Millimeter Wave Frequency Conversion for Building Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave transmissions face significant challenges in building penetration due to high signal losses when passing through building materials like glass, brick, and concrete, limiting their implementation in modern wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a transceiver with up/down converters to adjust signal frequencies, allowing signals to penetrate buildings more effectively by converting high-frequency millimeter waves to lower frequencies that can better traverse building materials, and using optical bridges with VCSELs for transmission through windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If millimeter wave transmissions are used to provide high bandwidth, then bandwidth availability is improved, but building penetration capability deteriorates due to high signal losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission path into two distinct frequency segments: millimeter wave frequency for outdoor transmission and lower frequency for indoor transmission. This segmentation allows each segment to operate at optimal frequency for its specific environment, resolving the contradiction between high bandwidth and building penetration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system at the building boundary that translates signals between millimeter wave frequency and lower frequency. This intermediary allows the system to leverage the high bandwidth of millimeter waves while using lower frequencies that penetrate buildings effectively, thus resolving the technical contradiction
2Quantity of substance
If high-frequency millimeter waves are transmitted, then signal bandwidth is improved, but signal loss when penetrating building materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the frequency parameter of the transmission signal based on the transmission environment. Millimeter wave frequency is used for outdoor transmission where high bandwidth is needed, while lower frequency is used for indoor transmission where penetration and reduced signal loss are priorities
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
Enhances signal penetration and data rates within buildings by overcoming the limitations of high-frequency signal loss, enabling more efficient use of millimeter wave bandwidth for indoor wireless communications.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting and receiving optical signals
Implementation Method 2
A first up/down converter converts between a first version of the signals at the first frequency and a second version of the signals at a second frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enabling signal penetration into a building includes a first transceiver, located on an outside of the building, for transmitting and receiving signals at a first frequency outside of the building, wherein the signals at the first frequency do not easily penetrate into an interior of the building. A first up/down converter converts between a first version of the signals at the first frequency and a second version of the signals at a second frequency. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency and the signals at the second frequency better penetrate to the interior of the building and overcome losses caused by penetrating into an interior of the building. A second up/down converter converts between the second version of the signals at the second frequency that overcomes the losses caused by penetrating into the interior of the building and a third version of the signals after transmission from the building exterior to the building interior. A router transmits and receives the third version of the signals within the interior of the building.