Spatial Multilink Repeater for 60 GHz Wireless Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency wireless communications, such as those in the 60 GHz band, face limitations due to line-of-sight operation and limited range, requiring innovative methods to extend communication range and reduce interference.
Innovation Solution
A spatial multilink repeater system that frequency shifts received signals to generate multiple repeated signals, each shifted by a different frequency, with controlled phase and amplitude to direct them to target devices, mitigating interference and extending range by using phased array antennas and digital signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If EHF signals are used for communication, then data rates and system size reduction are improved, but communication range and reliability deteriorate due to line-of-sight limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A repeater system is introduced as an intermediary device between the transmitter and receiver. The repeater receives EHF signals, converts them to lower frequencies for reliable propagation, and retransmits them to extend communication range beyond line-of-sight limitations while maintaining high data rate capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes frequency parameters by converting EHF signals to lower frequency bands for extended range communication. This parameter transformation allows the system to overcome the inherent line-of-sight limitations of EHF while preserving the high data rate benefits
2Volume of moving object
If EHF signals are used for communication, then system component size is reduced, but signal propagation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater acts as a mediator that receives compact EHF signals, converts them to propagation-friendly lower frequencies, and retransmits them. This allows the system to maintain small component sizes while achieving reliable long-distance signal propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the signal during transmission through the repeater, converting from EHF to lower frequencies that propagate better through the environment, thus improving ease of operation without increasing system size
3Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency shifting is applied to generate multiple repeated signals, then interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater divides the received signal into multiple frequency-shifted copies, each transmitted on a different frequency to reduce interference. This segmentation of the signal into multiple frequency channels allows simultaneous communication with multiple devices while managing interference through frequency diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater performs multiple functions including frequency conversion, signal amplification, and directional beamforming using phased array antennas. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle complex communication requirements without requiring multiple separate systems
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
Enables reliable communication beyond line-of-sight limitations by directing and frequency-shifting signals to multiple devices, improving range and reducing interference, thereby enhancing high-frequency wireless communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a received signal may be frequency shifted to generate a plurality of repeated signals, wherein each repeated signal may be shifted by a different frequency with respect to the received signal
Implementation Method 2
Each of the repeated signals may be generated by quadrature down-converting said received signal by mixing the received signal with a first LO signal pair
Implementation Method 3
up-converting the down-converted signal by mixing it with a second LO signal pair
Implementation Method 4
Each repeated signal may comprise one or more signal components and a phase and/or amplitude of each of the components may be controlled to control a directivity of the repeated signals
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of a method and system for communicating via a spatial multilink repeater are provided. In this regard, a received signal may be frequency shifted to generate a plurality of repeated signals, wherein each repeated signal may be shifted by a different frequency with respect to the received signal. Each repeated signal may comprise one or more signal components and a phase and/or amplitude of each of the components may be controlled to control a directivity of the repeated signals. Each of the repeated signals may be generated by quadrature down-converting said received signal by mixing the received signal with a first LO signal pair, up-converting the downconverted signal by mixing it with a second LO signal pair, and adding or subtracting an in-phase portion and a quadrature-phase portion of the up-converted signal.