Integrated Gas-Filled Waveguide for Low-Loss 60 GHz Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in miniaturization and signal loss at higher frequencies, particularly above 60 GHz, where traditional RF interconnections and antennas experience significant losses, and waveguides are needed to integrate into smaller user devices while maintaining low signal loss.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a gas-filled waveguide with a conductive surface, where at least part of the waveguide's conductive wall is shared with a component such as an electromagnetic shield or substrate, allowing for reduced device size and lower signal attenuation by using waveguides as both signal transfer structures and mechanical seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional RF interconnections and antennas are used for signal transmission, then device integration is simplified, but signal loss increases significantly at frequencies above 60 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is merged with existing device components such as electromagnetic shields, substrates, or housing elements. By sharing common walls between the waveguide and these components, the patent achieves low-loss signal transmission at high frequencies while avoiding the need for separate waveguide implementations, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing structural components in the device are designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining their original functions (e.g., electromagnetic shielding, mechanical support) while simultaneously forming part of the waveguide structure for signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies integration.
2Loss of energy
If waveguides are integrated into user devices for low signal loss, then signal attenuation is reduced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is combined with existing device structures such as electromagnetic shields, substrates, or housing elements. By utilizing shared walls and integrating the waveguide path within already-present components, the patent achieves low signal attenuation without requiring additional volume, thus maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is nested within or alongside existing device components. The waveguide path is routed through available spaces and utilizes the internal structures of shields and substrates, effectively nesting the signal transmission function within the existing device architecture rather than adding external bulk.
3Reliability
If separate waveguide structures are implemented, then signal transmission quality is maintained, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is merged with existing device components that are already part of the manufacturing process. By forming waveguide walls using the same electromagnetic shields, substrates, or housing elements, the patent maintains signal transmission quality while eliminating the need for separate waveguide manufacturing and assembly steps, thus reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously, including their original purpose and waveguide functionality. This approach allows a single manufacturing process to produce components that serve both structural/shielding roles and signal transmission roles, simplifying production and reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 integration enables smaller, more cost-effective devices with reduced radio signal attenuation, suitable for higher frequency ranges, and allows for the use of waveguides as both signal guides and mechanical seals, addressing the challenges of miniaturization and signal loss in modern communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide arranged to guide electromagnetic waves, the waveguide comprising at least one conductive wall enclosing a waveguide path
Implementation Method 2
the waveguide has at least part of the at least one conductive wall shared with the conductive surface of the component
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an apparatus which comprises: a waveguide arranged to guide electromagnetic waves, the waveguide comprising at least one conductive wall enclosing a waveguide path, wherein the waveguide is gas-filled, and a component with a conductive surface. The waveguide is integrated with the component, wherein the waveguide has at least part of the at least one conductive wall shared with the conductive surface of the component and at least another part of the at least one conductive wall that is non-shared.