Communications – Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Giovanni Vannucci, Peter Wolniansky, Paul Shala Henry, AT&T Intellectual Property I LP
Abstract for “Apparatus for processing ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave”
“Aspects may include a system for receiving a plurality ultra-wideband magnetic waves that propagate along a surface on a transmission medium, without requiring an electric return path. The plurality ultra-wideband waves conveys a plurality communication signals. This includes obtaining at least one communication message from the plurality, and then distributing that communication signal to at most one communication device. There are other embodiments.
Background for “Apparatus for processing ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave”
“Smart phones and other mobile devices are becoming more ubiquitous and data usage is increasing, so macrocell base stations devices and the existing wireless infrastructure will need to have higher bandwidth capabilities in order to meet increased demand.” Small cell deployment is being explored to provide more mobile bandwidth. Picocells and microcells offer coverage in smaller areas than traditional macrocells.
“In addition, most households and businesses have come to rely upon broadband data access for services like voice, video, and Internet browsing. Broadband access networks can be used for satellite, 4G, 5G wireless, powerline communication, fiber, cable and telephone networks.
“One or more embodiments will now be described using reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout all of the drawings. The following description will provide an explanation of each embodiment. However, it is clear that many embodiments can be used without these details and without applying to any particular standard or networked environment.
“In one embodiment, a guided-wave communication system is shown for sending and receiving communication signals like data or any other signaling via guided electromagnetic wave. Guided electromagnetic waves can include surface waves and other electromagnetic waves, which are bound to or guided through a transmission medium, as described in this invention. You will see that guided wave communications can be used with a wide variety of transmission media without departing from the examples. You can use one or more of these transmission media, alone or in combination with others: wires, insulated or uninsulated, single-stranded, multi-stranded, wire bundles of Category 5e or other twisted pair cables, wires, wire bundles, cables; conductors of different shapes or configurations such as unshielded, twisted pair cables, single twisted pairs, Category 5,e or other twisted couple cable bundles; non-conductors, such as dielectric pipes or rods, rails or other dielectric material; or any combination of conductors or dielectric materials or other types; or other guided-wave transmission media.
“Inducing guided electromagnetic waves along a transmission medium is possible without regard to any charge, current, or electrical potential that is injected into the medium or transmitted through it as part of an electric circuit. In the example of a wire transmission medium, it should be noted that although a small current may form in response to propagation of electromagnetic waves along the wire’s surface, this is due to the propagation and not to any electrical potential, charge, or current that is injected in to the wire. To propagate along the wire’s surface, the electromagnetic waves that travel along it do not require an electric circuit (e.g., ground or other electrical return path). Therefore, the wire is a single transmission line and is not part an electrical circuit. An example of electromagnetic waves that can travel along an open circuit wire is the one where it’s configured as an electric open circuit. In some embodiments, a wire may not be necessary. The electromagnetic waves can propagate along single-line transmission mediums that are not conductorless.
“More generally, ‘guided electromagnetic waves?” Or?guided electromagnetic waves? The subject disclosure describes how the transmission medium is affected by the presence a physical object. This could be a bare wire or any conductor, a dielectric with a dielectric core and/or without an inner shield, a dielectric wire, an insulated or insulator wire bundle or another solid, liquid, or non-gaseous medium, which is at least partially bound or guided by the object, and that propagates along the path of that object. This physical object may be used as at least one part of a transmission media that guides through one or more interfaces of transmission medium (e.g. an outer, inner, or an interior portion between the outer, inner, surfaces, or any other boundary between elements in the transmission medium). A transmission medium can support multiple transmission paths across different surfaces. A stranded wire bundle or cable may be capable of supporting electromagnetic waves. These electromagnetic waves can be guided by the outer surface or bundle of the wire or stranded cables, or by inner cable surfaces that connect two, three, or more wires in the wire bundle or stranded wire. Interstitial areas, such as stranded cables, insulated twisted-pair wires or wire bundles, can allow electromagnetic waves to be guided. The subject disclosure describes how guided electromagnetic waves are launched from a transmitting device and propagate along a transmission medium to be received by at least one receiver device. The transmission of guided electromagnetic waves can carry data, energy and/or other signals from one device to another.
“Conductor” as used in this article. Based on the definition of the term “conductor” From IEEE 100, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms 7th Edition 2000, it means any substance or body that allows electricity to flow continuously along it. The terms ‘insulator’,?conductorless? are interchangeable. ,?conductorless? Based on the definition of the term “insulator” An insulator is a device or material that prevents electrons or ions from moving easily. This definition comes from IEEE 100, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms (7th Edition, 2000). An insulator or conductorless or nonconductive materials can be mixed intentionally (e.g. doped) or unintentionally to create a substance that has a small amount a conductor. The resulting substance might be resistant to continuous electric currents. A conductorless member, such as a dielectric core or dielectric rod, does not have an inner conductor or a shield. The term “eddy current” is used in this document. Based on the definition of the term “conductor” Based on a definition of the term “conductor” in IEEE 100, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms (7th Edition, 2000), a current that circulates within a metallic material due to electromotive forces induced from a variation of magnet flux. It is possible for an insulator or conductorless material in the above embodiments to permit eddy currents to circulate within the doped conductor or intermixed conductor. However, such a continuous flow, if any, of an electric current along an insulator or conductorless material is much smaller than the flow of an electricity along a conductor. In the present disclosure, an insulator and a conductorless/nonconductor material are not considered conductors. What is the definition of “dielectric?” An insulator that is able to be polarized using an applied electric field. A dielectric placed in an electrical field does not allow electric charges to flow continuously through it like they would in a conductor. Instead, the average equilibrium positions of electric charges shift slightly, causing dielectricpolarization. What are the terms “conductorless transmission medium” and “non-conductor transmit medium?”? A transmission medium that is made up of any material or combination of materials, but does not have a conductor between the sending device and the receiving device along the conductorless transmit medium or non-conductor transmit medium.
Guided electromagnetic waves are not restricted to free space propagation, such as unguided or unbounded wireless signals. Their intensity decreases in proportion to the distance traveled. However, guided electromagnetic wave propagation can occur along a transmission medium with a lower loss of magnitude per unit distance than unguided electromagnetic radiation.
Guided electromagnetic waves, unlike electrical signals, can propagate between a sending device and a receiver device without the need for an additional electrical return path. Guided electromagnetic waves can travel from a sending device through a conductorless transmission medium that does not contain any conductive components, such as a rod, dielectric strip, or pipe, or via a transmission media with only one conductor (e.g. a single wire or insulated wire in an open circuit electrical circuit). Even if a transmission media contains one or more conductors, guided electromagnetic wave propagation along the medium can generate currents that flow in the direction of the guided waves. This allows for guided electromagnetic waves to propagate from a sending device into a receiving device along the transmission medium without the need for opposing currents (e.g., a single conductor or insulated wire configured in an open electrical circuit).
“In an example, electrical systems transmit and receive electric signals between sending devices and receiving devices using conductive media. This is a non-limiting illustration. These systems rely on an electric forward path and an electronic return path. Consider a coaxial cable with a center conductor, ground shield and an insulator. In an electrical system, a first terminal can be connected with the center conductor. A second terminal can be connected with the ground shield or another second conductor. The sending device can inject an electrical signal into the center conductor through the first terminal. This will cause forward currents to flow along the conductor and return currents to the ground shield or second conductor. For a two-terminal receiving device, the same conditions apply.
“Consider, however, a guided wave communications system, such as the one described in this disclosure, that can use different types of transmission mediums (including a coaxial cable among others) to transmit and receive guided electromagnetic waves without an electrical return path. One embodiment of the subject disclosure allows for guided electromagnetic waves to propagate along the outer surface of a coaxial cables. The guided electromagnetic wave can create forward currents on ground shield but the guided waves don’t require return currents, such as on the center conductor, to allow the guided magnetic waves to propagate along coaxial cable’s outer surface. This is true for all other transmission media that are used in a guided wave communication network to transmit and receive guided electromagnetic waves. Guided electromagnetic waves can be induced by the guided-wave communication system on a wire, an insulated, or dielectric transmission medium. They can propagate along the wire, the insulated, or dielectric transmission medium, without the need for return currents.
“Electrical systems that require forward or return conductors for carrying the corresponding forward or reverse currents on conductors to allow the propagation electrical signals injected from a sending device are different from guided wave systems, which induce guided electromagnetic waves at an interface of a transmission media without requiring an electric return path to enable propagation of the guided waves along that interface.”
“It should be noted that guided electromagnetic wave described in the subject disclosure may have an electromagnetic field structure that lies substantially or primarily on the outer surface a transmission medium, so that it can be bound to or guided via the outer material of the transmission media and propagate non-trivial lengths along or on the outer surface. Other embodiments of guided electromagnetic waves may have an electromagnetic field structure that is primarily or substantially below the outer surface of a transmission media. This allows it to be bound or guided by the inner material (e.g., dielectric materials) and to propagate nontrivial distances within this inner material. Other embodiments allow guided electromagnetic waves to have an electromagnetic field structure which lies in a region that is both partially below and partially above the outer surface of a transmission media. This allows them to be bound or guided by the region of the transmission material and to propagate non-trivial lengths within this area. The desired electromagnetic field structure in an embodiment may vary based upon a variety of factors, including the desired transmission distance, the characteristics of the transmission medium itself, and environmental conditions/characteristics outside of the transmission medium (e.g., presence of rain, fog, atmospheric conditions, etc.).”
“Various embodiments herein relate to coupling device, which can be referred as?waveguide coupling device?, or?waveguide couplers?” Or, more simply as ‘couplers? or?coupling device? or ?launchers? For launching, receiving/extracting guided magnetic waves to and from a transmission media. The wavelength of the guided waves can be smaller than one or more dimensions of either the coupling device or the transmission medium. This includes the circumference of a wire, or any other cross-sectional dimension. These electromagnetic waves operate at millimeter-wave frequencies (30 to 300 GHz), and lower than microwave frequencies (30 MHz to 30GHz). A coupling device can induce electromagnetic waves to propagate along a transmission media. This could be: a strip, an arc, or any other length of dielectric material, a horn or monopole or another antenna; a magnetic cavity or other resonant coupler, a coil or a strip line; a coaxial or other waveguide, and/or another coupling device. The coupling device receives electromagnetic waves from a transmitter. The electromagnetic field structure of an electromagnetic wave can be carried beneath the coupling devices, substantially on the coupling devices’ outer surface, or any combination thereof. A coupling device that is located in close proximity of a transmission medium will cause at least some portion of the electromagnetic wave to couple to or be bound to it. The transmission medium then continues to propagate guided electromagnetic waves. A coupling device can extract or receive at least some of the guided electromagnetic wave from a transmission medium, and then transfer this electromagnetic wave to a receiver in a reciprocal manner. The guided electromagnetic waves that are launched or received by the coupling devices propagate along the transmission media from a sending device through a receiver without the need for an electrical return path. The transmission medium acts as a waveguide in this situation to allow the propagation the guided electromagnetic waves from one device to another.
A surface wave, according to an example embodiment, is a type or type of guided wave that’s guided by a surface. This could be an exterior or outer surface, an interior or inner surface, or even an interstitial surface. For example, the area between wires in multistranded cables, insulated twisted pairs wires or wire bundles. In an example embodiment, the surface of the transmission medium which guides a surface waves can be a transitional surface between different media types. In the case of uninsulated or bare wires, the wire’s surface can be either the exterior or interior conductive surface of uninsulated wires that are exposed to air or space. Another example is that of an insulated wire. The wire’s surface can be the conductive section of the wire that touches the inner surface of its insulator portion. The transmission medium’s surface can be either the inner surface of an insulator or conductive surface. Any material area of a transmission medium could also be a surface. The transmission medium’s surface can include the inner portion of an insulation that is disposed on the wire that contacts the insulator. The properties of the surface that guides an electromagnetic waves can be affected by the relative properties of the conductor, air and/or insulator. They also depend on the frequency and mode of propagation.
“In an example embodiment, the term “about” refers to the term. a wire or other transmission medium used in conjunction with a guided wave can include fundamental guided wave propagation modes such as a guided waves having a circular or substantially circular field pattern/distribution, a symmetrical electromagnetic field pattern/distribution (e.g., electric field or magnetic field) or other fundamental mode pattern at least partially around a wire or other transmission medium. Zenneck waves propagate along one planar surface of a planar transmission media. However, guided electromagnetic waves according to the subject disclosure can be bound to a transmission media with electromagnetic field patterns that surround or circumscribe the non-planar transmission medium with electromagnetic energies in all directions or in all but a finite amount of azimuthal null directions. These field strengths are close to zero for infinitesimally small azimuthal Widths.
These non-circular field distributions may be unilateral or multilateral, with one or two axial lobes that have a relatively high field strength and/or one/more null directions of zero field strength/substantially zero-field strengths, or null regions that are characterized as relatively low-field strength/zero-field strength. According to one example embodiment, the field distribution may also vary depending on azimuthal orientation around a transmission media. This means that one or more angular areas around the transmission medium can have an electric field strength or magnetic field strength (or combination thereof), that is greater than one or two other regions of azimuthal alignment. As the guided waves travel along the wire, it will be apparent that the relative positions or orientations of higher order modes can change, especially if they are asymmetrical.
“In addition, a guided wave propagates?about? A guided wave can propagate along a wire or any other type of transmission medium. This includes the fundamental wave propagation modes (e.g. zero order modes), as well as non-fundamental modes like higher-order guided waves modes (e.g. 1st or 2nd order modes). Higher-order modes can include symmetrical modes with a circular or substantially circular electric field distribution and/or an symmetrical electric field distribution. Asymmetrical modes, and/or other guided waves (e.g. surface), may also have non-circular or asymmetrical field distributions around wires or other transmission media. The subject disclosure’s guided electromagnetic waves can travel along a transmission medium, from the sending device to a receiving device, or along a coupling apparatus via one or more of the following modes: a fundamental transverse magnet (TM) TM00 (or Goubau) mode or fundamental hybrid mode (EH/HE)?EH00? mode or?HE00 Mode, a transverse electromagnetic?TEMnm? Mode, a transverse electromagnetic?TEMnm?
“Guided wave mode” is the term used herein. Refers to a guided propagation mode of a transmission media, coupling devices, or other system components of a guided-wave communication system that propagates for nontrivial distances along its length.
“The term’millimeter-wave’ as used herein refers to electromagnetic waves/signals that fall within the?millimeter wave frequency band. Can refer to electromagnetic waves/signals falling within the?millimeter wave frequency band? between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. Microwave is a term that refers to electromagnetic waves/signals. Microwaves can be used to refer to electromagnetic signals/signals falling within a “microwave frequency band”. From 300 MHz up to 300 GHz. The term “radio frequency” is used. The term?radio frequency? oder?RF? can be used to refer to electromagnetic waves/signals that fall within the?radio frequency band. The term?RF? can be used to refer to electromagnetic signals/waves that fall within the ‘radio frequency band? between 10 kHz and 1 THz. Wireless signals, electrical signals and guided electromagnetic waves, as described in this disclosure, can operate at any frequency, including frequencies within the millimeter-wave or microwave frequency bands. When a transmission medium or coupling device includes a conductor element, the frequency at which guided electromagnetic waves are propagated along the transmission medium and/or carried by it can be lower than the mean collision frequency for the electrons within the conductive elements. The frequency of the guided electromagnetic wave that is carried by the coupling devices and/or propagate through the transmission medium may be non-optical, e.g. a radio frequency that falls below the range of optical frequencies which begins at 1 THz.
“It is also appreciated that a transmission media described in the subject disclosure may be configured to be opaque, or at least substantially reduce, propagation of electromagnetic wave operating at optical frequencies (e.g. greater than 1 THz).
“As used in this document, the term “antenna” means: An antenna is a device that transmits/radiates or receives wireless signals in free space.
“In accordance to one or more embodiments, the recipient waveguide system can include a processor and a memory that stores executable instruction that facilitate the execution of operations. One operation can be performed by receiving a first plurality ultra-wideband magnetic wave pulses that propagate along a surface on a transmission medium, without the need for an electrical return path. The first plurality ultra-wideband waves transmit a plurality communication signals. Then, the processing system obtains at least one communication message from the plurality. Finally, the operations include distributing at least one of the communication signals to at least one device.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram 100 illustrates an example, but not limited, embodiment of a guided-wave communications system. A transmission device 101 receives communication signals 110 from a communications network that include data. It then generates guided waves 120 to transmit the data via the transmission medium. The transmission device 101 receives the guided wave 120 and converts them into communication signals 112 which include data for transmission to a communications system or another device. You can modulate the guided waves 120 to transmit data using a variety of modulation techniques, including frequency shift keying or phase shift keying.
The communication network can be wireless, such as a mobile network, a voice and data network, or a wireless local network (e.g. WiFi or an IEEE 802xx network), or a satellite communications network. It also includes a personal area network, or another wireless network. A wired communication network can include a telephone network, an Ethernet, a local network, a large area network (e.g., WiFi or an IEEE 802.xx network), a satellite communications network, and a personal area network. Communication devices include a bridge device, network edge device or home gateway, set-top boxes, broadband modems, telephone adapters, access points, base stations, and other fixed communication devices. A mobile communication device can be an automobile gateway or automobile, tablet, smartphone or other communication device.
“In one embodiment, the guided-wave communication system 100 may operate bi-directionally. The transmission device 102 can receive one or more communication signals 112. This communication network or device includes other data. The transmission medium 125 then generates guided waves 122. These guided waves are used to transmit the data to the transmission device 101. The transmission device 101 receives the guide waves 122 and converts them into communication signals 110. This allows for the transmission of other data to another device or network. You can modulate the guided waves 122 to transmit data using a number of access techniques, including frequency shift keying or frequency shift keying.
“The transmission medium (125) can contain at least one inner section that is surrounded by a dielectric materials such as an insulator, other dielectric cover or coating, or any other dielectric material. The outer surface of the dielectric material must have a circumference. The transmission medium 125 is an example of a single-wire transmission system that guides the transmission an electromagnetic wave. The transmission medium 125 can be implemented as a single-wire transmission system. It can also include a wire. You can have the wire insulated or uninsulated. It can also be single-stranded, multi-stranded, or braided. Other embodiments can include conductors in other configurations such as wire bundles or cables, rods and rails, wire pipes, or other forms of conductors. The transmission medium 125 may also include non-conductors, such as dielectric rods or rails or other dielectric member; combinations of conductors with dielectric materials, conductors that do not contain dielectric material or other guided wave transmission media, and/or consist essentially non-conductors, such as rods or rails or dielectric pipes or other dielectric parts that operate without an inner conductor, conductive shield, or continuous conductor. The transmission medium 125 may also include any other transmission media.
“Further,” as discussed previously, guided waves 120 and 122 can be contrasted to radio transmissions over air or the conventional propagation electrical power or signals through the conductors of wires via an electrical circuit. The transmission medium 125 can optionally contain one or several wires that transmit electrical power or other signals in a traditional manner as part of an electrical circuit.
Referring to FIG. 2. A block diagram 200 is illustrated to illustrate an example of a non-limiting embodiment for a transmission device. Transmission device 101 or102 has a communications interface (I/F 205), a transceiver 220 and a coupler 221.
“In one example of operation, transceiver210 generates an electromagnetic signal based on the communication signals 110 or 112 to transmit the data. At least one wavelength and one carrier frequency are required for an electromagnetic wave to be considered a carrier frequency. It is possible for the carrier frequency to be in the 30 GHz-30 GHz frequency band, 60 GHz, or in the lower frequency band (30-40 GHz) in the microwave frequency range (26-30 GHz, 11 GHz, 3-6 GHz), but other frequencies may be used in other embodiments. The transceiver210 only converts the communications signal 110 or 112 to transmit the electromagnetic signal in the microwave band or millimeter wave band as a guided electromagnetic waves that are guided by or bound with the transmission medium 125. Another mode of operation is that the communications interface205 converts the communication signals 110 and 112 to a near or baseband signal, or extracts data from the communication signals 110 and 112. The transceiver210 modifies a high frequency carrier with the data, near or baseband signal for transmission. The transceiver210 can modulate data received via communication signal 110 and 112 to preserve one of the data communication protocols of communication signal 110. This can be done either by encapsulation within the payload of another protocol or simple frequency shifting. Alternativly, the transceiver210 can translate data received via communication signal 110 and 112 into a protocol different than the data communication protocol or protocols in the communication signal 110.
“In one example of operation, coupler 220 couples electromagnetic wave to transmission medium 125 as a guided magnetic wave to transmit the communications signal 110 or 112. Although the previous description focused on the operation and transmission of the transceiver, 210, the coupler 220 couples the electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium 125 as a guided electromagnetic wave to transmit the communications signal 110 or 112. Consider embodiments in which an additional guided electromagnetic waves conveys data along the transmission medium. This additional electromagnetic wave can be transmitted by the coupler 220 to the transceiver 215.
“The transmission device 101 and 102 include an optional training controller, 230. The training controller 230 can be implemented either by a standalone processor, or shared with one or more components of the transmission device 101 and 102. Based on the testing of the transmission medium, environmental conditions, and/or feedback data received from the transceiver (210) from at least one remote transmitter device, the training controller 230 selects carrier frequencies, modulation strategies, and/or guided waves modes for guided electromagnetic waves.
“In one example embodiment, a guided electromagnetic waves transmitted by remote transmission devices 101 and 102 transmit data that also propagates along transmission medium 125. You can include feedback data in the data generated by the remote transmission device 101 and 102. The coupler 220 couples the guided electromagnetic waves from the transmission medium 101 to the transceiver. After receiving the electromagnetic wave, the transceiver processes it to extract the feedback data.
“In one embodiment, the training control 230 works based on feedback data to evaluate a plurality candidate frequencies, modulation strategies and/or transmit modes to select a carrierfrequency, modulation scheme, and/or transmissive mode to improve performance such as throughput and signal strength, reduce propagation losses, etc.”
Consider the following: A transmission device 101 starts operation under the control of the training controller 233. It sends a plurality os guided waves to test the remote transmission device 102, which is coupled to the transmission medium. Test data can be included in the guided waves, or they could include it in an alternative. Test data can be used to indicate the candidate frequency and/or guide wave mode of the signal. The training controller 230 at remote transmission device 102 receives test signals and/or test information from any guide-wave mode and determines the best candidate frequency or guided wave mode. It can also decide a list of acceptable candidate frequencies and/or guides wave modes. The training controller 230 generates the candidate frequency(s) and/or guided-mode(s), based on one or several optimizing criteria, such as received signal strength or bit error rate, packet error rates, signal to noise ratio or propagation loss. The feedback data generated by the training controller 230 indicates whether candidate frequenc (ies) or/and guide wave mode(s). This data is sent to the transceiver 220 for transmission to the transmission device 101. Based on the selection of candidate frequency(ies) and/or guided wave mode(s), the transmission devices 101 and 102 can communicate data with each other.
“In other embodiments the guided electromagnetic waves that contain test signals and/or data are reflected back or repeated back or otherwise looped by the remote transmission device102 to the transmission 101 for reception by the training controller230 of the transmission 101 that initiated the waves. The transmission device 101 may send a signal to remote transmission device 102 to initiate a test mode. A physical reflector is placed on the line and a termination impedance changed to create reflections. A loop back mode is activated to couple electromagnetic waves to source transmission device 102, and/or a repeater mode to amplify and retransmit electromagnetic waves to source transmission device 102. The source transmission device 102’s training controller 230 receives any test signals or data and makes the selection of candidate frequencies and/or guided wave modes.
The procedure described above is for a start-up mode of operation. However, the transmission devices 101 and 102 can transmit test signals, evaluate candidate frequency or guided wave mode via non-test conditions, such as normal transmissions, or evaluate candidate frequencies, guided wave modes continuously or at other times. An example embodiment of the communication protocol between transmission devices 101 and102 may include an on-request test mode or periodic testing mode that allows full testing or less extensive testing of selected candidate frequencies or guided wave modes. Other modes of operation allow for the re-entry to such a test mode to be initiated by a decrease in performance, weather conditions, or other factors. An example embodiment of the transmitter 210 has a receiver bandwidth that is sufficient wide or wide enough to receive all candidate frequency. The training controller 230 can also adjust the training mode to ensure the receiver bandwidth 210 is sufficiently wide, swept, or wide enough to receive all candidate frequencies.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. This embodiment includes an inner conductor 302 and an insulating jacket 302. Both of these are made from dielectric material. Diagram 300 shows different gray-scales that indicate the electromagnetic field strengths generated from the propagation of the guided waves having a noncircular and nonfundamental mode.
“In particular, the electromagnetic fields distribution corresponds with a modal?sweet spot? This enhances guided electromagnetic waves propagation along an insulated transmission media and reduces end to end transmission loss. This particular mode allows electromagnetic waves to be guided by the transmission medium (125) to propagate along an outside surface of the transmission media?in this instance, the outer surface 302. The insulator partially contains electromagnetic waves, while the outer surface of the insulation is partially exposed to them. This is how electromagnetic waves are “lightly?” The insulator is coupled to the electromagnetic wave propagator to allow for long-distance propagation with low propagation losses.
“The guided wave, as shown, has a field structure that is primarily or substantially outside the transmission medium 125. This serves to guide electromagnetic waves. The conductor 301 has very little or no field. The insulating jacket 302 also has low field strength. The majority of electromagnetic field strength is concentrated in the lobes 302 at the outer edge of the insulating coat 302 and within close proximity. High electromagnetic field strengths at the top, bottom and sides of the outer jacket of the Insulating Jacket 302 indicate the presence of a noncircular and nonfundamental guided-wave mode.
The example shows a 38 GHz electromagnetic waves guided by a wire of 1.1 cm diameter and 0.36 cm thickness. The transmission medium 125 guides the electromagnetic wave and most of the field strength is concentrated within the air outside the jacket 302. This allows the guided wave to propagate longitudinally along the transmission medium. This “limited distance” is illustrated in the following example. This is the distance that the outer surface is from the transmission medium’s largest cross-sectional dimension 125. The wire’s largest cross-sectional dimension corresponds to its overall diameter of 1.82cm. However, this value may vary depending on the shape and size of the transmission medium 125. If the transmission medium 125 is rectangular in shape and has a height of 0.33 cm and width of 0.4cm, then the largest cross-sectional dimension would be the diagonal at 0.5 cm. The corresponding narrow distance would be 0.25cm. The frequency affects the dimensions of the most important area that contains the field strength. They generally increase with decreasing carrier frequencies.
“It is important to note that components of a guided-wave communication system such as couplers or transmission media can have their cut-off frequencies specific for each guided mode. A cut-off frequency is generally the lowest frequency at which a particular guide wave mode can be supported by a component. An example embodiment shows a non-circular, non-fundamental propagation mode that is inducible on the transmission medium 125 using an electromagnetic wave with a frequency that falls within the narrow range of Fc to Fc of Fc for the non-fundamental modes. Particular to transmission medium 125 characteristics, Fc is the cutoff frequency. The cutoff frequency Fc can vary depending on the dimensions and properties the insulating Jacket 302 and possibly the inner conductor. Experimentally, it can be determined to produce the desired mode pattern for embodiments like the one shown. However, similar results can be observed for hollow dielectrics or insulators without an inner conductor and conductive shield. The dimensions and properties the hollow dielectric/insulator can affect the cutoff frequency.
“The non-circular mode cannot be induced in the transmission medium (125) at frequencies lower than the cutoff frequency and does not propagate over any distances. The non-circular mode moves inwards of the jacket 302. As frequency increases beyond the narrow range of frequencies around the cut-off frequency. The field strength of frequencies higher than the cut-off frequency is not concentrated outside the jacket. It is concentrated inside the jacket 302. Although the transmission medium 125 can provide strong guidance to the electromagnetic waves and propagation is still possible the ranges are limited by the increased losses caused by propagation within the insulation jacket 302?as well as the surrounding air.
Referring to FIG. 4. A graphical diagram 400 depicting an example of electromagnetic field distribution is shown. A cross-section diagram 400 is shown in particular. 3. is shown with common references numerals that are used to refer to elements similar to them. This example shows a 60 GHz wave that is guided by a wire of diameter 1.1 cm with a thickness of 0.36cm dielectric insulation. The frequency of the guided waves is higher than the limit of the cut-off frequency for this particular non-fundamental method. This has caused much of the field strength to shift inwards of the insulation jacket 302. The insulating jacket 302 is where the majority of the field strength is concentrated. Although the transmission medium 125 can provide strong guidance to the electromagnetic waves and propagation is still possible with it, the ranges are much smaller than the embodiment of FIG. 3. Due to increased losses from propagation within the insulation jacket 302,
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 5A, a graph illustrating an example, but not limited, frequency response is shown. Diagram 500 shows a graph showing the end-to-end loss as a function frequency. It is overlaid by electromagnetic field distributions 515, 520, and 530 at three points. This diagram represents a 200 cm insulated medium-voltage wire. Referral number 525 is used in each electromagnetic field distribution to indicate the boundary between the insulator (and the surrounding air).
“As described in conjunction with FIG. 3. An example of a desired mode of propagation is shown. It is caused on the transmission medium by an electromagnetic wave with a frequency that falls within the narrow range of Fc to Fc of Fcc, the lower cut-off frequency Fc for this non-circular type. This is the modal “sweet spot” for electromagnetic field distribution at 6 GHz. This enhances electromagnetic wave propagation through an insulated transmission medium, and reduces end to end transmission loss. Guided waves in this mode are partly embedded in the insulation and partly radiating from the outside of the insulation. The electromagnetic waves are then?lightly?? The insulator is coupled to the electromagnetic waves to allow guided electromagnetic wave propagation over long distances at low propagation loss.
“The non-circular modes radiate more at lower frequencies, such as the electromagnetic field distribution 510 @ 3 GHz. This results in higher propagation losses.” Higher frequencies, such as the electromagnetic field distribution of 530 at 9.GHz, the noncircular mode shifts inward from the insulating jacket, causing too much absorption and generating more propagation losses.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. Diagram 556 shows that guided electromagnetic wave frequencies are cut off at the frequency corresponding to the modal “sweet spot”. The guided electromagnetic waves and insulated wire are loosely coupled so that absorption is decreased. Furthermore, the fields of the guided waves are sufficiently bound to reduce radiation into the environment (e.g. air). The absorption and radiation of guided electromagnetic waves are low, which allows them to propagate over longer distances.
“As shown by diagram 554, propagation loss increases when the operating frequency of the guide magnetic waves exceeds about two-times (fc), or as it is commonly known, the range of the “sweet spot”. The insulating layer absorbs more of the electromagnetic field strength, which causes higher propagation losses. Diagram 552 shows that guided electromagnetic waves can be strongly bound to insulated wire at frequencies higher than the cutoff frequency (fc). This is because the electromagnetic fields emitted from the guided waves are concentrated in the insulation layer. This increases propagation losses due to the insulation layer absorption of the guided magnetic waves. Similar to diagram 558, propagation losses rise when the operating frequency for the guided electromagnetic wave is substantially lower than the cutoff frequency (fc). The frequency at which the guided electromagnetic wave are weakly (or nominally), bound to the insulated cable causes them to radiate into the surrounding environment (e.g. air) and increase propagation losses.
Referring to FIG. 6 shows a graphical diagram 600 that illustrates an example of an electromagnetic field distribution. As shown in cross-section, the transmission medium 602 is a wire. Diagram 600 shows different gray-scales, which represent the various electromagnetic field strengths that are generated by propagation of a symmetrical or fundamental TM00 guidedwave mode at a single carrier frequency.
“In this particular mode electromagnetic waves are guided 602 by the transmission medium to propagate along an outside surface of that medium. In this case, it is the outer surface the bare wire. The electromagnetic waves are?lightly? The wire is coupled to an electromagnetic wave source to allow propagation of the waves over long distances at low propagation losses. The guided wave, as shown in the figure, has a field structure that is substantially outside the transmission medium 602 and serves to guide electromagnetic waves. The field strength of the regions within the conductor of transmission medium 602 is very low or negligible.”
Referring to FIG. 7 shows a block diagram 700 that illustrates an example of an arc coupler. A coupling device is shown for use in transmission devices, such as the transmission device 101 or 102 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. The coupling device contains an arc coupler 704 that is coupled to a transmitter circuit 712, and a termination or damper 714. The arc coupler 704 may be made from a dielectric material or another low-loss insulation (e.g. Teflon, polyethylene). You can also make the arc coupler 704 from a conducting material (e.g. metallic, non-metallic etc.). Material, or any combination thereof. The arc coupler 704 acts as a waveguide, and a wave 706 propagates as a guidedwave within and around the waveguide surface. The embodiment shows that at least one portion of the 704 can be located near a wire 702 (or other transmission medium) in order to facilitate coupling, such as the described herein, between the 704 and wire 702 to launch the guided wave 708. The arc coupler 704 may be placed so that the curved portion of the arc coupler 704 is tangential to and substantially parallel to the wire 702. An arc coupler 704 can be placed parallel to the wire. This could be the apex or any point at which a tangent curve is parallel to 702. The arc coupler 704 can be placed so that the wave 706 traveling along the arc 704 couples to the wire 702 at least in part. It then propagates as a guided wave 708 around the wire surface 702 and along the wire 702. The guided wave 708 is a surface or electromagnetic wave that is bound or guided by the wire 702 or another transmission medium.
“A wave 706 that doesn’t couple to the wire 702 is propagated as wave 710 along arc coupler 704. The arc coupler 704 may be placed in any position relative to the wire 702 in order to achieve the desired degree of coupling or noncoupling. You can alter the curvature or length of the arc-coupler 704 relative to the wire 702, as well as the separation distance (which may include zero separation distance in an example embodiment), without departing too far from the example embodiments. The arrangement of the arc coupler 704 relative to the wire 702 can be altered based on the respective intrinsic characteristics (e.g. thickness, composition, electromagnetic property, etc.). The wire 702 and the Arc Coupler 704 may be arranged in a way that is compatible with the respective intrinsic characteristics (e.g. thickness, composition, electromagnetic properties, etc.). “The waves 706 and 708.
“The guided wave 708 remains parallel or substantially parallel with the wire 702, despite the wire 702’s bends and flexes. Transmission losses can be increased by bends in wire 702, which is dependent on the wire diameter, frequency and materials. For efficient power transfer, the majority of the power from wave 706 will be transferred to the wire 702 if the arc coupler 704. The wave 710 has very little power. You will see that guided wave 708 can still have multi-modal nature. This includes modes that are not-circular, fundamental and/or asymmetric while traveling parallel to or substantially parallel with the wire 702, with or sans a fundamental transmission mode. An embodiment allows for non-circular, nonfundamental, and/or asymmetric modes to be used to reduce transmission losses and/or increase propagation distances.
“It should be noted that the term “parallel” is a geometric construct. It is a geometric construct that is often not possible in real systems. The term “parallel” is used to describe the concept. The term?parallel? as used in the subject disclosed is an approximation of an exact configuration and not a description of the embodiments described in the disclosure. An embodiment may be described as “substantially parallel”. Approximations can be within 30 degrees of being true parallel in all dimensions.
“In one embodiment, the wave 706 may exhibit one or more wave propagation mode. The coupler 704’s design and shape can influence the arc coupler modes. Wave 706’s arc coupler modes can influence or affect one or more wave propagation modes. These modes are propagated along wire 702. The guided wave modes in the guided waves 706 and 708 may differ from those of the guided waves 708. This means that one or more of the guided waves 706 might not transfer to the guidedwave 708, or one or more of the guidedwave 708 guided wave modes may not have been present during guided wave 706. The cutoff frequency for a particular guide wave mode of the arc coupler 704 may differ from the cutoff frequency for the wire 702 or another transmission medium. The wire 702 or another transmission medium may operate slightly above its cutoff frequency to a particular guided-wave mode. However, the arc couples 704 may be operated at a much higher frequency to induce more coupling or power transfer than the cutoff frequency of the wire 702 for the same mode.
“In one embodiment, wave propagation modes on wire 702 may be similar to arc coupler modes because both waves 706 & 708 propagate around the outside of the 704 and 702 respectively. The coupling between the wire 702 and the arc coupler 704 can result in new modes or changes of form. In certain embodiments, the wave 706 can couple to the wire 702, and creates or generates new modes. The arc coupler 704 may have different sizes, materials, or impedances than the wire 702, which could create new modes, suppress some arc coupler mode, and/or add to the existing modes. Wave propagation modes may include the fundamental transverse magnet mode (TM00), in which only small magnetic fields extend in direction of propagation. The electric field extends outwards and then along the wire while the guided wave propagates. This guided wave mode is also known as the “donut” shape, in which only a small portion of the electromagnetic field exists within the wire 704 or 702.
The waves 706 or 708 may contain a fundamental TM mode. However, the waves 706 and 708 can also, or alternatively, include non-fundamental TM types. Other wave propagation modes can be found in the coupler or along the wire, as well as the frequency used, the design of arc coupler 704, and the dimensions and compositions of the wire 702, along with its surface characteristics and insulation, if any, and the electromagnetic properties of its surrounding environment. It is important to note that guided wave 708 may travel along the conductive surfaces of an uninsulated wire 702, an uninsulated uninsulated wire, and/or an insulatedwire depending on their frequency and other wave propagation modes.
“In one embodiment, the diameter of arc coupler 704 may be smaller than that of wire 702. The arc coupler 704 supports wave 706 as a waveguide mode. This is for the millimeter-band wavelength. As guided wave 708 is passed to the wire 702, this single waveguide mode can be changed. The arc coupler 704 can have more than one mode, but they may not be able to couple to the wire 702 in the same way as the guided wave 708. This can lead to higher coupling losses. In some cases, however, the arc coupler 704’s diameter can be larger or smaller than that of the wire 702, which is desirable in situations where greater coupling losses are desired or when combined with other techniques to reduce coupling losses (e.g. impedance matching with tapering etc ).
“In an embodiment, the wavelengths of the waves 706 & 708 are similar in size or smaller than the circumferences of the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702. If the diameter of the wire 702 is 0.5 cm and the circumference of the wire 708 is 1.5 cm, then the wavelength of transmission will be approximately 1.5 cm. This corresponds to a frequency of 70GHz or higher. Another embodiment allows the transmission frequency and carrier-wave signal to be in the range 30-100 GHz. In one case, it may be around 30-60 GHz and 38 GHz. An embodiment can have multiple propagation modes, including non-fundamental modes (symmetrical and/or asymmetric, circular, and/or uncircular), when the circumferences of the wire 702 and arc coupler 704 are equal to or greater than the wavelength of the transmission. Waves 706 and 708 may contain more than one type or magnetic field configuration. The electrical and magnetic fields configurations of the wire 702 will not change as the guided wave 708 propagates along it. Other embodiments allow the guided wave 708 to encounter interference (distortion, obstructions), or lose energy due to transmission loss or scattering. In these cases, the electric or magnetic field configurations may change as the wave 708 propagates down the wire 702.
“An embodiment of the arc coupler 704 may be made from nylon, Teflon or polyethylene. Other dielectric materials may be used in other embodiments. The wire surface 702 can be made metallic using a bare metal surface or insulated with plastic, dielectric or another coating, jacket, or sheathing. In an embodiment, a dielectric or otherwise non-conducting/insulated waveguide can be paired with either a bare/metallic wire or insulated wire. Other embodiments allow for a metallic or conductive waveguide to be paired with either a bare/metallic/insulated wire. An embodiment can have an oxidation layer on wire 702 (e.g. resulting from exposure to oxygen/air). This can provide dielectric or insulating properties similar to those provided with some sheathings or insulators.
“It should be noted that the graphical representations for waves 706, 708, and 710 are only intended to illustrate the principle that wave 706 inducing or otherwise launching a guided wave 708 onto a wire 702 operating, for instance, as a single-wire transmission line, is not a complete illustration of the principles. Wave 710 is the portion of wave 706 that remains on the arc-coupler 704 after generation of guided wave 708. The actual electric or magnetic fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on the frequency used, the wave propagation mode(s), the design of arc coupler 704, and the wire 702’s dimensions and composition, as well as its surface characteristics and optional insulation.
“It should be noted that the arc coupler 704 can have a termination circuit, or damper 714 at its end. This can absorb radiation or energy leftover from wave 710. The damper 714 or termination circuit can reduce or prevent the radiation or energy leftover from wave 710 reflected back to transmitter circuit 712. A termination circuit or damper 714 may include termination resistors, absorbers, and/or other components that attenuate reflection. If coupling efficiency is high enough and/or wave 710 sufficiently small, then it may not be necessary for a termination circuit to damper 714. These transmitter 712 and 714 termination circuits and dampers 714 are not shown in the figures. However, in these embodiments, transmitters and termination circuits and dampers can be used.
“Further,” while one arc coupler 704 generates a single guidedwave 708, multiple arc couples 704 can be placed at different points along wire 702 or at different azimuthal orientations around the wire to generate and receive multiple guidedwaves 708 at different frequencies, at different phases, or at different wave propagation modes.
“FIG. 8 is a block diagram 800 that illustrates an example of an arc coupler. The coupler 704 can be placed at least partially near a wire 702 (or other transmission medium) in order to facilitate coupling. This will allow the arc coupler 704 to be connected to the wire 702 to form a guided wave 808, as described below. The arc coupler 704 may be placed so that the curved arc-coupler 704 is tangentially to, parallel or substantially parallel with the wire 702. An apex or point at which a tangent curve is parallel to wire 702 can be the portion of the arc-coupler 704 that is parallel with the wire. The arc-coupler 704 can be placed so that the wave 806 traveling along the wire 702 pairs, at least partially, with the arc couples 704, and propagates to a receiving device as guided wave 808 following the arc pairr 704. Wave 806 does not connect to the arc coupler. This portion propagates as wave 802 along the wire 702 and other transmission medium.
“In one embodiment, the wave 806 may exhibit one or more wave propagation mode. The coupler 704’s design and shape can influence the arc coupler modes. One or more modes can influence or affect one or more guide wave modes of the guided waves 808 propagating along 704. The guided wave modes in the guidedwave 806 could be different or the same as the guided waves modes in the guidedwave 808. This means that one or more guided waves modes from the guidedwave 806 might not be transferred to the guide wave 808, and one or more guidedwave modes from the guidedwave 808 may not have existed in guided wave 8.
Referring to FIG. 9A is a block diagram 900 that illustrates an example of a non-limiting embodiment for a stub coupler. A coupling device which includes stub coupler 904 can be used in a transmission device such as the transmission device 101 or 102 shown in conjunction with FIG. 1. The stub coupler 904 may be made from a dielectric material or another low-loss insulation (e.g. Teflon, Polyethylene, etc.). You can also make the stub coupler 904 from a conducting material (e.g. metallic, non-metallic etc.). Material, or any combination thereof. The stub-coupler 904 acts as a waveguide. A wave 906 propagates as a guided waves within and around the waveguide surface of stub coupler 904. The embodiment shows that at least one portion of the stub-coupler 904 can be located near a wire 702 (or other transmission medium), to facilitate coupling between stub 904 and wire 702, or other medium. This will allow the guided wave 908 to be launched on the wire.
“In one embodiment, the stub coupler 904 is curved. An end of the 904 can be attached to wire 702. The stub coupler 904 ends are parallel or substantially parallel to wire 702. Another option is to fasten or couple another section of the dielectric waveguide to wire 702 so that it is parallel or substantially parallel with the wire 702. The fastener 910 can be a nylon cable tie or other type of non-conducting/dielectric material that is either separate from the stub coupler 904 or constructed as an integrated component of the stub coupler 904. The stub coupler 904 may be placed adjacent to wire 702 but not around wire 702.
“Like the FIG. 7. When the stub-coupler 904 is placed with its end parallel to the wire702, the guided waves 906 travelling along stub couples to the wire 702 and propagates as guided waves 908 around the wire surface of wire 702. The guided wave 908 in an example embodiment can be described as either a surface wave, or another electromagnetic wave.
It is important to note that the graphical representations for waves 906 or 908 are not intended to show the principle that wave 906 inducing or otherwise launches a guided 908 on a wire 702. This wire could be used, for instance, as a single-wire transmission line. The actual electric or magnetic fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on a number of factors, including the shape and/or location of the coupler, frequency employed, design of stub coupler 904, dimensions and compositions of wire 702, and optional insulation.
An embodiment of the stub coupler 904 may taper towards wire 702 to improve coupling efficiency. According to an example embodiment, the subject disclosure, the tapering at the end of stub coupler 904 may provide impedance matching with the wire 702 and reduce reflections. As shown in FIG. 9, an end of the tub coupler 904 may be tapered to achieve the desired level of coupling between waves 906 and 9. 9A.”
“In one embodiment, the fastener 904 can be placed so that the stub-coupler 904 is only a short distance from the fastener 911 and the end of the 904. This embodiment achieves maximum coupling efficiency when the length at the end of stub coupler 904 beyond fastener 910 exceeds the fastener.
“Turning to FIG. 9B shows a diagram 950 that illustrates an example, non-limiting embodiment, of an electromagnetic distribution according to various aspects. An electromagnetic distribution is shown in two dimensions in a transmission device with coupler 952, illustrated in an example dielectric material stub coupler. Coupler 952 couples an electromagnetic signal for propagation along a guide wave along the outer surface of wire 702 or another transmission medium.
“The coupler 952 directs the electromagnetic wave via a symmetrical guided-wave mode to a junction at point x0. The coupler 952 contains the bulk of the electromagnetic energy. However, some of the electromagnetic energy that is propagated along the coupler 952 does not reach the coupler 952. The junction at x0 couples an electromagnetic wave to the wire 702 or another transmission medium at an angle that corresponds to the bottom of this medium. This coupling causes an electromagnetic wave to be guided to propagate along its outer surface via at least one guided mode in direction 956. Although the majority of the energy in the guided electromagnetic wave is located outside or, it is close to the wire 702 or another transmission medium. The junction at x0 creates an electromagnetic wave which propagates via a fundamental TM00 and at least one nonfundamental mode. This is the first order mode that was presented in conjunction with FIG. 3. This skims the wire 702 or another transmission medium.
It is important to note that guided wave propagation and coupling are illustrated in graphical representations. The actual magnetic and electric fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on the frequency used, the design and/or layout of the coupler 952, and the dimensions and compositions of the wire 702 and other transmission medium, along with its surface characteristics, insulation, and the electromagnetic properties of its surrounding environment.
“Turning to FIG. 10 is illustrated a block diagram 1000 showing an example, non-limiting embodiment a coupler/transceiver system according to various aspects of this document. This system is an example transmission device 101 and 102. The communications interface 1008 is an illustration of communication interface 205. The stub coupler 1002 represents coupler 220. The transmitter/receiver devices 1006, 1006, 1006, 1008, and 1006 together form a transceiver 210.
“In operation, the transmitter/receiver 1006 launches and takes waves (e.g. guided wave 1004 onto the stub coupler 102). Guided waves 1004 are used to transmit signals to and from a base station, mobile device, host device, or building using a communications interface 1008. The communications interface 1008 may be an integral part system 1000. The communications interface 1008 may also be connected to system 1000. The communications interface 1008 may include a wireless interface that allows interfacing with the host device, base station or mobile device. It can also be used to connect to a building or any other device using any of the various wireless signaling protocols, either current or future (e.g. LTE, WiFi and WiMAX, IEEE 8002.xx, 5G, etc.). Infrared protocols such as the infrared data association protocol (IrDA), or any other line-of-sight optical protocol can be included. A wired interface can be included in the communications interface 1008 such as a fiber optic, coaxial, category 5 (CAT-5) cable or any other suitable wired and optical mediums. This allows for communication with the host device (base station), mobile devices, buildings, etc. via protocols such as an Ethernet protocol or universal serial bus protocol (USB), a data over cables service interface specification protocol (DOCSIS), a digital subscriber lines (DSL), protocol, Firewire (IEEE 1394 protocol) or any other optical or wired or other optical protocol or another wired or other optical protocol. The communications interface 1008 is not required for embodiments in which system 1000 acts as a repeater.
“Signals from the transmitter/receiver 1006 directed at the communications interface 1008 may be separated via diplexer 1016. The received signal can be sent to a low noise amplifier (?LNA?) 1018 to amplify the signal. With the help of a frequency mixer 1020, a local oscillator (1012) can downshift the received signal to the native frequency. The transmission can be received at the input port (Rx) by the communications interface 1008
An embodiment of transmitter/receiver 1006 may include a cylindrical, non-cylindrical, metal. The transmitter/receiver 1006 and an end of stub 1002 can be placed in the vicinity of the waveguide. When the transmitter/receiver 1006 generates transmissions, the guided waves couple to the stub 1002 and propagate as a guided beam 1004 around the waveguide surface. The guided wave 1004 may propagate on part of the stub partner 1002 and part of the stub pairr 1002. Other embodiments of the guided wave 1004 may propagate entirely or substantially on the outer surface 1002 of the stub coupler 1002. The guided wave 1004 may also propagate inside the stub-coupler 1002. The guided wave 1004 may radiate at the end of the 1002 stub coupler (such as the tapered portion in FIG. 4) to be coupled to a transmission medium, such as the wire 702 in FIG. 7. If guided wave 1004 is received (coupled from wire 702 to the stub coupler 1002), guided wave 1004 enters transmitter/receiver 1006 and couples with the cylindrical waveguide, or conducting waveguide. Although transmitter/receiver 1006 has a separate waveguide, an antenna, cavity resonator or magnetron can be used to infuse a guided wave using the coupler 1002, either with or without the separate guide.
“Stub coupler 1002 may be constructed entirely of a dielectric material (or other suitable insulating materials), and without any metallic or conducting materials. The material for stub coupler 1002 could be made of nylon, Teflon or polyethylene. It can also contain other non-conducting materials suitable for the facilitation of transmission of electromagnetic waves at minimum in part on their outer surfaces. Another embodiment of stub coupler 1002 may include a conducting/metallic core and an exterior dielectric surface. A transmission medium that couples with the stub pairr 1002 to propagate electromagnetic waves or supply electromagnetic waves to the 1002 can also be bare or insulated. It must not only be a wire but also be made entirely of dielectric material (or other suitable insulating materials).
“It should be noted that FIG. FIG. 10 shows that the transmitter receiver device 1006’s opening is wider than the stub coupler 1002, but this is not to scale. In other embodiments, the width of stub coupler 1002 is similar or slightly smaller than that of the hollow waveguide. In an embodiment, the coupler 1002 is inserted into transmitter/receiver 1006 and tapers down to reduce reflections and improve coupling efficiency. The stub coupler 1002 may be representative of FIGS. 7, 8, FIG. 9A, the coupler952, or any other couplers mentioned in the subject disclosure.
“Before coupling the stub pairr 1002, one or more waveguide modes generated by the transmitter/receiver 1006 can be coupled to the stub pairr 1002 in order to produce one or more wave propagation modes for the guided wave 1004. Due to the differences in the characteristics of the hollow and dielectric waveguide, the wave propagation modes for the guided wave 1004 may be different from the hollow metal mode. Wave propagation modes for the guided wave 1004 may include the fundamental transverse magnet mode (TM00), which is a mode where small magnetic fields are generated in the direction of propagation. HE11, or other modes supported with the stub coupler 1002 can also be included. These modes generate one or more desired waves on the transmission medium. A hollow waveguide may contain the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode wave propagation mode. The hollow metal waveguide modes used by transmitter/receiver 1006 are hollow metal waveguide modes. They can propagate within a circular, rectangular, or other hollow metallic waveguide, and then couple efficiently and effectively to the wave propagation modes in stub coupler 1002.
“It will be appreciated if other constructs or combinations are possible of the transmitter/receiver 1006 and stub-coupler 1002.”
Referring to FIG. 11 is a block diagram 1100 that illustrates an example non-limiting embodiment for a dual stub coupler. A dual coupler design is shown for use in transmission devices, such as the transmission device 101 or 102, which are presented with FIG. 1. An embodiment allows two or more couplers, such as the stub couplers 1106, 1104 and 1106, to be placed around wire 1102 in order for guided wave 1108. One coupler will suffice to receive guided wave 1108. Guided wave 1108 is then transmitted as guided wave 110. Coupler 1106 can be used to place guided wave 1108 to coupler 1106. Four or more couplers may be placed around a portion or all of the wire 1102, depending on the configuration. This is to receive guided waves that oscillate around the wire 1102, or are induced at different azimuthal orientations. It will be understood that less or more than four couplers can be placed around a portion the wire 1102, depending on the example embodiments.
“It is important to note that although couplers 1106 & 1104 are shown as stub couplesrs in the illustration, any of the coupler designs herein, including arc couplers and antenna or horn couplers or magnetic couplers could also be used. You will also appreciate that although some examples have shown a plurality or more of the couplers around a wire 1102, these couplers could also be considered part of a single coupler systems with multiple subcomponents. You can make two or more couplers in one system. They can be placed around one wire using a single installation. The couplers can either be pre-positioned relative to each other or adjusted manually with a controllable mechanism like a motor, or actuator.
Diversity combining can be used by receivers coupled to couplers 11106 and 11104 to combine signals from both couplers (1106 and 1104 to increase signal quality.” If one of the couplers 1104 or 1106 receives a transmission above a threshold, receivers may use selection diversity to decide which signal to use. Transmission can also occur by the same couplers as 1106 or 1104, even though they are receiving them from a plurality. For transmissions that require a transmission device (such as the transmission device 101 or 102 shown in FIG. 1 can include multiple transceivers as well as multiple couplers. Precoding, spatial multiplexing and diversity coding are some examples of MIMO transmissions and reception techniques. These techniques can be used to transmit and receive by multiple couplers/launchers operating on a transmission medium that supports guided wave communications.
It is important to note that the graphic representations of waves 1108 and 1110 were created only to show the principles behind how wave 1108 inducing or otherwise launches wave 1110 via a coupler 1104. The actual magnetic and electric fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on the frequency used, the design of coupler 1104, the dimensions of the wire 1102, the composition of the wire 1102, and its surface characteristics. They may also differ depending upon the electromagnetic properties of surrounding environments.
Referring to FIG. 12 is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a repeater system. A repeater device 1210 can be used in transmission devices such as the 101 and 102 shown in FIG. 1. Two couplers 1204 or 1214 can be located near a wire 1202 to extract guided waves 1205 that are propagating along the wire 1202. The coupler 1204 is used as wave 1206 by extracting the wave 1206 from the coupler 1204. As a guided wave, they are then boosted by repeater device 1210 and launched into wave 1216 (e.g. As a guided wave), onto coupler 1214. Wave 1216 can be launched onto the wire 1202 and propagated along the wire 1217 as a guided waves 1217. The repeater device 1210 may receive at least some of the power used for boosting or repeating via magnetic coupling with wire 1202, when wire 1202 is power line or contains a power-carrying conducting conductor. While the couplers 1204 & 1214 are shown as stub couples, other coupler designs, such as antenna or horn couplers or magnetic couplers could also be used.
In some embodiments repeater device 1206 can repeat wave 1206, while repeater device 12010 can transmit again. In other embodiments repeater device 1210 may include a communications interface205 that extracts data from wave 1206 and sends it to another network or device as communication signals 110, 112, and/or receives communication signals 110, 112 from another network. Repeater device 1210 also can launch guided wave 1216 with embedded communication signals 110 and 112. Repeater configurations allow receiver waveguide 1204 to receive wave 1206 from coupler 1204, and transmitter waveguide 1202 can launch guided wave 1216 onto coupler (1214 as guided wave 1217). The signal embedded in guided waves 1206 or 1216 can be amplified between receiver waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide 1202, and the signal can then be transmitted to transmitter waveguide 1212. The receiver waveguide 1208 may be set up to extract data from the signal and process it to correct data errors using error correcting codes. The transmitter waveguide 1212 will then be able to transmit guided wave 1216 using the updated signal. A signal embedded in guided waves 1206 can be extracted and processed by communications interface 205 to allow communication with other networks and/or devices. Similar to the above, communication signals 110 and 112 can be extracted from a transmission of guided waves 1206 and processed by communications interface 205 as communication signals 110 and 112.
“It should be noted that FIG. FIG. 12 shows guided wave transmissions 1206 & 1216 respectively entering from the left and leaving to the right, but this is only a simplified version and is not meant to be restrictive. Other embodiments allow receiver waveguide 1208, and transmitter waveguide 1212 to function as receivers and receivers, respectively, which allows the repeater device 1210 be bi-directional.
“In one embodiment, repeater device 1210 may be placed where there are discontinuities and obstacles on the wire 1202 (or other transmission medium). These obstacles may include utility poles and transformers if the wire 1202 is a part of a power line. The repeater device 1210 allows the guided waves (e.g., on-line) to jump over obstacles and increase the transmission power. A coupler can also be used to jump across the obstacle in other embodiments. This embodiment allows the coupler to be attached to both ends of the wire to allow the guided wave to travel freely without being blocked by obstacles.
“Turning right to FIG. 13 is illustrated as a block diagram 1300 showing an example, non-limiting embodiment a bidirectional repeater according to various aspects. A bidirectional repeater device 1306 can be used in transmission devices such as the 101 and 102 shown in conjunction with FIG. 1. The couplers shown are stub couplers. However, other coupler designs such as antenna or horn couplers or magnetic couplers could be used. Bidirectional repeater 1306 has the ability to use diversity paths when more than one wire or another transmission medium is present. Guided wave transmissions have different transmission efficiency and coupling efficencies for different transmission medium types, such as un-insulated or insulated wires. Further, weather and other atmospheric conditions can affect guided wave transmissions. It can be advantageous to transmit selectively on different media at different times. The various transmission media may be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary in various embodiments. This designation can indicate a preference for one transmission medium over the other.
“In the embodiment shown, the transmission medium includes an insulated/uninsulated wire 1302 or an insulated/uninsulated wire 1304 (referred herein as wires 1304 and 1304). Repeater device 1306 uses a receiver pairr 1308 to receive a guide wave traveling along wire 1302, and then repeats the transmission using transmitterwaveguide 1310 as a directed wave along wire 1304. Repeater device 1306 may switch between the wire 1304 and the wire 1302, or repeat transmissions along the same paths. Repeater device 1306 may include sensors or be in communication (or with a network management software 1601 as shown in FIG. 16A) to indicate conditions that could affect transmission. The repeater device 1306 uses the information from the sensors to determine whether the transmission should be kept along the same wire or transferred to another wire.
“Turning right to FIG. 14 is illustrated as a block diagram 1400 which illustrates an example, but not limited, of a bidirectional repeater systems. A bidirectional repeater system, such as the transmission device 101 or 102, is shown in FIG. 1. Waveguide coupling devices 1402 & 1404 are part of the bidirectional repeater system. They receive and transmit transmissions from other coupling device located in a backhaul or distributed antenna system.
“In different embodiments, waveguide device 1402 can receive a transmitting device from another waveguide coupling apparatus, in which the transmission contains a plurality subcarriers. The transmission can be separated from other transmissions by diplexer 1406 and directed to a low-noise amplifier. (?LNA?) 1408. With the help of a local oscillator 1412 a frequency mixer 1428 can shift the transmission to a lower frequency such as a cellular frequency (?1.9GHz for a distributed antenna system), a native frequency or another frequency for a backhaul network. A demultiplexer (or extractor) 1432 can extract the signal from a subcarrier. The signal is then directed to an output component 1422 where it is optionally amplified, buffered or isolated by power amplifier 1424. This will be used to connect to the communications interface 205. The communications interface (205) can process the signals from the power amplifier 1424 and transmit them over a wired or wireless interface to other devices like a base station, mobile device, or building. Extractor 1432 can route signals not being extracted to this location to another frequency mixer 1436. The signals will be used to modulate the carrier wave generated locally by the oscillator 1414. The carrier wave and its subcarriers are directed to a power amplifier. (?PA?) 1416 is retransmitted via waveguide coupling device 1404 to another system, via diplexer1420.
An LNA 1426 is able to amplify, buffer or isolate signals received by the communication interface. The signal then goes to a multiplexer 1434 that merges the signals with those received from the waveguide coupling device 1404. After the signals from coupling device 1404 are split, they pass through diplexer 1420 and then downshifted by frequency mixer 1438. Multiplexer 1434 combines the signals and boosts them by PA 1410. Finally, the signals are transmitted to another system via waveguide coupling device 1402. An embodiment of a bidirectional repeater system is a repeater that does not require the output device 1422. This embodiment would not use the multiplexer 1434 and signals from LNA1418 would be directed towards mixer 1430, as previously described. In some cases, the bidirectional repeater could be implemented with two separate and distinct unidirectional repeaters. A bidirectional repeater system can also be used to boost or perform retransmissions with no downshifting or upshifting. In this example, retransmissions are based on receiving a signal, guided wave, and processing the signal, filtering, or amplifying it before retransmitting the signal.
Summary for “Apparatus for processing ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave”
“Smart phones and other mobile devices are becoming more ubiquitous and data usage is increasing, so macrocell base stations devices and the existing wireless infrastructure will need to have higher bandwidth capabilities in order to meet increased demand.” Small cell deployment is being explored to provide more mobile bandwidth. Picocells and microcells offer coverage in smaller areas than traditional macrocells.
“In addition, most households and businesses have come to rely upon broadband data access for services like voice, video, and Internet browsing. Broadband access networks can be used for satellite, 4G, 5G wireless, powerline communication, fiber, cable and telephone networks.
“One or more embodiments will now be described using reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout all of the drawings. The following description will provide an explanation of each embodiment. However, it is clear that many embodiments can be used without these details and without applying to any particular standard or networked environment.
“In one embodiment, a guided-wave communication system is shown for sending and receiving communication signals like data or any other signaling via guided electromagnetic wave. Guided electromagnetic waves can include surface waves and other electromagnetic waves, which are bound to or guided through a transmission medium, as described in this invention. You will see that guided wave communications can be used with a wide variety of transmission media without departing from the examples. You can use one or more of these transmission media, alone or in combination with others: wires, insulated or uninsulated, single-stranded, multi-stranded, wire bundles of Category 5e or other twisted pair cables, wires, wire bundles, cables; conductors of different shapes or configurations such as unshielded, twisted pair cables, single twisted pairs, Category 5,e or other twisted couple cable bundles; non-conductors, such as dielectric pipes or rods, rails or other dielectric material; or any combination of conductors or dielectric materials or other types; or other guided-wave transmission media.
“Inducing guided electromagnetic waves along a transmission medium is possible without regard to any charge, current, or electrical potential that is injected into the medium or transmitted through it as part of an electric circuit. In the example of a wire transmission medium, it should be noted that although a small current may form in response to propagation of electromagnetic waves along the wire’s surface, this is due to the propagation and not to any electrical potential, charge, or current that is injected in to the wire. To propagate along the wire’s surface, the electromagnetic waves that travel along it do not require an electric circuit (e.g., ground or other electrical return path). Therefore, the wire is a single transmission line and is not part an electrical circuit. An example of electromagnetic waves that can travel along an open circuit wire is the one where it’s configured as an electric open circuit. In some embodiments, a wire may not be necessary. The electromagnetic waves can propagate along single-line transmission mediums that are not conductorless.
“More generally, ‘guided electromagnetic waves?” Or?guided electromagnetic waves? The subject disclosure describes how the transmission medium is affected by the presence a physical object. This could be a bare wire or any conductor, a dielectric with a dielectric core and/or without an inner shield, a dielectric wire, an insulated or insulator wire bundle or another solid, liquid, or non-gaseous medium, which is at least partially bound or guided by the object, and that propagates along the path of that object. This physical object may be used as at least one part of a transmission media that guides through one or more interfaces of transmission medium (e.g. an outer, inner, or an interior portion between the outer, inner, surfaces, or any other boundary between elements in the transmission medium). A transmission medium can support multiple transmission paths across different surfaces. A stranded wire bundle or cable may be capable of supporting electromagnetic waves. These electromagnetic waves can be guided by the outer surface or bundle of the wire or stranded cables, or by inner cable surfaces that connect two, three, or more wires in the wire bundle or stranded wire. Interstitial areas, such as stranded cables, insulated twisted-pair wires or wire bundles, can allow electromagnetic waves to be guided. The subject disclosure describes how guided electromagnetic waves are launched from a transmitting device and propagate along a transmission medium to be received by at least one receiver device. The transmission of guided electromagnetic waves can carry data, energy and/or other signals from one device to another.
“Conductor” as used in this article. Based on the definition of the term “conductor” From IEEE 100, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms 7th Edition 2000, it means any substance or body that allows electricity to flow continuously along it. The terms ‘insulator’,?conductorless? are interchangeable. ,?conductorless? Based on the definition of the term “insulator” An insulator is a device or material that prevents electrons or ions from moving easily. This definition comes from IEEE 100, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms (7th Edition, 2000). An insulator or conductorless or nonconductive materials can be mixed intentionally (e.g. doped) or unintentionally to create a substance that has a small amount a conductor. The resulting substance might be resistant to continuous electric currents. A conductorless member, such as a dielectric core or dielectric rod, does not have an inner conductor or a shield. The term “eddy current” is used in this document. Based on the definition of the term “conductor” Based on a definition of the term “conductor” in IEEE 100, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms (7th Edition, 2000), a current that circulates within a metallic material due to electromotive forces induced from a variation of magnet flux. It is possible for an insulator or conductorless material in the above embodiments to permit eddy currents to circulate within the doped conductor or intermixed conductor. However, such a continuous flow, if any, of an electric current along an insulator or conductorless material is much smaller than the flow of an electricity along a conductor. In the present disclosure, an insulator and a conductorless/nonconductor material are not considered conductors. What is the definition of “dielectric?” An insulator that is able to be polarized using an applied electric field. A dielectric placed in an electrical field does not allow electric charges to flow continuously through it like they would in a conductor. Instead, the average equilibrium positions of electric charges shift slightly, causing dielectricpolarization. What are the terms “conductorless transmission medium” and “non-conductor transmit medium?”? A transmission medium that is made up of any material or combination of materials, but does not have a conductor between the sending device and the receiving device along the conductorless transmit medium or non-conductor transmit medium.
Guided electromagnetic waves are not restricted to free space propagation, such as unguided or unbounded wireless signals. Their intensity decreases in proportion to the distance traveled. However, guided electromagnetic wave propagation can occur along a transmission medium with a lower loss of magnitude per unit distance than unguided electromagnetic radiation.
Guided electromagnetic waves, unlike electrical signals, can propagate between a sending device and a receiver device without the need for an additional electrical return path. Guided electromagnetic waves can travel from a sending device through a conductorless transmission medium that does not contain any conductive components, such as a rod, dielectric strip, or pipe, or via a transmission media with only one conductor (e.g. a single wire or insulated wire in an open circuit electrical circuit). Even if a transmission media contains one or more conductors, guided electromagnetic wave propagation along the medium can generate currents that flow in the direction of the guided waves. This allows for guided electromagnetic waves to propagate from a sending device into a receiving device along the transmission medium without the need for opposing currents (e.g., a single conductor or insulated wire configured in an open electrical circuit).
“In an example, electrical systems transmit and receive electric signals between sending devices and receiving devices using conductive media. This is a non-limiting illustration. These systems rely on an electric forward path and an electronic return path. Consider a coaxial cable with a center conductor, ground shield and an insulator. In an electrical system, a first terminal can be connected with the center conductor. A second terminal can be connected with the ground shield or another second conductor. The sending device can inject an electrical signal into the center conductor through the first terminal. This will cause forward currents to flow along the conductor and return currents to the ground shield or second conductor. For a two-terminal receiving device, the same conditions apply.
“Consider, however, a guided wave communications system, such as the one described in this disclosure, that can use different types of transmission mediums (including a coaxial cable among others) to transmit and receive guided electromagnetic waves without an electrical return path. One embodiment of the subject disclosure allows for guided electromagnetic waves to propagate along the outer surface of a coaxial cables. The guided electromagnetic wave can create forward currents on ground shield but the guided waves don’t require return currents, such as on the center conductor, to allow the guided magnetic waves to propagate along coaxial cable’s outer surface. This is true for all other transmission media that are used in a guided wave communication network to transmit and receive guided electromagnetic waves. Guided electromagnetic waves can be induced by the guided-wave communication system on a wire, an insulated, or dielectric transmission medium. They can propagate along the wire, the insulated, or dielectric transmission medium, without the need for return currents.
“Electrical systems that require forward or return conductors for carrying the corresponding forward or reverse currents on conductors to allow the propagation electrical signals injected from a sending device are different from guided wave systems, which induce guided electromagnetic waves at an interface of a transmission media without requiring an electric return path to enable propagation of the guided waves along that interface.”
“It should be noted that guided electromagnetic wave described in the subject disclosure may have an electromagnetic field structure that lies substantially or primarily on the outer surface a transmission medium, so that it can be bound to or guided via the outer material of the transmission media and propagate non-trivial lengths along or on the outer surface. Other embodiments of guided electromagnetic waves may have an electromagnetic field structure that is primarily or substantially below the outer surface of a transmission media. This allows it to be bound or guided by the inner material (e.g., dielectric materials) and to propagate nontrivial distances within this inner material. Other embodiments allow guided electromagnetic waves to have an electromagnetic field structure which lies in a region that is both partially below and partially above the outer surface of a transmission media. This allows them to be bound or guided by the region of the transmission material and to propagate non-trivial lengths within this area. The desired electromagnetic field structure in an embodiment may vary based upon a variety of factors, including the desired transmission distance, the characteristics of the transmission medium itself, and environmental conditions/characteristics outside of the transmission medium (e.g., presence of rain, fog, atmospheric conditions, etc.).”
“Various embodiments herein relate to coupling device, which can be referred as?waveguide coupling device?, or?waveguide couplers?” Or, more simply as ‘couplers? or?coupling device? or ?launchers? For launching, receiving/extracting guided magnetic waves to and from a transmission media. The wavelength of the guided waves can be smaller than one or more dimensions of either the coupling device or the transmission medium. This includes the circumference of a wire, or any other cross-sectional dimension. These electromagnetic waves operate at millimeter-wave frequencies (30 to 300 GHz), and lower than microwave frequencies (30 MHz to 30GHz). A coupling device can induce electromagnetic waves to propagate along a transmission media. This could be: a strip, an arc, or any other length of dielectric material, a horn or monopole or another antenna; a magnetic cavity or other resonant coupler, a coil or a strip line; a coaxial or other waveguide, and/or another coupling device. The coupling device receives electromagnetic waves from a transmitter. The electromagnetic field structure of an electromagnetic wave can be carried beneath the coupling devices, substantially on the coupling devices’ outer surface, or any combination thereof. A coupling device that is located in close proximity of a transmission medium will cause at least some portion of the electromagnetic wave to couple to or be bound to it. The transmission medium then continues to propagate guided electromagnetic waves. A coupling device can extract or receive at least some of the guided electromagnetic wave from a transmission medium, and then transfer this electromagnetic wave to a receiver in a reciprocal manner. The guided electromagnetic waves that are launched or received by the coupling devices propagate along the transmission media from a sending device through a receiver without the need for an electrical return path. The transmission medium acts as a waveguide in this situation to allow the propagation the guided electromagnetic waves from one device to another.
A surface wave, according to an example embodiment, is a type or type of guided wave that’s guided by a surface. This could be an exterior or outer surface, an interior or inner surface, or even an interstitial surface. For example, the area between wires in multistranded cables, insulated twisted pairs wires or wire bundles. In an example embodiment, the surface of the transmission medium which guides a surface waves can be a transitional surface between different media types. In the case of uninsulated or bare wires, the wire’s surface can be either the exterior or interior conductive surface of uninsulated wires that are exposed to air or space. Another example is that of an insulated wire. The wire’s surface can be the conductive section of the wire that touches the inner surface of its insulator portion. The transmission medium’s surface can be either the inner surface of an insulator or conductive surface. Any material area of a transmission medium could also be a surface. The transmission medium’s surface can include the inner portion of an insulation that is disposed on the wire that contacts the insulator. The properties of the surface that guides an electromagnetic waves can be affected by the relative properties of the conductor, air and/or insulator. They also depend on the frequency and mode of propagation.
“In an example embodiment, the term “about” refers to the term. a wire or other transmission medium used in conjunction with a guided wave can include fundamental guided wave propagation modes such as a guided waves having a circular or substantially circular field pattern/distribution, a symmetrical electromagnetic field pattern/distribution (e.g., electric field or magnetic field) or other fundamental mode pattern at least partially around a wire or other transmission medium. Zenneck waves propagate along one planar surface of a planar transmission media. However, guided electromagnetic waves according to the subject disclosure can be bound to a transmission media with electromagnetic field patterns that surround or circumscribe the non-planar transmission medium with electromagnetic energies in all directions or in all but a finite amount of azimuthal null directions. These field strengths are close to zero for infinitesimally small azimuthal Widths.
These non-circular field distributions may be unilateral or multilateral, with one or two axial lobes that have a relatively high field strength and/or one/more null directions of zero field strength/substantially zero-field strengths, or null regions that are characterized as relatively low-field strength/zero-field strength. According to one example embodiment, the field distribution may also vary depending on azimuthal orientation around a transmission media. This means that one or more angular areas around the transmission medium can have an electric field strength or magnetic field strength (or combination thereof), that is greater than one or two other regions of azimuthal alignment. As the guided waves travel along the wire, it will be apparent that the relative positions or orientations of higher order modes can change, especially if they are asymmetrical.
“In addition, a guided wave propagates?about? A guided wave can propagate along a wire or any other type of transmission medium. This includes the fundamental wave propagation modes (e.g. zero order modes), as well as non-fundamental modes like higher-order guided waves modes (e.g. 1st or 2nd order modes). Higher-order modes can include symmetrical modes with a circular or substantially circular electric field distribution and/or an symmetrical electric field distribution. Asymmetrical modes, and/or other guided waves (e.g. surface), may also have non-circular or asymmetrical field distributions around wires or other transmission media. The subject disclosure’s guided electromagnetic waves can travel along a transmission medium, from the sending device to a receiving device, or along a coupling apparatus via one or more of the following modes: a fundamental transverse magnet (TM) TM00 (or Goubau) mode or fundamental hybrid mode (EH/HE)?EH00? mode or?HE00 Mode, a transverse electromagnetic?TEMnm? Mode, a transverse electromagnetic?TEMnm?
“Guided wave mode” is the term used herein. Refers to a guided propagation mode of a transmission media, coupling devices, or other system components of a guided-wave communication system that propagates for nontrivial distances along its length.
“The term’millimeter-wave’ as used herein refers to electromagnetic waves/signals that fall within the?millimeter wave frequency band. Can refer to electromagnetic waves/signals falling within the?millimeter wave frequency band? between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. Microwave is a term that refers to electromagnetic waves/signals. Microwaves can be used to refer to electromagnetic signals/signals falling within a “microwave frequency band”. From 300 MHz up to 300 GHz. The term “radio frequency” is used. The term?radio frequency? oder?RF? can be used to refer to electromagnetic waves/signals that fall within the?radio frequency band. The term?RF? can be used to refer to electromagnetic signals/waves that fall within the ‘radio frequency band? between 10 kHz and 1 THz. Wireless signals, electrical signals and guided electromagnetic waves, as described in this disclosure, can operate at any frequency, including frequencies within the millimeter-wave or microwave frequency bands. When a transmission medium or coupling device includes a conductor element, the frequency at which guided electromagnetic waves are propagated along the transmission medium and/or carried by it can be lower than the mean collision frequency for the electrons within the conductive elements. The frequency of the guided electromagnetic wave that is carried by the coupling devices and/or propagate through the transmission medium may be non-optical, e.g. a radio frequency that falls below the range of optical frequencies which begins at 1 THz.
“It is also appreciated that a transmission media described in the subject disclosure may be configured to be opaque, or at least substantially reduce, propagation of electromagnetic wave operating at optical frequencies (e.g. greater than 1 THz).
“As used in this document, the term “antenna” means: An antenna is a device that transmits/radiates or receives wireless signals in free space.
“In accordance to one or more embodiments, the recipient waveguide system can include a processor and a memory that stores executable instruction that facilitate the execution of operations. One operation can be performed by receiving a first plurality ultra-wideband magnetic wave pulses that propagate along a surface on a transmission medium, without the need for an electrical return path. The first plurality ultra-wideband waves transmit a plurality communication signals. Then, the processing system obtains at least one communication message from the plurality. Finally, the operations include distributing at least one of the communication signals to at least one device.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram 100 illustrates an example, but not limited, embodiment of a guided-wave communications system. A transmission device 101 receives communication signals 110 from a communications network that include data. It then generates guided waves 120 to transmit the data via the transmission medium. The transmission device 101 receives the guided wave 120 and converts them into communication signals 112 which include data for transmission to a communications system or another device. You can modulate the guided waves 120 to transmit data using a variety of modulation techniques, including frequency shift keying or phase shift keying.
The communication network can be wireless, such as a mobile network, a voice and data network, or a wireless local network (e.g. WiFi or an IEEE 802xx network), or a satellite communications network. It also includes a personal area network, or another wireless network. A wired communication network can include a telephone network, an Ethernet, a local network, a large area network (e.g., WiFi or an IEEE 802.xx network), a satellite communications network, and a personal area network. Communication devices include a bridge device, network edge device or home gateway, set-top boxes, broadband modems, telephone adapters, access points, base stations, and other fixed communication devices. A mobile communication device can be an automobile gateway or automobile, tablet, smartphone or other communication device.
“In one embodiment, the guided-wave communication system 100 may operate bi-directionally. The transmission device 102 can receive one or more communication signals 112. This communication network or device includes other data. The transmission medium 125 then generates guided waves 122. These guided waves are used to transmit the data to the transmission device 101. The transmission device 101 receives the guide waves 122 and converts them into communication signals 110. This allows for the transmission of other data to another device or network. You can modulate the guided waves 122 to transmit data using a number of access techniques, including frequency shift keying or frequency shift keying.
“The transmission medium (125) can contain at least one inner section that is surrounded by a dielectric materials such as an insulator, other dielectric cover or coating, or any other dielectric material. The outer surface of the dielectric material must have a circumference. The transmission medium 125 is an example of a single-wire transmission system that guides the transmission an electromagnetic wave. The transmission medium 125 can be implemented as a single-wire transmission system. It can also include a wire. You can have the wire insulated or uninsulated. It can also be single-stranded, multi-stranded, or braided. Other embodiments can include conductors in other configurations such as wire bundles or cables, rods and rails, wire pipes, or other forms of conductors. The transmission medium 125 may also include non-conductors, such as dielectric rods or rails or other dielectric member; combinations of conductors with dielectric materials, conductors that do not contain dielectric material or other guided wave transmission media, and/or consist essentially non-conductors, such as rods or rails or dielectric pipes or other dielectric parts that operate without an inner conductor, conductive shield, or continuous conductor. The transmission medium 125 may also include any other transmission media.
“Further,” as discussed previously, guided waves 120 and 122 can be contrasted to radio transmissions over air or the conventional propagation electrical power or signals through the conductors of wires via an electrical circuit. The transmission medium 125 can optionally contain one or several wires that transmit electrical power or other signals in a traditional manner as part of an electrical circuit.
Referring to FIG. 2. A block diagram 200 is illustrated to illustrate an example of a non-limiting embodiment for a transmission device. Transmission device 101 or102 has a communications interface (I/F 205), a transceiver 220 and a coupler 221.
“In one example of operation, transceiver210 generates an electromagnetic signal based on the communication signals 110 or 112 to transmit the data. At least one wavelength and one carrier frequency are required for an electromagnetic wave to be considered a carrier frequency. It is possible for the carrier frequency to be in the 30 GHz-30 GHz frequency band, 60 GHz, or in the lower frequency band (30-40 GHz) in the microwave frequency range (26-30 GHz, 11 GHz, 3-6 GHz), but other frequencies may be used in other embodiments. The transceiver210 only converts the communications signal 110 or 112 to transmit the electromagnetic signal in the microwave band or millimeter wave band as a guided electromagnetic waves that are guided by or bound with the transmission medium 125. Another mode of operation is that the communications interface205 converts the communication signals 110 and 112 to a near or baseband signal, or extracts data from the communication signals 110 and 112. The transceiver210 modifies a high frequency carrier with the data, near or baseband signal for transmission. The transceiver210 can modulate data received via communication signal 110 and 112 to preserve one of the data communication protocols of communication signal 110. This can be done either by encapsulation within the payload of another protocol or simple frequency shifting. Alternativly, the transceiver210 can translate data received via communication signal 110 and 112 into a protocol different than the data communication protocol or protocols in the communication signal 110.
“In one example of operation, coupler 220 couples electromagnetic wave to transmission medium 125 as a guided magnetic wave to transmit the communications signal 110 or 112. Although the previous description focused on the operation and transmission of the transceiver, 210, the coupler 220 couples the electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium 125 as a guided electromagnetic wave to transmit the communications signal 110 or 112. Consider embodiments in which an additional guided electromagnetic waves conveys data along the transmission medium. This additional electromagnetic wave can be transmitted by the coupler 220 to the transceiver 215.
“The transmission device 101 and 102 include an optional training controller, 230. The training controller 230 can be implemented either by a standalone processor, or shared with one or more components of the transmission device 101 and 102. Based on the testing of the transmission medium, environmental conditions, and/or feedback data received from the transceiver (210) from at least one remote transmitter device, the training controller 230 selects carrier frequencies, modulation strategies, and/or guided waves modes for guided electromagnetic waves.
“In one example embodiment, a guided electromagnetic waves transmitted by remote transmission devices 101 and 102 transmit data that also propagates along transmission medium 125. You can include feedback data in the data generated by the remote transmission device 101 and 102. The coupler 220 couples the guided electromagnetic waves from the transmission medium 101 to the transceiver. After receiving the electromagnetic wave, the transceiver processes it to extract the feedback data.
“In one embodiment, the training control 230 works based on feedback data to evaluate a plurality candidate frequencies, modulation strategies and/or transmit modes to select a carrierfrequency, modulation scheme, and/or transmissive mode to improve performance such as throughput and signal strength, reduce propagation losses, etc.”
Consider the following: A transmission device 101 starts operation under the control of the training controller 233. It sends a plurality os guided waves to test the remote transmission device 102, which is coupled to the transmission medium. Test data can be included in the guided waves, or they could include it in an alternative. Test data can be used to indicate the candidate frequency and/or guide wave mode of the signal. The training controller 230 at remote transmission device 102 receives test signals and/or test information from any guide-wave mode and determines the best candidate frequency or guided wave mode. It can also decide a list of acceptable candidate frequencies and/or guides wave modes. The training controller 230 generates the candidate frequency(s) and/or guided-mode(s), based on one or several optimizing criteria, such as received signal strength or bit error rate, packet error rates, signal to noise ratio or propagation loss. The feedback data generated by the training controller 230 indicates whether candidate frequenc (ies) or/and guide wave mode(s). This data is sent to the transceiver 220 for transmission to the transmission device 101. Based on the selection of candidate frequency(ies) and/or guided wave mode(s), the transmission devices 101 and 102 can communicate data with each other.
“In other embodiments the guided electromagnetic waves that contain test signals and/or data are reflected back or repeated back or otherwise looped by the remote transmission device102 to the transmission 101 for reception by the training controller230 of the transmission 101 that initiated the waves. The transmission device 101 may send a signal to remote transmission device 102 to initiate a test mode. A physical reflector is placed on the line and a termination impedance changed to create reflections. A loop back mode is activated to couple electromagnetic waves to source transmission device 102, and/or a repeater mode to amplify and retransmit electromagnetic waves to source transmission device 102. The source transmission device 102’s training controller 230 receives any test signals or data and makes the selection of candidate frequencies and/or guided wave modes.
The procedure described above is for a start-up mode of operation. However, the transmission devices 101 and 102 can transmit test signals, evaluate candidate frequency or guided wave mode via non-test conditions, such as normal transmissions, or evaluate candidate frequencies, guided wave modes continuously or at other times. An example embodiment of the communication protocol between transmission devices 101 and102 may include an on-request test mode or periodic testing mode that allows full testing or less extensive testing of selected candidate frequencies or guided wave modes. Other modes of operation allow for the re-entry to such a test mode to be initiated by a decrease in performance, weather conditions, or other factors. An example embodiment of the transmitter 210 has a receiver bandwidth that is sufficient wide or wide enough to receive all candidate frequency. The training controller 230 can also adjust the training mode to ensure the receiver bandwidth 210 is sufficiently wide, swept, or wide enough to receive all candidate frequencies.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. This embodiment includes an inner conductor 302 and an insulating jacket 302. Both of these are made from dielectric material. Diagram 300 shows different gray-scales that indicate the electromagnetic field strengths generated from the propagation of the guided waves having a noncircular and nonfundamental mode.
“In particular, the electromagnetic fields distribution corresponds with a modal?sweet spot? This enhances guided electromagnetic waves propagation along an insulated transmission media and reduces end to end transmission loss. This particular mode allows electromagnetic waves to be guided by the transmission medium (125) to propagate along an outside surface of the transmission media?in this instance, the outer surface 302. The insulator partially contains electromagnetic waves, while the outer surface of the insulation is partially exposed to them. This is how electromagnetic waves are “lightly?” The insulator is coupled to the electromagnetic wave propagator to allow for long-distance propagation with low propagation losses.
“The guided wave, as shown, has a field structure that is primarily or substantially outside the transmission medium 125. This serves to guide electromagnetic waves. The conductor 301 has very little or no field. The insulating jacket 302 also has low field strength. The majority of electromagnetic field strength is concentrated in the lobes 302 at the outer edge of the insulating coat 302 and within close proximity. High electromagnetic field strengths at the top, bottom and sides of the outer jacket of the Insulating Jacket 302 indicate the presence of a noncircular and nonfundamental guided-wave mode.
The example shows a 38 GHz electromagnetic waves guided by a wire of 1.1 cm diameter and 0.36 cm thickness. The transmission medium 125 guides the electromagnetic wave and most of the field strength is concentrated within the air outside the jacket 302. This allows the guided wave to propagate longitudinally along the transmission medium. This “limited distance” is illustrated in the following example. This is the distance that the outer surface is from the transmission medium’s largest cross-sectional dimension 125. The wire’s largest cross-sectional dimension corresponds to its overall diameter of 1.82cm. However, this value may vary depending on the shape and size of the transmission medium 125. If the transmission medium 125 is rectangular in shape and has a height of 0.33 cm and width of 0.4cm, then the largest cross-sectional dimension would be the diagonal at 0.5 cm. The corresponding narrow distance would be 0.25cm. The frequency affects the dimensions of the most important area that contains the field strength. They generally increase with decreasing carrier frequencies.
“It is important to note that components of a guided-wave communication system such as couplers or transmission media can have their cut-off frequencies specific for each guided mode. A cut-off frequency is generally the lowest frequency at which a particular guide wave mode can be supported by a component. An example embodiment shows a non-circular, non-fundamental propagation mode that is inducible on the transmission medium 125 using an electromagnetic wave with a frequency that falls within the narrow range of Fc to Fc of Fc for the non-fundamental modes. Particular to transmission medium 125 characteristics, Fc is the cutoff frequency. The cutoff frequency Fc can vary depending on the dimensions and properties the insulating Jacket 302 and possibly the inner conductor. Experimentally, it can be determined to produce the desired mode pattern for embodiments like the one shown. However, similar results can be observed for hollow dielectrics or insulators without an inner conductor and conductive shield. The dimensions and properties the hollow dielectric/insulator can affect the cutoff frequency.
“The non-circular mode cannot be induced in the transmission medium (125) at frequencies lower than the cutoff frequency and does not propagate over any distances. The non-circular mode moves inwards of the jacket 302. As frequency increases beyond the narrow range of frequencies around the cut-off frequency. The field strength of frequencies higher than the cut-off frequency is not concentrated outside the jacket. It is concentrated inside the jacket 302. Although the transmission medium 125 can provide strong guidance to the electromagnetic waves and propagation is still possible the ranges are limited by the increased losses caused by propagation within the insulation jacket 302?as well as the surrounding air.
Referring to FIG. 4. A graphical diagram 400 depicting an example of electromagnetic field distribution is shown. A cross-section diagram 400 is shown in particular. 3. is shown with common references numerals that are used to refer to elements similar to them. This example shows a 60 GHz wave that is guided by a wire of diameter 1.1 cm with a thickness of 0.36cm dielectric insulation. The frequency of the guided waves is higher than the limit of the cut-off frequency for this particular non-fundamental method. This has caused much of the field strength to shift inwards of the insulation jacket 302. The insulating jacket 302 is where the majority of the field strength is concentrated. Although the transmission medium 125 can provide strong guidance to the electromagnetic waves and propagation is still possible with it, the ranges are much smaller than the embodiment of FIG. 3. Due to increased losses from propagation within the insulation jacket 302,
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 5A, a graph illustrating an example, but not limited, frequency response is shown. Diagram 500 shows a graph showing the end-to-end loss as a function frequency. It is overlaid by electromagnetic field distributions 515, 520, and 530 at three points. This diagram represents a 200 cm insulated medium-voltage wire. Referral number 525 is used in each electromagnetic field distribution to indicate the boundary between the insulator (and the surrounding air).
“As described in conjunction with FIG. 3. An example of a desired mode of propagation is shown. It is caused on the transmission medium by an electromagnetic wave with a frequency that falls within the narrow range of Fc to Fc of Fcc, the lower cut-off frequency Fc for this non-circular type. This is the modal “sweet spot” for electromagnetic field distribution at 6 GHz. This enhances electromagnetic wave propagation through an insulated transmission medium, and reduces end to end transmission loss. Guided waves in this mode are partly embedded in the insulation and partly radiating from the outside of the insulation. The electromagnetic waves are then?lightly?? The insulator is coupled to the electromagnetic waves to allow guided electromagnetic wave propagation over long distances at low propagation loss.
“The non-circular modes radiate more at lower frequencies, such as the electromagnetic field distribution 510 @ 3 GHz. This results in higher propagation losses.” Higher frequencies, such as the electromagnetic field distribution of 530 at 9.GHz, the noncircular mode shifts inward from the insulating jacket, causing too much absorption and generating more propagation losses.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. Diagram 556 shows that guided electromagnetic wave frequencies are cut off at the frequency corresponding to the modal “sweet spot”. The guided electromagnetic waves and insulated wire are loosely coupled so that absorption is decreased. Furthermore, the fields of the guided waves are sufficiently bound to reduce radiation into the environment (e.g. air). The absorption and radiation of guided electromagnetic waves are low, which allows them to propagate over longer distances.
“As shown by diagram 554, propagation loss increases when the operating frequency of the guide magnetic waves exceeds about two-times (fc), or as it is commonly known, the range of the “sweet spot”. The insulating layer absorbs more of the electromagnetic field strength, which causes higher propagation losses. Diagram 552 shows that guided electromagnetic waves can be strongly bound to insulated wire at frequencies higher than the cutoff frequency (fc). This is because the electromagnetic fields emitted from the guided waves are concentrated in the insulation layer. This increases propagation losses due to the insulation layer absorption of the guided magnetic waves. Similar to diagram 558, propagation losses rise when the operating frequency for the guided electromagnetic wave is substantially lower than the cutoff frequency (fc). The frequency at which the guided electromagnetic wave are weakly (or nominally), bound to the insulated cable causes them to radiate into the surrounding environment (e.g. air) and increase propagation losses.
Referring to FIG. 6 shows a graphical diagram 600 that illustrates an example of an electromagnetic field distribution. As shown in cross-section, the transmission medium 602 is a wire. Diagram 600 shows different gray-scales, which represent the various electromagnetic field strengths that are generated by propagation of a symmetrical or fundamental TM00 guidedwave mode at a single carrier frequency.
“In this particular mode electromagnetic waves are guided 602 by the transmission medium to propagate along an outside surface of that medium. In this case, it is the outer surface the bare wire. The electromagnetic waves are?lightly? The wire is coupled to an electromagnetic wave source to allow propagation of the waves over long distances at low propagation losses. The guided wave, as shown in the figure, has a field structure that is substantially outside the transmission medium 602 and serves to guide electromagnetic waves. The field strength of the regions within the conductor of transmission medium 602 is very low or negligible.”
Referring to FIG. 7 shows a block diagram 700 that illustrates an example of an arc coupler. A coupling device is shown for use in transmission devices, such as the transmission device 101 or 102 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. The coupling device contains an arc coupler 704 that is coupled to a transmitter circuit 712, and a termination or damper 714. The arc coupler 704 may be made from a dielectric material or another low-loss insulation (e.g. Teflon, polyethylene). You can also make the arc coupler 704 from a conducting material (e.g. metallic, non-metallic etc.). Material, or any combination thereof. The arc coupler 704 acts as a waveguide, and a wave 706 propagates as a guidedwave within and around the waveguide surface. The embodiment shows that at least one portion of the 704 can be located near a wire 702 (or other transmission medium) in order to facilitate coupling, such as the described herein, between the 704 and wire 702 to launch the guided wave 708. The arc coupler 704 may be placed so that the curved portion of the arc coupler 704 is tangential to and substantially parallel to the wire 702. An arc coupler 704 can be placed parallel to the wire. This could be the apex or any point at which a tangent curve is parallel to 702. The arc coupler 704 can be placed so that the wave 706 traveling along the arc 704 couples to the wire 702 at least in part. It then propagates as a guided wave 708 around the wire surface 702 and along the wire 702. The guided wave 708 is a surface or electromagnetic wave that is bound or guided by the wire 702 or another transmission medium.
“A wave 706 that doesn’t couple to the wire 702 is propagated as wave 710 along arc coupler 704. The arc coupler 704 may be placed in any position relative to the wire 702 in order to achieve the desired degree of coupling or noncoupling. You can alter the curvature or length of the arc-coupler 704 relative to the wire 702, as well as the separation distance (which may include zero separation distance in an example embodiment), without departing too far from the example embodiments. The arrangement of the arc coupler 704 relative to the wire 702 can be altered based on the respective intrinsic characteristics (e.g. thickness, composition, electromagnetic property, etc.). The wire 702 and the Arc Coupler 704 may be arranged in a way that is compatible with the respective intrinsic characteristics (e.g. thickness, composition, electromagnetic properties, etc.). “The waves 706 and 708.
“The guided wave 708 remains parallel or substantially parallel with the wire 702, despite the wire 702’s bends and flexes. Transmission losses can be increased by bends in wire 702, which is dependent on the wire diameter, frequency and materials. For efficient power transfer, the majority of the power from wave 706 will be transferred to the wire 702 if the arc coupler 704. The wave 710 has very little power. You will see that guided wave 708 can still have multi-modal nature. This includes modes that are not-circular, fundamental and/or asymmetric while traveling parallel to or substantially parallel with the wire 702, with or sans a fundamental transmission mode. An embodiment allows for non-circular, nonfundamental, and/or asymmetric modes to be used to reduce transmission losses and/or increase propagation distances.
“It should be noted that the term “parallel” is a geometric construct. It is a geometric construct that is often not possible in real systems. The term “parallel” is used to describe the concept. The term?parallel? as used in the subject disclosed is an approximation of an exact configuration and not a description of the embodiments described in the disclosure. An embodiment may be described as “substantially parallel”. Approximations can be within 30 degrees of being true parallel in all dimensions.
“In one embodiment, the wave 706 may exhibit one or more wave propagation mode. The coupler 704’s design and shape can influence the arc coupler modes. Wave 706’s arc coupler modes can influence or affect one or more wave propagation modes. These modes are propagated along wire 702. The guided wave modes in the guided waves 706 and 708 may differ from those of the guided waves 708. This means that one or more of the guided waves 706 might not transfer to the guidedwave 708, or one or more of the guidedwave 708 guided wave modes may not have been present during guided wave 706. The cutoff frequency for a particular guide wave mode of the arc coupler 704 may differ from the cutoff frequency for the wire 702 or another transmission medium. The wire 702 or another transmission medium may operate slightly above its cutoff frequency to a particular guided-wave mode. However, the arc couples 704 may be operated at a much higher frequency to induce more coupling or power transfer than the cutoff frequency of the wire 702 for the same mode.
“In one embodiment, wave propagation modes on wire 702 may be similar to arc coupler modes because both waves 706 & 708 propagate around the outside of the 704 and 702 respectively. The coupling between the wire 702 and the arc coupler 704 can result in new modes or changes of form. In certain embodiments, the wave 706 can couple to the wire 702, and creates or generates new modes. The arc coupler 704 may have different sizes, materials, or impedances than the wire 702, which could create new modes, suppress some arc coupler mode, and/or add to the existing modes. Wave propagation modes may include the fundamental transverse magnet mode (TM00), in which only small magnetic fields extend in direction of propagation. The electric field extends outwards and then along the wire while the guided wave propagates. This guided wave mode is also known as the “donut” shape, in which only a small portion of the electromagnetic field exists within the wire 704 or 702.
The waves 706 or 708 may contain a fundamental TM mode. However, the waves 706 and 708 can also, or alternatively, include non-fundamental TM types. Other wave propagation modes can be found in the coupler or along the wire, as well as the frequency used, the design of arc coupler 704, and the dimensions and compositions of the wire 702, along with its surface characteristics and insulation, if any, and the electromagnetic properties of its surrounding environment. It is important to note that guided wave 708 may travel along the conductive surfaces of an uninsulated wire 702, an uninsulated uninsulated wire, and/or an insulatedwire depending on their frequency and other wave propagation modes.
“In one embodiment, the diameter of arc coupler 704 may be smaller than that of wire 702. The arc coupler 704 supports wave 706 as a waveguide mode. This is for the millimeter-band wavelength. As guided wave 708 is passed to the wire 702, this single waveguide mode can be changed. The arc coupler 704 can have more than one mode, but they may not be able to couple to the wire 702 in the same way as the guided wave 708. This can lead to higher coupling losses. In some cases, however, the arc coupler 704’s diameter can be larger or smaller than that of the wire 702, which is desirable in situations where greater coupling losses are desired or when combined with other techniques to reduce coupling losses (e.g. impedance matching with tapering etc ).
“In an embodiment, the wavelengths of the waves 706 & 708 are similar in size or smaller than the circumferences of the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702. If the diameter of the wire 702 is 0.5 cm and the circumference of the wire 708 is 1.5 cm, then the wavelength of transmission will be approximately 1.5 cm. This corresponds to a frequency of 70GHz or higher. Another embodiment allows the transmission frequency and carrier-wave signal to be in the range 30-100 GHz. In one case, it may be around 30-60 GHz and 38 GHz. An embodiment can have multiple propagation modes, including non-fundamental modes (symmetrical and/or asymmetric, circular, and/or uncircular), when the circumferences of the wire 702 and arc coupler 704 are equal to or greater than the wavelength of the transmission. Waves 706 and 708 may contain more than one type or magnetic field configuration. The electrical and magnetic fields configurations of the wire 702 will not change as the guided wave 708 propagates along it. Other embodiments allow the guided wave 708 to encounter interference (distortion, obstructions), or lose energy due to transmission loss or scattering. In these cases, the electric or magnetic field configurations may change as the wave 708 propagates down the wire 702.
“An embodiment of the arc coupler 704 may be made from nylon, Teflon or polyethylene. Other dielectric materials may be used in other embodiments. The wire surface 702 can be made metallic using a bare metal surface or insulated with plastic, dielectric or another coating, jacket, or sheathing. In an embodiment, a dielectric or otherwise non-conducting/insulated waveguide can be paired with either a bare/metallic wire or insulated wire. Other embodiments allow for a metallic or conductive waveguide to be paired with either a bare/metallic/insulated wire. An embodiment can have an oxidation layer on wire 702 (e.g. resulting from exposure to oxygen/air). This can provide dielectric or insulating properties similar to those provided with some sheathings or insulators.
“It should be noted that the graphical representations for waves 706, 708, and 710 are only intended to illustrate the principle that wave 706 inducing or otherwise launching a guided wave 708 onto a wire 702 operating, for instance, as a single-wire transmission line, is not a complete illustration of the principles. Wave 710 is the portion of wave 706 that remains on the arc-coupler 704 after generation of guided wave 708. The actual electric or magnetic fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on the frequency used, the wave propagation mode(s), the design of arc coupler 704, and the wire 702’s dimensions and composition, as well as its surface characteristics and optional insulation.
“It should be noted that the arc coupler 704 can have a termination circuit, or damper 714 at its end. This can absorb radiation or energy leftover from wave 710. The damper 714 or termination circuit can reduce or prevent the radiation or energy leftover from wave 710 reflected back to transmitter circuit 712. A termination circuit or damper 714 may include termination resistors, absorbers, and/or other components that attenuate reflection. If coupling efficiency is high enough and/or wave 710 sufficiently small, then it may not be necessary for a termination circuit to damper 714. These transmitter 712 and 714 termination circuits and dampers 714 are not shown in the figures. However, in these embodiments, transmitters and termination circuits and dampers can be used.
“Further,” while one arc coupler 704 generates a single guidedwave 708, multiple arc couples 704 can be placed at different points along wire 702 or at different azimuthal orientations around the wire to generate and receive multiple guidedwaves 708 at different frequencies, at different phases, or at different wave propagation modes.
“FIG. 8 is a block diagram 800 that illustrates an example of an arc coupler. The coupler 704 can be placed at least partially near a wire 702 (or other transmission medium) in order to facilitate coupling. This will allow the arc coupler 704 to be connected to the wire 702 to form a guided wave 808, as described below. The arc coupler 704 may be placed so that the curved arc-coupler 704 is tangentially to, parallel or substantially parallel with the wire 702. An apex or point at which a tangent curve is parallel to wire 702 can be the portion of the arc-coupler 704 that is parallel with the wire. The arc-coupler 704 can be placed so that the wave 806 traveling along the wire 702 pairs, at least partially, with the arc couples 704, and propagates to a receiving device as guided wave 808 following the arc pairr 704. Wave 806 does not connect to the arc coupler. This portion propagates as wave 802 along the wire 702 and other transmission medium.
“In one embodiment, the wave 806 may exhibit one or more wave propagation mode. The coupler 704’s design and shape can influence the arc coupler modes. One or more modes can influence or affect one or more guide wave modes of the guided waves 808 propagating along 704. The guided wave modes in the guidedwave 806 could be different or the same as the guided waves modes in the guidedwave 808. This means that one or more guided waves modes from the guidedwave 806 might not be transferred to the guide wave 808, and one or more guidedwave modes from the guidedwave 808 may not have existed in guided wave 8.
Referring to FIG. 9A is a block diagram 900 that illustrates an example of a non-limiting embodiment for a stub coupler. A coupling device which includes stub coupler 904 can be used in a transmission device such as the transmission device 101 or 102 shown in conjunction with FIG. 1. The stub coupler 904 may be made from a dielectric material or another low-loss insulation (e.g. Teflon, Polyethylene, etc.). You can also make the stub coupler 904 from a conducting material (e.g. metallic, non-metallic etc.). Material, or any combination thereof. The stub-coupler 904 acts as a waveguide. A wave 906 propagates as a guided waves within and around the waveguide surface of stub coupler 904. The embodiment shows that at least one portion of the stub-coupler 904 can be located near a wire 702 (or other transmission medium), to facilitate coupling between stub 904 and wire 702, or other medium. This will allow the guided wave 908 to be launched on the wire.
“In one embodiment, the stub coupler 904 is curved. An end of the 904 can be attached to wire 702. The stub coupler 904 ends are parallel or substantially parallel to wire 702. Another option is to fasten or couple another section of the dielectric waveguide to wire 702 so that it is parallel or substantially parallel with the wire 702. The fastener 910 can be a nylon cable tie or other type of non-conducting/dielectric material that is either separate from the stub coupler 904 or constructed as an integrated component of the stub coupler 904. The stub coupler 904 may be placed adjacent to wire 702 but not around wire 702.
“Like the FIG. 7. When the stub-coupler 904 is placed with its end parallel to the wire702, the guided waves 906 travelling along stub couples to the wire 702 and propagates as guided waves 908 around the wire surface of wire 702. The guided wave 908 in an example embodiment can be described as either a surface wave, or another electromagnetic wave.
It is important to note that the graphical representations for waves 906 or 908 are not intended to show the principle that wave 906 inducing or otherwise launches a guided 908 on a wire 702. This wire could be used, for instance, as a single-wire transmission line. The actual electric or magnetic fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on a number of factors, including the shape and/or location of the coupler, frequency employed, design of stub coupler 904, dimensions and compositions of wire 702, and optional insulation.
An embodiment of the stub coupler 904 may taper towards wire 702 to improve coupling efficiency. According to an example embodiment, the subject disclosure, the tapering at the end of stub coupler 904 may provide impedance matching with the wire 702 and reduce reflections. As shown in FIG. 9, an end of the tub coupler 904 may be tapered to achieve the desired level of coupling between waves 906 and 9. 9A.”
“In one embodiment, the fastener 904 can be placed so that the stub-coupler 904 is only a short distance from the fastener 911 and the end of the 904. This embodiment achieves maximum coupling efficiency when the length at the end of stub coupler 904 beyond fastener 910 exceeds the fastener.
“Turning to FIG. 9B shows a diagram 950 that illustrates an example, non-limiting embodiment, of an electromagnetic distribution according to various aspects. An electromagnetic distribution is shown in two dimensions in a transmission device with coupler 952, illustrated in an example dielectric material stub coupler. Coupler 952 couples an electromagnetic signal for propagation along a guide wave along the outer surface of wire 702 or another transmission medium.
“The coupler 952 directs the electromagnetic wave via a symmetrical guided-wave mode to a junction at point x0. The coupler 952 contains the bulk of the electromagnetic energy. However, some of the electromagnetic energy that is propagated along the coupler 952 does not reach the coupler 952. The junction at x0 couples an electromagnetic wave to the wire 702 or another transmission medium at an angle that corresponds to the bottom of this medium. This coupling causes an electromagnetic wave to be guided to propagate along its outer surface via at least one guided mode in direction 956. Although the majority of the energy in the guided electromagnetic wave is located outside or, it is close to the wire 702 or another transmission medium. The junction at x0 creates an electromagnetic wave which propagates via a fundamental TM00 and at least one nonfundamental mode. This is the first order mode that was presented in conjunction with FIG. 3. This skims the wire 702 or another transmission medium.
It is important to note that guided wave propagation and coupling are illustrated in graphical representations. The actual magnetic and electric fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on the frequency used, the design and/or layout of the coupler 952, and the dimensions and compositions of the wire 702 and other transmission medium, along with its surface characteristics, insulation, and the electromagnetic properties of its surrounding environment.
“Turning to FIG. 10 is illustrated a block diagram 1000 showing an example, non-limiting embodiment a coupler/transceiver system according to various aspects of this document. This system is an example transmission device 101 and 102. The communications interface 1008 is an illustration of communication interface 205. The stub coupler 1002 represents coupler 220. The transmitter/receiver devices 1006, 1006, 1006, 1008, and 1006 together form a transceiver 210.
“In operation, the transmitter/receiver 1006 launches and takes waves (e.g. guided wave 1004 onto the stub coupler 102). Guided waves 1004 are used to transmit signals to and from a base station, mobile device, host device, or building using a communications interface 1008. The communications interface 1008 may be an integral part system 1000. The communications interface 1008 may also be connected to system 1000. The communications interface 1008 may include a wireless interface that allows interfacing with the host device, base station or mobile device. It can also be used to connect to a building or any other device using any of the various wireless signaling protocols, either current or future (e.g. LTE, WiFi and WiMAX, IEEE 8002.xx, 5G, etc.). Infrared protocols such as the infrared data association protocol (IrDA), or any other line-of-sight optical protocol can be included. A wired interface can be included in the communications interface 1008 such as a fiber optic, coaxial, category 5 (CAT-5) cable or any other suitable wired and optical mediums. This allows for communication with the host device (base station), mobile devices, buildings, etc. via protocols such as an Ethernet protocol or universal serial bus protocol (USB), a data over cables service interface specification protocol (DOCSIS), a digital subscriber lines (DSL), protocol, Firewire (IEEE 1394 protocol) or any other optical or wired or other optical protocol or another wired or other optical protocol. The communications interface 1008 is not required for embodiments in which system 1000 acts as a repeater.
“Signals from the transmitter/receiver 1006 directed at the communications interface 1008 may be separated via diplexer 1016. The received signal can be sent to a low noise amplifier (?LNA?) 1018 to amplify the signal. With the help of a frequency mixer 1020, a local oscillator (1012) can downshift the received signal to the native frequency. The transmission can be received at the input port (Rx) by the communications interface 1008
An embodiment of transmitter/receiver 1006 may include a cylindrical, non-cylindrical, metal. The transmitter/receiver 1006 and an end of stub 1002 can be placed in the vicinity of the waveguide. When the transmitter/receiver 1006 generates transmissions, the guided waves couple to the stub 1002 and propagate as a guided beam 1004 around the waveguide surface. The guided wave 1004 may propagate on part of the stub partner 1002 and part of the stub pairr 1002. Other embodiments of the guided wave 1004 may propagate entirely or substantially on the outer surface 1002 of the stub coupler 1002. The guided wave 1004 may also propagate inside the stub-coupler 1002. The guided wave 1004 may radiate at the end of the 1002 stub coupler (such as the tapered portion in FIG. 4) to be coupled to a transmission medium, such as the wire 702 in FIG. 7. If guided wave 1004 is received (coupled from wire 702 to the stub coupler 1002), guided wave 1004 enters transmitter/receiver 1006 and couples with the cylindrical waveguide, or conducting waveguide. Although transmitter/receiver 1006 has a separate waveguide, an antenna, cavity resonator or magnetron can be used to infuse a guided wave using the coupler 1002, either with or without the separate guide.
“Stub coupler 1002 may be constructed entirely of a dielectric material (or other suitable insulating materials), and without any metallic or conducting materials. The material for stub coupler 1002 could be made of nylon, Teflon or polyethylene. It can also contain other non-conducting materials suitable for the facilitation of transmission of electromagnetic waves at minimum in part on their outer surfaces. Another embodiment of stub coupler 1002 may include a conducting/metallic core and an exterior dielectric surface. A transmission medium that couples with the stub pairr 1002 to propagate electromagnetic waves or supply electromagnetic waves to the 1002 can also be bare or insulated. It must not only be a wire but also be made entirely of dielectric material (or other suitable insulating materials).
“It should be noted that FIG. FIG. 10 shows that the transmitter receiver device 1006’s opening is wider than the stub coupler 1002, but this is not to scale. In other embodiments, the width of stub coupler 1002 is similar or slightly smaller than that of the hollow waveguide. In an embodiment, the coupler 1002 is inserted into transmitter/receiver 1006 and tapers down to reduce reflections and improve coupling efficiency. The stub coupler 1002 may be representative of FIGS. 7, 8, FIG. 9A, the coupler952, or any other couplers mentioned in the subject disclosure.
“Before coupling the stub pairr 1002, one or more waveguide modes generated by the transmitter/receiver 1006 can be coupled to the stub pairr 1002 in order to produce one or more wave propagation modes for the guided wave 1004. Due to the differences in the characteristics of the hollow and dielectric waveguide, the wave propagation modes for the guided wave 1004 may be different from the hollow metal mode. Wave propagation modes for the guided wave 1004 may include the fundamental transverse magnet mode (TM00), which is a mode where small magnetic fields are generated in the direction of propagation. HE11, or other modes supported with the stub coupler 1002 can also be included. These modes generate one or more desired waves on the transmission medium. A hollow waveguide may contain the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode wave propagation mode. The hollow metal waveguide modes used by transmitter/receiver 1006 are hollow metal waveguide modes. They can propagate within a circular, rectangular, or other hollow metallic waveguide, and then couple efficiently and effectively to the wave propagation modes in stub coupler 1002.
“It will be appreciated if other constructs or combinations are possible of the transmitter/receiver 1006 and stub-coupler 1002.”
Referring to FIG. 11 is a block diagram 1100 that illustrates an example non-limiting embodiment for a dual stub coupler. A dual coupler design is shown for use in transmission devices, such as the transmission device 101 or 102, which are presented with FIG. 1. An embodiment allows two or more couplers, such as the stub couplers 1106, 1104 and 1106, to be placed around wire 1102 in order for guided wave 1108. One coupler will suffice to receive guided wave 1108. Guided wave 1108 is then transmitted as guided wave 110. Coupler 1106 can be used to place guided wave 1108 to coupler 1106. Four or more couplers may be placed around a portion or all of the wire 1102, depending on the configuration. This is to receive guided waves that oscillate around the wire 1102, or are induced at different azimuthal orientations. It will be understood that less or more than four couplers can be placed around a portion the wire 1102, depending on the example embodiments.
“It is important to note that although couplers 1106 & 1104 are shown as stub couplesrs in the illustration, any of the coupler designs herein, including arc couplers and antenna or horn couplers or magnetic couplers could also be used. You will also appreciate that although some examples have shown a plurality or more of the couplers around a wire 1102, these couplers could also be considered part of a single coupler systems with multiple subcomponents. You can make two or more couplers in one system. They can be placed around one wire using a single installation. The couplers can either be pre-positioned relative to each other or adjusted manually with a controllable mechanism like a motor, or actuator.
Diversity combining can be used by receivers coupled to couplers 11106 and 11104 to combine signals from both couplers (1106 and 1104 to increase signal quality.” If one of the couplers 1104 or 1106 receives a transmission above a threshold, receivers may use selection diversity to decide which signal to use. Transmission can also occur by the same couplers as 1106 or 1104, even though they are receiving them from a plurality. For transmissions that require a transmission device (such as the transmission device 101 or 102 shown in FIG. 1 can include multiple transceivers as well as multiple couplers. Precoding, spatial multiplexing and diversity coding are some examples of MIMO transmissions and reception techniques. These techniques can be used to transmit and receive by multiple couplers/launchers operating on a transmission medium that supports guided wave communications.
It is important to note that the graphic representations of waves 1108 and 1110 were created only to show the principles behind how wave 1108 inducing or otherwise launches wave 1110 via a coupler 1104. The actual magnetic and electric fields created by such wave propagation can vary depending on the frequency used, the design of coupler 1104, the dimensions of the wire 1102, the composition of the wire 1102, and its surface characteristics. They may also differ depending upon the electromagnetic properties of surrounding environments.
Referring to FIG. 12 is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a repeater system. A repeater device 1210 can be used in transmission devices such as the 101 and 102 shown in FIG. 1. Two couplers 1204 or 1214 can be located near a wire 1202 to extract guided waves 1205 that are propagating along the wire 1202. The coupler 1204 is used as wave 1206 by extracting the wave 1206 from the coupler 1204. As a guided wave, they are then boosted by repeater device 1210 and launched into wave 1216 (e.g. As a guided wave), onto coupler 1214. Wave 1216 can be launched onto the wire 1202 and propagated along the wire 1217 as a guided waves 1217. The repeater device 1210 may receive at least some of the power used for boosting or repeating via magnetic coupling with wire 1202, when wire 1202 is power line or contains a power-carrying conducting conductor. While the couplers 1204 & 1214 are shown as stub couples, other coupler designs, such as antenna or horn couplers or magnetic couplers could also be used.
In some embodiments repeater device 1206 can repeat wave 1206, while repeater device 12010 can transmit again. In other embodiments repeater device 1210 may include a communications interface205 that extracts data from wave 1206 and sends it to another network or device as communication signals 110, 112, and/or receives communication signals 110, 112 from another network. Repeater device 1210 also can launch guided wave 1216 with embedded communication signals 110 and 112. Repeater configurations allow receiver waveguide 1204 to receive wave 1206 from coupler 1204, and transmitter waveguide 1202 can launch guided wave 1216 onto coupler (1214 as guided wave 1217). The signal embedded in guided waves 1206 or 1216 can be amplified between receiver waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide 1202, and the signal can then be transmitted to transmitter waveguide 1212. The receiver waveguide 1208 may be set up to extract data from the signal and process it to correct data errors using error correcting codes. The transmitter waveguide 1212 will then be able to transmit guided wave 1216 using the updated signal. A signal embedded in guided waves 1206 can be extracted and processed by communications interface 205 to allow communication with other networks and/or devices. Similar to the above, communication signals 110 and 112 can be extracted from a transmission of guided waves 1206 and processed by communications interface 205 as communication signals 110 and 112.
“It should be noted that FIG. FIG. 12 shows guided wave transmissions 1206 & 1216 respectively entering from the left and leaving to the right, but this is only a simplified version and is not meant to be restrictive. Other embodiments allow receiver waveguide 1208, and transmitter waveguide 1212 to function as receivers and receivers, respectively, which allows the repeater device 1210 be bi-directional.
“In one embodiment, repeater device 1210 may be placed where there are discontinuities and obstacles on the wire 1202 (or other transmission medium). These obstacles may include utility poles and transformers if the wire 1202 is a part of a power line. The repeater device 1210 allows the guided waves (e.g., on-line) to jump over obstacles and increase the transmission power. A coupler can also be used to jump across the obstacle in other embodiments. This embodiment allows the coupler to be attached to both ends of the wire to allow the guided wave to travel freely without being blocked by obstacles.
“Turning right to FIG. 13 is illustrated as a block diagram 1300 showing an example, non-limiting embodiment a bidirectional repeater according to various aspects. A bidirectional repeater device 1306 can be used in transmission devices such as the 101 and 102 shown in conjunction with FIG. 1. The couplers shown are stub couplers. However, other coupler designs such as antenna or horn couplers or magnetic couplers could be used. Bidirectional repeater 1306 has the ability to use diversity paths when more than one wire or another transmission medium is present. Guided wave transmissions have different transmission efficiency and coupling efficencies for different transmission medium types, such as un-insulated or insulated wires. Further, weather and other atmospheric conditions can affect guided wave transmissions. It can be advantageous to transmit selectively on different media at different times. The various transmission media may be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary in various embodiments. This designation can indicate a preference for one transmission medium over the other.
“In the embodiment shown, the transmission medium includes an insulated/uninsulated wire 1302 or an insulated/uninsulated wire 1304 (referred herein as wires 1304 and 1304). Repeater device 1306 uses a receiver pairr 1308 to receive a guide wave traveling along wire 1302, and then repeats the transmission using transmitterwaveguide 1310 as a directed wave along wire 1304. Repeater device 1306 may switch between the wire 1304 and the wire 1302, or repeat transmissions along the same paths. Repeater device 1306 may include sensors or be in communication (or with a network management software 1601 as shown in FIG. 16A) to indicate conditions that could affect transmission. The repeater device 1306 uses the information from the sensors to determine whether the transmission should be kept along the same wire or transferred to another wire.
“Turning right to FIG. 14 is illustrated as a block diagram 1400 which illustrates an example, but not limited, of a bidirectional repeater systems. A bidirectional repeater system, such as the transmission device 101 or 102, is shown in FIG. 1. Waveguide coupling devices 1402 & 1404 are part of the bidirectional repeater system. They receive and transmit transmissions from other coupling device located in a backhaul or distributed antenna system.
“In different embodiments, waveguide device 1402 can receive a transmitting device from another waveguide coupling apparatus, in which the transmission contains a plurality subcarriers. The transmission can be separated from other transmissions by diplexer 1406 and directed to a low-noise amplifier. (?LNA?) 1408. With the help of a local oscillator 1412 a frequency mixer 1428 can shift the transmission to a lower frequency such as a cellular frequency (?1.9GHz for a distributed antenna system), a native frequency or another frequency for a backhaul network. A demultiplexer (or extractor) 1432 can extract the signal from a subcarrier. The signal is then directed to an output component 1422 where it is optionally amplified, buffered or isolated by power amplifier 1424. This will be used to connect to the communications interface 205. The communications interface (205) can process the signals from the power amplifier 1424 and transmit them over a wired or wireless interface to other devices like a base station, mobile device, or building. Extractor 1432 can route signals not being extracted to this location to another frequency mixer 1436. The signals will be used to modulate the carrier wave generated locally by the oscillator 1414. The carrier wave and its subcarriers are directed to a power amplifier. (?PA?) 1416 is retransmitted via waveguide coupling device 1404 to another system, via diplexer1420.
An LNA 1426 is able to amplify, buffer or isolate signals received by the communication interface. The signal then goes to a multiplexer 1434 that merges the signals with those received from the waveguide coupling device 1404. After the signals from coupling device 1404 are split, they pass through diplexer 1420 and then downshifted by frequency mixer 1438. Multiplexer 1434 combines the signals and boosts them by PA 1410. Finally, the signals are transmitted to another system via waveguide coupling device 1402. An embodiment of a bidirectional repeater system is a repeater that does not require the output device 1422. This embodiment would not use the multiplexer 1434 and signals from LNA1418 would be directed towards mixer 1430, as previously described. In some cases, the bidirectional repeater could be implemented with two separate and distinct unidirectional repeaters. A bidirectional repeater system can also be used to boost or perform retransmissions with no downshifting or upshifting. In this example, retransmissions are based on receiving a signal, guided wave, and processing the signal, filtering, or amplifying it before retransmitting the signal.
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