Dielectric Stub Coupler for Guided Wave Mode Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for bandwidth in wireless communication due to the proliferation of smartphones and data-intensive services poses challenges for traditional wireless infrastructure, particularly in providing efficient broadband access and managing wireless resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires, to transmit data without the need for a separate electrical return path, enabling efficient propagation of signals over long distances with reduced loss, using couplers and transceivers to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional wireless signals are used for broadband access, then wireless communication coverage can be provided, but signal loss increases and bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transmission medium (such as a wire or cable) as an intermediary to guide electromagnetic waves between transmitter and receiver. This intermediary provides a controlled propagation path that reduces signal loss compared to traditional wireless propagation through free space, while maintaining the benefits of electromagnetic wave transmission for broadband access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conductors are used for bi-directional communication, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single transmission medium to serve multiple functions by supporting bi-directional communication. The same conductor that carries forward signals can also carry return signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated conductors for each direction and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different propagation modes or spatial dimensions within the same transmission medium to achieve bi-directional communication. By employing higher-order modes or different field configurations within the same physical conductor, the system can support multiple communication directions without requiring additional conductors.
3Productivity
If guided wave mode cancellation is not implemented, then launcher design is simpler, but signal propagation quality and bandwidth efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes unwanted guided wave modes from the transmission by using a dielectric stub coupler that selectively cancels specific modes. This extraction of harmful modes improves signal propagation quality and bandwidth efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple launcher structure.
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 solution enhances bandwidth efficiency by allowing guided electromagnetic waves to propagate along transmission media like wires with lower loss than traditional wireless signals, supporting bi-directional communication and reducing the need for multiple conductors, thus addressing the bandwidth demands of modern wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
A dielectric stub coupler launches guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies along a transmission medium
Implementation Method 2
A hollow waveguide that guides an electromagnetic wave conveying first data from a transmitting device
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a coupling module that includes a waveguide that guides a first electromagnetic wave conveying data from a transmitting device. A dielectric coupler receives the first electromagnetic wave from the waveguide to form a second electromagnetic wave, and that guides the second electromagnetic wave along the dielectric coupler adjacent to a transmission medium, and wherein the dielectric coupler has a length that supports a cancellation of at least one cancelled wave mode from a coupling of the second electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium.