Fiber-Optic Near-Field Communication Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems between client and host devices face challenges such as limited bandwidth, reliability issues due to corrosion and contamination, and the need for direct electrical connections, which can be cumbersome and prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A near-field communication system using a fiber-optic cable with a remote antenna unit and a head end unit that enables high-data-rate wireless connectivity (>1 Gbps) without direct electrical contact, utilizing optical communication and electromagnetic coupling to maintain secure, high-bandwidth links with low power consumption and resistance to contamination and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct electrical connection via copper cable is used, then ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth capability deteriorates (cannot support >1 Gbps)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical conduction mechanism with optical transmission. Instead of using copper cables that carry electrical signals, the system uses optical fibers to transmit light signals, enabling high-bandwidth communication (>1 Gbps) while maintaining the simplicity of cable-based connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission medium from electrical conductors to optical waveguides. By transitioning from electrical signals in copper to optical signals in fiber, the system achieves both high data rates and maintains ease of operation through standardized connector interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If direct electrical connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates (corrosion and contamination of electrical contacts)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical contacts with optical interfaces. Instead of metal-to-metal electrical contacts that are susceptible to corrosion and contamination, the system uses optical fiber connectors that transmit light signals, eliminating the degradation issues associated with electrical contacts while maintaining plug-and-play connectivity.
3Productivity
If optical connection is used, then bandwidth capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates (optical connections easily impaired by contamination)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces active electronic devices positioned at the terminal ends of the optical cable as intermediary components. These devices include near-field communication antennas that create a wireless interface between the optical cable and client devices, reducing the need for direct optical-to-optical alignment and making the connection more tolerant of misalignment and contamination.
4Length of stationary object
If far field wireless communication is used, then range is improved, but power consumption deteriorates (high power required for millimeter wave technologies)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs near-field communication technology that dynamically adapts the electromagnetic field coupling between transmit and receive antennas. By operating in the near-field regime rather than far-field radiation, the system achieves efficient energy transfer over short distances with low power consumption, while the fiber-optic backbone extends the effective range without requiring high power wireless transmission.
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
The system provides secure, high-bandwidth wireless connectivity with low power consumption, resistance to contamination and misalignment, and compatibility with the 60 GHz band, simplifying digital signal processing and eliminating multi-path effects through line-of-sight transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A communication system having a very short range wireless connection to a client device that delivers high data-rate connectivity (> 1 Gbps)... fiber-optic based cable... optical communication
Implementation Method 2
Energy transfer occurs by coupling a large portion of the energy in the near field of the transmitting antenna to a receiving antenna rather than propagating most of the energy in an electromagnetic wave to the far (or radiation) field
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber-optic based communication system (10) for facilitating communication between a client device (14), such as a hand-held computing device, and a host device (16), such as a desktop computer, a lap-top computer, a tablet device or any other computing device. The communication system includes a cable (12) comprising electronic devices positioned at terminal ends of an optical fiber that provides for communication between the client device and the host device, and the communication occurs via electromagnetic coupling in the near field at at least one end of the cable.