna ground plane, the first and the second antenna arms, the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another.

[0029] (A21) In the embodiments of (A20), the method further includes converting an alternating current of the transmitted wireless power wave to a direct current for providing power to a device, by a first rectifier coupled to the first and the second antenna arms, and by a second rectifier coupled to the second antenna and the third antenna arms.

[0030] (A22) In the embodiments of any of (A20-A21), the method further includes storing power from the transmitted wireless power wave in a battery having a metallic case that is substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes and placed between the first and the second antenna ground planes.

[0031] (A23) In the embodiments of any of (A20-A22), the electrical connection comprises: the metallic case of the battery, and an alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a direct current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

[0032] (A24) In the embodiments of any of (A20-A22), the electrical connection comprises: the metallic case of the battery, a first alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a second alternating current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

[0033] (A25) In the embodiments of any of (A20-A24), the alternating current coupled connection comprises a capacitor.

[0034] (A26) In the embodiments of any of (A20-A25), a power management integrated circuit is connected to the battery and configured to regulate direct current to the battery from a rectifier connected to the power management integrated circuit.

[0035] (A27) In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving system includes a receiver component for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions. The receiver component includes a first antenna ground plane. The receiver component also includes first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane and configured to receive a transmitted wireless power wave, wherein: the first and the second antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the first antenna ground plane and the first and the second antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another. The receiver component also includes a second antenna ground plane. The receiver component also includes third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane and configured to receive the transmitted wireless power wave, wherein: the first and second antenna ground planes are substantially parallel to one another, the third and the fourth antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another. The receiver component also includes a battery configured to store power from the transmitted wireless power wave. The battery also provides an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes, wherein the battery has a metallic case that is disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second antenna ground planes, and the electrical connection has a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave. The wireless power receiving system also a device component powered by the battery.

[0036] (A28) In the embodiments of (A27), the device component includes a wireless earphone, a mobile phone, a laptop, or any other consumer electronic device.

[0037] (A29) In the embodiments, a method of fabricating a wireless power receiving system for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power waves, include the following steps: selecting a first antenna ground plane and first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane, the first and second antenna arms configured to receive a transmitted wireless power wave; positioning the first and the second antenna arms substantially perpendicular to one another; selecting a second antenna ground plane and third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane, the third and fourth antenna arms configured to receive the transmitted wireless power wave; positioning the third and the fourth antenna arms substantially perpendicular to one another; positioning the first antenna ground plane, the first and the second antenna arms, the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms in planes that are substantially parallel to one another; forming an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes, the electrical connection has a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave; and placing the electrical connection substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes.

[0038] (A30) In the embodiments of (A29), the step of forming the electrical connection further includes placing a battery having a metallic case that is substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes and the battery connects the first and the second antenna ground planes.

[0039] The compact design of the wireless power receiving system disclosed herein fully utilizes the antenna volume between the two antenna boards and/or two antenna grounds, thereby improving the reception efficiency, gain and bandwith, and overall performance of the wireless power wave receiver. Furthermore, because the wireless power receiving system can receive wireless power waves polarized in any direction,

implementation of the wireless power receiving system can increase the wireless charging coverage area compared with the use of the conventional receivers.

[0040] Note that the various embodiments described above can be combined with any other embodiments described herein. The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] So that the present disclosure can be understood in greater detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the features of various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. The appended drawings, however, merely illustrate pertinent features of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting, for the description may admit to other effective features.

[0042] Figure 1 is a block diagram of components of a representative wireless power transmission system or environment, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless power receiving system

200, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a top-side schematic view of a representative wireless power receiving system 300, in accordance with some embodiments

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of an exemplary antenna board showing various circuit components, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing a method of receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing a method of fabricating a wireless power receiving system that can receive both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0048] In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Numerous details are described herein in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

However, some embodiments may be practiced without many of the specific details, and the scope of the claims is only limited by those features and aspects specifically recited in the claims. Furthermore, well-known processes, components, and materials have not been described in exhaustive detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure pertinent aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0050] Various embodiments of systems and methods are described herein that addresses the shortcomings described above in conventional charging systems and with existing antenna designs. In some embodiments, a wireless power receiving system described herein is a component of a receiver of a wireless power transmission environment 100 (e.g., as described with regard to Figure 1).

[0051] In some embodiments, one or more transmitters of a wireless power transmission environment generate power waves to form pockets of energy at target locations and adjust power wave generation based on sensed data to provide safe, reliable, and efficient wirelessly-delivered power to receivers (and devices associated therewith). In some embodiments, a controlled "pocket of energy" (e.g., a region in which available power is high due to constructive interference of power waves) and/or null spaces (e.g., a region in which available power is low or nonexistent due to destructive interference of power waves) may be formed by convergence of the power waves transmitted into a transmission field of the one or more transmitters.

[0052] In some embodiments, pockets of energy form at one or more locations in a two- or three-dimensional field due to patterns of constructive interference caused by convergences of transmitted power waves. Energy from the transmitted power waves may be harvested by one or more receivers (i.e., received and converted into usable power) at the one or more locations.

[0053] In some embodiments, the one or more receivers include a receiver system that can receive both vertical and horizontal polarized wireless power waves (or wireless power waves propagated and/or polarized in any direction) described herein (e.g., in reference to Figures 2-6). For example, the receiver system discussed herein may be integrated into consumer devices such as wireless earphones, wireless headsets or glasses, mobile phones, laptops, smart watches or other wearable devices, sound bars, televisions, media entertainment systems, light fixtures, and other consumer devices, to produce a respective receiver that remains compact, and aesthetically appealing, yet still capable of receiving power waves sufficient to charge those electronic devices.

[0054] In some embodiments, adaptive pocket-forming is performed, e.g., by adjusting power wave transmission to achieve a target power level for at least some of the power waves transmitted by the one or more transmitters. For example, a system for adaptive pocket-forming includes a sensor. In some embodiments, when the sensor detects an object, such as a sensitive object (e.g., a person, an animal, equipment sensitive to the power waves, and the like) within a predetermined distance (e.g., a distance within a range of 1-5 feet) of a pocket of energy, of one or more of the power waves, or of a transmitter, then a respective transmitter of the one or more transmitters adjusts one or more characteristics of transmitted power waves. Non-limiting examples of the one or more characteristics include: frequency, amplitude, trajectory, direction, phase, and other characteristics used by one or more antennas of the one or more transmitters to transmit the power waves. As one example, in response to receiving information indicating that transmission of power waves by a respective transmitter of the one or more transmitters should be adjusted (e.g., a sensor senses a sensitive object within a predetermined distance of a respective target location), the adaptive pocket-forming process adjusts the one or more characteristics accordingly.

[0055] In some embodiments, adjusting the one or more characteristics includes reducing a currently generated power level at a location by adjusting one or more transmitted power waves that converge at the target location. In some embodiments, reducing a currently generated power level includes transmitting a power wave that causes destructive interference with at least one other transmitted power wave. For example, a power wave is transmitted with a first phase that is shifted relative to a second phase of at least one other power wave to destructively interfere with the at least one other power wave in order to diminish or eliminate the currently generated power level at the target location.

[0056] In some embodiments, adjusting the one or more characteristics includes increasing a power level for some of the transmitted power waves to ensure that the receiver receives adequate energy sufficient to quickly charge a power-storing component of an electronic device that is associated with the receiver.

[0057] In some embodiments, an object is "tagged" (e.g., an identifier of the object is stored in memory in association with a flag) to indicate that the detected object is a sensitive object. In response to detection of a particular object within a predetermined distance of a target location, a determination is made as to whether the particular object is a sensitive object. In some embodiments, this determination includes performing a lookup in the memory to check whether the particular object has been previously tagged and is therefore known as a sensitive object. In response to determining that the particular object is a sensitive object, the one or more characteristics used to transmit the power waves may be adjusted accordingly, e.g., decreased or reduced transmission.

[0058] In some embodiments, sensing a sensitive object includes using a series of sensor readings from one or more sensors to determine motion of an object within a transmission field of the one or more transmitters. In some embodiments, sensor output from one or more sensors is used to detect motion of the object approaching within a

predetermined distance of a pocket of energy or of power waves used to form the pocket of energy. In response to a determination that a sensitive object is approaching (e.g., moving toward and/or within a predefined distance of a pocket of energy), the currently generated power level at the location of the pocket of energy is reduced. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors include sensors that are internal to the one or more transmitters and/or the receiver. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors include sensors that are external to the one or more transmitters and the receiver. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors include thermal imaging, optical, radar, and other types of sensors capable of detecting objects within a transmission field.

[0059] Although some embodiments herein include the use of Radio Frequency (RF)- based wave transmission technologies as a primary example, it should be appreciated that the wireless charging techniques that might be employed are not be limited to RF-based technologies and transmission techniques. Rather, it should be appreciated that additional or alternative wireless charging techniques may be utilized, including any suitable technology and technique for wirelessly transmitting energy so that a receiver is capable of converting the transmitted energy to electrical power. Such technologies or techniques may transmit various forms of wirelessly transmitted energy including the following non-limiting examples: ultrasound, microwave, resonant and inductive magnetic fields, laser light, infrared, or other forms of electromagnetic energy. [0060] In the case of ultrasound, for example, one or more transducer elements may be disposed so as to form a transducer array that transmits ultrasound waves toward a receiving device that receives the ultrasound waves and converts them to electrical power. In the case of resonant or inductive magnetic fields, magnetic fields are created in a transmitter coil and converted by a receiver coil into electrical power. In addition, although the exemplary receiver system is shown, in some embodiments, as a single unit comprising potentially multiple components, both for RF reception of power and for other power reception methods mentioned in this paragraph, the receiver system can comprise multiple receivers that are physically spread around a room rather than being in a compact regular structure.

[0061] Figure 1 is a block diagram of components of wireless power transmission environment 100, in accordance with some embodiments. Wireless power transmission environment 100 includes, for example, transmitters 102 (e.g., transmitters 102a, 102b . . . 102n) and one or more receivers 120. In some embodiments, each respective wireless power transmission environment 100 includes a number of receivers 120, each of which is associated with a respective electronic device 122 (e.g., electronic devices 122a, 122b . . . 122n).

[0062] An example transmitter 102 (e.g., transmitter 102a) includes, for example, one or more processor(s) 104, a memory 106, one or more antenna arrays 1 10, one or more communications components 1 12, and/or one or more transmitter sensors 1 14. In some embodiments, these components are interconnected by way of a communications bus 108. References to these components of transmitters 102 cover embodiments in which one or more than one of each of these components (and combinations thereof) are included.

[0063] In some embodiments, memory 106 stores one or more programs (e.g., sets of instructions) and/or data structures, collectively referred to as "modules" herein. In some embodiments, memory 106, or the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of memory 106 stores the following modules 107 (e.g., programs and/or data structures), or a subset or superset thereof:

• information received from receiver 120 (e.g., generated by receiver sensor 128 and then transmitted to the transmitter 102a);

• information received from transmitter sensor 1 14; • an adaptive pocket-forming module that adjusts one or more power waves 1 16 transmitted by one or more transmitters 102; and/or

• a beacon transmitting module that transmits a communication signal 1 18 for detecting a receiver 120 (e.g., within a transmission field of the one or more transmitters 102).

[0064] The above-identified modules (e.g., data structures and/or programs including sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise rearranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 106 stores a subset of the modules identified above. In some embodiments, an external mapping memory 131 that is communicatively connected to communications component 1 12 stores one or more modules identified above. Furthermore, the memory 106 and/or external mapping memory 131 may store additional modules not described above. In some embodiments, the modules stored in memory 106, or a non-transitory computer readable storage medium of memory 106, provide instructions for implementing respective operations in the methods described below. In some embodiments, some or all of these modules may be implemented with specialized hardware circuits that subsume part or all of the module functionality. One or more of the above- identified elements may be executed by one or more of processor(s) 104. In some embodiments, one or more of the modules described with regard to memory 106 is implemented on memory 104 of a server (not shown) that is communicatively coupled to one or more transmitters 102 and/or by a memory of electronic device 122 and/or receiver 120.

[0065] In some embodiments, a single processor 104 (e.g., processor 104 of transmitter 102a) executes software modules for controlling multiple transmitters 102 (e.g., transmitters 102b . . . 102n). In some embodiments, a single transmitter 102 (e.g., transmitter 102a) includes multiple processors 104, such as one or more transmitter processors

(configured to, e.g., control transmission of signals 1 16 by antenna array 1 10), one or more communications component processors (configured to, e.g., control communications transmitted by communications component 1 12 and/or receive communications by way of communications component 1 12) and/or one or more sensor processors (configured to, e.g., control operation of transmitter sensor 1 14 and/or receive output from transmitter sensor 1 14). [0066] Receiver 120 (e.g., a receiver of electronic device 122) receives power signals

1 16 and/or communications 1 18 transmitted by transmitters 102. In some embodiments, receiver 120 includes one or more antennas 124 (e.g., antenna array including multiple antenna elements), power converter 126, receiver sensor 128 and/or other components or circuitry (e.g., processor(s) 140, memory 142, and/or communication component(s) 144). In some embodiments, these components are interconnected by way of a communications bus 146. References to these components of receiver 120 cover embodiments in which one or more than one of each of these components (and combinations thereof) are included.

Receiver 120 converts energy from received signals 1 16 (e.g., power waves) into electrical energy to power and/or charge electronic device 122. For example, receiver 120 uses power converter 126 to convert captured energy from power waves 1 16 to alternating current (AC) electricity or direct current (DC) electricity usable to power and/or charge electronic device 122. Non-limiting examples of power converter 126 include rectifiers, rectifying circuits, power management integrated circuits (PMIC), voltage conditioners, among suitable circuitry and devices.

[0067] In some embodiments, receiver 120 is a standalone device that is detachably coupled to one or more electronic devices 122. For example, electronic device 122 has processor(s) 132 for controlling one or more functions of electronic device 122 and receiver 120 has processor(s) 140 for controlling one or more functions of receiver 120.

[0068] In some embodiments, receiver is a component of electronic device 122. For example, processor(s) 132 controls functions of electronic device 122 and receiver 120.

[0069] In some embodiments, electronic device 122 includes processor(s) 132, memory 134, communication component(s) 136, and/or battery/batteries 130. In some embodiments, these components are interconnected by way of a communications bus 138. In some embodiments, communications between electronic device 122 and receiver 120 occur via communications component(s) 136 and/or 144. In some embodiments, communications between electronic device 122 and receiver 120 occur via a wired connection between communications bus 138 and communications bus 146. In some embodiments, electronic device 122 and receiver 120 share a single communications bus.

[0070] In some embodiments, receiver 120 receives one or more power waves 1 16 directly from transmitter 102. In some embodiments, receiver 120 harvests power waves from one or more pockets of energy created by one or more power waves 1 16 transmitted by transmitter 102.

[0071] In some embodiments, after the power waves 1 16 are received and/or energy is harvested from a pocket of energy, circuitry (e.g., integrated circuits, amplifiers, rectifiers, PMICs and/or voltage conditioner) of the receiver 120 converts the energy of the power waves (e.g., radio frequency electromagnetic radiation) to usable power (i.e., electricity), which powers electronic device 122 and/or is stored to battery 130 of electronic device 122. In some embodiments, a rectifying circuit of the receiver 120 translates the electrical energy from AC to DC for use by electronic device 122. In some embodiments, a voltage conditioning circuit increases or decreases the voltage of the electrical energy as required by the electronic device 122. In some embodiments, an electrical relay conveys electrical energy from the receiver 120 to the electronic device 122.

[0072] In some embodiments, receiver 120 is a component of an electronic device

122. In some embodiments, a receiver 120 is coupled (e.g., detachably coupled) to an electronic device 122. In some embodiments, electronic device 122 is a peripheral device of receiver 120. In some embodiments, electronic device 122 obtains power from multiple transmitters 102 and/or using multiple receivers 120. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission environment 100 includes a plurality of electronic devices 122, each having at least one respective receiver 120 that is used to harvest power waves from the transmitters 102 into usable power for charging the electronic devices 122.

[0073] In some embodiments, the one or more transmitters 102 adjust one or more characteristics (e.g., phase, gain, direction, and/or frequency) of power waves 1 16. For example, a transmitter 102 (e.g., transmitter 102a) selects a subset of one or more antenna elements of antenna array 1 10 to initiate transmission of power waves 1 16, cease

transmission of power waves 1 16, and/or adjust one or more characteristics used to transmit power waves 1 16. In some implementations, the one or more transmitters 102 adjust power waves 1 16 such that trajectories of power waves 1 16 converge at a predetermined location within a transmission field (e.g., a location or region in space), resulting in controlled constructive or destructive interference patterns.

[0074] In some embodiments, respective antenna arrays 1 10 of the one or more transmitters 102 may include a set of one or more antennas configured to transmit the power waves 1 16 into respective transmission fields of the one or more transmitters 102. Integrated circuits (not shown) of the respective transmitter 102, such as a controller circuit and/or waveform generator, may control the behavior of the antennas. For example, based on the information received from the receiver by way of the communications signal 1 18, a controller circuit may determine a set of one or more characteristics or waveform characteristics (e.g., amplitude, frequency, trajectory, direction, phase, among other characteristics) used for transmitting the power waves 1 16 that would effectively provide power to the receiver 102 and electronic device 122. The controller circuit may also identify a subset of antennas from the antenna arrays 1 10 that would be effective in transmitting the power waves 1 16. As another example, a waveform generator circuit of the respective transmitter 102 coupled to the processor 104 may convert energy and generate the power waves 1 16 having the waveform characteristics identified by the controller, and then provide the power waves to the antenna arrays 1 10 for transmission.

[0075] In some embodiments, different subsets of antennas from the antenna arrays

1 10 are used to charge receivers 120 or electronic devices 122 at different locations. In some embodiments, different subsets of antennas with different frequencies from the antenna arrays 1 10 are used to charge receivers 120 or electronic devices 122 at different locations, e.g., each receiver 120 or electronic device 122 receives a particular frequency from a subset of antennas from the antenna arrays 1 10. In some embodiments, the frequencies from the different subsets of antennas are non-overlapping. In some embodiments, different subsets of antennas from the antenna arrays 1 10 are used to form pockets of energy around receivers 120 or electronic devices 122 at different locations.

[0076] In some embodiments, constructive interference of power waves occurs when two or more power waves 1 16 are in phase with one another and converge into a combined wave such that an amplitude of the combined wave is greater than amplitude of a single one of the power waves. For example, the positive and negative peaks of sinusoidal waveforms arriving at a location from multiple antennas "add together" to create larger positive and negative peaks. In some embodiments, a pocket of energy is formed at a location in a transmission field where constructive interference of power waves occurs. In some embodiments, largest dimension of the pocket of energy created by the constructive interference patterns is more than 5 millimeters (mm), more than 10 mm, more than 15 mm, more than 20 mm, more than 50 mm, more than 100 mm, more than 500 mm, more than 1000 mm, more than 2000 mm, or more than 5000 mm. In some embodiments, the largest dimension of the pocket of energy created by the constructive interference patterns for a particular transmitted frequency is more than half of a wavelength, more than one wavelength, more than 5 wavelengths, more than 10 wavelengths, more than 100

wavelengths, more than 1000 wavelengths, or more than 10000 wavelengths.

[0077] In some embodiments, destructive interference of power waves occurs when two or more power waves are out of phase and converge into a combined wave such that the amplitude of the combined wave is less than the amplitude of a single one of the power waves. For example, the power waves "cancel one another out," thereby diminishing the amount of energy concentrated at a location in the transmission field. In some embodiments, destructive interference is used to generate a negligible amount of energy or "null" at a location within the transmission field where the power waves converge. In some

embodiments, the "null" space is created adjacent to the pockets of energy formed by the constructive interference patterns. In some embodiments, largest dimension of the "null" space created by the destructive interference patterns is more than 5 mm, more than 10 mm, more than 15 mm, more than 20 mm, more than 50 mm, more than 100 mm, more than 500 mm, more than 1000 mm, more than 2000 mm, or more than 5000 mm. In some

embodiments, the largest dimension of the "null" space created by the destructive

interference patterns for a particular transmitted frequency is more than half of a wavelength, more than one wavelength, more than 5 wavelengths, more than 10 wavelengths, more than 100 wavelengths, more than 1000 wavelengths, or more than 10000 wavelengths.

[0078] In some embodiments, the one or more transmitters 102 transmit power waves

1 16 that create two or more discrete transmission fields (e.g., overlapping and/or non- overlapping discrete transmission fields). In some embodiments, a first transmission field is managed by a first processor 104 of a first transmitter (e.g. transmitter 102a) and a second transmission field is managed by a second processor 104 of a second transmitter (e.g., transmitter 102b). In some embodiments, the two or more discrete transmission fields (e.g., overlapping and/or non-overlapping) are managed by the transmitter processors 104 as a single transmission field.

[0079] In some embodiments, communications component 1 12 transmits

communication signals 1 18 by way of a wired and/or wireless communication connection to receiver 120. In some embodiments, communications component 1 12 generates

communications signals 1 18 used for triangulation of receiver 120. In some embodiments, communication signals 1 18 are used to convey information between transmitter 102 and receiver 120 for adjusting one or more characteristics used to transmit the power waves 1 16. In some embodiments, communications signals 1 18 include information related to status, efficiency, user data, power consumption, billing, geo-location, relative location, and other types of information.

[0080] In some embodiments, receiver 120 includes a transmitter (not shown), or is a part of a transceiver, that transmits communications signals 1 18 to communications component 1 12 of transmitter 102.

[0081] In some embodiments, communications component 1 12 (e.g., communications component 1 12 of transmitter 102a) includes a communications component antenna for communicating with receiver 120 and/or other transmitters 102 (e.g., transmitters 102b through 102n). In some embodiments, these communications signals 1 18 represent a distinct channel of signals transmitted by transmitter 102, independent from a channel of signals used for transmission of the power waves 1 16.

[0082] In some embodiments, the receiver 120 includes a receiver-side

communications component 144 configured to communicate various types of data with one or more of the transmitters 102, through a respective communications signal 1 18 generated by the receiver-side communications component. The data may include location indicators for the receiver 102 and/or electronic device 122, a power status of the device 122, status information for the receiver 102, status information for the electronic device 122, status information about the power waves 1 16, and/or status information for pockets of energy. In other words, the receiver 102 may provide data to the transmitter 102, by way of the communications signal 1 18, regarding the current operation of the system 100, including: information identifying a present location of the receiver 102 or the device 122, an amount of energy received by the receiver 120, and an amount of power received and/or used by the electronic device 122, among other possible data points containing other types of

information.

[0083] In some embodiments, the data contained within communications signals 1 18 is used by electronic device 122, receiver 120, and/or transmitters 102 for determining adjustments of the one or more characteristics used by the antenna array 110 to transmit the power waves 116. Using a communications signal 118, the transmitter 102 communicates data that is used, e.g., to identify receivers 120 within a transmission field, identify electronic devices 122, determine safe and effective waveform characteristics for power waves, and/or hone the placement of pockets of energy. In some embodiments, receiver 120 uses a communications signal 118 to communicate data for, e.g., alerting transmitters 102 that the receiver 120 has entered or is about to enter a transmission field, provide information about electronic device 122, provide user information that corresponds to electronic device 122, indicate the effectiveness of received power waves 116, and/or provide updated

characteristics or transmission parameters that the one or more transmitters 102 use to adjust transmission of the power waves 116.

[0084] As an example, the communications component 112 of the transmitter 102 communicates (e.g., transmits and/or receives) one or more types of data (including, e.g., authentication data and/or transmission parameters) including various information such as a beacon message, a transmitter identifier, a device identifier for an electronic device 122, a user identifier, a charge level for electronic device 122, a location of receiver 120 in a transmission field, and/or a location of electronic device 122 in a transmission field.

[0085] In some embodiments, transmitter sensor 114 and/or receiver sensor 128 detect and/or identify conditions of electronic device 122, receiver 120, transmitter 102, and/or a transmission field. In some embodiments, data generated by transmitter sensor 114 and/or receiver sensor 128 is used by transmitter 102 to determine appropriate adjustments to the one or more characteristics used to transmit the power waves 106. Data from transmitter sensor 114 and/or receiver sensor 128 received by transmitter 102 includes, e.g., raw sensor data and/or sensor data processed by a processor 104, such as a sensor processor. Processed sensor data includes, e.g., determinations based upon sensor data output. In some

embodiments, sensor data received from sensors that are external to the receiver 120 and the transmitters 102 is also used (such as thermal imaging data, information from optical sensors, and others).

[0086] In some embodiments, receiver sensor 128 is a gyroscope that provides raw data such as orientation data (e.g., tri-axial orientation data), and processing this raw data may include determining a location of receiver 120 and/or or a location of receiver antenna 124 using the orientation data.

[0087] In some embodiments, receiver sensor 128 includes one or more infrared sensors (e.g., that output thermal imaging information), and processing this infrared sensor data includes identifying a person (e.g., indicating presence of the person and/or indicating an identification of the person) or other sensitive object based upon the thermal imaging information.

[0088] In some embodiments, receiver sensor 128 includes a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer that indicates an orientation of receiver 120 and/or electronic device 122. As one example, transmitters 102 receive orientation information from receiver sensor 128 and the transmitters 102 (or a component thereof, such as the processor 104) use the received orientation information to determine whether electronic device 122 is flat on a table, in motion, and/or in use (e.g., next to a user' s head).

[0089] In some embodiments, receiver sensor 128 is a sensor of electronic device 122

(e.g., an electronic device 122 that is remote from receiver 102). In some embodiments, receiver 120 and/or electronic device 122 includes a communication system for transmitting signals (e.g., sensor signals output by receiver sensor 128) to transmitter 102.

[0090] Non-limiting examples of transmitter sensor 1 14 and/or receiver sensor 128 include, e.g., infrared, pyroelectric, ultrasonic, laser, optical, Doppler, gyro, accelerometer, microwave, millimeter, RF standing-wave sensors, resonant LC sensors, capacitive sensors, and/or inductive sensors. In some embodiments, technologies for transmitter sensor 1 14 and/or receiver sensor 128 include binary sensors that acquire stereoscopic sensor data, such as the location of a human or other sensitive object.

[0091] In some embodiments, transmitter sensor 1 14 and/or receiver sensor 128 is configured for human recognition (e.g., capable of distinguishing between a person and other objects, such as furniture). Examples of sensor data output by human recognition-enabled sensors include: body temperature data, infrared range-finder data, motion data, activity recognition data, silhouette detection and recognition data, gesture data, heart rate data, portable devices data, and wearable device data (e.g., biometric readings and output, accelerometer data). [0092] In some embodiments, transmitters 102 adjust one or more characteristics used to transmit the power waves 1 16 to ensure compliance with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure protection standards for human subjects. Maximum exposure limits are defined by US and European standards in terms of power density limits and electric field limits (as well as magnetic field limits). These include, for example, limits established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for maximum permissible exposure (MPE), and limits established by European regulators for radiation exposure. Limits established by the FCC for MPE are codified at 47 CFR § 1.1310. For electromagnetic field (EMF) frequencies in the microwave range, power density can be used to express an intensity of exposure. Power density is defined as power per unit area. For example, power density can be commonly expressed in terms of watts per square meter (W/m²), milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²), or microwatts per square centimeter

In some embodiments, output from transmitter sensor 1 14 and/or receiver sensor 128 is used by transmitter 102 to detect whether a person or other sensitive object enters a power transmission region (e.g., a location within a predetermined distance of a transmitter 102, power waves generated by transmitter 102, and/or a pocket of energy). In some embodiments, in response to detecting that a person or other sensitive object has entered the power transmission region, the transmitter 102 adjusts one or more power waves 1 16 (e.g., by ceasing power wave transmission, reducing power wave transmission, and/or adjusting the one or more characteristics of the power waves). In some embodiments, in response to detecting that a person or other sensitive object has entered the power transmission region, the transmitter 102 activates an alarm (e.g., by transmitting a signal to a loudspeaker that is a component of transmitter 102 or to an alarm device that is remote from transmitter 102). In some embodiments, in response to detecting that a person or other sensitive object has entered a power transmission region, the transmitter 102 transmits a digital message to a system log or administrative computing device.

[0093] In some embodiments, antenna array 1 10 includes multiple antenna elements

(e.g., configurable "tiles") collectively forming an antenna array. Antenna array 1 10 generates power transmission signals, e.g., RF power waves, ultrasonic power waves, infrared power waves, and/or magnetic resonance power waves. In some embodiments, the antennas of an antenna array 1 10 (e.g., of a single transmitter, such as transmitter 102a, and/or of multiple transmitters, such as transmitters 102a, 102b, . . . , 102n) transmit two or more power waves that intersect at a defined location (e.g.,. a location corresponding to a detected location of a receiver 120), thereby forming a pocket of energy (e.g., a concentration of energy) at the defined location.

[0094] In some embodiments, transmitter 102 assigns a first task to a first subset of antenna elements of antenna array 1 10, a second task to a second subset of antenna elements of antenna array 1 10, and so on, such that the constituent antennas of antenna array 1 10 perform different tasks (e.g., determining locations of previously undetected receivers 120 and/or transmitting power waves 1 16 to one or more receivers 120). As one example, in an antenna array 1 10 with ten antennas, nine antennas transmit power waves 1 16 that form a pocket of energy and the tenth antenna operates in conjunction with communications component 1 12 to identify new receivers in the transmission field. In another example, an antenna array 1 10 having ten antenna elements is split into two groups of five antenna elements, each of which transmits power waves 1 16 to two different receivers 120 in the transmission field.

[0095] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless power receiving system

200, in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, one or more sets of antenna elements 202 connect with their respective rectifiers 204. There can be multiple rectifiers 204 connected to their respective set of antenna elements 202. For example, in different embodiments, two, four, eight, or sixteen antenna elements are coupled with one rectifier 204. The antenna elements 202 extract or harvest power wirelessly from the wireless power waves transmitted by one or more wireless power transmitters. The antenna element(s) 202 include(s) antenna arm(s) and antenna ground plane(s), described below in relation to Figure 3.

[0096] The antenna elements 202 comprise any type of antenna capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals in frequency bands used by the transmitter.

Furthermore, the antenna element 202 may be directional and/or omni-directional and include flat antenna elements, patch antenna elements, dipole antenna elements, and/or any other suitable antenna for wireless power transmission. Suitable antenna types may include, for example, patch antennas with heights from about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches and widths from about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches. The shape and orientation of antenna element 202 may vary in dependency of the desired features of receiver system 200; orientation may be flat in X, Y, and/or Z axis, as well as various orientation types and combinations in three dimensional arrangements. Antenna element 202 may be made from any suitable material that allows RF signal transmission with high efficiency, good heat dissipation and the like. The amount of antenna elements 202 may vary in relation with the desired range and power transmission capability of the transmitter; the more antenna elements, the wider the range and the higher the power transmission capability.

[0097] Antenna element 202 may include suitable antenna types for operating in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz as these frequency bands conform to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations part 18 (industrial, scientific, and medical equipment). Antenna element 202 may operate in independent frequencies, allowing a multichannel operation of pocket-forming.

[0098] In addition, antenna element 1106 may have at least one polarization or a selection of polarizations. Such polarizations may include vertical, horizontal, circularly, left-hand, right-hand, or a combination of polarizations. The selection of polarizations may vary in dependency of transmitter and receiver characteristics. For instance, the oscillating electric field of the wireless power wave induces a voltage and/or current in the antenna elements 202. In some embodiments, the oscillating electric field of the wireless power wave induces either a vertical or a horizontal voltage and/or current in some components or sections of antenna elements 202. In some embodiments, the oscillating electric field of the wireless power wave induces both a vertical and a horizontal voltage and/or current in some components or sections of antenna elements 202.

[0099] In addition, antenna element 1106 may be located in various surfaces of receiver 200. Antenna element 202 may operate in single array, pair array, quad array and any other suitable arrangement that may be designed in accordance with the desired application.

[00100] In some implementations, the entire side of a printed circuit board PCB or a

RF integrated circuit (IC) may be closely packed with antenna element 202. The RFIC may connect to multiple antenna elements. Multiple antenna elements 202 may surround a single RFIC.

[00101] Rectifiers 204 of the receiver system 200 may include diodes, resistors, inductors, and/or capacitors to rectify alternating current (AC) voltage generated by antenna elements 204 to direct current (DC) voltage. Rectifiers 204 may be placed as close as is technically possible to antenna elements 204 to minimize losses in electrical energy gathered from power transmission signals. After rectifying AC voltage, the resulting DC voltage may be regulated using power converters (not shown). Power converters can be a DC-to-DC converter that may help provide a constant voltage output, regardless of input, to an electronic device, or as in this exemplary system 200, to a battery 208. Typical voltage outputs can be from about 5 volts to about 10 volts. In some embodiments, power converter may include electronic switched mode DC-DC converters, which can provide high efficiency. In such embodiments, the receiver 200 may comprise a capacitor (not shown) that is situated to receive the electrical energy before power converters. The capacitor may ensure sufficient current is provided to an electronic switching device (e.g., switch mode DC-DC converter), so it may operate effectively. When charging an electronic device, for example a phone or laptop computer, initial high-currents that can exceed the minimum voltage needed to activate operation of an electronic switched mode DC-DC converter, may be required. In such a case, a capacitor (not shown) may be added at the output of receivers 200 to provide the extra energy required. Afterwards, lower power can be provided. For example, 1/80 of the total initial power that may be used while having the phone or laptop still build-up charge.

[00102] The current from the rectifiers 204 is provided to a Power Management

Integrated Circuit (PMIC) 206. A PMIC 206 is an integrated circuit and/or a system block in a system-on-a-chip device for managing power requirements of the host system. The PMIC 206 may include battery management, voltage regulation, and charging functions. It may include a DC-to-DC converter to allow dynamic voltage scaling. In some implementations, the PMIC 206 may provide up to a 95% power conversion efficiency. In some

implementations, the PMIC 206 may integrate with dynamic frequency scaling in a combination. The PMIC 206 may be implemented in a battery-operated device such as mobile phones and/or portable media players. In some implementations, the battery 208 may be replaced with an input capacitor and an output capacitor. The PMIC 206 may be directly connected to the battery 208 and/or capacitors. When the battery 208 is being charged directly, a capacitor may not be implemented. In some implementations, the PMIC 206 may be coiled around the battery 208. The PMIC 206 may comprise a power management chip (PMC) that acts as a battery charger, and is connected to the battery 208. The PMIC 206 can use pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) and pulse-width modulation (PWM). It can use switching amplifier (Class-D electronic amplifier). In some implementations, an output converter, a rectifier, and/or a BLE may also be included in the PMIC 206.

[00103] Figure 3 shows a top-side schematic view of a representative wireless power receiving system 300, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving system 300 is at a size that can fit into a small size electronic device such as a pacemaker or an earphone. For example, in some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is at about 10 millimeter (mm). In some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is smaller than 10 mm. In some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is at or smaller than 5 mm. In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving system 300 is at a size that can fit into a compact electronic device such as a mobile phone or a remote controller. For example, in some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is at or smaller than 20 mm. In some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is at or smaller than 30 mm. In some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is at or smaller than 40 mm. In some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is at or smaller than 50 mm. In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving system 300 is at a size that can fit into an electronic device such as a remote key board, a sound bar or a TV. For example, in some embodiments, the size or largest dimension of the wireless power receiving system 300 is at or smaller than 100 mm.

[00104] In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving system 300 includes two antenna boards 320 and 322 on the top and bottom sides respectively of the wireless power receiving system 300. In some embodiments, the two antenna boards 320 and 322 are generally planar. In some embodiments, the two antenna boards 320 and 322 are parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the two antenna boards 320 and 322 have a circular shape. Circular shape can maximize the volume between the two antenna boards 320 and 322 and improve the reception efficiency. And the circular shape also matches the shapes of most of the button cell batteries that can be placed between the antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the two antenna boards 320 and 322 have shapes such as oval, square, rectangle, triangle, and other regular or irregular shapes. In some embodiments, the antenna boards 320 and 322 are printed circuit boards (PCBs). In some embodiments, the antenna boards 320 and 322 include one or more rectifiers and/or one or more PMICs, and/or other power regulating circuits. In some embodiments, the shapes of the antenna boards 320 and 322 are symmetrical to one another. In some embodiments, the positions of the antenna boards 320 and 322 are symmetrical to one another. Symmetrical shapes and/or positions of the antenna boards 320 and 322 can allow even and predictable reception of the wireless power when the wireless power receiving system 300 is flipped over or turned around. In some embodiments, the shapes of the antenna boards 320 and 322 are asymmetrical to one another. In some embodiments, the positions of the antenna boards 320 and 322 are asymmetrical to one another. Asymmetrical shapes and/or positions of the antenna boards 320 and 322 can fit into the need of specific applications of wireless power reception pertaining to a particular client device's shape and function. In some embodiments, there are more than two antenna boards that are parallel to one another in the wireless power receiving system 300.

[00105] In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the wireless power receiving system 300 is defined by the diameter or largest dimension of the antenna boards 320 and 322 divided by the distance between the two antenna boards 320 and 322. The aspect ratio can be adjusted to allow sufficient reception of wireless power waves in both vertical and horizontal directions. For example, in some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the wireless power receiving system 300 is between 2 to 0.5. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the wireless power receiving system 300 is 1.7. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the wireless power receiving system 300 is 1 to maximize the volume between the two antenna boards 320 and 322. The aspect ratio can be further adjusted to give preference to reception of waves polarized in a particular direction or for the wireless power receiving system 300 to fit into a particular device's structure and shape. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the wireless power receiving system 300 is between 3 to 0.3. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the wireless power receiving system 300 is between 4 to 0.25.

[00106] In some embodiments, the top and bottom antenna boards 320 and 322 are coupled together via a supporting fixture 314. In some embodiments, the supporting fixture 314 is placed at an edge of the two antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the supporting fixture 314 is substantially perpendicular to the two antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, an additional clamp 316 connects the top surface of the antenna board 320 and the bottom surface of the antenna board 322 to hold the system 300 together. In some embodiments, positioning poles such as 324 and 326 are used to secure the structures and components within the wireless power receiving system 300.

[00107] In the embodiments described herein, vertical 342 and horizontal 344 directions are generally relative to a reference such as the surface of the earth, the sea level, or the direction of the wireless transmission waves, etc. In Figure 3, the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the two antenna boards 320 and 322 is defined as vertical 342, and the planes which are parallel to the antenna boards 320 and 322 are defined as horizontal 344. In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving system 300 can receive both horizontal and vertical polarized power waves. In some embodiments, a wireless power wave polarized in a particular direction consists of a horizontal vector component and/or a vertical vector component, and thus the wireless power receiving system 300 can receive wireless power waves polarized in any direction.

[00108] In some embodiments, the wireless power receiving system 300 includes a plurality of antenna arms such as 302, 304, 306 and 308. Each of the antenna arms is coupled to an antenna ground plane such as 310 and 312. In some embodiments, antenna arms 302 and 304 are coupled to the antenna ground plane 310. In some embodiments, antenna arms 306 and 308 are coupled to the antenna ground plane 312. In some embodiments, each of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 is a monopole arm. In some embodiments, each of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 comprises two dipole arms. In some embodiments, each antenna arms 302 and 304 are substantially parallel to the antenna ground plane 310. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 306 and 308 are substantially parallel to the antenna ground plane 312. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 302 and 304 are substantially

perpendicular to one another. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 306 and 308 are substantially perpendicular to one another. In this case, the reception range and efficiency of the wireless power receiving system 300 can be maximized when the antenna arms are perpendicular to one another.

[00109] In some embodiments, a frequency at which the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 receive electromagnetic waves varies based on the size of the antenna arms.

[00110] In some embodiments, the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 or 308 have dimensions of λ/4 or smaller, where λ is a wavelength that corresponds to a frequency of electromagnetic waves that the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 or 308 are configured to receive. [00111] As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, the various features and configurations of each of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 or 308 may be combined or substituted in various ways to produce a variety of additional embodiments, and may also include different types of feed elements, including a dipole element, patch array feed element, and/or split ring feed element. In some embodiments, an array of antenna arms may include different types and/or configurations of individual antenna arms 302, 304, 306 or 308. For example, an array of antenna arms includes individual antenna arms 302, 304, 306 or 308 arranged in a linear configuration, a planar configuration, or a non-planar (e.g., cylindrical array) configuration. For example, a linear configuration and a planar configuration of the antenna arms can be used to improve gain when the space within the wireless power receiving system 300 is limited. A non-planar antenna arm (e.g., a rectangularly coiled antenna arm) is used when further enhancement of the reception of wireless wave from different directions is needed.

[00112] In some embodiments, the relative positions and/or shapes of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 are symmetrical in space. Symmetrical shapes and/or positions of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 can allow even and predictable reception of the wireless power when the wireless power receiving system 300 is flipped over or turned around. In some embodiments, the relative positions and/or shapes of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 are asymmetrical in space. Asymmetrical shapes and/or positions of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 can fit into the need of specific applications of wireless power reception pertaining to a particular client device's shape and function. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 302 and 304 are positioned within the area of the antenna board 320 and do not extend beyond the boundary of the antenna board 320. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 306 and 308 are positioned within the area of the antenna board 322 and do not extend beyond the boundary of the antenna board 322. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 302 and 304 are placed adjacent to the antenna board 320. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 302 and 304 are placed above, within or below the antenna board 320. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 306 and 308 are placed adjacent to the antenna board 322. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 306 and 308 are placed above, within or below the antenna board 322. In some embodiments, there are two or more antenna arms connected to the antenna ground 310 and each of the antenna arms is substantially parallel to the antenna ground plane 310. In some embodiments, there are two or more antenna arms connected to the antenna ground plane 312 and each of the antenna arms is substantially parallel to the antenna ground plane 312. For example, four antenna arms are connected to an antenna ground plane 310 or 312 and at least two of the antenna arms are perpendicular to one another. For example, eight antenna arms are connected to an antenna ground plane 310 or 312 and at least two of the antenna arms are perpendicular to one another. For example, sixteen antenna arms are connected to an antenna ground plane 310 or 312 and at least two of the antenna arms are perpendicular to one another.

[00113] In some embodiments, the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 connect with their respective antenna boards 320 and 322 through connections such as 328 (bottom connection not shown in Figure 3). An antenna ground plane 310 or 312 is an electrically conductive surface large in comparison to the wavelength of the transmitted wireless waves which is usually connected to an electrical ground. In some embodiments, an antenna ground plane 310 or 312 is a large area of conductive surface on a PCB board. The antenna ground plane 310 or 312 is connected to the ground terminal of a power supply and serves as a return path for current from antenna arms such as 302, 304, 306 and 308 and different circuit components on the PCB board. In some embodiments, the largest dimension of the antenna ground plane 310 or 312 is at least a half the wavelength of the transmitted wireless wave. In some embodiments, the largest dimension of the antenna ground plane 310 or 312 is at least twice the length of the largest dimension of each of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308.

[00114] In some embodiments, the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are substantially planar. In some embodiments, the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are positioned adjacent to their respective antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are positioned below, above or within their respective antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are a part of their respective antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are parallel to their respective antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the areas of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are more than a quarter of their respective antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the areas of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are more than a quarter of their respective antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the areas of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are less than a quarter of their respective antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the shapes of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are substantially a sector of a circle which has two straight sides and one curved edge. In some embodiments, the shapes of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are any planar shapes. In some

embodiments, the shapes and/or positions of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are symmetrical in space. Symmetrical shapes and/or positions of antenna ground planes 310 and 312 can allow even and predictable reception of the wireless power when the wireless power receiving system 300 is flipped over or turned around. In some embodiments, the shapes and/or positions of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 are asymmetrical in space. Asymmetrical shapes and/or positions of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 can fit into the need of specific applications of wireless power reception pertaining to a particular client device's shape and function. In some embodiments, there are more than two antenna ground planes in the wireless power receiving system 300.

[00115] In some embodiments, an electrical connection that is configured to have a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency is formed between the two antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the electrical connection connects the two antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, an electrical connection that is configured to have a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency is formed between the two antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the electrical connection is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the two antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the electrical connection is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the two antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, the electrical connection is substantially perpendicular to the two antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the electrical connection is substantially perpendicular to the two antenna boards 320 and 322. In some embodiments, a low impedance for the electrical connection particular to a wireless power transmission wave frequency range can be configured by changing the resistance, capacitance and inductance of the various elements within the electrical connection.

[00116] In some embodiments, when the wireless power receiving system 300 receives transmitted power waves, currents and/or voltages are induced in both horizontal and vertical directions within the system 300. In some embodiments, horizontal currents and/or voltages are induced in the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 and the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, vertical currents and/or voltages are induced in the electrical connection that has a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency between the two antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, vertical currents and/or voltages are induced in the electrical connection that has a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency between the two antenna boards 320 and 322.

[00117] In some embodiments, the electrical connection can be established by A) using a connection between the battery terminals and the antenna grounds; B) using a connection between the outer case of the battery and the antenna grounds; C) using a connection between the supporting fixture and the antenna grounds; and/or D) using a connection between the clamp and the antenna grounds, or any combination thereof.

[00118] A. The electrical connection is established using a connection between the battery terminals and the antenna grounds

[00119] In some embodiments, the electrical connection that has a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency is formed via a battery 318 placed between the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the battery 318 is secured by a battery holder 330. The battery holder 330 can be a portion of the supporting fixture 314. The battery 318 has a positive terminal 332 (not shown in Figure 3) and a negative terminal 334 (not shown in Figure 3). In some embodiments, the negative terminal 334 of the battery 318 is connected to one of the antenna ground planes 310 through direct current (DC) coupling. In some embodiments, the negative terminal 334 of the battery 318 is directly connected to one of the antenna ground planes 310. And the positive terminal 332 of battery 318 is connected to the other antenna ground plane 312 through AC (Alternating Current) coupling. In some embodiments, both the positive terminal 332 and negative terminal 334 are connected to their respective antenna ground planes 310 and 312 through AC coupling. In some embodiments, the AC coupling is implemented via a capacitor connected between one of the antenna ground planes 310 or 312 and one of the terminals 332 and 334 of the battery 318.

[00120] In some embodiments, the battery 318 is a button cell battery. In some embodiments, the battery 318 has a cylindrical case. In some embodiments, the battery 318 has a metal case. In some embodiments, the battery 318 has a case made of conductive materials. In some embodiments, the battery 318, e.g. a button cell battery of a cylindrical case, has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface 336. In some embodiments, the top surface of the battery 318 is the negative terminal 334, and the bottom surface and side surface 336 of the battery 318 are connected to form the positive terminal 332. In some embodiments, generally, the positive terminal 332 and the negative terminal 334 including the respective part of the case that is connected to the respective terminal are separated by some insulating materials.

[00121] In some embodiments, the battery 318 is positioned in a way that a portion of the battery case is substantially perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the portion of the battery case that is positioned perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 is the side surface 336 of the battery 318.

[00122] In some embodiments, substantial portions of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 are positioned horizontally out of the side surface 336 bounded top and bottom areas of the battery 318. For example, depending on the choice of the size of the battery 318, when the top and bottom areas of the battery 318 increase, the areas occupied by the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 can be reduced accordingly within the vertical boundaries of the antenna boards 320 and 322. In another example, depending on the choice of the size of the battery 318, when the top and bottom areas of the battery 318 decrease, the areas occupied by the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 can be increased accordingly within the vertical boundaries of the antenna boards 320 and 322. Therefore, the choice of the sizes of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308 is dependent on the choice of the size of the battery 318 when the sizes of the antenna boards 320 and 322 are fixed.

[00123] In some embodiments, when the wireless power receiving system 300 receives transmitted power waves, and when the terminals 332 and 334 of the battery 318 are connected to the respective antenna ground planes 310 and 312 through at least one AC coupling connection as described in the embodiments herein, vertical currents and/or voltages can be induced mainly in the portion of the battery case that is positioned perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, vertical currents and/or voltages can be mainly induced in the side surface 336 of the battery case that is positioned perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, vertical currents and or/voltage can be induced in the battery 318 itself. In some embodiments, when vertical currents and or/voltage are induced in both the outer case of the battery and the battery 318 itself, the portion of the vertical currents and/or voltages induced in the vertical case of the battery is larger than the portion of the vertical currents and/or voltages induced in the battery 318 itself.

[00124] B. The electrical connection is established using a connection between the outer case of the battery and the antenna grounds

[00125] In some embodiments, the electrical connection that is configured to have a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency is formed directly through the vertical portion of the case or side surface 336 of the battery 318. For example, a direct connection is formed between the vertical side surface 336 of the battery case and the horizontal antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the vertical side surface 336 is connected directly with the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. To avoid a short-circuit of the battery 318, such a connection should not link the terminals 332 and 334 of the battery 318 directly or through DC coupling.

[00126] In some embodiments, when the wireless power receiving system 300 receives transmitted power waves, vertical currents and/or voltages are induced in the vertical side surface 336 that is positioned perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312.

[00127] C. The electrical connection is established using a connection between the supporting fixture and the antenna grounds

[00128] In some embodiments, the electrical connection that is configured to have a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency is formed through an inner surface 340 (not shown in Figure 3) and/or an outer surface 338 of the supporting fixture 314. In some embodiments, the inner surface 340 and/or the outer surface 338 of the supporting fixture 314 are perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some

embodiments, the inner surface 340 and/or the outer surface 338 of the supporting fixture 314 are made of metal. In some embodiments, the inner surface 340 and/or the outer surface 338 of the supporting fixture 314 are made of other conductive materials. In some embodiments, the inner surface 340 and/or the outer surface 338 of the supporting fixture 314 are connected to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312.

[00129] In some embodiments, when the wireless power receiving system 300 receives transmitted power waves, vertical currents and/or voltages are induced in the inner surface 340 and/or the outer surface 338 of the supporting fixture 314 that is positioned perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the surfaces 340 and 338 of the supporting fixture 314 are curved as a portion of a circular shape.

[00130] In some embodiments, when the supporting fixture 314 is made of conductive materials, the electrical connection can be formed directly through the supporting fixture 314 connected to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312.

[00131] D. The electrical connection is established using a connection between the clamp and the antenna grounds

[00132] In some embodiments, the electrical connection that is configured to have a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency is formed through the clamp 316. In some embodiments, the clamp 316 is substantially perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312. In some embodiments, the clamp 326 is made of metal or other conductive materials. In some embodiments, the clamp 326 is connected through the antenna boards 320 and 322 to their respective antenna ground planes 310 and 312.

[00133] In some embodiments, when the wireless power receiving system 300 receives transmitted power waves, vertical currents and/or voltages are induced in the clamp 326 that is positioned perpendicular to the antenna ground planes 310 and 312.

[00134] In some embodiments, the electrical connection that is configured to have a low impedance at a wireless power transmission wave frequency is formed between the two antenna ground planes 310 and 312 by one or more batteries, one or more supporting fixture surfaces, one or more conductive clamps as described above, and/or one or more structures that perpendicularly connects the two antenna ground planes 310 and 312.

[00135] Various design aspects of the wireless power receiving system 300, such as the dimensions of the antenna boards 320 and 322 (e.g., cross-sectional area and height of the antenna boards 320 and 322), the dimensions of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312 (e.g., cross-sectional area and height of the antenna ground planes 310 and 312), size, shape and arrangement of the antenna arms 302, 304, 306 and 308, impedance and operating frequency of the antenna arms and the electrical connections, size and arrangement of the battery 318 between the antenna ground planes 310 and 312, size and arrangement of the supporting fixture 314, size and arrangement of the clamp 316, and/or size and arrangement of the positioning poles 324 and 326 are selected (e.g., optimized using a cost or performance function) for obtaining desired wireless wave receiving characteristics. Wireless wave receiving characteristics that vary based on the above design aspects include, e.g., size, volume, materials, weight, cost, fabrication efficiency, radiation efficiency, impedance, and/or frequency range (for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic waves and other wireless waves by the antenna).

[00136] In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 300 can operate in the near field, middle field and far field ranges for receiving wireless transmission waves for a particular operating frequency or frequency range. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 300 can operate in the near field, middle field or far field ranges for receiving wireless transmission waves for different frequency ranges. Depending on the frequencies of the transmitted wireless waves, generally, near field refers to the distance that is about less than one wavelength from the transmitting source, far field refers to the distance that is about equal or greater than two wavelengths from the transmitting source, and middle field refers to the distance that is between near field and far field.

[00137] In some embodiments, the substantially symmetrical structure of the wireless power receiving system 300, for example, with antenna boards 320 and 322, antenna grounds 310 and 322, and antenna arms 302, 304, 306, and 308 on both top and bottom sides of the system 300 can improve the reception of the system 300. For example, especially in near field reception, when one side of the wireless power receiving system 300 is relatively far from the transmission waves or fields, the side that is closer to the source of the transmission waves or fields will get better reception. A user can flip the device with the receiving system 300 upside down without impacting its performance.

[00138] In some embodiments, the compact and circular design of the wireless power receiving system 300 disclosed herein fully utilizes the antenna volume between the two antenna boards 320 and 322, thereby improving the reception efficiency, gain and bandwith, and overall performance of the power wave receiver. Furthermore, because the system 300 can receive wireless power waves polarized in any direction, implementation of the system 300 can increase the wireless charging coverage area compared with the use of the conventional receivers.

[00139] Further embodiments also include various subsets of the above embodiments including embodiments in Figures 1-3 combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. [00140] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of an exemplary antenna board 400 showing various circuit components, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the antenna board 400 (also described as 320 or 322 in Figure 3) is a PCB board. In some embodiments, the antenna board 400 can be used on both top and/or bottom of the wireless power receiving system 300 in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the antenna board 400 is generally planar. In some embodiments, the antenna board 400 has two planar sides and a much smaller height between the sides. In some embodiments, a rectifier 402 (also described as 126 in Figure 1 and 204 in Figure 2) is mounted on the antenna board 400. In some embodiments, the rectifier is coupled with at least two antenna arms such as 406 and 408. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 406 and 408 are substantially parallel to the antenna board 400. In some embodiments, the main elements of the antenna arms 406 and 408 are perpendicular to one another. In some embodiments, the arms of the antenna 406 and 408 are connected to the input of the rectifier 402. In some embodiments, the input of the rectifier 402 is a radio-frequency input.

[00141] In some embodiments, the rectifier 402 converts alternating current (AC) received by the antenna arms 406 and 408 to direct current (DC). For example, the DC current path is shown as 404. In some embodiments, the current from the rectifier 402 is provided to a Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) (also described as 126 in Figure 1 and 206 in Figure 2) that is a compact circuit chip for managing power requirements to for a hosting device or a battery. In some embodiments, the PMIC charges the battery through the PMIC's connection to the battery's positive and negative terminals. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 is connected to the rectifier 402 as the rectifier ground. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 and the antenna arms 406 and 408 are substantially parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 406 and 408 can be any shape as long as they are substantially parallel with the antenna board 414. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 is substantially parallel with the main plane of the antenna board 400. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 and/or the antenna arms 406 and 408 are positioned above, on or below the antenna board 400. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 and/or the antenna arms 406 and 408 are substantially parallel with the main plane of the antenna board 400. In some embodiments, the antenna board 400 has a round shape. In some embodiments, the antenna board 400 has any regular or irregular shape. [00142] In some embodiments, the antenna arms 406 and 408 are placed within the area covered by the antenna board 408, for example, within the circumference or boundary of the antenna board 408. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 is placed within the area covered by the antenna board 408, for example, within the circumference or boundary of the antenna board 408. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 is a plane with an area more than a quarter of the area of the antenna board 408. In some embodiments, the largest dimension or size of the antenna ground plane 414 is at least twice of the length of the longest element of each of the antenna arms 406 and 408. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 has a sector shape. In some embodiments, the antenna ground plane 414 has a circular shape.

[00143] Further embodiments also include various subsets of the above embodiments including embodiments in Figures 1-4 combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments.

[00144] Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing a method of receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions, in accordance with some embodiments. Operations (e.g., steps) of the method 500 may be performed by a wireless power receiver system (e.g. receiver 120 or electronic device 122a, Figure 1; wireless power receiving system 200, Figure 2; wireless power receiving system 300, Figure 3) and/or by one or more components thereof (e.g. antenna board 400, Figure 4). At least some of the operations shown in Figure 5 correspond to instructions stored in a computer memory or computer- readable storage medium (e.g., memory 142 of the receiver 120, Figure 1).

[00145] The method 500 includes a step 502 of providing a first antenna ground plane

(e.g., antenna ground plane 310, Figure 3; antenna ground plane 400, Figure 4) and first and second antenna arms (e.g., antenna arms 302 and 304, Figure 3; antenna arms 406 and 408, Figure 4) coupled to the first antenna ground plane 310. In some embodiments, the first and the second antenna arms 302 and 304 are substantially perpendicular to one another.

[00146] The method 500 also includes a step 504 of providing a second antenna ground plane (e.g., antenna ground plane 312, Figure 3; antenna ground plane 400, Figure 4) and third and fourth antenna arms (e.g., antenna arms 306 and 308, Figure 3; antenna arms 406 and 408, Figure 4) coupled to the second antenna ground plane 312. In some embodiments, the third and the fourth antenna arms 306 and 308 are substantially

perpendicular to one another.

[00147] The method 500 further includes a step 506 of providing an electrical connection between the first and the second antenna ground planes 310 and 312, the electrical connection being substantially perpendicular to the first and second antenna ground planes 310 and 312, and having a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave.

[00148] In some embodiments of method 500, the first antenna ground plane 310, the first and the second antenna arms 302 and 304, the second antenna ground plane 312, and the third and the fourth antenna arms 306 and 308 are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another.

[00149] The method 500 further includes a step 508 of receiving a transmitted wireless power wave by the first 302, the second 304, the third 306 and the fourth 308 antenna arms.

[00150] The method 500 further includes a step 510 of converting alternating currents from the antenna arms, the antenna ground planes and /or the electrical connection to direct currents for charging a battery and/or a client device. In some embodiments, the AC to DC conversion is done by a rectifier (also described as 126 in Figure 1, 204 in Figure 2, or 402 in Figure 4) and/or other power converters 126 that include a PMIC (shown as 206 in Figure 2).

[00151] Further embodiments also include various subsets of the above embodiments including embodiments in Figures 1-5 combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments.

[00152] Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing a method of fabricating a wireless power receiving system that can receive both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions, in accordance with some embodiments. The wireless power receiving system includes a wireless power receiver or a receiver system (e.g. receiver 120 or electronic device 122, Figure 1; wireless power receiving system 200, Figure 2; wireless power receiving system 300, Figure 3) or one or more components thereof (e.g. antenna board 400, Figure 4).

[00153] The method 600 includes selecting (602) a first antenna ground plane (e.g., antenna ground plane 310, Figure 3; antenna ground plane 400, Figure 4) and first and second antenna arms (e.g., antenna arms 302 and 304, Figure 3; antenna arms 406 and 408, Figure 4) coupled to the first antenna ground plane 310. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 302 and 304 are configured to receive the transmitted wireless power waves.

[00154] The method 600 further includes positioning (604) the first and the second antenna arms 302 and 304 substantially perpendicular to one another.

[00155] The method 600 further includes selecting (606) a second antenna ground plane (e.g., antenna ground plane 312, Figure 3; antenna ground plane 400, Figure 4) and third and fourth antenna arms (e.g., antenna arms 306 and 308, Figure 3; antenna arms 406 and 408, Figure 4) coupled to the second antenna ground plane 312. In some embodiments, the antenna arms 306 and 308 are configured to receive the transmitted wireless power waves.

[00156] The method 600 further includes positioning (608) the third and the fourth antenna arms 306 and 308 substantially perpendicular to one another.

[00157] The method 600 further includes positioning (610) the first antenna ground plane 310, the first and the second antenna arms 302 and 304, the second antenna ground plane 312, and the third and the fourth antenna arms 306 and 308 in planes that are substantially parallel to one another.

[00158] The method 600 further includes forming (612) an electrical connection between the first and the second antenna ground planes 310 and 312, and the electrical connection has a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave.

[00159] The method 600 further includes placing (614) the electrical connection substantially perpendicular to the first and second antenna ground planes 310 and 312.

[00160] The method 600 further includes providing (616) power converters to convert alternating currents from the antenna arms, the antenna ground planes and /or the electrical connection to direct currents for charging a battery and/or a client device. In some embodiments, the AC to DC conversion is done by a rectifier (also described as 126 in Figure 1, 204 in Figure 2, or 402 in Figure 4) and/or other power converters 126 that include a PMIC (shown as 206 in Figure 2). [00161] Further embodiments also include various subsets of the above embodiments including embodiments in Figures 1-6 combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments.

[00162] The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments described herein and variations thereof. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[00163] Features of the present invention can be implemented in, using, or with the assistance of a computer program product, such as a storage medium (media) or computer readable storage medium (media) having instructions stored thereon/in which can be used to program a processing system to perform any of the features presented herein. The storage medium (e.g., memory 106, 134, and/or 142) can include, but is not limited to, high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM or other random access solid state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storage devices. Memory (e.g., 106, 134, and/or 142) optionally includes one or more storage devices remotely located from the CPU(s) (e.g., processor(s) 104, 132, and/or 140). Memory (e.g., 106, 134, and/or 142), or alternatively the non-volatile memory device(s) within the memory, comprises a non-transitory computer readable storage medium.

[00164] Stored on any one of the machine readable medium (media), features of the present invention can be incorporated in software and/or firmware for controlling the hardware of a processing system (such as the components associated with the transmitters 102 and/or receivers 120), and for enabling a processing system to interact with other mechanisms utilizing the results of the present invention. Such software or firmware may include, but is not limited to, application code, device drivers, operating systems, and execution environments/containers. [00165] Communication systems as referred to herein (e.g., communications components 1 12, 136, and/or 144) optionally communicate via wired and/or wireless communication connections. Communication systems optionally communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless

communication. Wireless communication connections optionally use any of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including but not limited to radio- frequency (RF), radio-frequency identification (RFID), infrared, radar, sound, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Evolution, Data-Only (EV-DO), HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA), long term evolution (LTE), near field communication (NFC), ZigBee, wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 102.1 1a, IEEE 102.1 lac, IEEE 102.1 lax, IEEE 102.1 lb, IEEE 102.1 lg and/or IEEE 102.1 In), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging

Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, including

communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

[00166] It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[00167] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[00168] As used herein, the term "if may be construed to mean "when" or "upon" or

"in response to determining" or "in accordance with a determination" or "in response to detecting," that a stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined [that a stated condition precedent is true]" or "if [a stated condition precedent is true]" or "when [a stated condition precedent is true]" may be construed to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "in accordance with a determination" or "upon detecting" or "in response to detecting" that the stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context.

[00169] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles of operation and practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A receiver for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions comprising:

a first antenna ground plane;

first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane and configured to receive a transmitted wireless power wave, wherein:

the first and the second antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and

the first antenna ground plane and the first and the second antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another;

a second antenna ground plane;

third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane and configured to receive the transmitted wireless power wave, wherein:

the third and the fourth antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and

the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another; and

an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes, the electrical connection being substantially perpendicular to at least one of the first and second antenna ground planes, and having a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave.

2. The receiver of claim 1, further comprising a first antenna board adjacent, parallel and connected to first antenna ground plane, and further comprising a second antenna board adjacent, parallel and connected to the second antenna ground plane.

3. The receiver of claim 2, wherein the first antenna ground plane and the second antenna ground plane are planar, and an area of the first antenna ground plane is more than ¼ of area of the first antenna board, and an area of the second antenna ground plane is more than ¼ of area of the second antenna board.

4. The receiver of claim 2, wherein the first antenna board has a first rectifier connected to the first and second antenna arms, and the second antenna board has a second rectifier connected to the second and third antenna arms, wherein the first and the second rectifiers are configured to convert an alternating current of the transmitted wireless power wave to a direct current for providing power to a device.

5. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the transmitted wireless power wave is a radio frequency (RF) wave.

6. The receiver of claim 1, further comprising a battery having a metallic case that is substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes and placed between the first and the second antenna ground planes.

7. The receiver of claim 6, wherein the electrical connection comprises: the metallic case of the battery, an alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a direct current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

8. The receiver of claim 6, wherein the electrical connection comprises: the metallic case of the battery, a first alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a second alternating current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

9. The receiver of claim 7, wherein the alternating current coupled connection comprises a capacitor.

10. The receiver of claim 6, further comprising a power management integrated circuit connected to the battery and configured to regulate direct current to the battery from a rectifier connected to the power management integrated circuit.

11. The receiver of claim 1, further comprising a supporting fixture that connects the first antenna ground plane to the second antenna ground plane, wherein the electrical connection comprises an inner or an outer metalized surface of the supporting fixture.

12. The receiver of claim 2, the electrical connection comprises a metal clamp that connects the first antenna board to the second antenna board.

13. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the receiver has a maximum dimension equal or smaller than 10 millimeters.

14. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the first antenna ground plane is integrated as part a first antenna board, and the second antenna ground plane is integrated as part of a second antenna board.

15. The receiver of claim 1, wherein at least one of a horizontal current and a vertical current is induced, by at least one of: a horizontal polarized electric field and a vertical polarized electric field of the transmitted wireless power wave, in at least one of the first antenna ground plane, the second antenna ground plane and the electrical connection.

16. The receiver of claim 2, wherein each of the antenna arms is disposed above, below, or on the plane of a respective antenna board.

17. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to receive near-field, mid- field and far-field wireless power transmissions.

18. The receiver of claim 2, wherein the first and second antenna boards are substantially symmetric to one another.

19. The receiver of claim 2, further comprising one or more antenna arms connected to a respective antenna ground plane.

20. A method for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power waves, comprising:

providing a first antenna ground plane and first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane, the first and the second antenna arms being substantially perpendicular to one another,

providing a second antenna ground plane and third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane, the third and the fourth antenna arms being substantially perpendicular to one another,

providing an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes, the electrical connection being substantially perpendicular to the first and second antenna ground planes, and having a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave, and

receiving a transmitted wireless power wave by the first, the second, the third and the fourth antenna arms,

wherein the first antenna ground plane, the first and the second antenna arms, the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising converting an alternating current of the transmitted wireless power wave to a direct current for providing power to a device, by a first rectifier coupled to the first and the second antenna arms, and by a second rectifier coupled to the second antenna and the third antenna arms.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising storing power from the transmitted wireless power wave in a battery having a metallic case that is substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes and placed between the first and the second antenna ground planes.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the electrical connection comprises: the metallic case of the battery, and an alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a direct current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the electrical connection comprises: the metallic case of the battery, a first alternating current coupled connection between the first antenna ground plane and a positive terminal of the battery, and a second alternating current coupled connection between the second antenna ground plane and a negative terminal of the battery.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the alternating current coupled connection comprises a capacitor.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein a power management integrated circuit is connected to the battery and configured to regulate direct current to the battery from a rectifier connected to the power management integrated circuit.

27. A wireless power receiving system, comprising:

a receiver component for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power transmissions that includes:

a first antenna ground plane;

first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane and configured to receive a transmitted wireless power wave,

wherein: the first and the second antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the first antenna ground plane and the first and the second antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another;

a second antenna ground plane;

third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane and configured to receive the transmitted wireless power wave,

wherein: the first and second antenna ground planes are substantially parallel to one another, the third and the fourth antenna arms are substantially perpendicular to one another, and the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms are disposed in planes that are substantially parallel to one another; and

a battery configured to store power from the transmitted wireless power wave and provide an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes, wherein: the battery has a metallic case that is disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second antenna ground planes, and the electrical connection has a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave; and a device component powered by the battery.

28. The wireless power receiving system of claim 27, wherein the device component comprises a wireless earphone, a mobile phone, a laptop, or any other consumer electronic device.

29. A method of fabricating a wireless power receiving system for receiving both horizontal and vertical polarized wireless power waves, comprising:

selecting a first antenna ground plane and first and second antenna arms coupled to the first antenna ground plane, the first and second antenna arms configured to receive a transmitted wireless power wave;

positioning the first and the second antenna arms substantially perpendicular to one another;

selecting a second antenna ground plane and third and fourth antenna arms coupled to the second antenna ground plane, the third and fourth antenna arms configured to receive the transmitted wireless power wave;

positioning the third and the fourth antenna arms substantially perpendicular to one another;

positioning the first antenna ground plane, the first and the second antenna arms, the second antenna ground plane, and the third and the fourth antenna arms in planes that are substantially parallel to one another;

forming an electrical connection connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes, the electrical connection has a low impedance at a pre-determined frequency of the transmitted wireless power wave; and

placing the electrical connection substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes.

30. The method of claim 29, forming the electrical connection further comprising placing a battery having a metallic case that is substantially perpendicular to the first and the second antenna ground planes and connecting the first and the second antenna ground planes.