Surface Wave Converter Using Segmented Waveguide Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation mobile access systems, the densification of radio base stations in city environments faces challenges due to difficulties in mounting equipment on rooftops and towers, and existing solutions for surface wave transmission and reception have not been viable due to technical difficulties and lack of applications, particularly in areas without fiber connections, where microwave point-to-point links are costly and complicated by frequency licenses.
Innovation Solution
A surface wave converter system with multiple waveguide adapters mounted around the circumference of a conduit, such as a power line wire, to rapidly excite and propagate electromagnetic surface waves with minimal loss, using open-ended coaxial cables and a fixture for galvanic isolation and improved electromagnetic matching, reducing coupling to air and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single waveguide adapter is used to excite surface waves, then the device complexity is low, but the coupling loss is high and the surface wave evolution is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The surface wave converter is segmented into multiple waveguide adapters (typically three) arranged around the conduit circumference, with each adapter contributing to the excitation of surface waves. This segmentation allows the electromagnetic field to be distributed around the conduit, creating a more complete and efficient surface wave excitation pattern that reduces coupling loss compared to a single adapter.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple waveguide adapters are merged into a single converter assembly that is mounted on the conduit. The adapters work together in unison, with their individual electromagnetic fields combining to form a coherent surface wave pattern around the conduit, thereby improving overall excitation efficiency while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
2Loss of energy
If surface waves are allowed to evolve over a long distance, then the coupling loss is reduced, but the loss of time and system length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is designed to perform preliminary action by pre-establishing a well-distributed electromagnetic field pattern around the conduit through the strategic placement of multiple waveguide adapters. This preliminary field distribution enables the surface wave to begin evolving immediately with optimal conditions, reducing the distance required for full evolution compared to systems that rely on gradual field development over long distances.
3Reliability
If microwave point-to-point links are used for backhaul, then the transmission capability is sufficient, but the frequency license requirements increase device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The surface wave converter enables the power line infrastructure to serve itself for communication purposes. By utilizing the existing overhead power lines as conduits for surface wave propagation, the system eliminates the need for separate microwave transmission infrastructure and frequency license management, allowing the power grid to provide both power delivery and communication backhaul services.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional surface wave launchers are used, then the structure is simple, but the electromagnetic field distribution is poor and coupling to air waves increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each waveguide adapter is positioned at a specific location around the conduit circumference, creating localized electromagnetic field regions that collectively form a complete field distribution pattern. This local quality approach ensures that each adapter contributes optimally to the overall field distribution, minimizing gaps that would otherwise cause coupling to air waves while maintaining a relatively simple adapter structure.
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
The system achieves reduced coupling loss and interference by quickly evolving surface waves on the conduit, improving insertion and return loss performance, and enabling efficient backhauling of radio base stations without the need for fiber connections, while being cost-effective and easy to install on high-voltage wires.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide adapters are configured to jointly excite a surface wave on the surface wave conduit based on the input signal
Implementation Method 2
Surface waves transmission involves transmitting a signal by exciting the surface wave on the outside of a conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A surface wave converter for transmitting electromagnetic signals via a surface wave conduit. The surface wave converter comprises an input port, an interface, and a plurality of waveguide adapters. The input port is configured to receive an input signal. The plurality of wave guide adapters are for mounting along a circumference of the surface wave conduit and are configured to jointly excite a surface wave on the surface wave conduit based on the input signal. The interface configured to distribute the input signal received on the input port over the waveguide adapters via respective waveguide adapter ports.