Multi-Tap Transmission Line for Low-Loss Multipoint Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, and baseband data switched networks, like PCIe, face limitations including propagation variability, spectrum availability, interferences, and cyber threats in wireless communications, while wired networks are constrained by point-to-point connectivity requiring data switches and extensive wiring.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tap transmission line is proposed, which replaces air as the propagation medium for wireless terminals, blocking out wireless communication constraints and introducing the reliability of wired links. This transmission line is designed with a characteristic impedance lower than the tap impedance, featuring tap circuits with resistive elements and a T-configuration connection point, and can be implemented in various configurations such as planar or coaxial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless networks are used for communication, then network coverage and mobility are improved, but propagation variability, spectrum availability, interferences, and cyber threats increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission line as an intermediary medium between wireless transceivers, replacing direct wireless communication with a hybrid approach where signals are converted to electrical signals in the transmission line, thereby eliminating propagation variability and interference while maintaining wireless adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic wave propagation mechanism (wireless) with an electrical signal transmission mechanism (transmission line), substituting one physical domain for another to eliminate the harmful effects of wireless propagation while maintaining communication functionality
2Reliability
If baseband data switched networks are used for communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a shared transmission line medium with individual tap circuits at each device, replacing the need for point-to-point wiring and data switches with a simpler bus-like structure that maintains reliability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the communication medium for all devices, performs signal distribution to multiple taps, and maintains impedance matching, thereby eliminating the need for separate data switches and complex wiring infrastructure
3Reliability
If characteristic impedance is lowered in the transmission line, then signal integrity and impedance matching are improved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the characteristic impedance parameter of the transmission line to a specific value that balances impedance matching benefits with insertion loss considerations, and adjusts tap circuit parameters accordingly to minimize overall signal loss while maintaining matching
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are described herein for a multi-tap transmission line. The multi-tap transmission line can comprises: a first end and at least one second end; the transmission line having a corresponding characteristic impedance value (Zc); the first end with a corresponding first end impedance, the first end impedance being same as the characteristic impedance; the at least one second end with a corresponding at least one second end impedance, the corresponding at least one second end impedance being same as the characteristic impedance; at least two tap circuits connected to the transmission line, wherein each tap circuit comprises a tap port and wherein each tap port has a corresponding tap impedance value (Zo). The characteristic impedance value Zc is lower, and in some cases substantially lower, than each tap impedance value Zo.