KR102583381B1 - Communication devices and systems with coupling devices and waveguides - Google Patents

Abstract

At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a communication device for propagating electromagnetic waves around a blocking structure. The communication device includes a passive coupling device for capturing electromagnetic waves, and a waveguide electromagnetically coupled to the coupling device. The waveguide is disposed around the blocking structure. The waveguide has a resonant frequency that matches the coupling device. The waveguide is configured to propagate electromagnetic waves that are captured by the coupling device.

Description

Communication devices and systems with coupling devices and waveguides

The present disclosure relates to waveguides and coupling devices using high dielectric resonator(s).

At least some aspects of the disclosure include a passive coupling device disposed proximate a first side of a blocking structure and configured to capture electromagnetic waves, proximate a second side of the blocking structure. Characterized by a communication device for propagating electromagnetic waves around a blocking structure, comprising a transmitter disposed so as to transmit electromagnetic waves, and a coupling device and a waveguide electromagnetically coupled to the transmitter and disposed about the blocking structure. The waveguide has a resonant frequency that matches the coupling device. The waveguide is configured to propagate electromagnetic waves that are captured by the coupling device. The transmitter is configured to reradiate electromagnetic waves.

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification and, together with the detailed description, illustrate the advantages and principles of the present invention. In the drawing,
1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system or device including a waveguide with a high dielectric resonator.
2A illustrates an example conceptual diagram of a communication system using waveguides with HDR; Figure 2B is an EM amplitude plot of the communication system illustrated in Figure 2A; FIG. 2C shows a comparative plot of the communication system illustrated in FIG. 2A with and without HDR.
2D illustrates an example conceptual diagram of a communication system using waveguides with HDR; Figure 2E is an EM amplitude plot of the communication system illustrated in Figure 2D; FIG. 2F shows a comparative plot of the communication system illustrated in FIG. 2D with and without HDR.
3A-3G illustrate some example arrangements of HDR.
4A-4C are block diagrams illustrating various shapes that can be used in the structure of HDR.
4D is a block diagram illustrating an example of a spherical HDR coated with a base material.
FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a body area network (“BAN”) using waveguides with HDR.
5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveguide used in a communication system.
5C is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system to be used in an enclosure.
6 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a communication device 600 to be used with a blocking structure.
7A-7D illustrate some examples of coupling devices.
In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate like elements. Although the foregoing drawings, which may not be drawn to scale, present various embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the detailed description. In all instances, this disclosure is described as an expression of illustrative embodiments and not as an explicit limitation of the presently disclosed disclosure. It should be understood that many other variations and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be achieved by a person skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein. The use of a numerical range by an endpoint includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range. Includes.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. do. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed to include “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

At least some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a waveguide having a base material with a low relative permittivity and a plurality of high dielectric resonators (HDRs), wherein the HDRs are configured to allow energy transfer between the HDRs. are separated. HDR is an object made to resonate at a specific frequency and may be made of a ceramic-type material, for example. When an electromagnetic (EM) wave with a frequency at or near the resonance frequency of the HDR passes through the HDR, the energy of the wave is transferred efficiently. When energy transfer between HDRs is performed in combination with efficient and low-loss transfer of EM wave energy due to the resonance of the HDRs, the EM waves have a power ratio exceeding 3 times the power ratio of the initially received wave. It can have a power ratio. In some cases, HDR is placed within the base material. In some cases, HDR is coated with a base material. In some embodiments, the waveguide is electromagnetically coupled to a first transceiver and a second transceiver such that a signal is transmitted from the first transceiver through the waveguide to the second transceiver or vice versa and then to the first and/or second transceiver. 2 Enables wireless transmission from the transceiver. In some cases, the waveguide may be placed on or integrated with clothing, allowing the clothing to facilitate signal collection and/or propagation on the human body. In some cases, the first and/or second transceiver is electrically coupled to one or more sensors and configured to transmit or receive sensor signals.

At least some aspects of the present disclosure relate to communications devices or systems for use on blocking structures that do not allow propagation of electromagnetic waves within certain wavelength bands. In some cases, the communication system includes a first coupling device disposed proximate to one side of the blocking structure, a waveguide disposed on or integral with the blocking structure, and proximate to another side (e.g., an opposing side) of the blocking structure. It may include a second coupling device disposed. The waveguide is electromagnetically coupled to the first coupling device and the second coupling device. A combined device refers to a device that can effectively capture EM waves and re-radiate EM waves. For example, the coupling device may be a dielectric lens, a patch antenna array, a Yagi antenna, a metamaterial coupling element, etc. In some embodiments, a first coupling device can capture an incident EM wave and propagate the EM wave through the waveguide to a second coupling device, and the second coupling device can re-radiate a corresponding EM wave.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system or device including a waveguide with a high dielectric resonator, in accordance with one or more techniques of the present disclosure. In this system 100, waveguide 110 is electromagnetically coupled to transceivers 130 and 140. The waveguide includes a base material 115 and a plurality of HDRs 120 distributed in a pattern throughout the waveguide 110 . Waveguide 110 receives a signal from one of the two transceivers, which propagates through HDR 120 and into opposite ends of waveguide 110. The signal may be, for example, an electromagnetic wave, an acoustic wave, etc. In some examples, the signal is a 60 GHz millimeter wave signal. The signal exits the waveguide 110 through one of two transceivers. In the illustrated example, the waveguide is coupled with two transceivers; The waveguide can be combined with three or more transceivers. In some cases, one or more of the transceivers are merely transmitters. In some cases, one or more of the transceivers are merely receivers.

The waveguide 110 is a structure that guides waves. Waveguide 110 generally constrains the signal to travel in one dimension. Waves typically propagate in multiple directions when in open space, for example as spherical waves. When this happens, the wave loses its power in proportion to the square of the distance it travels. Under ideal conditions, when the waveguide receives and constrains the wave to travel in only a single direction, the wave loses little or no power while propagating.

In some embodiments, the base material 115 is a material such as Teflon®, quartz glass, cordierite, borosilicate glass, perfluoroalkoxy, polyurethane, polyethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, etc. It can be included. In some cases, the base material may include, for example, copper, brass, silver, aluminum, or other metals with low bulk resistivity. In one example, waveguide 110 has a size of 2.5 mm x 1.25 mm and is made of Teflon (registered trademark) with relative permittivity ε _r = 2.1 and loss tangent = 0.0002, where the There is 1 mm thick aluminum cladding on the inner walls.

Waveguide 110 is a structure made of a low dielectric constant material, for example, Teflon (registered trademark). In another example, the substrate portion of waveguide 110 may be made of a material such as quartz glass, cordierite, borosilicate glass, perfluoroalkoxy, polyethylene, or fluorinated ethylene propylene, for example. In some examples, waveguide 110 has a trapezoidal shape, with a tapered end positioned proximate one end of waveguide 110. In one example, waveguide 110 is formed of a Teflon® substrate 46 cm long and 25.5 mm thick, with the HDR sphere having a relative permittivity of 40, a radius of 8.5 mm, and a lattice constant of 25.5 mm. (lattice constant), and at this time, the gap between the transceiver 130 and the waveguide 110 is 5 mm.

In some embodiments, waveguide 110 includes a plurality of HDRs 120 arranged within base material 115 such that the grid distance between adjacent HDRs is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave through which it is designed to propagate. In some embodiments, waveguide 110 includes a plurality of HDRs 120 arranged in an array within base material 115. In some examples, such arrays are two-dimensional grid arrays. In some cases, these arrays are regular arrays. A regular array may be, for example, a periodic array such that adjacent HDRs have approximately the same distance along one dimension.

In some examples, the resonant frequency of the HDR is selected to match the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. In some examples, the resonant frequencies of the plurality of resonators are within the millimeter wave band. In one example, the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is 60 GHz. Each of these HDRs can then refract the wave towards each HDR having the same vertical placement within a single vertical line of three equally spaced HDRs. A standing wave that vibrates with a large amplitude is formed within the waveguide 110.

HDRs 120 may also be arranged in other arrays with specific spacing. For example, HDRs 120 are arranged in a row with predetermined spacing. In some cases, HDR can be arranged in a three-dimensional array. For example, HDR can be arranged in a cylindrical shape, a stacked matrix, a pipe shape, etc. The HDRs 120 may be spaced apart in such a way that the resonance of one HDR transfers energy to any surrounding HDRs. This spacing is related to the Mie resonance of HDR 120 and system efficiency. The spacing can be selected to improve system efficiency by taking into account the wavelength of any electromagnetic waves in the system. Each HDR 120 has a diameter and a lattice constant. In some examples, the lattice constant and resonant frequency are selected based at least in part on the relative permittivity of the waveguide and HDR. The lattice constant is the distance from the center of one HDR to the center of a neighboring HDR. In some examples, HDR 120 may have a grid constant of 1 mm. In some examples, the lattice constant is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

The ratio of the diameter of the HDR to the lattice constant of the HDR (diameter D /lattice constant a ) can be used to characterize the geometric arrangement of the HDR 120 within the waveguide 110. This ratio may vary depending on the relative dielectric constant difference (contrast) of the base material and HDR. In some examples, the ratio of the diameter of the resonator to the lattice constant is less than 1. In one example, D may be 0.7 mm and a may be 1 mm, with the ratio being 0.7. The higher this ratio, the lower the coupling efficiency of the waveguide. In one example, the maximum limit of the lattice constant for the geometric arrangement of HDR 120 as shown in FIG. 1 would be the wavelength of the emitted wave. The lattice constant must be smaller than the wavelength, but for high efficiency, the lattice constant must be much smaller than the wavelength. The relative magnitude of these parameters may vary depending on the difference in relative permittivity of the base material and HDR. The grating constant can be selected to achieve the desired performance within the wavelength of the emitted wave. In one example, the lattice constant may be 1 mm and the wavelength may be 5 mm, i.e., the lattice constant is 1/5 of the wavelength. Generally, the wavelength (λ) is the wavelength in the air medium. If other dielectric materials are used in the medium, the wavelength for these equations must be replaced by λ _eff , which is:

Here, ε _r is the relative permittivity of the medium material.

The high relative permittivity difference between the base material 115 of the waveguide 110 and the HDR 120 causes excitation in a distinct resonant mode of the HDR 120. In other words, the material from which the HDR 120 is formed has a higher relative dielectric constant than the relative dielectric constant of the base material of the waveguide 110. A higher difference will provide higher performance, and therefore the relative dielectric constant of HDR 120 is an important parameter in determining the resonance characteristics of HDR 120. A low difference may create a weak resonance for HDR 120 because energy will leak into the base material of waveguide 110. A high difference provides an approximation of a perfect boundary condition, meaning that little or no energy leaks into the base material of waveguide 110. This approximation can be assumed for examples where the material forming HDR 120 has a relative permittivity greater than 5 to 10 times that of the base material 115 of waveguide 110. In some cases, each of HDRs 120 has a relative permittivity that is at least five times that of base material 115. In some examples, each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant that is at least two times greater than the relative dielectric constant of base material 115. In another example, each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant that is at least 10 times greater than the relative dielectric constant of the base material 115. For a given resonant frequency, the higher the relative dielectric constant, the smaller the dielectric resonator, and the more concentrated the energy is within the dielectric resonator. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 20. In some cases, each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 50. In some cases, each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 100. In some cases, each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant in the range of 200 to 20,000.

In some embodiments, HDR can be processed to increase the relative dielectric constant. For example, at least one of the HDR is heat treated. As another example, at least one of the HDRs is sintered. In such an example, at least one of the HDRs may be sintered at a temperature above 600° C. for a period of 2 to 4 hours. In other cases, at least one of the HDRs may be sintered at a temperature above 900° C. for a period of 2 to 4 hours. In some embodiments, the base material includes Teflon®, quartz glass, cordierite, borosilicate glass, perfluoroalkoxy, polyurethane, polyethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, combinations thereof, etc. In some cases, the base material has a relative permittivity in the range of 1 to 20. In some cases, the base material has a relative permittivity in the range of 1 to 10. In some cases, the base material has a relative permittivity in the range of 1 to 7. In some cases, the base material has a relative permittivity in the range of 1 to 5.

In some examples, the plurality of resonators are made from ceramic materials. HDR 120 may be any of a variety of ceramic materials, including, for example, BaZnTa oxide, BaZnCoNb oxide, zirconium-based ceramics, titanium-based ceramics, barium titanate-based materials, titanium oxide-based materials, Y5V, and X7R compositions, among others. It can be manufactured as HDR 120 includes one doped or undoped barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), barium strontium titanate (BaSrTiO ₃ ), Y5V, and X7R composition, TiO ₂ (titanium dioxide), calcium copper titanate (CaCu _{3 )} . _{Ti 4} O _{12 ) , lead zirconium titanate} ( _{PbZr 2/3} )O ₃ .-PbTiO ₃ ), titanium iron tantalate (FeTiTaO ₆ ), NiO co-doped with Li and Ti (La _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ , Nd _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ ), and combinations thereof. It can be manufactured with at least one of. In one example, HDR 120 may have a relative permittivity of 40. In some embodiments, the waveguide is flexible. For example, the waveguide has HDR made of BaTiO ₃ and a base material of silicon composite.

Although illustrated as spherical for illustrative purposes in Figure 1, in other examples, HDR 120 may be formed in a variety of different shapes. In another example, each HDR 120 may have a cylindrical shape. In another example, each of HDRs 120 may have a cubic or other parallelepiped shape. In some examples, each HDR may have a rectangular shape or an oval shape. HDR 120 can take on different geometric shapes. The functionality of HDR 120 may vary depending on its shape, as described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C.

The transceiver 130 and/or 140 may be a device that emits electromagnetic wave signals. Transceiver 130 and/or 140 may also be a device that receives waves from waveguide 110. The wave may be any electromagnetic wave within the radio-frequency spectrum, including, for example, 60 GHz millimeter waves. In some embodiments, the resonant frequencies of the plurality of resonators are within the millimeter wave range. In some cases, the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is close to 60 GHz. In some cases, the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is within the infrared frequency range. Waveguide 110 of system 100 can be used for any wave, for example within a band of the radio-frequency spectrum, as long as the HDR diameter and lattice constant follow the constraints mentioned above. In some examples, waveguide 110 may be useful in the millimeter wave band of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some examples, waveguide 110 may be used with signals of frequencies ranging, for example, from 10 GHz to 120 GHz. In another example, waveguide 110 may be used with signals of frequencies ranging, for example, from 10 GHz to 300 GHz.

Waveguide 110 with HDR 120 can be used in a variety of systems, including, for example, body communication networks, body sensor networks, 60 GHz communication, underground communication, etc. there is. In some examples, a waveguide, such as waveguide 110 of FIG. 1, may be formed to include a substrate and a plurality of high dielectric constant resonators, where the arrangement of the HDRs within the substrate is controlled during formation such that the HDRs are spaced from each other at a selected distance. do. The distance between the HDRs, i.e. the grating constant, can be selected based on the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal with which the waveguide will be used. For example, the lattice constant can be much smaller than the wavelength. In some examples, during formation of waveguide 110, the substrate material of waveguide 110 may be divided into multiple portions. Once there is determination of the position of the plane of HDR, the substrate material can be segmented. Semi-spherical grooves may be included within multiple portions of the substrate material at the location of each HDR. In other examples with differently shaped HDRs, semi-cylindrical or semi-rectangular grooves may be included in the substrate material. The HDR can then be placed within the grooves of the substrate material. Multiple portions of substrate material can then be combined to form a single waveguide structure with HDR embedded throughout. Although Figure 1 illustrates a communications device/system with two transceivers coupled to a waveguide, one skilled in the art could easily design a communications device/system with multiple transceivers coupled to more than one waveguide.

2A illustrates an example conceptual diagram of a communication system 200A using waveguides with HDR; Figure 2B is an EM amplitude plot of communication system 200A; FIG. 2C shows a comparative plot of communication system 200A with and without HDR. Communication system 200A includes a closed loop waveguide 210A coupled to two transceivers 230A, 240A, where transceiver 230A is better visible in FIG. 2B. Waveguide 210A includes a base material 215A and a plurality of HDRs 220A. The transceiver 230A receives the 2.4 GHz EM wave signal and propagates this signal through the waveguide 210A. As the plot in FIG. 2B shows, the EM field strength is strong at transceiver 230A and remains greater than 5.11 V/m along HDR 220A. As illustrated in Figure 2C, at 2.4 GHz, the S-parameter for the waveguide with HDR as illustrated in Figure 2A is -38.16 dB, and the S-parameter for the waveguide without HDR is -80.85 dB, where S-parameters describe the signal relationship between two transceivers.

2D illustrates an example conceptual diagram of a communication system 200D using waveguides with HDR; Figure 2E is an EM amplitude plot of communication system 200D; FIG. 2F shows a comparative plot of communication system 200D with and without HDR. Communication system 200D includes an “L” shaped waveguide 210D coupled to two transceivers 230D and 240D. Waveguide 210D includes a base material 215D and a plurality of HDRs 220D. The transceiver 240D receives the 2.4 GHz EM wave signal and propagates this signal through the waveguide 210D. As the plot in Figure 2D shows, the EM field strength is strong at transceiver 240D and remains greater than 5.11 V/m along HDR 220A. As illustrated in Figure 2F, at 2.4 GHz, the S-parameter for the waveguide with HDR is -29.68 dB and the S-parameter for the waveguide without HDR is -45.38 dB, as illustrated in Figure 2C.

3A-3G illustrate some example arrangements of HDR. The diagram uses circles to indicate HDR; Each HDR may use any configuration of HDR described herein. FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a waveguide 300A with a plurality of HDRs 310A arranged in an array, where the array has substantially equal alignment between each row. In some cases, four adjacent HDRs in two adjacent rows form a rectangular shape 315A. In some cases, 315A is generally square, i.e. the distance between two adjacent rows is the same distance as the distance between two adjacent HDRs in a row. In some embodiments, adjacent HDRs within a row have substantially equal spacing. In some embodiments, for a row where the desired spacing between adjacent HDRs is S, the distance between any two adjacent HDRs within a row is within the range S*(1±40%). FIG. 3B illustrates another example of a waveguide 300B with a plurality of HDRs 310B arranged in an array, where the array has a different alignment between two adjacent rows. In some cases, four adjacent HDRs in two adjacent rows form a parallelogram 315B. In some cases, four HDRs in every two rows form a rectangular shape 317B. In some cases, every two adjacent rows have approximately the same distance.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a waveguide 300C with a plurality of HDRs 310C arranged in an array, where the array has a different alignment between two adjacent rows. In some cases, four adjacent HDRs in three adjacent rows form a square 315C. In some other cases, the distance between two adjacent HDRs in one row is approximately the same as the distance between two adjacent HDRs between two rows. In some cases, four HDRs in every two rows form a rectangular shape 317C. In some cases, rectangular shape 317C is square.

FIG. 3D illustrates an example of a waveguide 300D having a plurality of HDRs 310D arranged in a pattern, where the HDRs have various sizes and/or shapes. In some cases, the at least two HDRs have different sizes and/or shapes. In some cases, the first set of HDRs have a different size and/or shape than the size and/or shape of the second set of HDRs. In some cases, the first set of HDRs are formed of a material having a first relative permittivity that is different from the second relative permittivity of the materials used in the second set of HDRs. The pattern of the set of HDRs of each size, shape, and/or material may use any of the patterns described herein, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. In the example illustrated in Figure 3D, four adjacent HDRs in two adjacent rows form a rectangular shape 315D. FIG. 3E illustrates an example of a waveguide 300D having a plurality of HDRs 310D positioned in a controlled manner such that the distance of adjacent HDRs is less than the wavelength of the EM wave to be propagated. In some cases, HDR 310D has generally the same size, shape, and/or material. In some other cases, HDR 310D may have a different size, shape, and/or material. In such cases, the HDRs are placed in such a way that the distance of adjacent HDRs within the same set is less than the wavelength of the EM wave to be propagated. In some cases, as illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E, HDRs of different sizes and/or shapes may propagate EM waves within different wavelength ranges. For example, using a material with a relative permittivity of 40, a small HDR with a diameter of 0.68 mm propagates EM waves within the 60 GHz range; The medium HDR with a diameter of 7 mm propagates EM waves in the 5.8 GHz range; The large HDR with a diameter of 17 mm propagates EM waves within the 2.4 GHz range.

In some embodiments, the HDRs within the waveguide may include separate sets of HDRs made of different dielectric materials such that each set of HDRs has a distinct relative dielectric constant and is capable of propagating EM waves of a specific wavelength range. In some cases, the waveguide includes a first set of HDRs having a first relative permittivity and a second set of HDRs having a second relative permittivity that is different from the first relative permittivity. In some configurations, the first set of HDRs are arranged in a first pattern and the second set of HDRs are arranged in a second pattern, where the second pattern may be the same as the first pattern or may be different from the first pattern. In some configurations, as illustrated in FIG. 3D, each set of HDRs are arranged in a regular pattern. In some configurations, as illustrated in Figure 3E, each set of HDRs is placed in a controlled manner such that the distance of adjacent HDRs is less than the wavelength of the EM wave to be propagated.

FIG. 3F illustrates an example of a waveguide 300F with one row of HDR 310F. Adjacent HDRs 310F may have substantially the same distance as illustrated. In some other cases, the distance between adjacent HDRs 310F is within the range S*(1±40%), where S is the desired distance between adjacent HDRs 310F. In some cases, HDRs 310F are positioned in a controlled manner such that the distance of adjacent HDRs is less than the wavelength of the EM wave to be propagated. In some implementations, waveguide 300F may include attachment devices, such as adhesive strips, adhesive segments, hook or loop fastener(s), etc.

Figure 3G illustrates an example of a stacked waveguide 300G. Waveguide 300G has three sections 301G, 302G, and 303G. Each section 301G, 302G, or 303G includes a plurality of HDRs 310G. Each section 301G, 302G, or 303G may have HDRs 310G arranged in any pattern illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F. In the illustrated example, HDR 310G is arranged in one row for each section. Two adjacent sections have overlapping sections 315D, which include at least two HDRs to allow EM wave propagation across the sections.

4A-4C are block diagrams illustrating various shapes that can be used in the construction of HDR, according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. 4A illustrates an example of spherical HDR, according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. Spherical HDR 80 can be made of a variety of ceramic materials, including, for example, BaZnTa oxide, BaZnCoNb oxide, Zr-based ceramics, titanium-based ceramics, barium titanate-based materials, titanium oxide-based materials, Y5V, and X7R compositions, etc. . HDRs 82 and 84 of FIGS. 6B and 6C may be manufactured from similar materials. The spherical HDR 80 is symmetrical, so the angle of incidence of the antenna and the emitted wave does not affect the system as a whole. The relative permittivity of the HDR sphere 80 is directly related to the resonant frequency. For example, at the same resonant frequency, the size of HDR sphere 80 can be reduced by using a higher relative permittivity material. The TM resonance frequency for the HDR sphere 80 can be calculated using the following formula for mode S and pole n :

The TE resonance frequency for HDR sphere 80 can be calculated for mode S and pole n using the formula:

Here, a is the radius of the cylindrical resonator.

4B is a block diagram illustrating an example of cylindrical HDR, according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. The cylindrical HDR 82 is not symmetrical about all axes. As such, the angle of incidence of the antenna and the emitted wave with respect to the cylindrical HDR 82, in contrast to the symmetrical spherical HDR 80 of FIG. 4A, varies depending on the angle of incidence for the wave as it passes through the cylindrical HDR 82. It may have the effect of polarization. The approximate resonance frequency of the TE _{01 n} mode for an isolated cylindrical HDR 82 can be calculated using the formula:

Here, a is the radius of the cylindrical resonator and L is its length. Both a and L are in millimeters. The resonant frequency f _㎓ is in gigahertz. These formulas have the range: 0.5 < a / L < 2 and 30 < ε _r Accurate to about 2% within <50.

4C is a block diagram illustrating an example of cubic HDR, in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. The cubic HDR (84) is not symmetrical about all axes. As such, the angle of incidence of the antenna and the emitted wave with respect to the cylindrical HDR 82 changes the effect of polarization on the wave as it passes through the cubic HDR 84, in contrast to the symmetrical spherical HDR 80 of Figure 4A. You can have Approximately, the lowest resonant frequency for cubic HDR 84 is:

Here, a is the cube side length, and c is the speed of light in air.

4D is a block diagram illustrating an example of a spherical HDR 88 coated with base material 90. This can be used to control the spacing between HDRs. In some cases, this can be used in the manufacturing procedure to control the regular lattice constant of the array in HDR. For example, the sphere HDR 88 has a diameter of 17 mm with a coating thickness of base material 90 equal to 4.25 mm.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a body area network (“BAN”) 500A using waveguide 510A with HDR. Waveguide 510A may use any of the configurations described herein. As illustrated in this example, waveguide 510A is disposed on or integrated with clothing 520A. In some cases, waveguide 510A may be in the form of a strip of tape that may be attached to clothing 520A. In some other cases, waveguide 510A is an integrated part of garment 520A. In some cases, BAN 500A includes several miniaturized body sensor units (“BSUs”) 530A. The BSU 530A may include, for example, a blood pressure sensor, an insulin pump sensor, an ECG sensor, an EMG sensor, a motion sensor, etc. BSU 530A is electrically coupled to waveguide 510A. “Electrically coupled” refers to being electrically connected or wirelessly connected. In some cases, BAN 500A may be used with sensors applied to an individual's surroundings, such as helmets, body armor, equipment in use, etc.

In some cases, one or more components of BSU 530A are integrated with a transceiver (not illustrated) that is electromagnetically coupled to waveguide 510A. In some cases, one or more components of BSU 530A are disposed on garment 520A. In some cases, one or more components of BSU 530A are placed on the human body and electromagnetically coupled to a transceiver or waveguide 510A. BSU 530A may communicate wirelessly with control unit 540A via waveguide 510A. Control unit 540A may also communicate via cellular network 550A or wireless network 560A.

5B illustrates an example of a waveguide 510B used in communication system 500B. Communication system 500B includes two communication components 520B and 530B that propagate EM waves. For example, component 520B and/or 530B includes a dielectric resonator. As another example, a dielectric resonator is disposed on the surface of component 520B and/or 530B. Communication system 500B also includes a waveguide 510B disposed between two components 520B and 530B and capable of propagating EM waves from one component to the other. Waveguide 510B may use any of the configurations described herein.

5C illustrates an example of a communication system 500C to be used in an enclosure 540C, for example a vehicle. Communication system 500C includes a transceiver 520C located within enclosure 540C, a transceiver 530C located outside of enclosure 540C or in a location allowing EM wave air propagation, and transceivers 520C, 530C. It includes an electromagnetically coupled waveguide 510C. In the example of an enclosure that interrupts EM wave propagation, communication system 500C allows two-way or one-way communication of signals carried by EM waves into and out of the enclosure. Waveguide 510C may use any of the configurations described herein.

6 illustrates a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a communications device 600 to be used with a blocking structure 650. A blocking structure refers to a structure that will cause significant loss or disruption of a wireless signal within a given wavelength. The blocking structure may cause reflection and refraction of the transmitted wireless signal, resulting in signal loss. For example, the barrier structure may be, for example, a concrete wall with metal, metalized glass, leaded glass, a metal wall, etc. In some cases, communication device 600 captures a wireless signal on one end (e.g., in front of a wall), guides this signal in a predefined manner (e.g., around a wall), and directs this wireless signal to another end (e.g., in front of a wall). It is a passive device that can re-transmit on the back of the device. Communication device 600 includes a first passive coupling device 610 , a second passive coupling device 620 , and a waveguide 630 . Waveguide 630 may use any waveguide configuration described herein.

The blocking structure 650 has a first side 651 and a second side 652. In some cases, first side 651 is adjacent to second side 652. In some cases, first side 651 is opposite second side 652. In some cases, the first coupling device is disposed proximate the first side of the blocking structure and is configured to capture incident electromagnetic waves 615 - also referred to as wireless signals. The second coupling device 620 is disposed proximate the second side of the blocking structure. Waveguide 630 is electromagnetically coupled to first and second coupling devices 610, 620 and disposed around blocking structure 650. In some cases, waveguide 630 has a resonant frequency that matches the first and second coupling devices 610, 620. The waveguide 630 is configured to propagate the electromagnetic wave 615 captured by the first coupling device 610 toward the second coupling device. The second coupling device 620 is configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave 625 corresponding to the incident electromagnetic wave 615 . In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave can be configured such that a second coupling device 620 captures the incident electromagnetic wave and couples the electromagnetic wave into a waveguide 630, wherein the waveguide 630 propagates the electromagnetic wave toward the first coupling device 610. And, so that the first coupling device 610 can transmit electromagnetic waves, they can propagate in the opposite direction.

In some embodiments, at least one of the two coupling devices 610, 620 is a passive EM collector designed to capture EM waves within a range of wavelengths. The coupling device may be, for example, a dielectric lens, patch antenna, Yagi antenna, metamaterial coupling element, etc. In some cases, the combining device has a gain of at least 1. In some cases, the combined device has a gain in the range of 1.5 to 3. In some cases, the combining device has a gain of at least 1. In some cases, when directivity is desired, for example to only couple energy from a particular source or to block energy from sources such as other angles or interferers, the combining device may at least It can have a gain of 10 to 30.

7A-7D illustrate some examples of coupling devices. In Figure 7A, coupling device 710A is a dielectric lens. Communication device 700A includes a coupling device 710A and a waveguide 730 that is electromagnetically coupled to coupling device 710A. Coupling device 710A is disposed proximate one side of blocking structure 750. Dielectric lens 710A may collect electromagnetic waves from the surrounding environment and couple these electromagnetic waves to waveguide 730. In Figure 7B, coupling device 710B is a patch antenna. Communication device 700B includes a coupling device 710B and a waveguide 730 that is electromagnetically coupled to coupling device 710B. Coupling device 710B is disposed proximate one side of blocking structure 750. In the illustrated example, the patch antenna 710B includes a patch antenna array 712B capable of collecting electromagnetic waves from the surrounding environment, a feeding network 714B for transmitting electromagnetic waves, and coupling the electromagnetic waves to the waveguide 730. Shiki includes a secondary patch 716B, and ground 718B.

In Figure 7C, coupling device 710C is a Yagi antenna. Communication device 700C includes a coupling device 710C and a waveguide 730 that is electromagnetically coupled to coupling device 710C. Coupling device 710C is disposed proximate one side of blocking structure 750. In the illustrated example, Yagi antenna 710C includes a director 712C capable of collecting electromagnetic waves from the surrounding environment, a ground plane/reflector 716C, a support 718C, and a conductor 718C capable of collecting electromagnetic waves from the surrounding environment. Includes a binding patch 714C. Support 718C may be formed of a non-conductive material.

7D illustrates an example of coupling device 710D. Coupling device 710D is a metamaterial coupling element that includes a top layer 712D and a grounding element 720D. Top layer 712D is disposed on one side of waveguide 730 and ground element 720D is disposed on the opposite side of waveguide 730. In some embodiments, top layer 712D may be formed of a solid metal. Top layer 712D includes a plurality of ring elements 715D disposed thereon. In some embodiments, ring element 715D may be disposed on any dielectric substrate, or directly on the surface of waveguide 730. Ring element 715D may be made of a conductive material such as copper, silver, gold, etc., for example. In some cases, ring elements may be printed on top layer 712D. In some cases, ground element 720D may be a solid metal ground plane. In some cases, ground element 720D may have ring elements 715D (not shown) in the same pattern as top layer 712D. In some cases, top layer 712D may include a conductive layer, where the conductive layer is etched away from ring element 715D.

Illustrative Embodiments

Item A1.

2 transceivers,

A waveguide for propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetically coupled to two transceivers, the waveguide comprising a base material and a plurality of resonators arranged in a pattern, the plurality of resonators having a resonant frequency,

Each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant greater than the relative dielectric constant of the base material,

A device, wherein at least two of the plurality of resonators are spaced apart according to a lattice constant that defines the distance between the center of a first resonator of the resonators and the center of an adjacent second resonator of the resonators.

Item A2. The device of item A1, further comprising a substrate, wherein the waveguide is disposed on or integrated with the substrate.

Item A3. The device of item A2, wherein the two transceivers are disposed on a substrate.

Item A4. The device of any one of items A1 through A3, wherein the waveguide is flexible.

Item A5. The device of any one of items A1 through A4, wherein the plurality of resonators are disposed in or on the base material.

Item A6. The device of any one of items A1-A5, wherein the base material is coated on at least some of the plurality of resonators.

Item A7. The device of any one of items A1 to A6, wherein at least one of the two transceivers is a transmitter.

Item A8. The device of any one of items A1 to A7, comprising:

The device further comprising a first sensor electrically coupled to a first of the two transceivers and configured to generate a first detection signal.

Item A9. The device of item A8, wherein the first transceiver is configured to transmit the first sensing signal to the second transceiver through the waveguide.

Item A10. The device of item A8, further comprising a second sensor electrically coupled to a second of the two transceivers.

Item A11. The device of any one of items A1 to A10, wherein the lattice constant is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

Item A12. The apparatus of any one of items A1 through A11, wherein the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is selected based at least in part on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

Item A13. The device of any one of items A1 through A12, wherein the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is selected to match the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

Item A14. The device of any one of items A1 through A13, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the resonator to the lattice constant is less than 1.

Item A15. The device of any one of items A1 through A14, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity that is at least 5 times the relative permittivity of the base material.

Item A16. The device of any one of items A1 through A15, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant that is at least 10 times the relative dielectric constant of the base material.

Item A17. The device of any one of items A1 through A16, wherein the resonant frequencies of the plurality of resonators are within the millimeter wave range.

Item A18. The device of any one of items A1 to A17, wherein the resonance frequency of the plurality of resonators is close to 60 GHz.

Item A19. The device of any one of items A1 through A18, wherein the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is within the infrared frequency range.

Item A20. The device of any one of items A1 through A19, wherein the plurality of resonators are made of a ceramic material.

Item A21. The device of any one of items A1 through A20, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 10.

Item A22. The device of any one of items A1 through A21, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 20.

Item A23. The device of any one of items A1 through A22, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 50.

Item A24. The device of any one of items A1 through A23, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 100.

Item A25. The device of any one of items A1 through A24, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant in the range of 200 to 20,000.

Item A26. The device of any one of items A1 through A25, wherein the plurality of resonators includes one doped or undoped barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), barium strontium titanate (BaSrTiO ₃ ), Y5V, and X7R composition, TiO ₂ (dioxide) titanium), calcium copper titanate (CaCu ₃ Ti ₄ O ₁₂ ), lead zirconium titanate (PbZr _x Ti _{1- x} O ₃ ), lead titanate (PbTiO ₃ ), lead magnesium titanate (PbMgTiO ₃ ), lead magnesium titanate Lead (Pb (Mg _1/3 Nb _2/3 )O ₃ .-PbTiO ₃ ), titanium iron tantalate (FeTiTaO ₆ ), NiO co-doped with Li and Ti (La _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ , Nd _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ ), and combinations thereof.

Item A27. The device of any one of items A1 through A26, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is heat treated.

Item A28. The device of any one of items A1 through A27, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is sintered.

Item A29. The device of item A28, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is sintered at a temperature above 600° C. for a period of 2 to 4 hours.

Item A30. The device of item A28, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is sintered at a temperature above 900° C. for a period of 2 to 4 hours.

Item A31. The device of item A4, wherein the base material comprises at least one of Teflon®, quartz glass, cordierite, borosilicate glass, perfluoroalkoxy, polyurethane, polyethylene, and fluorinated ethylene propylene.

Item A32. The device of any one of items A1 to A31, wherein the base material has a relative dielectric constant in the range of 1 to 20.

Item A33. The device of any one of items A1 to A32, wherein the base material has a relative permittivity in the range of 1 to 10.

Item A34. The device of any one of items A1 to A33, wherein the base material has a relative permittivity in the range of 1 to 7.

Item A35. The device of any one of items A1 to A34, wherein the base material has a relative permittivity in the range of 1 to 5.

Item A36. The device of any one of items A1 through A35, wherein the plurality of resonators are formed having one of a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a cubic shape, a rectangular shape, or an elliptical shape.

Item A37. A wearable device, including the device of item A1.

Item A38. The wearable device of item A37, further comprising one or more sensors, each sensor being associated with a respective one of the two transceivers.

Item A39. Wearable device of item A38, wherein the transceiver is associated with two or more sensors.

Item A40. The wearable device of any one of items A37 to A39, wherein the wearable device is clothing.

Item A41.

A first transceiver and a second transceiver; and

A wireless communication system comprising a regular array of resonators forming a waveguide extending between a first transceiver and a second transceiver and coupled to the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

Item A42. The wireless communication system of item A41, wherein the waveguide includes a non-linear portion.

Item A43. As a waveguide for propagating electromagnetic waves,

It includes a plurality of resonators having a resonant frequency,

Each of the plurality of resonators is coated with a base material,

A waveguide wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant greater than that of the base material.

Item A44. The waveguide of item A43, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant that is at least five times that of the base material.

Item A45. The waveguide of item A43 or item A44, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity that is at least 10 times the relative permittivity of the base material.

Item A46. The waveguide of any one of items A43 to A45, wherein the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is selected to match the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

Item A47. The waveguide of any one of items A43 to A46, wherein the plurality of resonators are formed having one of a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a cubic shape, a rectangular shape, or an elliptical shape.

Item A48. As a waveguide for propagating electromagnetic waves,

base material,

a first set of dielectric resonators each having generally a first size, and

a second set of dielectric resonators each having a second size generally greater than the first size;

A waveguide, wherein each of the first set of dielectric resonators and the second set of dielectric resonators has a relative dielectric constant greater than the relative dielectric constant of the base material.

Item B1. A communication device for propagating electromagnetic waves around a blocking structure,

a passive coupling device disposed proximate the first side of the blocking structure and configured to capture electromagnetic waves;

a transmitter disposed proximate the second side of the blocking structure;

A waveguide electromagnetically coupled to the coupling device and the transmitter and disposed about the blocking structure, the waveguide having a resonant frequency matched to the coupling device, the waveguide configured to propagate electromagnetic waves captured by the coupling device,

A communication device, wherein the transmitter is configured to re-radiate electromagnetic waves.

Item B2. The device of item B1, wherein the coupling device includes a dielectric lens.

Item B3. The device of item B1 or item B2, wherein the combination device includes a patch antenna.

Item B4. The device of any one of items B1 to B3, wherein the coupling device comprises a metamaterial coupling element.

Item B5. The device of any one of items B1-B4, wherein the waveguide includes a base material and a plurality of resonators.

Item B6. The device of item B5, wherein the plurality of resonators are arranged in a pattern.

Item B7. The device of item B5, wherein the plurality of resonators are arranged in an array.

Item B8. The device of item B5, wherein at least two of the plurality of resonators are spaced according to a lattice constant that defines the distance between the center of a first resonator of the resonators and the center of an adjacent second resonator of the resonators.

Item B9. The device of item B7, wherein the lattice constant is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

Item B10. The device of any one of items B1 through B9, wherein the resonant frequency of the coupling device is selected to match the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

Item B11. The device of item B7, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the resonator to the lattice constant is less than 1.

Item B12. The device of item B5, wherein the plurality of resonators are disposed in or on the base material.

Item B13. The device of item B5, wherein the base material is coated on at least some of the plurality of resonators.

Item B14. The apparatus of item B5, wherein the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is selected based at least in part on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

Item B15. The device of item B5, wherein the resonant frequency of the plurality of resonators is selected to match the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

Item B16. The device of item B5, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the resonator to the lattice constant is less than 1.

Item B17. The device of item B5, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity that is at least five times the relative permittivity of the base material.

Item B18. The device of item B5, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity that is at least 10 times the relative permittivity of the base material.

Item B19. The device of any one of items B1 through B18, wherein the resonant frequency of the waveguide is within the millimeter wave band.

Item B20. The device of any one of items B1 to B19, wherein the resonant frequency of the waveguide is close to 4.8 GHz.

Item B21. The device of any one of items B1 through B20, wherein the resonant frequency of the waveguide is within the infrared frequency range.

Item B22. The device of item B5, wherein the plurality of resonators are made of a ceramic material.

Item B23. The device of item B5, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative dielectric constant greater than 20.

Item B24. The device of item B5, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity greater than 100.

Item B25. The device of item B5, wherein each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity in the range of 200 to 20,000.

Item B26. The device of item B5, wherein the plurality of resonators includes one doped or undoped barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), barium strontium titanate (BaSrTiO ₃ ), Y5V, and X7R compositions, TiO ₂ (titanium dioxide), calcium copper titanate ( _{CaCu 3 Ti 4} O _{12 ) ,} lead _{zirconium titanate} ( _{PbZr 3} Nb _2/3 )O ₃ .-PbTiO ₃ ), titanium iron tantalate (FeTiTaO ₆ ), NiO co-doped with Li and Ti (La _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ , Nd _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ ), and these. A device manufactured from a combination of.

Item B27. The device of item B5, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is heat treated.

Item B28. The device of item B5, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is sintered.

Item B29. The device of item B28, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is sintered at a temperature above 600° C. for a period of 2 to 4 hours.

Item B30. The device of item B28, wherein at least one of the plurality of resonators is sintered at a temperature above 900° C. for a period of 2 to 4 hours.

Item B31. The device of item B5, wherein the base material comprises at least one of Teflon®, quartz glass, cordierite, borosilicate glass, perfluoroalkoxy, polyurethane, polyethylene, and fluorinated ethylene propylene.

Item B32. The device of any one of items B1 to B31, wherein the second side is opposite the first side of the blocking structure.

The invention should not be considered limited to the specific examples and embodiments described above, since such embodiments are described in detail to facilitate description of various aspects of the invention. Rather, the present invention is intended to encompass all aspects of the invention, including various modifications, equivalent processes, and alternative devices that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. It must be understood.

Claims (16)

A communication device for propagating electromagnetic waves around a blocking structure,
a passive coupling device disposed proximate the first side of the blocking structure and configured to capture electromagnetic waves;
a transmitter disposed proximate the second side of the blocking structure, and
A waveguide electromagnetically coupled to the coupling device and the transmitter and disposed around the blocking structure, the waveguide having a resonant frequency matched to the coupling device, the waveguide being configured to propagate electromagnetic waves picked up by the coupling device. do,
The transmitter is configured to reradiate electromagnetic waves,
The waveguide includes a base material and a plurality of resonators,
At least two of the plurality of resonators are spaced apart according to a lattice constant that defines the distance between the center of the first resonator among the resonators and the center of the adjacent second resonator among the resonators,
A device wherein the ratio of the diameter of the resonator to the lattice constant is less than 1. The device of claim 1 , wherein the coupling device comprises a dielectric lens. The device of claim 1 , wherein the coupling device includes a metamaterial coupling element. delete 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resonators are arranged in a pattern. delete The device of claim 1, wherein the lattice constant is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resonators are one doped or undoped of barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), barium strontium titanate (BaSrTiO ₃ ), Y5V, and X7R compositions, TiO ₂ (titanium dioxide), titanic acid. Calcium _{copper ( CaCu 3 Ti 4} O _{12 )} , lead zirconium titanate ₍ PbZr Mg _1/3 Nb _2/3 )O ₃ .-PbTiO ₃ ), titanium iron tantalate (FeTiTaO ₆ ), NiO co-doped with Li and Ti (La _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ , Nd _1.5 Sr _0.5 NiO ₄ ) , and a device manufactured from a combination thereof. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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