Abstract: A hybrid RF-acoustic relay is provided where some but not all of the incident RF power is rectified to power the relay and, optionally, to provide power for further link features. The remaining fraction of the incident RF power is used to directly drive an acoustic transceiver array in communication with one or more acoustically powered nodes. In this manner, power, control and communication can be efficiently provided to acoustically powered nodes even in situations where an RF link or an acoustic link would perform poorly.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, there is provided a tag. The tag may include an antenna configured to receive a first radio frequency signal and to reradiate a second radio frequency signal; and an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the antenna, wherein an ultrasound signal received by the ultrasonic transducer causes a variation of at least one property of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the variation of the at least one property imparts a modulation onto at least a portion of the first radio frequency signal, and wherein the modulated first radio frequency signal is reradiated by the antenna as the second radio frequency signal. Related system, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.