Abstract: A method of controlling camera and illumination systems may trigger a camera system to start exposing. An illumination system is also triggered to illuminate an infrared exposure of the camera system. The method also triggers multiple camera and illumination systems. In addition, a method of identification by a transmitter is provided. The method provides for modulating an infrared light source with a unique pattern to identify an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and then sending the modulated light pattern to a receiver.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for the limiting of voltage in wireless power receivers. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a power transfer component configured to receive power wirelessly from a transmitter. The apparatus further includes a circuit coupled to the power transfer component and configured to reduce a received voltage when activated. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to activate the circuit when the received voltage reaches a first threshold value and configured to deactivate the circuit when the received voltage reaches a second threshold value. The apparatus further includes an antenna configured to generate a signal to the transmitter that signals to the transmitter that the received voltage reached the first threshold value.

Abstract: A multi-level rectifier is presented that is suitable for use at high frequencies, including into MHz range such as in the 6.78 MHz band used for wireless power transfer. To maintain the proper timing or switching waveform when operating at high frequencies, a feedback loop is used. The rectification circuit includes a multi-level waveform generator circuit that generates a multi-level control waveform from the input waveform and an indication of its current. The multi-level control waveform is maintained in phase with the input waveform. A control signal generation circuit receives the multi-level control waveform and generates control signals corresponding to levels of the multi-level control waveform. A synchronous rectifier receives the input waveform and includes a plurality of switches to provide an output voltage generated from the input waveform. The switches are coupled to receive the control signals and the output voltage is a function of the multi-level control waveform.

Abstract: An amplifier includes an amplifier circuit comprising a switch, the switch configured to provide an output signal responsive to an input signal, the output signal comprising a first output signal at a fundamental frequency and a second signal at a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the input signal configured to control the switch according to a nominal 25% off, 75% on cycle, a filter circuit configured to control an impedance presented to the amplifier circuit and a load circuit, at least a part of which is configured to combine with the filter circuit to form an impedance transformation circuit configured to be resonant at the second harmonic of the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A multi-level rectifier is presented that is suitable for use at high frequencies, including into MHz range such as in the 6.78 MHz band used for wireless power transfer. To maintain the proper timing or switching waveform when operating at high frequencies, a feedback loop is used. The rectification circuit includes a multi-level waveform generator circuit that generates a multi-level control waveform from the input waveform and an indication of its current. The multi-level control waveform is maintained in phase with the input waveform. A control signal generation circuit receives the multi-level control waveform and generates control signals corresponding to levels of the multi-level control waveform. A synchronous rectifier receives the input waveform and includes a plurality of switches to provide an output voltage generated from the input waveform. The switches are coupled to receive the control signals and the output voltage is a function of the multi-level control waveform.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer antenna includes a primary antenna portion configured to develop a primary electric field (E-field) and a primary magnetic field (B-field), and an auxiliary winding coupled to the primary antenna portion by the B-field, the auxiliary winding configured to develop an auxiliary electric field (E-field) that combines with the primary E-field resulting in a net E-field that has a magnitude that is smaller than a magnitude of the primary E-field.

Abstract: Aspects of a protection circuit and method are disclosed. An apparatus to transmit wireless power comprises a transmit antenna, a driver, a sensing circuit, and a control circuit. The transmit antenna generates a wireless field to charge devices. The driver powers the transmit antenna for generation of the wireless field. A power level of the wireless field is based on a power level of the driver. The sensing circuit senses wireless power received at the transmit antenna and generates a monitoring signal based on the sensed wireless power received at the transmit antenna. The control circuit controls the power level or inhibits the driver from powering the transmit antenna when the monitoring signal indicates that the transmit antenna is receiving wireless power from a foreign antenna.

Abstract: An amplifier includes an amplifier circuit comprising a switch, the switch configured to provide an output signal responsive to an input signal, the output signal comprising a first output signal at a fundamental frequency and a second signal at a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the input signal configured to control the switch according to a nominal 25% off, 75% on cycle, a filter circuit configured to control an impedance presented to the amplifier circuit and a load circuit, at least a part of which is configured to combine with the filter circuit to form an impedance transformation circuit configured to be resonant at the second harmonic of the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power via a wireless field generated by a transmitter includes a resonator configured to generate electrical current to power or charge a load based on a voltage induced in the resonator in response to the wireless field, a controller configured to receive a synchronization timing reference signal based on a derivative of the voltage induced in the resonator, the controller configured to generate a rectifier control signal based on the synchronization timing reference signal, and a synchronous rectifier configured to switch responsive to the rectifier control signal.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for the limiting of voltage in wireless power receivers. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a power transfer component configured to receive power wirelessly from a transmitter. The apparatus further includes a circuit coupled to the power transfer component and configured to reduce a received voltage when activated. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to activate the circuit when the received voltage reaches a first threshold value and configured to deactivate the circuit when the received voltage reaches a second threshold value. The apparatus further includes an antenna configured to generate a signal to the transmitter that signals to the transmitter that the received voltage reached the first threshold value.

Abstract: An antenna structure for wireless power transfer includes a ground plane configured to prevent passage of an electric field, at least one coil configured as an antenna and located over the ground plane, the ground plane contiguous over the coil, an insulator located between the ground plane and the at least one coil, and a shield adjacent the coil, the shield comprising a non-contiguous structure, the shield configured to allow the passage of a magnetic field to the at least one coil.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for the limiting of voltage in wireless power receivers. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a power transfer component configured to receive power wirelessly from a transmitter. The apparatus further includes a circuit coupled to the power transfer component and configured to reduce a received voltage when activated. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to activate the circuit when the received voltage reaches a first threshold value and configured to deactivate the circuit when the received voltage reaches a second threshold value. The apparatus further includes an antenna configured to generate a signal to the transmitter that signals to the transmitter that the received voltage reached the first threshold value.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for tuning a wireless power transmitter. In one aspect a device configured to wirelessly provide power to a load is provided. The device includes a signal driver configured to provide power along a power path. The device further includes a first tuning circuit along the power path, configured to tune reactance at the signal driver, introducing undesired harmonic content. The device further includes a second tuning circuit along the power path, configured to tune reactance at the signal driver and to generate complementary harmonic content, at least partly canceling the harmonic generated at the first tuning circuit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for tuning in wireless power transfer circuits. One aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus for tuning. The apparatus includes a field effect transistor having a gate, source, and drain, where the field effect transistor is configured to electrically engage a tuning element to an AC power path. In some embodiments, one of the source or drain contacts is at an alternating current voltage.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for detecting wireless charging transmit characteristics. One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of detecting a transmit characteristic in a wireless power transmission device. The device includes a series element electrically coupled to a transmit coil. The method includes determining real and imaginary components of a first voltage at a first terminal of the series element. The method further includes determining real and imaginary components of a second voltage at a second terminal of the series element. The method further includes determining real and imaginary components of a current through the series element, based on the determined first and second voltages. The method further includes determining transmit characteristics such as nodal voltages, currents, power and impedances based on determined voltages and currents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission are described herein. In one aspect, an apparatus for wireless power transmission comprises a first antenna array of antenna coils configured to generate a first wireless field. A second antenna array of antenna coils generates a second wireless field. The first antenna array at least partially overlaps the second antenna array. A driver circuit generates first and second drive signals for generation of the first and second wireless fields via the first and second antenna arrays, respectively. The first wireless field is orthogonal with respect to the second wireless field. The first antenna array and the driver circuit power the antenna coils of the first antenna array with alternating polarities. The second antenna array and the driver circuit power the antenna coils of the second antenna array with alternating polarities.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for tuning a wireless power transmitter. In one aspect a device configured to wirelessly provide power to a load is provided. The device includes a signal driver configured to provide power along a power path. The device further includes a first tuning circuit along the power path, configured to tune reactance at the signal driver, introducing undesired harmonic content. The device further includes a second tuning circuit along the power path, configured to tune reactance at the signal driver and to generate complementary harmonic content, at least partly canceling the harmonic generated at the first tuning circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission are described herein. In one aspect, an apparatus for wireless power transmission comprises a first antenna array of antenna coils configured to generate a first wireless field. A second antenna array of antenna coils generates a second wireless field. The first antenna array at least partially overlaps the second antenna array. A driver circuit generates first and second drive signals for generation of the first and second wireless fields via the first and second antenna arrays, respectively. The first wireless field is orthogonal with respect to the second wireless field. The first antenna array and the driver circuit power the antenna coils of the first antenna array with alternating polarities. The second antenna array and the driver circuit power the antenna coils of the second antenna array with alternating polarities.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for tuning in wireless power transfer circuits. One aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus for tuning. The apparatus includes a field effect transistor having a gate, source, and drain, where the field effect transistor is configured to electrically engage a tuning element to an AC power path. In some embodiments, one of the source or drain contacts is at an alternating current voltage.

Abstract: Aspects of a protection circuit and method are disclosed. An apparatus to transmit wireless power comprises a transmit antenna, a driver, a sensing circuit, and a control circuit. The transmit antenna generates a wireless field to charge devices. The driver powers the transmit antenna for generation of the wireless field. A power level of the wireless field is based on a power level of the driver. The sensing circuit senses wireless power received at the transmit antenna and generates a monitoring signal based on the sensed wireless power received at the transmit antenna. The control circuit controls the power level or inhibits the driver from powering the transmit antenna when the monitoring signal indicates that the transmit antenna is receiving wireless power from a foreign antenna.