Wireless electrostatic charging and communicating system

• US 6,275,681 B1
• Filed: 01/05/1999
• Issued: 08/14/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Rolin, John Howard, Vega, Victor Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): Eisenzopf, Reinhard J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KINCAID, LESTER G
• Application Number:
  US09/225,265
• Time in Patent Office: 952 Days
• Field of Search: 455/41, 455/73, 455/76, 455/77, 455/78, 455/82, 455/83, 455/38.3, 455/343, 340/825.54, 334/15, 333/25
• US Class Current: 455/41.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0701 at least one of the integrated circuit chips comprising an arrangement for power management
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0723 the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07788 the antenna being of the capacitive type
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10069 the collision being resolved in the frequency domain, e.g. by hopping from one frequency to the other frequency hopping or spread spectrum techniques H04B7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10326 the antenna being of the very-near field type, e.g. capacitive
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10425 the interrogation device being arranged for interrogation of record carriers passing by the interrogation device
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10435 the interrogation device being positioned close to a conveyor belt or the like on which moving record carriers are passing conveying in accordance with bodily destination marks, see B65G47/46, sorting of objects carrying identity markings, see B07C5/34
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2417 having a radio frequency identification chip
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/00 Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/22 Capacitive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/266 One coil at each side, e.g. with primary and secondary coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/77 for interrogation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

The wireless electrostatic charging and communicating system includes an electrostatic reader, an electrostatic charger and an electrostatic rechargeable device or electrostatic transceiver such as such as a smart card or radio frequency identification (RFID) card without requiring physical contact to electrodes. The electrostatic system is capacitance based and the charging and communicating occurs over capacitively coupled electrostatic electrodes or electrostatic electrodes. The electrostatic rechargeable device or transceiver includes a charge receiver and an energy storage means, for being charged or communicated with in the electrostatic system. The energy storage means may be any energy storage device including a rechargeable battery or capacitor. In a second embodiment, the electrostatic rechargeable device or transceiver includes an electrostatic charge receiver and an electromagnetic charge receiver with the energy storage means so that it may be alternatively charged or communicated with in an electrostatic system or an electromagnetic system for compatibility in either system.

Claims

1. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal, the electrostatic charge receiver comprising;

a first electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier; and

a second electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier,

whereby the first electrostatic electrode and the second electrostatic electrode receive the electrostatic charge;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal, wherein the rectifier is a bridge rectifier comprising;

a first diode having a cathode coupled to the second electrostatic electrode and an anode coupled to a low level supply voltage;

a second diode having a cathode coupled to the first electrostatic electrode and an anode coupled to the low level supply voltage;

a third diode having a cathode coupled to the voltage regulator and an anode coupled to the second electrostatic electrode; and

a fourth diode having a cathode coupled to the voltage regulator and an anode coupled to the first electrostatic electrode,

whereby the first diode, the second diode, the third diode, and the fourth diode are for rectifying the first AC signal into the DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

2. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal, the electrostatic charge receiver comprises;

a first electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier; and

a second electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier,

whereby the first electrostatic electrode and the second electrostatic electrode receive the electrostatic charge;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal, wherein the rectifier is a bridge rectifier comprising;

a first PFET having a gate coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, a source coupled to the first electrostatic electrode and a drain coupled to the voltage regulator;

a second PFET having a gate coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, a source coupled to the second electrostatic electrode and a drain coupled to the voltage regulator;

a first diode having an anode coupled to a low level supply voltage and a cathode coupled to the second electrostatic electrode; and

a second diode having an anode coupled to the low level supply voltage and a cathode coupled to the first electrostatic electrode,

whereby the first PFET, the second PFET, the first diode, and the second diode are for rectifying the first AC signal into the DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node, and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

3. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal, the electrostatic charge receiver comprises;

a first electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier; and

a second electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier,

whereby the first electrostatic electrode and the second electrostatic electrode receive the electrostatic charge;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal, wherein the rectifier is a bridge rectifier comprising;

a first NFET having a gate coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, a drain coupled to the first electrostatic electrode and a source coupled to a low level supply voltage;

a second NFET having a gate coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, a drain coupled to the second electrostatic electrode and a source coupled to the low level supply voltage;

a first diode having an anode coupled to a first electrostatic electrode and a cathode coupled to the voltage regulator; and

a second diode having an anode coupled to a second electrostatic electrode and a cathode coupled to voltage regulator,

whereby the first NFET, the second NFET, the first diode, and the second diode are for rectifying the first AC signal into the DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

4. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal, the electrostatic charge receiver comprises;

a first electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier; and

a second electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier,

whereby the first electrostatic electrode and the second electrostatic electrode receive the electrostatic charge;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal, wherein the rectifier is a bridge rectifier comprising;

a first PFET having a gate coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, a source coupled to the first electrostatic electrode and a drain coupled to the voltage regulator;

a second PFET having a gate coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, a source coupled to the second electrostatic electrode and a drain coupled to the voltage regulator;

a third PFET having a gate coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, a source coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, and a drain coupled to a low level supply voltage; and

a fourth PFET having a gate coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, a source coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, and a drain coupled to the low level supply voltage,

whereby the first PFET, the second PFET, the third PFET, and the fourth PFET are for rectifying the first AC signal into the DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

5. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal, the electrostatic charge receiver comprises;

a first electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier; and

a second electrostatic electrode, coupled to the rectifier,

whereby the first electrostatic electrode and the second electrostatic electrode receive the electrostatic charge;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal, wherein the rectifier is a bridge rectifier comprising;

a first NFET having a gate coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, a drain coupled to the first electrostatic electrode and a source coupled to the voltage regulator;

a second NFET having a gate coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, a drain coupled to the second electrostatic electrode and a source coupled to the voltage regulator;

a third NFET having a gate coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, a drain coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, and a source coupled to a low level supply voltage; and

a fourth NFET having a gate coupled to the first electrostatic electrode, a drain coupled to the second electrostatic electrode, and a source coupled to the low level supply voltage,

whereby the first NFET, the second NFET, the third NFET, and the fourth NFET are for rectifying the first AC signal into the DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

6. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node, wherein the voltage regulator is a shunt voltage regulator, the shunt voltage regulator comprising;

a capacitor, having one end coupled to the DC supply node and another end coupled to a low level supply voltage;

a plurality of field effect transistors coupled in series and each in a diode configuration, having a source of a first field effect transistor coupled to the DC supply node and a gate and drain of a second field effect transistor coupled to the low level supply voltage; and

a PNP bipolar transistor, having a base coupled to the drain of the first field effect transistor, an emitter coupled to the DC supply node, and a collector coupled to the low level supply voltage; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

7. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node, wherein the voltage regulator is a shunt voltage regulator, the shunt voltage regulator comprising;

a capacitor, having one end coupled to the DC supply node and another end coupled to a low level supply voltage;

a plurality of field effect transistors, coupled in series and each in a diode configuration, having a drain and gate of a first field effect transistor coupled to the DC supply node and a source of a second field effect transistor coupled to the low level supply voltage; and

an NPN bipolar transistor, having a base coupled to the drain of the second field effect transistor, an emitter coupled to the low level supply voltage, and a collector coupled to the DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

8. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node, wherein the voltage regulator is a shunt voltage regulator, the shunt voltage regulator comprising;

a capacitor, having one end coupled to the DC supply node and another end coupled to a low level supply voltage;

a plurality of field effect transistors, coupled in series and each in a diode configuration, having a drain and gate of a first field effect transistor coupled to the DC supply node and a source of a second field effect transistor coupled to the low level supply voltage; and

a plurality of NPN bipolar transistors in a Darlington configuration, having a base of a first NPN bipolar transistor coupled to a drain of the second field effect transistor, a collector of the first NPN bipolar transistor coupled to the DC supply node, a collector of a second NPN bipolar transistor coupled to the DC supply node, and an emitter of the second NPN bipolar transistor coupled to the low level supply voltage; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

9. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of field effect transistors and the plurality of NPN bipolar transistors comprises:

a first NFET having a gate and drain coupled together to the DC supply node and a source coupled at a first source;

a second NFET having a gate and a gate drain coupled together to the first source and a source coupled at a second source;

a third NFET having a gate and a drain coupled together to the second source and a source coupled at a third source;

a fourth NFET having a drain and a gate coupled together to the third source and a source coupled at a fourth source;

a first NPN bipolar transistor having a collector coupled to the DC supply node, a base coupled to the fourth source, and a first emitter;

a second NPN biploar transistor having a collector coupled to the DC supply node, a base coupled to the first emitter, and an emitter coupled to the low level supply voltage; and

a fifth NFET having a drain and a gate coupled together to the fourth source and a source coupled to the low level supply voltage.

10. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node, wherein the voltage regulator is a shunt voltage regulator, the shunt voltage regulator comprising;

a capacitor, having one end coupled to the DC supply node and another end coupled to a low level supply voltage;

a plurality of field effect transistors coupled in series and each in a diode configuration, having a source of a first field effect transistor coupled to the DC supply node and a gate and drain of a second field effect transistor coupled to the low level supply voltage; and

a plurality of PNP bipolar transistors in a Darlington configuration, having a base of a first PNP bipolar transistor coupled to the drain of the first field effect transistor, a collector of the first PNP bipolar transistor coupled to the low level supply voltage, a collector of a second PNP bipolar transistor coupled to the low level supply voltage, and an emitter of the second PNP bipolar transistor coupled to the DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

11. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of field effect transistors and the plurality of PNP bipolar transistors comprises:

a first PFET having a source coupled to the DC supply node and a gate and drain coupled together at a first drain;

a first PNP bipolar transistor having a collector coupled to the low level supply voltage, a base coupled to the first drain, and a first emitter;

a second PNP bipolar transistor having a collector coupled to the low level supply voltage, a base coupled to the first emitter, and an emitter coupled to the DC supply node;

a second PFET having a source coupled to the first drain and a gate and a drain coupled together at a second drain;

a third PFET having a source coupled to the second drain and a gate and a drain coupled together at a third drain;

a fourth PFET having a source coupled together to the third drain and a gate and a drain coupled together at a fourth drain; and

a fifth PFET having a source coupled to the fourth drain and a gate and a drain coupled together at the low level supply voltage.

12. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node, wherein the voltage regulator is a shunt voltage regulator, the shunt voltage regulator comprising;

a capacitor, having one end coupled to the DC supply node and another end coupled to a low level supply voltage; and

a plurality of field effect transistors coupled in series to the DC supply node and the low level supply voltage and each coupled in a diode configurations; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

13. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of field effect transistors comprises:

a first NFET having a drain and a gate coupled together to the DC supply node and a first source;

a second NFET having a drain and a gate coupled together to the first source and a second source;

a third NFET having a drain and a gate coupled together to the second source and a third source; and

a fourth NFET having a drain and a gate coupled together to the third source and a source coupled to the low level supply voltage.

14. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of field effect transistors comprises:

a first PFET having a first source coupled to the DC supply node and a drain and a gate coupled together at a first drain;

a second PFET having a source coupled to the first drain and a drain and a gate coupled together at a second drain;

a third PFET having a source coupled to the second drain and a drain and a gate coupled together at a third drain; and

a fourth PFET having a source coupled to the third drain and a drain and a gate coupled together to the low level supply voltage.

15. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator, wherein the charge controller is a non-controllable type charge controller, the non-controllable type charge controller comprising;

a diode, having an anode coupled to the DC supply node; and

a resistor, having a first end coupled to a cathode of the diode and a second end coupled to the energy storage means

whereby the diode and the resistor cause energy to be stored in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and prevents degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

16. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator, wherein the charge controller is a non-controllable type charge controller, the non-controllable type charge controller comprising;

a diode, having an anode coupled to the DC supply node; and

a PFET, having a source coupled to a cathode of the diode, a gate coupled to a low level voltage supply, and a drain coupled to the energy storage means

whereby the diode and the PFET cause energy to be stored in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and prevents degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge.

17. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 16, wherein the energy storage means is a rechargeable battery.

18. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 16, wherein the energy storage means is a capacitor.

19. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 16, wherein the non-controllable type charge controller comprises:

a diode, having an anode coupled to the DC supply node; and

an NFET, having a gate and a drain coupled together to a cathode of the diode, and a source coupled to the energy storage means,

whereby the diode and the NFET cause energy to be stored in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and prevents degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator.

20. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator,

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge,

wherein the charge controller is a variable type charge controller, the variable type charge controller comprises;

a diode, having an anode coupled to the DC supply node;

a controller, for comparing a reference input with the DC voltage to generate a control signal; and

a transistor, coupled to the controller, a cathode of the diode, and the energy storage means, for regulating a current provided to the energy storage means,

whereby the diode, the controller, and the transistor cause current to flow into the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and prevents degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator on the DC supply node.

21. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 20, wherein the energy storage means is a rechargeable battery.

22. The wireless electrostatic rechargeable device of claim 20, wherein the energy storage means is a capacitor.

23. A wireless electrostatic rechargeable device for being electrically charged by an electrostatic charge, the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device comprising:

an energy storage means with a capacity to store energy to operate the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device;

an electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving an electrostatic charge and converting it into a first AC signal;

a rectifier, coupled to the electrostatic charge receiver, for receiving the first AC signal and providing a DC signal;

a voltage regulator, coupled to the rectifier, for receiving the DC signal and for regulating the DC signal to a DC voltage at a DC supply node; and

a charge controller, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for storing energy in the energy storage means when the DC voltage is provided by the voltage regulator and preventing degradation of the energy storage means when the DC voltage is not sufficiently provided by the voltage regulator.

a power manager, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for performing an analysis of the energy supplied by the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, and for selectively coupling the energy storage means or the voltage regulator to circuitry within the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device responsive to the analysis, the power manager comprising;

a power analyzer, coupled to the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, for analyzing the energy supplied by the voltage regulator and the energy storage means and for generating a control signal; and

a multiplexer, coupled to the power analyzer, the voltage regulator, the energy storage means and circuitry within the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device, for receiving the energy supplied by the voltage regulator and the energy storage means, and for selectively coupling the energy supplied by the voltage regulator or the energy storage means to circuitry within the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device in response to the control signal, the multiplexer comprising;

a first switch, coupled to the power analyzer, the voltage regulator, and circuitry within the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device, for receiving the energy supplied by the voltage regulator, and for selectively coupling the energy supplied by the voltage regulator to circuitry within the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device in response to the control signal; and

a second switch, coupled to the power analyzer, the energy storage means and circuitry within the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device, for receiving the energy supplied by the energy storage means, and for selectively coupling the energy supplied by the energy storage means to circuitry within the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device in response to the control signal

whereby the wireless electrostatic rechargeable device may be electrically charged by the electrostatic charge, and can operate with or without the energy storage means.