Optical Wireless Bus Interface Without RF Down-Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiFi communication systems are limited by the performance cap of mobile communication standards, and the use of RF down-conversion circuitry, which restricts higher data rates and compatibility with digital bus protocols like PCIe.
Innovation Solution
An optical wireless communication interface apparatus that directly connects to a bus device, such as PCIe, using optical interface circuitry and control circuitry to establish and maintain communication without frequency conversion, enabling high data rates and multiple optical channels for enhanced connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing mobile communication standards (WiFi/3G/4G/5G) are used in LiFi systems, then multiuser access and handover features are available, but the maximum data rate is limited by the mobile communication standard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the necessary control functions (multiuser access, handover) from the mobile communication protocol stack and implements them selectively in the LiFi system, rather than adopting the entire protocol stack. This allows the system to achieve high data rates using optical communication while implementing only the essential control features needed for multiuser support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental communication parameter from RF frequency to optical frequency, enabling data rates that exceed mobile communication standards. By operating in the optical domain rather than RF domain, the system removes the data rate ceiling imposed by mobile communication specifications while maintaining necessary control functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF down-conversion circuitry is used to convert RF signal to signal for LAM, then compatibility with mobile communication standards is achieved, but higher data rates and direct digital bus protocol compatibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the RF down-conversion circuitry from the system architecture. By eliminating this intermediate conversion stage, the system achieves direct compatibility with digital bus protocols like PCIe and removes the data rate limitations imposed by RF processing, while still maintaining necessary control functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electrical RF down-conversion mechanism with a direct optical interface. Instead of converting RF signals to electrical signals for processing by LAM, the system directly interfaces digital bus protocols with optical transmission, replacing the mechanical/electrical conversion chain with a direct digital-to-optical path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If free space optical wireless communication is used, then communication channels are more variable and flexible, but channel quality degradation occurs due to misalignment, noise, interference, and signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor channel quality parameters such as signal strength, alignment, and interference levels. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including modulation scheme, data rate, and beam direction to maintain reliable communication despite channel variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adaptation of communication parameters in response to changing channel conditions. The system can switch between different modulation formats, adjust transmission power, and realign optical paths in real-time to maintain optimal performance despite misalignment, noise, or interference.
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
Facilitates high data transfer rates up to 2 Gb/s or greater, supports multiple optical connections, and maintains signal quality through adaptive control of operating parameters, overcoming limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitter and/or receiver apparatus, wherein the light transmitter and/or receiver apparatus is configured to transmit and/or receive the OWC signals as free-space light signals
Implementation Method 2
a light transmitter and/or receiver apparatus, wherein the light transmitter and/or receiver apparatus is configured to transmit and/or receive the OWC signals as free-space light signals
Data Source
AI summary
An optical wireless communication (OWC) interface apparatus comprises: at least one input and/or output configured to transfer data signals from and/or to a bus device; optical interface circuitry configured to transfer optical wireless communication (OWC) signals representative of the data signals between the OWC interface apparatus and a light transmitter and/or receiver apparatus, wherein the light transmitter and/or receiver apparatus is configured to transmit and/or receive the OWC signals as free-space light signals; and interface control circuitry that is configured to establish and/or maintain communication with the bus device in accordance with a bus protocol thereby to enable transfer of the data signals between the OWC interface apparatus and the bus device.