Communication apparatus

Abstract

To provide a communication apparatus that performs electromagnetic field communications on a plurality of channels and that can improve communication performance and can be compact in size.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus 100 comprises: a plurality of first conductive members 132, 133, and 134 installed on a substrate 131; and a plurality of second conductive members 162, 163, and 164 arranged so as to face the first conductive members 132, 133, and 134. The communication apparatus 100 performs electromagnetic field communication via electromagnetic coupling of the first conductive members 132, 133, and 134 and the second conductive members 162, 163, and 164. The plurality of first conductive members 132, 133, and 134 are arranged in parallel to each other. On the substrate 131, a surface where one first conductive member is arranged and a surface where the first conductive member that is adjacent to the one first conductive member is arranged are connected at a predetermined angle, thus forming a concave part that is convex to the side of the second conductive members 162, 163, and 164.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device that performs electromagnetic field communication over multiple channels.

Background Art

[0002] Communication devices that perform electromagnetic field communication using electromagnetic field coupling between adjacent devices are known. In Patent Document 1, as a device for communicating data, there is disclosed a configuration including a differentially driven transmission line attached to a rotating frame and composed of individual segments, and a differential coupler attached to a stationary frame and wirelessly coupled to the transmission line so as to receive a modulated signal applied to each individual segment. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the transmission line is shielded from electromagnetic radiation and transmission line shielding means for limiting a passage along the rotating frame is provided. In response to the demand for higher data rate due to the improvement of image quality and the like in recent years, electromagnetic field communication on a single channel has reached the limit of speed increase. Therefore, there is a device that attempts to increase the data rate of the entire device by realizing electromagnetic field communication over multiple channels in one device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing electromagnetic field communication over multiple channels, the electromagnetic field communication of one channel may interfere with the electromagnetic field communication of other channels, thereby deteriorating the S / N in the electromagnetic field communication. In addition, in order to reduce interference between channels, a configuration in which transmission line shielding means is provided as in Patent Document 1, for example, can be considered. However, providing the shielding means may lead to an increase in the device size.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to improve communication performance and miniaturize a device in a communication device that performs electromagnetic field communication of a plurality of channels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication device of the present invention includes a plurality of first conductor members installed on a substrate for performing communication by electromagnetic field coupling with another communication device. The plurality of first conductor members are arranged parallel to each other, and on the substrate, a surface on which one of the first conductor members is arranged and a surface on which the first conductor member adjacent to the one first conductor member is arranged are connected at a predetermined angle, whereby a convex portion that protrudes toward the other communication device side is formed.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in a communication device that performs electromagnetic field communication of a plurality of channels, it is possible to improve communication performance and miniaturize the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First Embodiment] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment, (a) is a block diagram of the communication device 100, and (b) is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the communication device 100. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the communication device 100 includes a communication unit 110 on the transmission side, a communication unit 150 on the reception side, and a movement control unit 190. The communication unit 110 on the transmission side includes a transmission circuit 120, a long coupler 130, and a termination circuit 140. Further, the communication unit 150 on the reception side includes a short coupler 160 and a reception circuit 170. Note that the communication unit 110 on the transmission side and the communication unit 150 on the reception side may be the first part and the second part of a single device, or may be configured as separate devices.

[0010] The communication device 100 configured as described above performs electromagnetic field communication wirelessly using the electromagnetic field coupling between the long coupler 130 of the communication unit 110 and the short coupler 160 of the communication unit 150. Note that the electromagnetic field coupling referred to in the present application includes both electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling. That is, the electromagnetic field communication between transmission lines may be performed by electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or both electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling. When the long coupler 130 and the short coupler 160 are electromagnetically coupled, they function as an antenna for realizing electromagnetic field communication between the communication unit 110 on the transmission side and the communication unit 150 on the reception side. In the present embodiment, an example of performing three-channel electromagnetic field communication will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of channels may be used.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1(b), the transmission circuit 120 includes signal sources 121, 122, 123 and differential buffers 124, 125, 126. The signal sources 121, 122, 123 output signals to the differential buffers 124, 125, 126, respectively.

[0012] The long coupler 130 is constituted by installing transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 which are arranged parallel to each other on a transmission board 131. The differential buffers 124, 125, and 126 of the transmission circuit 120 output signals to one end (input end) of each of the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 respectively. The transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 are conductor members installed on one surface of the transmission board 131, and a metal member 136 that functions as a ground is installed on the other surface of the transmission board 131. The metal member 136 has a space between it and the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 on the transmission board 131. The transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 each form a channel, and the signals input from the transmission circuit 120 to the input ends of the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 are transmitted in the direction of the other ends (output ends) of the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 respectively. Here, differential microstrip lines are used, but the form of the transmission line is not limited to this. For example, strip lines or single - end transmission may also be used. In the present embodiment, the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 correspond to the first conductor members in the present invention.

[0013] The termination circuit 140 is connected to the output ends of the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134. The termination circuit 140 terminates the differential between the termination resistors 141, 142, and 143. Note that the circuit configuration of the termination circuit 140 is not limited to this. Here, it is assumed that a resistor substantially equal to the differential impedance of the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 is connected between the differentials. However, for example, termination methods of topologies such as Thevenin termination, T - type, and Π - type termination may also be used.

[0014] The short coupler 160 is configured by installing conductor members 162, 163, and 164 on a receiving substrate 161. When signals flow through transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 of the long coupler 130, charges are generated in the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 by electromagnetic field coupling. Comparators 171, 172, and 173 of a receiving circuit 170 are connected to the conductor members 162, 163, and 164, and signals are output via the comparators 171, 172, and 173. That is, the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 function as electrodes constituting a capacitor, and the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 receive signals of respective channels. Note that the configuration of the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 is not limited to this. A receiving circuit 170 may be connected to one end of the conductor members 162, 163, and 164, a termination resistor may be connected to the other end, and the short coupler 160 may function as a signal line of a transmission line. In the present embodiment, the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 correspond to the second conductor members in the present invention.

[0015] The receiving circuit 170 restores the voltage generated in the short coupler 160 by electromagnetic field coupling to an electrical signal in response to the input of an electrical signal to the long coupler 130. In the present embodiment, comparators 171, 172, and 173 are used as signal restoration means, but restoration means may be configured by other circuits such as a differential amplifier circuit.

[0016] The communication device 100 has a structure for supporting a transmitting communication unit 110 and a receiving communication unit 150 so as to maintain a predetermined positional relationship (a positional relationship in which the long coupler 130 and the short coupler 160 face each other). For example, the communication device 100 is a gantry loader, the transmitting communication unit 110 is a traveling part, and the receiving communication unit 150 is a fixed part. Note that the application destination of the communication device 100 is not limited to these, and for example, an inkjet printer, an arm part of a robot hand, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, or a network camera may be used. The movement control unit 190 moves at least one of the communication unit 110 on the transmission side and the communication unit 150 on the reception side in a predetermined direction. Thereby, along the extending direction of the transmission lines 132, 133, 134, the relative positions of the transmission lines 132, 133, 134 of the long coupler 130 and the conductor members 162, 163, 164 of the short coupler 160 are made variable. For example, although not shown in a specific illustration, the movement control unit 190 includes a rail that supports the communication unit 110, a motor for moving the communication unit 110 along the rail, a power supply for supplying power to the motor, and the like. Note that the configuration of the movement control unit 190 is not limited to this. Further, instead of moving the entire communication unit 110 on the transmission side or the entire communication unit 150 on the reception side, the long coupler 130, the short coupler 160, or both of them may be directly moved. Further, the transmission substrate 131 may have an annular shape, and the transmission lines 132, 133, 134 may be curved and extended in a cylindrical shape, and the input ends of the transmission lines 132, 133, 134 may be close to their own output ends. In this case, along the circumferential direction, the relative positions of the transmission lines 132, 133, 134 of the long coupler 130 and the conductor members 162, 163, 164 of the short coupler 160 are made variable to perform electromagnetic field communication.

[0017] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configurations of the long coupler 130 and the short coupler 160 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configurations of the long coupler 130 and the short coupler 160. FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the long coupler 130 and the short coupler 160 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a long coupler and a short coupler as a comparative example. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the transmission substrate 131 of the long coupler 130 and the reception substrate 161 of the short coupler 160 are shown flat, but they have the shapes as shown in FIG. 2(a). Note that the same reference numerals are given to the long coupler and the short coupler as the comparative example for explanation.

[0018] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2(a), a convex portion that protrudes toward the short coupler 160 is formed on the transmission substrate 131 of the long coupler 130. Specifically, on the transmission substrate 131, a surface 131a on which the transmission line 132 is disposed and a surface 131b on which the transmission line 133 adjacent to the transmission line 132 is disposed are connected at a predetermined angle. Also, a convex portion is formed by connecting the surface 131b on which the transmission line 133 is disposed and a surface 131c on which the transmission line 134 adjacent to the transmission line 133 is disposed at a predetermined angle. In this embodiment, by setting the angles between the surfaces 131a and 131b and between the surfaces 131b and 131c to a certain angle, the entire transmission substrate 131 forms a convex portion. Further, the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 of the short coupler 160 are respectively disposed so as to face the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134. By using, for example, a flexible substrate for the transmission substrate 131, a configuration for forming a convex portion can be realized with one substrate.

[0019] In the comparative example, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the transmission substrate 131 of the long coupler 130 is a flat surface and does not form a convex portion. Also, the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 of the short coupler 160 are respectively disposed so as to face the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134.

[0020] By forming a convex portion on the transmission substrate 131 in this way, while reducing the width of the long coupler 130, an effect of reducing interference between channels is achieved. Hereinafter, this effect will be described. First, the effect of reducing the width of the long coupler 130 will be described. Here, the case of three channels will be described, but it is not limited to this, and a plurality of channels may be used. In Fig. 2(b), if the lateral width of the surface per channel is V, the width W of the entire long coupler 130 is expressed as W = 3×V. On the other hand, in Fig. 2(a), if the angle formed by the mutually connected surfaces is θ, the overall width W' of the long coupler 130 is expressed as W' = V + 2×V×cosθ = V×(1 + 2cosθ). Since cosθ < 1, it can be seen that W' < W, and the overall width of the long coupler 130 forming a convex portion is reduced.

[0021] Next, the effect of reducing interference between channels will be described. FIG. 3 shows the simulation results for explaining the effect of interference reduction. In the simulation, the thickness of the transmission substrate 131 was set to 0.086 mm. Also, the L / S of the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 was 3.3 / 0.4, the length in the extending direction was 90 mm, and the differential impedance was 100 ohm. Also, the space distance between the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 and the metal member 136 was 3.1 mm, the distance from the transmission circuit 120 to the center of the reception substrate 161 was 45 mm, the differential termination resistance in the termination circuit 140 was 100 ohm, and the distances between the transmission lines 132, 133, and 134 and the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 were each 1.8 mm. Also, the L / S of the conductor members 162, 163, and 164 was 1.3 / 3.5 mm, the length in the extending direction was 15 mm, and the differential impedance was 10 k ohm.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows S / N which is the ratio of the transmission coefficient S from the transmission line 133 to the conductor member 163 and the transmission coefficient N (noise) from the transmission line 132 to the conductor member 163 when the angle θ is changed. The larger the value of this S / N, the greater the effect of reducing interference between adjacent channels. In the case of θ = 0°, that is, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 2(b), S / N is 16.4 dB. On the other hand, when θ = 5°, S / N becomes 18.5 dB, indicating that the interference between channels is reduced. Also, when θ = 15°, S / N becomes 19.6 dB, indicating that the interference between channels is further reduced. It can be seen that the larger the angle θ, the more the interference between channels is reduced. This is because the distance and the facing angle of the transmission line 132 with respect to the conductor member 163 change as compared with the distance and the facing angle of the transmission line 133 with respect to the conductor member 163, and the coupling between channels is reduced.

[0023] As described above, on the transmission substrate 131, a convex portion that protrudes toward the short coupler 160 side is formed by connecting the surface on which one transmission line is disposed and the surface on which the transmission line adjacent to the one transmission line is disposed at a predetermined angle. Thereby, while reducing the width of the long coupler 130, interference between channels is reduced. Thus, in the communication device 100 that performs electromagnetic field communication of a plurality of channels, improvement in communication performance and miniaturization of the device can be achieved. Note that although the long coupler 130 and the short coupler 160 are described as being configured by separate substrates, they may be configured by a single substrate. By using a flexible substrate, a configuration for forming the convex portion can be realized with a single substrate.

[0024] [Second Embodiment] With reference to FIG. 4, a communication device according to the second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, description of the points common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and points different from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a form will be described in which there are four or more surfaces on which transmission lines are disposed, and a plurality of convex portions are formed on the transmission substrate. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the long coupler 230. FIG. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the long coupler 230 according to the present embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the long coupler 130 according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, a configuration for performing electromagnetic field communication of four channels is shown, and the long couplers 130 and 230 are configured by installing transmission lines 132, 133, 134, and 135 that are arranged parallel to each other on the transmission substrates 131 and 231. Note that in FIG. 4, only the long coupler is illustrated, but the configuration in which the conductor member of the short coupler is arranged so as to face the transmission line is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0025] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(b), in the long coupler 130, the entire transmitting substrate 131 forms a convex portion. In contrast, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(a), in the long coupler 230, a plurality of convex portions are formed in the transmitting substrate 231. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(a), in the transmitting substrate 231, a surface 231a on which the transmission line 132 is arranged and a surface 231b on which the transmission line 133 adjacent to the transmission line 132 is arranged are connected at a predetermined angle, thereby forming a convex portion. In addition, in the transmitting substrate 231, a surface 231c on which the transmission line 134 is arranged and a surface 231d on which the transmission line 135 adjacent to the transmission line 134 is arranged are connected at a predetermined angle, thereby forming a convex portion.

[0026] In the second embodiment, the angle θ can be increased, and interference between channels can be significantly reduced. Also, by combining and using each convex portion as one unit, it becomes possible to manufacture products with different numbers of channels using a common unit. Another advantage is that the unit can be produced in larger lots than in the first embodiment, making it possible to reduce the unit price.

[0027] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the specific examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0028] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) 1. A communication device, comprising: a plurality of first conductor members provided on a substrate for performing communication between the communication device and another communication device by electromagnetic coupling; The first conductor members are arranged parallel to each other, On the substrate, a surface on which one of the first conductor members is disposed and a surface on which the first conductor member adjacent to the one first conductor member is disposed are connected at a predetermined angle, thereby forming a convex portion that protrudes toward the other communication device side. A communication device characterized by this. (Configuration 2) The other wireless communication device includes a plurality of second conductor members disposed so as to face the first conductor member. The communication device according to Configuration 1, characterized by this. (Configuration 3) A metal member that is installed on the substrate and functions as a ground for the first conductor member and has a space between the metal member and the first conductor member. The communication device according to Configuration 1, characterized by this. (Configuration 4) The communication device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the relative position between the first conductor member and the second conductor member is made variable along the extending direction of the first conductor member. (Configuration 5) The first conductor member is curved and extended so as to form a cylindrical shape, and the relative position between the first conductor member and the second conductor member is made variable along the circumferential direction thereof. The communication device according to Configuration 4, characterized by this. (Configuration 6) The communication device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the entire substrate forms the convex portion. (Configuration 7) There are four or more surfaces on which the first conductor member is disposed, The communication device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that a plurality of the convex portions are formed on the substrate. (Configuration 8) The substrate is a flexible substrate. The communication device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized by this.

Explanation of Signs

[0029] 100: Communication device, 110: Communication unit on the transmission side, 120: Transmission circuit, 130, 230: Long coupler, 131, 231: Transmission substrate, 132, 133, 134, 135: Transmission line, 136: Metal member, 140: Termination circuit, 150: Communication unit on the reception side, 160: Short coupler, 161: Reception substrate, 162, 163, 164: Conductor member, 170: Reception circuit

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising a plurality of first conductor members installed on a substrate for performing communication by electromagnetic field coupling between the communication device and another communication device, wherein the plurality of first conductor members are arranged parallel to each other, and the substrate has a convex portion that protrudes toward the other communication device side, formed by connecting a surface on which one of the first conductor members is arranged and a surface on which the first conductor member adjacent to the one first conductor member is arranged at a predetermined angle. The communication device is characterized by this.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the other communication device comprises a plurality of second conductor members arranged to face the first conductor members.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a metal member installed on the substrate and functioning as a ground for the first conductor member, and having a space between the metal member and the first conductor member.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the relative position between the first conductor member and the second conductor member is made variable along the extending direction of the first conductor member.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first conductor member is curved and extended so as to be cylindrical, and the relative position between the first conductor member and the second conductor member is made variable along the circumferential direction thereof.

6. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the entire substrate forms the convex portion.

7. There are four or more surfaces on which the first conductor members are arranged, and the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a plurality of the convex portions are formed on the substrate.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the substrate is a flexible substrate.

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