LED Free-Space Optical Link for High-Speed Indoor Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies, such as WLAN and radio transceivers, fail to meet the high data transfer demands for uncompressed 4K and 8K UHD video due to limitations in bandwidth and range, particularly in indoor environments, where radio signals face interference and atmospheric absorption, whereas optical wireless communication offers higher modulation bandwidth and reduced power consumption but requires complex alignment systems for lasers, which are impractical for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
Development of ultra-wideband wireless optical communication systems using multi-wavelength LEDs with a novel LED structure and high-frequency combining circuits, enabling full-duplex communication with transient response times under 500 picoseconds and scalable power and sensitivity, eliminating the need for precise alignment and leveraging the advantages of optical wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If laser-based optical wireless communication is used, then modulation bandwidth and data transfer speed are improved, but device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laser-based optical communication with LED-based communication. LEDs provide sufficient modulation bandwidth for high-speed data transfer without requiring complex alignment systems. The LED emits omnidirectional light that naturally covers the receiver's field of view, eliminating the need for precision mechanical alignment mechanisms required by laser systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard LEDs that are inexpensive and widely available components rather than expensive lasers. These LEDs can be integrated into mobile devices at low cost and do not require complex support infrastructure, making them suitable for mass-market consumer electronics.
2Ease of operation
If radio wireless communication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth and data transfer capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes LEDs serve dual functions: providing illumination for the display and enabling wireless optical communication. This eliminates the need for separate communication hardware, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high bandwidth capable of uncompressed 4K and 8K video transfer.
3Productivity
If uncompressed 4K and 8K UHD video transfer is achieved, then data transfer speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the LED's light output as the communication signal carrier, eliminating the need for separate high-power transmission components. The same LED that provides display illumination also enables high-speed data transfer, so no additional power is required beyond what is already consumed for display purposes.
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 solution achieves data transfer speeds exceeding 20 Gbps, overcoming the limitations of radio technologies and providing robust, high-speed, and low-power wireless connectivity suitable for mobile devices and indoor applications without the need for complex alignment systems.
Implementation Method 1
visible and near visible spectrum light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 3
optical detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for providing wireless personal area networks (PANs) and local area networks (LANs) using visible and near-visible optical spectrum. Various constructions and material selections are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a free space optical (FSO) communication apparatus includes a digital data port, an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) each configured to have a transient response time of less than 500 picoseconds (ps), and current drive circuitry coupled between the digital data port and the array of LEDs.