Metasurface Window Relay for 5G Signal Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Higher frequency wireless signals, such as those used in 5G networks, experience significant attenuation when passing through physical barriers like glass windows, making it difficult to provide reliable wireless communication to devices behind these barriers.
Innovation Solution
The use of holographic metasurface antennas (HMAs) and bi-static amplifiers to enhance the transmission of millimeter waveforms through barriers, with external antennas on the exterior surface and internal antennas on the interior surface, along with RF couplers and isolation spacers, to maintain signal strength and reduce coupling between upload and download signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher frequency wireless signals are used to increase bandwidth, then data transmission capacity is improved, but signal attenuation through physical barriers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of external antennas positioned near the barrier and internal antennas inside the structure. These antennas act as mediators to relay the millimeter wave signals through the barrier, effectively bridging the gap between the base station and devices inside the structure while maintaining high frequency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as antenna positioning, beam forming angles, and signal frequencies to optimize penetration through the barrier. By changing these parameters in real-time, the system maintains reliable communication while utilizing higher frequency signals for increased bandwidth.
2Reliability
If external antennas are placed on the exterior surface of the barrier, then signal transmission through the barrier is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated antenna units that perform both external signal reception and internal signal distribution. By merging the functions of external antennas, internal antennas, and signal processing into a coordinated system, the complexity is managed while maintaining reliable signal transmission through the barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving millimeter wave signals from base stations, transmitting them through the barrier, and providing coverage to devices inside the structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and manages overall complexity.
3Productivity
If millimeter wave signals are used to provide 5G coverage, then bandwidth is increased, but signal penetration through structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermediary antennas positioned strategically to facilitate millimeter wave penetration. These intermediate antennas receive the high-frequency signals and relay them through the barrier, reducing the direct attenuation effect while preserving the bandwidth advantages of millimeter wave technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts signal parameters including frequency selection within the millimeter wave band, power levels, and beam forming characteristics to optimize penetration through specific barrier materials while maintaining high bandwidth utilization.
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 configuration significantly improves the reliability and strength of 5G wireless signals transmitted through barriers, ensuring consistent communication with devices inside structures without the need for digital signal processing, thereby reducing costs and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
employing one or more holographic metasurface antennas (HMAs) to communicate upload and download millimeter waveforms with one or more remote base stations
Implementation Method 2
employing one or more bi-static amplifiers to amplify the upload and download millimeter waveforms
Implementation Method 3
RF couplers and isolation spacers, to maintain signal strength and reduce coupling between upload and download signals
Implementation Method 4
isolation spacers, to maintain signal strength and reduce coupling between upload and download signals
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
A system for transmitting and receiving wireless signals through a physical barrier, such as walls or windows, to wireless computing devices that are located internal to a structure that is formed in part by the physical barrier. The wireless signals are millimeter waveforms with gigahertz frequencies that are communicated with 5G communication protocols by one or more remote base station nodes located external to the physical barrier. One or more external antennas are configured to communicate RF wireless signals with HMA waveforms to remote wireless base station. In one or more embodiments, the RF wireless signals are amplified and communicated bi-statically through the window barrier between customer premises equipment and an authorized remote wireless base station.