Asymmetric Mode Guided-Wave Coupler for Low-Loss Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in providing increased bandwidth and network connectivity to support growing data demands, particularly in macrocell base stations and distributed antenna systems, as existing technologies fail to efficiently utilize guided-wave propagation for transmission media with asymmetric modes at low loss frequencies like microwave or millimeter-wave bands.
Innovation Solution
A guided-wave communication system using a dielectric waveguide coupler that couples electromagnetic waves to a single wire transmission medium, allowing propagation along the outer surface via asymmetric or non-fundamental modes, with carrier frequencies within specific ranges to minimize propagation loss and maximize field concentration outside the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fundamental mode propagation is used in guided-wave transmission, then the system can maintain stable propagation characteristics, but the bandwidth and data transmission capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the propagation mode parameter from fundamental mode to asymmetric non-fundamental modes (such as TE10, TM10 modes). This parameter change enables the system to support higher bandwidth and data transmission capacity while maintaining acceptable propagation stability through careful selection of operating frequencies and waveguide dimensions that optimize the asymmetric mode characteristics.
2Productivity
If asymmetric non-fundamental modes are used for propagation, then the bandwidth and data capacity increase, but the propagation loss increases and field concentration outside the medium decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes operating frequency parameters to balance bandwidth benefits against propagation losses. By selecting specific frequency ranges and adjusting waveguide geometric parameters (dimensions, material properties), the system achieves improved data transmission capacity while minimizing the increase in propagation loss associated with asymmetric mode operation.
3Productivity
If higher carrier frequencies are used to increase bandwidth, then the data transmission capacity improves, but the propagation loss increases and the wavelength becomes smaller relative to the transmission medium circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter optimization by selecting carrier frequencies and adjusting waveguide dimensions to maintain an appropriate ratio between wavelength and circumference. This allows the system to operate at higher frequencies for increased bandwidth while controlling propagation losses through optimized geometric and material parameters of the transmission medium.
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 enables efficient, low-loss propagation of guided waves along the surface of transmission media, enhancing network connectivity and bandwidth, particularly in small cell deployments, by leveraging asymmetric modes that conventional systems cannot effectively support.
Implementation Method 1
A coupler couples the first electromagnetic wave to a single wire transmission medium having an outer surface and a corresponding circumference, wherein the coupling of the first electromagnetic wave to the single wire transmission medium forms a second electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the single wire transmission medium via at least one guided-wave mode
Implementation Method 2
A coupler couples the first electromagnetic wave to a single wire transmission medium
Implementation Method 3
wherein the at least one carrier frequency is within a limited range of the lower cutoff frequency, so that a majority of the electric field is concentrated within a distance from the outer surface that is less than half the largest cross sectional dimension of the single wire transmission medium
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes a transmitter that generates a first electromagnetic wave to convey data. A coupler couples the first electromagnetic wave to a single wire transmission medium having an outer surface, to forming a second electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the single wire transmission medium via at least one guided wave mode that includes an asymmetric or non-fundamental mode having a lower cutoff frequency. A carrier frequency of the second electromagnetic wave is selected to be within a limited range of the lower cutoff frequency, so that a majority of the electric field is concentrated within a distance from the outer surface that is less than half the largest cross sectional dimension of the single wire transmission medium, and/or to reduce propagation loss. Other embodiments are disclosed.