60 GHz Distributed Communication via Coaxial IF Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 60 GHz communication systems face challenges due to high attenuation of signals in air, limiting their range and efficiency, despite offering large bandwidth for high data rates, particularly in applications like wireless personal area networks and high-definition television.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for 60 GHz distributed communication that generates intermediate frequency (IF) signals from baseband signals and communicates them via coaxial lines to remote RF modules for up-conversion and transmission, allowing for selective antenna configuration and power-efficient RF signal amplification, enabling efficient short-range communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 60 GHz communication systems use large bandwidth for high data rates, then data throughput is improved, but signal attenuation increases with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 60 GHz communication system into multiple distributed RF modules, each handling a portion of the signal transmission. This allows the system to maintain high data rates through bandwidth segmentation while managing signal attenuation by distributing the transmission function across multiple localized modules rather than relying on a single distant transmitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by distributing RF modules throughout the communication area. Instead of relying solely on increasing bandwidth to overcome attenuation, the system adds spatial distribution as a new dimension, placing RF modules at optimal locations to enhance signal coverage and reduce effective attenuation over distance.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional 60 GHz systems transmit signals over distance, then communication range is improved, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate RF modules as mediators between the base station and remote devices. These intermediate modules receive signals from the base station and re-transmit them to remote devices, effectively breaking up the long transmission path into shorter segments. This reduces cumulative signal attenuation while extending overall communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission path is segmented into multiple hops through distributed RF modules. Each module handles a portion of the signal transmission over a shorter distance, reducing the attenuation penalty associated with long-range transmission while collectively achieving extended communication coverage.
3Strength
If distributed RF modules are used for 60 GHz communication, then signal strength is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the distributed RF modules with universal functionality, where each module can perform multiple operations (signal reception, amplification, re-transmission) and can be dynamically configured to serve different communication needs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while enhancing signal strength through distributed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where RF modules can be activated or deactivated based on current communication requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to optimize signal strength by activating only the necessary modules for a given transmission scenario, reducing overall system complexity by avoiding unnecessary components in idle states.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances signal strength, data throughput, and reduces latency by optimizing antenna configurations and power usage, effectively mitigating co-channel interference and achieving high data rates in 60 GHz communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
the FCC has designated a large contiguous block of 7 GHz bandwidth for communications in the 57 GHz to 64 GHz spectrum... very high data rates may be achieved
Implementation Method 2
60 GHz signals may possess markedly different communications channel and propagation characteristics, at least due to the fact that 60 GHz radiation is partly absorbed by oxygen in the air, thereby leading to higher attenuation with distance
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for 60 GHz distributed communication are disclosed and may include generating IF signals from baseband signals in a computing device with wireless capability. The IF signals may be communicated to remote RF modules within the computing device via coaxial lines. The IF signals may be up-converted to RF signals and transmitted via the RF modules. The IF signals in the coaxial lines may be tapped via taps coupled to the RF modules. The baseband signals may comprise video data, Internet streamed data, and/or data from a local data source. The RF signals may be communicated to a display device. Control signals for the RF devices may be communicated utilizing the coaxial lines. One or more of the RF devices may be selected based on a direction to a receiving device. The remote RF devices may comprise mixers. The RF signals may comprise 60 GHz signals.