Simultaneous Wireless Power and Data Transfer: A Comprehensive Review

Simultaneous wireless power and data transfer (SWPDT) is widely investigated because of the increasing requirement for real-time communication between the primary and secondary sides in wireless power transfer systems. This article classifies SWPDT systems into four categories according to the type and number of data channels and data carrier generation method. They are power carrier-based SWPDT system, high-frequency data carrier-based SWPDT system, multiple inductive channels SWPDT system, and inductive-capacitive hybrid channels SWPDT system, respectively. Four key issues, including cross-talk minimization, improvement of signal-to-noise ratio, modulation method for high data rate and low bit error rate, and special design to achieve full-duplex communication and improve misalignment tolerance, are discussed. The advantages, disadvantages, and applications of the four types of SWPDT systems are summarized. Finally, conclusions and outlook of the SWPDT system are given.