Open-Wire Surface Wave Coupling via Mode Conversion and Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of millimeter wave communication, existing coupling methods for open wire surface wave wireless coverage face challenges in effectively coupling weakly constrained surface wave modes due to mode degeneracy, leading to reduced transmission energy and increased crosstalk, especially when the diameter of the open wire is larger than the wavelength.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device and method that involves a high-order mode direct coupling module, a mode converting and filtering module, and a mode matching module to couple electromagnetic waves into a preset high-order guided wave mode, convert it into a superposition of low-order and high-order modes, and filter out the high-order modes to achieve a pure low-order guided wave mode for efficient transmission along the open wire surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct coupling of waveguide or end-face coupling through geometric optics is used, then the coupling structure is simple, but the coupling between waveguide modes and open wire surface wave modes is extremely weak due to mode degeneracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mode conversion structure that transforms waveguide modes into open wire surface wave modes through a intermediate field distribution. This mediator structure enables effective coupling by bridging the gap between incompatible mode types, overcoming the extreme weakness of direct coupling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the field distribution parameters and mode characteristics by transforming the electromagnetic field from waveguide mode parameters to open wire surface wave mode parameters. This parameter transformation enables effective coupling by matching the field characteristics between the two different transmission media.
2Device complexity
If direct coupling is used, then the device structure is simple, but the effective transmission energy is reduced due to weak coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The mode conversion structure acts as an intermediary that efficiently transfers energy from waveguide modes to open wire surface wave modes. This intermediary enables effective energy transmission by providing a proper field distribution match, preventing energy loss that would occur with direct coupling methods.
3Device complexity
If direct coupling is used, then the coupling method is simple, but crosstalk increases due to various modes being excited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific field distribution pattern in the mode conversion structure that selectively excites only the desired open wire surface wave mode while suppressing other modes. This localized field control prevents crosstalk by ensuring that energy is coupled into the correct mode only.
4Ease of manufacture
If waveguide processing errors occur, then the manufacturing is easier, but the coupling performance deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mode conversion structure serves as a cushioning element that compensates for waveguide processing errors. By providing a field distribution transformation that is less sensitive to dimensional tolerances, this structure protects the overall coupling performance from deteriorating due to manufacturing variations.
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 approach enhances effective transmission energy while minimizing crosstalk, and is less affected by waveguide processing errors, effectively addressing the limitations of direct coupling and end-face coupling methods.
Implementation Method 1
a high-order mode direct coupling module configured to couple a first electromagnetic wave from a transmitter to form a second electromagnetic wave propagating in a preset high-order guided wave mode
Implementation Method 2
a mode converting and filtering module configured to convert the second electromagnetic wave into a third electromagnetic wave propagating in a superposition of a plurality of guided wave modes including a preset low-order guided wave mode and at least one high-order guided wave mode, and to filter out the high-order guided wave mode in the third electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 3
a mode matching module configured to convert the fourth electromagnetic wave into a fifth electromagnetic wave propagating along a surface of an open wire in a target guided wave mode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a coupling device, a surface wave coupling method, and an open wire surface wave wireless coverage system. The coupling device comprises: a high-order mode direct coupling module configured to couple a first electromagnetic wave from a transmitter to form a second electromagnetic wave propagating in a preset high-order guided wave mode; a mode converting and filtering module configured to convert the second electromagnetic wave into a third electromagnetic wave propagating in a superposition of a plurality of guided wave modes, and to filter the high-order guided wave mode in the third electromagnetic wave to obtain a fourth electromagnetic wave propagating in the preset low-order guided wave mode; and a mode matching module configured to convert the fourth electromagnetic wave into a fifth electromagnetic wave propagating along a surface of an open wire in a target guided wave mode.