Guided Wave Launching via Circuit Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing high bandwidth and efficient data transmission, especially with the increasing demand from smartphones and other portable devices, as they require higher bandwidth capabilities and rely on traditional infrastructure that is not optimized for modern data usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media such as wires or dielectric materials, allowing for efficient data transmission without the need for an electrical return path, using couplers to launch and extract waves at millimeter-wave frequencies, enabling propagation along the surface or within transmission media with reduced loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used, then existing communication networks can operate, but bandwidth capability is insufficient for increasing data demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by transitioning from traditional wireless radio frequency transmission to guided electromagnetic wave propagation at millimeter-wave frequencies (30-300 GHz). This parameter change enables significantly higher bandwidth capability while utilizing existing infrastructure elements like wires and dielectric materials as transmission media, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and adaptability
2Productivity
If electromagnetic waves are launched at millimeter-wave frequencies, then bandwidth is enhanced, but propagation loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guided electromagnetic waves as an intermediary transmission mechanism that propagates along transmission media (wires, dielectric materials) rather than through free space. This intermediary approach allows millimeter-wave frequencies to achieve high bandwidth while the transmission media guide the waves to reduce propagation loss, resolving the contradiction between enhanced bandwidth and reduced energy loss
3Loss of energy
If guided waves are used for data transmission, then propagation loss is reduced, but device complexity increases due to couplers and waveguide systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing infrastructure elements serve multiple functions: wires and dielectric materials simultaneously serve as both power transmission conductors and guided wave transmission media. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated transmission infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the propagation loss benefits of guided waves
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 system provides enhanced bandwidth and reduced propagation loss, enabling efficient data transmission over long distances with minimal infrastructure changes, supporting the growing demand for mobile data services while optimizing existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna launches, according to the signal, a first electromagnetic wave to induce propagation of a second electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
A reflective plate is spaced a distance behind the antenna relative to a direction of the propagation of the second electromagnetic wave
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a plurality of transmitters for launching, according to a signal, instances of first electromagnetic waves having different phases to induce propagation of a second electromagnetic wave at an interface of a transmission medium, the second electromagnetic wave having a non-fundamental wave mode and a non-optical operating frequency, wherein the plurality of transmitters has a corresponding plurality of antennas. A reflective plate is spaced a distance behind the plurality of antennas relative to a direction of the propagation of the second electromagnetic wave. Other embodiments are disclosed.