Dielectric Waveguide Coupler for Millimeter-Wave Transmission Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems fail to efficiently provide high-bandwidth connectivity to microcells and picocells, especially in scenarios where guided wave propagation with asymmetric modes at millimeter-wave frequencies is required, due to limitations in waveguide design and material properties.

Innovation Solution

A transmission device utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that couples electromagnetic waves to a single wire transmission medium, enabling guided wave propagation along the outer surface via asymmetric modes within the millimeter-wave frequency band, with the waveguide designed to operate below the wire's circumference, allowing for efficient power transfer and reduced loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional waveguide design is used for millimeter-wave transmission, then bandwidth capability is improved, but transmission loss increases and power transfer efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capabilityVSAvoidtransmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric waveguide coupler is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmitter and the single-wire transmission medium. The coupler couples electromagnetic waves to the transmission medium, enabling guided wave propagation along the outer surface via asymmetric modes. This intermediary structure allows efficient power transfer over long distances while supporting millimeter-wave frequencies and high bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the propagation mode parameters by utilizing asymmetric modes on the outer surface of the transmission medium. By operating below the wire's circumference and configuring the waveguide to support asymmetric mode propagation, the system achieves low-loss transmission at millimeter-wave frequencies, resolving the contradiction between bandwidth capability and transmission loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If guided wave propagation with asymmetric modes is implemented, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidwaveguide design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric waveguide coupler serves multiple functions: it couples electromagnetic waves to the transmission medium, guides the waves along the outer surface, and supports asymmetric mode propagation. This multi-functional design achieves efficient power transfer without requiring multiple separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving power transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If single-wire transmission medium is used, then ease of deployment is improved, but transmission distance is limited due to loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidtransmission distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional multi-conductor transmission systems with a single-wire transmission medium that supports guided wave propagation. By utilizing asymmetric modes on the outer surface of the single wire, the system achieves low-loss transmission over long distances, maintaining ease of deployment while extending transmission distance beyond conventional limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 network connectivity by enabling efficient propagation of guided waves over long distances with low loss, supporting increased bandwidth demands in wireless communication networks, particularly in urban areas with dense microcell and picocell deployments.

Implementation Method 1

A dielectric waveguide coupler couples electromagnetic waves to a single wire transmission medium, enabling guided wave propagation along the outer surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGuided wave propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

enabling guided wave propagation along the outer surface via asymmetric modes within the millimeter-wave frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAsymmetric modes: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

having at least one inner portion surrounded by a dielectric material, the dielectric material having an outer surface and a corresponding circumference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric waveguide: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10355790B2Transmission device with impairment compensation and methods for use therewith

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a waveguide system that includes a transmission device having a coupler positioned with respect to a transmission medium to facilitate transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves that transport communications data. The electromagnetic waves propagate along an outer surface of the transmission medium. A training controller detects an impairment on the transmission medium adverse to the transmission or reception of the electromagnetic waves and adjusts the electromagnetic waves to reduce the effects of the impairment on the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.