Mode Division Multiplexing Transmission Device for Guided Wave Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems fail to efficiently provide network connectivity to additional base station devices and distributed antenna systems, particularly in addressing the increased bandwidth demands due to rising data usage, and they lack effective methods for guided wave propagation using asymmetric modes at millimeter wave frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that couples electromagnetic waves to a transmission medium, such as a wire, to propagate as guided waves along the outer surface, leveraging asymmetric modes within the millimeter wave frequency band, where the wavelength is less than the circumference of the wire, enabling efficient data transmission without requiring electrical contact or a circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional wireless infrastructure is used to address increased bandwidth demand, then network coverage area is maintained, but bandwidth capability and spectral efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional radio wave propagation in free space to three-dimensional guided wave propagation along wire surfaces. This dimensional change enables mode division multiplexing by utilizing different spatial modes (TE, TM, hybrid modes) that can carry independent data streams simultaneously, thereby dramatically increasing bandwidth capability and spectral efficiency without requiring additional frequency spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the broadband signal into multiple frequency subbands, with each subband modulating a different guided wave mode on the wire. This segmentation enables parallel transmission of multiple data streams through mode division multiplexing, where each mode operates independently, thereby increasing the overall bandwidth capability while maintaining efficient spectral utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If guided wave propagation is implemented on wire surfaces, then bandwidth capability increases, but signal loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by operating in the millimeter wave frequency range (30-300 GHz) where the wavelength is comparable to or smaller than the wire circumference. This enables the excitation of discrete guided modes with well-defined propagation characteristics. By carefully selecting operating frequencies and mode parameters, the system achieves low-loss propagation while maintaining high bandwidth capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite transmission structures consisting of conventional wires with specific surface properties and dielectric materials. The wire surface acts as a waveguide, and by controlling surface characteristics and surrounding dielectric environment, the system minimizes signal loss while supporting multiple guided modes for high-capacity transmission.
3Productivity
If mode division multiplexing is used to increase bandwidth, then spectral efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized coupling devices as intermediaries that facilitate the excitation and detection of guided modes on wire surfaces. These coupling devices serve as mediators between conventional transceivers and the guided wave transmission medium, enabling mode division multiplexing without requiring fundamental changes to existing communication infrastructure, thereby managing system complexity while achieving high spectral efficiency.
4Quantity of substance
If millimeter wave frequencies are used for guided wave propagation, then bandwidth capability increases, but wavelength becomes comparable to wire circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the asymmetry that arises when wavelength is comparable to wire circumference by supporting both symmetric and asymmetric guided modes. The asymmetric modes provide additional independent transmission channels that can be utilized for mode division multiplexing, thereby increasing bandwidth capability while operating at millimeter wave frequencies where wavelength constraints would normally be limiting.
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 solution provides enhanced network connectivity and increased bandwidth by allowing guided waves to propagate with low loss along the surface of transmission media, such as wires, supporting diverse communication protocols and frequencies, and enabling bi-directional communications with reduced infrastructure complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a coupler couples the electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium having at least one inner portion surrounded by a dielectric material... forms a guided wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the dielectric material
Implementation Method 2
at least one inner portion surrounded by a dielectric material... forms a guided wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the dielectric material
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes at least one transceiver configured to modulate data to generate a plurality of first electromagnetic waves. A plurality of couplers are configured to couple at least a portion of the plurality of first electromagnetic waves to a transmission medium, wherein the plurality of couplers generate a plurality of mode division multiplexed second electromagnetic waves that propagate along the outer surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.