A Multi-Channel Laser Wireless Information and Power Transfer System: Pulsed Current Supply Design and Data Modulation Strategy

Laser wireless power transfer (LPT) technology is a leading frontier in long-distance energy transmission research, and under the rapid evolution of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology, the integration of energy and information transfer presents itself as a promising pathway for transforming and enhancing conventional energy delivery systems with significant practical potential. Laser simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (LSWIPT) technology holds significant potential in applications such as high-voltage equipment driving and remote power supply for unmanned aerial vehicles due to its reliability and safety. Limited by the physical characteristics of the photovoltaic (PV) cell, one of major challenges of LSWIPT system is the mutual constraints of transmission power and communication rate. Herein, a multi-to-one structure is proposed, and orthogonal Walsh codes are introduced to facilitate the demodulation of data from different laser channels. To further enhance the power and rate, an innovative pulse current topology is implemented. Experimental validation is conducted in the laboratory, confirming the proposed solution’s efficacy with an output of 41.4A and 200kHz pulse current. For a dual-transmitter system, the transmission rate can reach up to 400kbps without additional signal conditioning, modulation, or coupling. The proposed system architecture can be applied in such as outdoor monitoring devices and spacecraft, where multiple power sources are required to ensure stable and reliable power supply.