U.S. patent application number 15/465663 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-23 for millimeter-wave communications on a multifunction platform.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Xiaoxiong Gu, Duixian Liu, Bodhisatwa Sadhu, Alberto Valdes Garcia.
Application Number | 20170338564 15/465663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58708190 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170338564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gu; Xiaoxiong ; et
al. |
November 23, 2017 |
MILLIMETER-WAVE COMMUNICATIONS ON A MULTIFUNCTION PLATFORM
Abstract
A millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system may include an
antenna array structure operating within a MMW band, having both a
first antenna coupling point and a second antenna coupling point,
whereby the first and the second location of the antenna coupling
points are within a coplanar surface on which the antenna array
structure is formed. The system may further include a single MMW
transmitter device having a power splitter that splits a data
modulated MMW signal into a first MMW data modulated signal and a
second MMW data modulated signal identical to the first MMW data
modulated signal, such that the first data modulated MMW signal is
coupled to the first antenna coupling point for radio propagation
at a first direction, and the second data modulated MMW signal is
coupled to the second antenna coupling point for radio propagation
at a second direction.
Inventors: |
Gu; Xiaoxiong; (White
Plains, NY) ; Liu; Duixian; (Scarsdale, NY) ;
Sadhu; Bodhisatwa; (Fishkill, NY) ; Valdes Garcia;
Alberto; (Chappaqua, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
ARMONK |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58708190 |
Appl. No.: |
15/465663 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15157841 |
May 18, 2016 |
9660345 |
|
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15465663 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 25/00 20130101;
H01Q 21/06 20130101; H04B 1/40 20130101; H01Q 21/061 20130101; H04W
16/28 20130101; H03F 3/24 20130101; H01Q 7/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 9/04 20060101
H01Q009/04; H01Q 7/00 20060101 H01Q007/00; H04W 16/28 20090101
H04W016/28; H01Q 1/50 20060101 H01Q001/50 |
Claims
1. A millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system, comprising: an
antenna array structure operating within a MMW band, the antenna
array structure having both a first antenna coupling point at a
first location of the antenna array structure and a second antenna
coupling point at a second location of the antenna array structure,
the first and the second location of the antenna coupling points
being within a coplanar surface on which the antenna array
structure is formed; and a single MMW transmitter device having a
power splitter that splits a data modulated MMW signal into a first
MMW data modulated signal and a second MMW data modulated signal
identical to the first MMW data modulated signal, the first data
modulated MMW signal coupled to the first antenna coupling point
and the second data modulated MMW signal coupled to the second
antenna coupling point, wherein coupling the first data modulated
MMW signal to the first antenna coupling point generates a first
MMW radio signal transmitted at a first propagation direction by
the antenna array structure, wherein coupling the second data
modulated MMW signal to the second antenna coupling point generates
a second MMW radio signal transmitted at a second propagation
direction different to the first propagation direction by the
antenna array structure, and wherein the antenna array structure
includes radiator elements, the first antenna coupling point, and
the second antenna coupling point that are all located directly on
an outer surface area, the radiator elements, the first antenna
coupling point, and the second antenna coupling point
simultaneously transmitting the identical first and second MMW
radio signals at the first and the second propagation direction
based on the first coupling point being spatially separated from
the second coupling point by different elements of the radiator
elements.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first propagation direction
and the second propagation direction are located within a plane
that is perpendicular to the coplanar surface, the first
propagation direction having a first altitude angle and the second
propagation direction having a second altitude angle, the second
altitude angle including an angle value that is different than the
first altitude angle.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the single transmitter device
further comprises: a baseband signal generator; a MMW signal
generator; a frequency mixer having a first mixer input, a second
mixer input, and a mixer output, wherein the first mixer input is
coupled to the baseband signal generator, the second mixer input is
coupled to the MMW signal generator, and the mixer output is
coupled to an input of the power splitter; a first power amplifier
having a first amplifier input and a first amplifier output, the
first amplifier input coupled to a first output of the power
splitter and the first amplifier output coupled to the first
antenna coupling point; and a second power amplifier having a
second amplifier input and a second amplifier output, the second
amplifier input coupled to a second output of the power splitter
and the second amplifier output coupled to the second antenna
coupling point.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna array structure
comprises a grid antenna having a plurality of loops, the grid
antenna configured to operate within a millimeter-wave band of
57-66 GHz.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna array structure
comprises a series fed patch antenna configured to operate within a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna array structure
comprises a coupled patch antenna configured to operate within a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz.
7. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a first switch
located between the first amplifier and the first antenna coupling
point; a second switch located between the second amplifier and the
second antenna coupling point; and a switch control unit including
a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, wherein
during the first mode of operation only one of the first switch and
the second switch is actuated to a closed position, and wherein
during the second mode of operation both the first switch and the
second switch are actuated to a closed position.
8. (canceled)
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface area comprises
an outer surface of a table.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface area comprises
an outer surface of a portable electronic device.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first switch that
receives the first MMW data modulated signal; a first antenna feed
line having a first end that is coupled to the first switch,
wherein the first switch switches the first MMW data modulated
signal to the first end of the first antenna feed line; and a first
antenna probe coupled to a second end of the first antenna feed
line, the first antenna probe coupling the first MMW data modulated
signal received from the second end of the first antenna feedline
to the first antenna coupling point, wherein the first antenna feed
line includes a length of n.lamda./2 from the first end of the
first antenna feed line to the second end of the first antenna feed
line, .lamda..sub.1 an effective carrier frequency wavelength
corresponding to the first MMW data modulated signal and n being an
integer value.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a second switch
that receives the second MMW data modulated signal; a second
antenna feed line having a first end that is coupled to the second
switch, wherein the second switch switches the second MMW data
modulated signal to the first end of the second antenna feed line;
and a second antenna probe coupled to a second end of the second
antenna feed line, the second antenna probe coupling the second MMW
data modulated signal received from the second end of the second
antenna feedline to the second antenna coupling point, wherein the
second antenna feed line includes a length comprising
m.lamda..sub.2/2 from the first end of the second antenna feed line
to the second end the second antenna feed line, .lamda..sub.2 being
an effective carrier frequency wavelength corresponding to the
second MMW data modulated signal and m being an integer value.
13. A millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system, comprising: an
antenna array structure operating within a MMW band, the antenna
array structure having both a first antenna coupling point at a
first location of the antenna array structure and a second antenna
coupling point at a second location of the antenna array structure,
the first and the second location of the antenna coupling points
being within a coplanar surface on which the antenna array
structure is formed; and a single MMW receiver device having a
power combiner that receives one of a first MMW radio signal and a
second MMW radio signal, the first MMW radio signal received from
the first antenna coupling point and the second MMW radio signal
received from the second antenna coupling point, wherein the first
received MMW radio signal at the first antenna coupling point is
received by the antenna array structure from a first propagation
direction, wherein the second received MMW radio signal at the
second antenna coupling point is received by the antenna array
structure from a second propagation direction that is different
from the first propagation direction, and wherein the antenna array
structure includes radiator elements, the first antenna coupling
point, and the second antenna coupling point that are all located
directly on an outer surface area, the radiator elements, the first
antenna coupling point, and the second antenna coupling point
simultaneously transmitting the identical first and second MMW
radio signals at the first and the second propagation direction
based on the first coupling point being spatially separated from
the second coupling point by different elements of the radiator
elements.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first propagation direction
and the second propagation direction are located within a plane
that is perpendicular to the coplanar surface, the first
propagation direction having a first altitude angle and the second
propagation direction having a second altitude angle, the second
altitude angle including an angle value that is different than the
first altitude angle.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the single receiver device
further comprises: a baseband receiver; a MMW signal generator; a
frequency mixer having a first mixer input, a second mixer input,
and a mixer output, wherein the first mixer input is coupled to an
output of the power combiner, the second mixer input is coupled to
the MMW signal generator, and the mixer output is coupled to the
baseband receiver; a first amplifier having a first amplifier input
and a first amplifier output, the first amplifier input coupled to
the first antenna coupling point and the first amplifier output
coupled to a first input of the power combiner; and a second
amplifier having a second amplifier input and a second amplifier
output, the second amplifier input coupled to the second antenna
coupling point and the second amplifier output coupled to a second
input of the power combiner.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the antenna array structure is
selected from a group consisting of: a grid antenna configured to
operate within a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz, a series fed
patch antenna configured to operate within a millimeter-wave band
of 57-66 GHz, and a coupled patch antenna configured to operate
within a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz.
17. A method of millimeter-wave (MMW) communications comprising:
generating a data modulated MMW signal; splitting the data
modulated MMW signal into a first data modulated MMW signal and a
second data modulated MMW signal identical to the first data
modulated MMW signal; coupling, via a first switch, the first data
modulated MMW signal to a first antenna coupling point of an
antenna array structure operating within a MMW band; and coupling,
via a second switch, the second data modulated MMW signal to a
second antenna coupling point of the antenna array structure,
wherein the first and the second location of the antenna coupling
points are within a coplanar surface over which the antenna array
structure is formed, wherein the first antenna coupling point and
the second antenna coupling point are all located directly on an
outer surface area, the first antenna coupling point, and the
second antenna coupling point simultaneously transmit the identical
first and second MMW radio signals at a first and a second
propagation direction based on the first coupling point being
spatially separated from the second coupling point.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: generating,
responsive to actuating the first switch while the second switch
remains unactuated, a first MMW radio signal corresponding to the
first data modulated MMW signal, the first MMW radio signal
transmitted at a first propagation direction by the antenna array
structure.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: generating,
responsive to actuating the second switch while the first switch
remains unactuated, a second MMW radio signal corresponding to the
second data modulated MMW signal, the second MMW radio signal
transmitted at a second propagation direction by the antenna array
structure, wherein the first propagation direction and the second
propagation direction are located within a plane that is
perpendicular to the coplanar surface, the first propagation
direction having a first altitude angle and the second propagation
direction having a second altitude angle, the second altitude angle
including an angle value that is different than the first altitude
angle.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: generating,
responsive to actuating the first switch, a first MMW radio signal
corresponding to the first data modulated MMW signal, the first MMW
radio signal transmitted at a first propagation direction by the
antenna array structure; generating, responsive to actuating the
second switch, a second MMW radio signal corresponding to the
second data modulated MMW signal, the second MMW radio signal
transmitted at a second propagation direction by the antenna array
structure, wherein the first propagation direction and the second
propagation direction are located within a plane that is
perpendicular to the coplanar surface, the first propagation
direction having a first altitude angle and the second propagation
direction having a second altitude angle, the second altitude angle
including an angle value that is different than the first altitude
angle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/157841, filed May 18, 2016, incorporated by reference hereby in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to telecommunication
systems, and more particularly, to millimeter-wave (MMW)
communication systems.
[0003] MMW communication technology offers a vast array of
high-speed capabilities, especially with the emergence of
high-bandwidth-requirement data services such as, but not limited
to, the transfer or downloading of uncompressed high definition
(HD) TV data. The MMW band extends from about 28-300 GHz, which
enables single or multichannel carrier signals capable of Gigabit
transmission speeds.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Among other things, the systems and methods of the present
invention provide a mechanism of directionally switching
millimeter-wave (MMW) line-of-sight (LOS) radio signal propagations
using antenna array structures directly formed on a single planar
surface. The antenna array structures include multiple antenna
feeds that are coplanar with respect to the single planar surface,
such that each feed receives and/or transmits along a different
propagation direction.
[0005] According to one embodiment, a millimeter-wave (MMW)
communication system includes an antenna array structure operating
within a MMW band, whereby the antenna array structure has both a
first antenna coupling point at a first location of the antenna
array structure and a second antenna coupling point at a second
location of the antenna array structure. The first and the second
location of the antenna coupling points are within a coplanar
surface on which the antenna array structure is formed. The MMW
communication system further includes a single MMW transmitter
device having a power splitter that splits a data modulated MMW
signal into a first MMW data modulated signal and a second MMW data
modulated signal that is identical to the first MMW data modulated
signal. The first data modulated MMW signal is coupled to the first
antenna feed point while the second data modulated MMW signal is
coupled to the second antenna feed point. The first data modulated
MMW signal that is coupled to the first antenna feed point
generates a first MMW radio signal that is transmitted at a first
propagation direction by the antenna array structure. The second
data modulated MMW signal that is coupled to the second antenna
feed point accordingly generates a second MMW radio signal
transmitted at a second propagation direction that is different to
the first propagation direction by the antenna array structure.
[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, a millimeter-wave
(MMW) communication system includes an antenna array structure
operating within a MMW band, whereby the antenna array structure
has both a first antenna coupling point at a first location of the
antenna array structure and a second antenna coupling point that is
at a second location of the antenna array structure. The first and
the second location of the antenna coupling points are within a
coplanar surface on which the antenna array structure is formed.
The communication system further includes a single MMW receiver
device having a power combiner that receives one of a first MMW
radio signal and a second MMW radio signal such that the first MMW
radio signal is received from the first antenna coupling point and
the second MMW radio signal is received from the second antenna
coupling point. The first received MMW radio signal at the first
antenna coupling point is received by the antenna array structure
from a first propagation direction, while the second received MMW
radio signal at the second antenna coupling point is received by
the antenna array structure from a second propagation direction
that is different from the first propagation direction.
[0007] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a
millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system includes an antenna
array structure operating within a MMW band, whereby the antenna
array structure has both a first antenna coupling point at a first
location of the antenna array structure and a second antenna
coupling point that is at a second location of the antenna array
structure. The first and the second location of the antenna
coupling points are within a coplanar surface on which the antenna
array structure is formed. A first MMW transmitter device couples a
first data modulated MMW signal to the first antenna coupling
point, while a second MMW transmitter device couples a second data
modulated MMW signal different to the first data modulated MMW
signal to the second antenna feed point. Coupling the first data
modulated MMW signal to the first antenna coupling point generates
a first MMW radio signal transmitted at a first propagation
direction by the antenna array structure at a first operating
frequency. Also, coupling the second data modulated MMW signal to
the second antenna coupling point generates a second MMW radio
signal transmitted at a second propagation direction by the antenna
array structure at a second operating frequency. The second
propagation direction is different to the first propagation
direction.
[0008] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method of
millimeter-wave (MMW) communications includes generating a data
modulated MMW signal and splitting the data modulated MMW signal
into a first data modulated MMW signal and a second data modulated
MMW signal that is identical to the first data modulated MMW
signal. The first data modulated MMW signal is coupled via a first
switch to a first antenna coupling point of an antenna array
structure operating within a MMW band. Also, the second data
modulated MMW signal is coupled via a second switch to a second
antenna coupling point of the antenna array structure, whereby the
first and the second location of the antenna coupling points are
within a coplanar surface over which the antenna array structure is
formed.
[0009] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method of
millimeter-wave (MMW) communications includes generating a first
data modulated MMW signal from a first baseband signal generator
and a first MMW source operating at a first MMW frequency, and
generating a second data modulated MMW signal from a second
baseband signal generator and a second MMW source operating at a
second MMW frequency. The first data modulated MMW signal is
coupled via a first switch to a first antenna coupling point of an
antenna array structure operating within a MMW band. The second
data modulated MMW signal is coupled via a second switch to a
second antenna coupling point of the antenna array structure,
whereby the first and the second location of the antenna coupling
points are within a coplanar surface on which the antenna array
structure is formed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows an antenna array structure such as a grid
antenna structure, according to one embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an antenna array structure such as a series fed
patch antenna structure, according to one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows an antenna array structure such as a coupled
patch antenna structure, according to one embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
operating as a transmitter, according to one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
operating as a receiver, according to one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
operating as a transceiver, according to one embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 7 shows operational modes associated with the
millimeter-wave (MMW) communication systems of FIGS. 4-6, according
to one embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
operating as a transmitter, according to another embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
operating as a receiver, according to another embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 10 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
operating as a transceiver, according to another embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 11 shows operational modes associated with the
millimeter-wave (MMW) communication systems of FIGS. 8-10,
according to one embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 12 shows implementation aspects for the MMW
communication systems, according to different embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 13 shows a connection implementation between a bank of
RF switches within a MMW communication device and an antenna array
structure, according to one embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 14 shows an example application of a MMW communication
system, according to one embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary process for controlling the
switches associated with MMW the communication systems
corresponding to FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10, according to one embodiment;
and
[0025] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of hardware and software for
executing the process flow of FIG. 15, according to one
embodiment.
[0026] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are
merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific
parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict
only typical embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like
numbering represents like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Detailed embodiments of the claimed structures and methods
are disclosed herein; however, it can be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the claimed
structures and methods that may be embodied in various forms. This
invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set
forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so
that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully
convey the scope of this invention to those skilled in the art. In
the description, details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented
embodiments.
[0028] Communications to electronic devices such as portable
electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, charging pads, etc.) can
either be in the form of a wired connection, or a wireless
connection operating at relatively low data-rates (e.g., 1 Mbit/s)
and frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz) using technologies such as
Bluetooth, or near field communications (NFC). Thus,
millimeter-wave-based high data-rate connections to such devices,
among other things, enable near instantaneous video/photo
synchronization, video streaming, etc. However due to the
directional nature of millimeter-wave (MMW) propagation, wireless
link coverage can either be limited, or require high-cost complex
solutions, such as, phased array antenna systems. The one or more
exemplary embodiments described herein, among other things,
facilitate high speed (e.g., 7-20 Gigabit/s), low cost, and
reliable MMW band communications between electronic devices.
[0029] In particular, the described embodiments generate
directionally switchable antenna systems operating within the
millimeter-wave band (e.g., 60 GHz region between 57-66 GHz) of the
radio spectrum. Within the 60 GHz operating region of the
electromagnetic spectrum, the propagated MMW radio signals undergo
high atmospheric oxygen absorption and thus attenuation. While this
high attenuation factor reduces transmission range, it offers
frequency reuse advantages for mobile based applications. The
described example MMW band is, however, exemplary. According to
another example, a 28 GHz operating region may be utilized for 5G
communication systems.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a plan view 100 of an antenna array structure
such as a grid antenna structure 100, according to one embodiment.
As depicted, the grid antenna structure 101 includes a plurality of
loops 102a-102i, which are formed on surface P. Each of the
plurality of loops 102a-102i include antenna radiator elements. For
example, loop 102a has antenna radiator elements r.sub.1, r.sub.2,
r.sub.3, and r.sub.4. According to another example, loop 102b
includes antenna radiator elements r.sub.5, r.sub.6, r.sub.7, and
r.sub.8. As illustrated, portions of antenna radiator elements
corresponding to one loop may be shared by the radiator elements of
other adjacent loops. For example, radiator element r.sub.4 of loop
102a is also shared with adjacent loops 102b and 102c. In
particular, radiator element r.sub.9 of loop 102c forms part of
radiator element r.sub.4 of loop 102a. Also, radiator element
r.sub.7 of loop 102b forms part of radiator element r.sub.4 of loop
102a. According to another example, radiator element r.sub.5 is
shared between loops 102b and 102c. As such, the grid antenna
structure 101, and thus, all the antenna radiator elements forming
the plurality of loops 102a-102i are formed on a coplanar surface
such as surface P.
[0031] The grid antenna structure 101 also includes multiple
antenna coupling points 106, 108, 110, whereby at such points,
radio signals are coupled to the grid antenna structure 101 for
free-space propagation. As depicted, the antenna coupling points
106, 108, 110 are positioned at different locations on the grid
antenna structure 101. For example, antenna coupling point 106 is
located on radiator element r.sub.1 of loop 102a, while antenna
coupling point 108 is located at the intersection of radiator
elements r.sub.5 and no of respective loops 102b, 102c, and 102e.
Further, antenna coupling point 110 is located on radiator element
r.sub.11 of loop 102i. Since the coupling points 106, 108, 110 are
coupled to the antenna radiator elements forming the plurality of
loops 102a-102i, these coupling points 106, 108, 110, as with the
antenna radiator elements, are also located within a coplanar
surface such as surface P. An exemplary cross-sectional exploded
view 114 of coupling point 110 illustrates this further by showing
the coupling point 110 as the region or area contacting the
undersurface of the radiator element r.sub.11 located on surface P,
which receives a signal for radio transmission. Thus, the radiator
element r.sub.11 and coupling point 110 are located on a common
plane.
[0032] Although the exemplary grid antenna structure 101 embodiment
shows three coupling points 106, 108, 110, any number of coupling
points distributed at different locations may be provided for
feeding a signal to the antenna structure. In operation, receiving
a signal at each coupling point generates a different radio
propagation direction. This in turn enables the directional
transmission of radio signals in predominantly line-of-sight (LOS)
communication systems such as MMW systems. As further depicted in
FIG. 1, signal transmission diagram 120 illustrates the effect of
applying a signal such as a modulated MMW signal to each of
coupling points 106, 108, and 110. For example, applying the
modulated MMW signal to coupling point 106 generates a MMW radio
signal propagation direction 122 having an elevation angle
(.theta..sub.1) in the range of about 40-50 degrees. Alternatively,
applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling point 108 generates a
MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 124 having another
elevation angle (.theta..sub.2) in the range of about 85-95
degrees. Further, applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling
point 110 generates a MMW radio signal radio propagation direction
126 having yet another elevation angle (.theta..sub.3) in the range
of about 140-150 degrees. In the depicted example, the MMW radio
signal propagation directions 122, 124, 126 are within a plane (V)
130 that is substantially perpendicular to surface P, on which the
grid antenna structure 101 is formed.
[0033] The grid antenna structure 101 may be designed to operate as
either a resonant antenna, whereby the radiator elements may
typically be half-wavelengths in size, or as a travelling wave
antenna. In either design, the size of the radiator elements are,
among other things, governed by the required gain and operating
frequency of the antenna, and thus vary accordingly.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows a plan view 200 of an antenna array structure
such as a series fed patch antenna structure 201, according to one
embodiment. As depicted, the series fed patch antenna structure 201
includes a plurality of patches 202a-202c having conductive
connections 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, which are formed on surface V.
More specifically, conductive connection 204a is electrically
coupled to patch 202a, while conductive connection 204b
electrically couples adjacent patches 202a and 202b. Similarly,
conductive connection 204c electrically couples adjacent patches
202b and 202c, while conductive connection 204d is electrically
coupled to patch 202c. The series fed patch antenna structure 201
also includes multiple antenna coupling points 206, 208, 210,
whereby at such points, radio signals are coupled to the series fed
patch antenna structure 201 for free-space propagation.
[0035] As depicted, the antenna coupling points 206, 208, 210 are
positioned at different locations on the series fed patch antenna
structure 201. For example, antenna coupling point 206 is located
on conductive connection 204a, while antenna coupling point 208 is
located at the intersection of conductive connection 204b with
patch 202a. Further, antenna coupling point 210 is located on
conductive connection 204d. Since the coupling points 206, 208, 210
are coupled to the series fed patch antenna structure 201, these
coupling points 106, 108, 110 are also located within a coplanar
surface such as surface P'. As such, the plurality of patches
202a-202c, the conductive connections 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d of the
series fed patch antenna structure 201, and the coupling points
206, 208, 210 are all formed on a coplanar surface such as surface
P'. An exemplary cross-sectional exploded view 214 of coupling
point 210 illustrates this further by showing the coupling point
210 as the region or area contacting the undersurface of the
conductive connection 204d located on surface P'. Thus, the
conductive connection 204d and coupling point 210 are located on a
common plane.
[0036] Although the exemplary series fed patch antenna structure
201 embodiment shows three coupling points 206, 208, 210 and three
patches 202a-202c, any number of coupling points distributed across
different locations of any plurality patches may be provided for
feeding a signal to the antenna structure. In operation, as with
the grid antenna structure 101 of FIG. 1, receiving a signal at
each coupling point generates a different radio propagation
direction. This in turn enables the directional transmission of
radio signals in predominantly line-of-sight (LOS) communication
systems such as MMW systems. As further depicted in FIG. 2, signal
transmission diagram 220 illustrates the effect of applying a
signal such as a modulated MMW signal to each of coupling points
206, 208, and 210. For example, applying the modulated MMW signal
to coupling point 206 generates a MMW radio signal propagation
direction 222 having an elevation angle (.theta.'.sub.1) in the
range of about 40-50 degrees. Alternatively, applying the modulated
MMW signal to coupling point 208 generates a MMW radio signal radio
propagation direction 224 having another elevation angle
(.theta.'.sub.2) in the range of about 85-95 degrees. Further,
applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling point 210 generates a
MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 226 having yet another
elevation angle (.theta.'.sub.3) in the range of about 140-150
degrees. In the depicted example, the MMW radio signal propagation
directions 222, 224, 226 are within a plane (V') 230 that is
substantially perpendicular to surface P', on which the series fed
patch antenna structure 201 is formed. The series fed patch antenna
structure 201 may be designed to operate as either a resonant
antenna or as a travelling wave antenna. In either design, the size
of the patch elements are, among other things, governed by the
required gain and operating frequency of the antenna, and thus vary
accordingly.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a plan view 300 of an antenna array structure
such as a coupled patch antenna structure 301, according to one
embodiment. As depicted, the coupled patch antenna structure 301
includes a plurality of patches 302a-302c that are inductively
coupled and formed on surface P''. More specifically, patch 302a is
inductively coupled to adjacent patch 302b, while patch 302b is
inductively coupled to patch 302c. The coupled patch antenna
structure 301 also includes multiple antenna coupling points 306,
308, 310, whereby at such points, radio signals are coupled to the
coupled patch antenna structure 301 for free-space propagation.
[0038] As depicted, the antenna coupling points 306, 308, 310 are
positioned at different locations on the coupled patch antenna
structure 301. For example, antenna coupling point 306 is located
near the edge 315 of patch 302a, while antenna coupling point 308
is located on patch 302b and off-set from the edge 317 of patch
302b by distance x. Further, antenna coupling point 310 is located
on patch 302c and off-set from the edge 319 of patch 302c by
distance y. Since the coupling points 306, 308, 310 are connected
to the coupled patch antenna structure 301, these coupling points
306, 308, 310 are also located within a coplanar surface such as
surface P''. As such, the plurality of patches 302a-302c and the
coupling points 306, 308, 310 are all formed on coplanar surface
P''. An exemplary cross-sectional exploded view 314 of coupling
point 310 illustrates this further by showing the coupling point
310 as the region or area contacting the undersurface of patch 302c
located on surface P''. Thus, the patch 302c and coupling point 210
are located on a common plane.
[0039] Although the exemplary coupled patch antenna structure 301
embodiment shows three coupling points 306, 308, 310 and three
patches 302a-302c, any number of coupling points distributed across
different locations of any plurality patches may be provided for
feeding a signal to the antenna structure 301. In operation, as
with the grid antenna structure 101 of FIG. 1, receiving a signal
at each coupling point generates a different radio propagation
direction. This in turn enables the directional transmission of
radio signals in predominantly line-of-sight (LOS) communication
systems such as MMW systems. As further depicted in FIG. 3, signal
transmission diagram 320 illustrates the effect of applying a
signal such as a modulated MMW signal to each of coupling points
306, 308, and 310. For example, applying the modulated MMW signal
to coupling point 306 generates a MMW radio signal propagation
direction 322 having an elevation angle (.theta.''.sub.1) in the
range of about 40-50 degrees. Alternatively, applying the modulated
MMW signal to coupling point 308 generates a MMW radio signal radio
propagation direction 324 having another elevation angle
(.theta.''.sub.2) in the range of about 85-95 degrees. Further,
applying the modulated MMW signal to coupling point 310 generates a
MMW radio signal radio propagation direction 326 having yet another
elevation angle (.theta.''.sub.3) in the range of about 140-150
degrees. In the depicted example, the MMW radio signal radio
propagation directions 322, 324, 326 are within a plane (V'') 330
that is substantially perpendicular to surface P', on which the
coupled patch antenna structure 301 is formed. The coupled patch
antenna structure 301 may be designed to operate as either a
resonant antenna or as a travelling wave antenna. In either design,
the size of the patch elements are, among other things, governed by
the required gain and operating frequency of the antenna, and thus
vary accordingly.
[0040] With reference to the exemplary antenna structures depicted
in FIGS. 1-3, sweeping the radio carrier frequency also causes a
change in the elevation angle of the propagated radio signal at
each coupling point on the antenna. Based on the LOS communication
requirements of MMW systems, the above described antenna structures
enable high-speed gigabit data communication services between
electronic devices by making sure the data modulated MMW radio
signals are directionally transmitted from one of the electronic
devices to another recipient electronic device (e.g., portable
device such as a smart phone). The grid antenna structure of FIG.
1, the series fed patch antenna structure of FIG. 2, and the
coupled patch antenna structure of FIG. 3 may be configured to
operate within a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
400 operating as a transmitter, according to one embodiment. The
exemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 400 may
include a MMW transmitter device 402 and an antenna array structure
404. In the presented example, the antenna array structure 404
includes a grid antenna structure the same as, or similar to, the
grid antenna structure depicted in FIG. 1.
[0042] As depicted in FIG. 4, the grid antenna structure 404
includes a plurality of loops 420a-420k, whereby, as illustrated by
the dashed lines DL1, any number of additional loop structures may
be implemented between loops 420b-420c and 420i-420j. The grid
antenna structure 404 also includes multiple antenna coupling
points 424, 426, 428, whereby at such points, radio signals are
coupled to the grid antenna structure 404 for free-space
propagation. As depicted, the antenna coupling points 424, 426, 428
are positioned at different locations on the grid antenna structure
404. For example, antenna coupling point 424 is located on an outer
radiator element r.sub.1 of loop 420a, while antenna coupling point
428 is located on an outer radiator element r.sub.2 of loop 420k.
Further, antenna coupling point 426 is located at the intersection
of radiator elements r.sub.3 and r.sub.4 corresponding to loops
420b and 420c. Although the exemplary grid antenna structure 404
embodiment shows three coupling points 424, 426, 428, any number of
coupling points distributed at different locations may be provided
for feeding a signal to the antenna structure 404. In operation,
receiving a data modulated signal at each coupling point generates
a different radio propagation direction. As previously described,
this in turn establishes the MMW system's 400 LOS communication
requirements with other MMW devices.
[0043] The MMW transmitter device 402 may include a baseband signal
generator 408, a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a phase
locked loop--PLL) 410, a frequency mixer 412, a power splitter 414
(i.e., also referred to as a power divider), power amplifier
devices 416a to 416n, a bank of radio frequency (RF) switches 419,
and a switch control unit 423.
[0044] In particular, the baseband signal generator 408 provides a
source of data (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service)
for radio transmission via the antenna array structure 404. The
baseband signal generator 408 may include various digital/analog
signal processing capabilities for formatting the data or
information prior to up-conversion and subsequent transmission. The
millimeter-wave signal generator 410 may further include a tunable
PLL MMW signal generator capable of generating signals within, for
example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. By applying the
output signals from both the baseband signal generator 408 and the
millimeter-wave signal generator 410 to the inputs (a, b) of the
frequency mixer 412, a data modulated MMW signal is generated at
the output (c) of the frequency mixer 412. Since the frequency
mixer 412 is coupled to the power splitter 414, the data modulated
MMW signal is received at the input of the power splitter 414. The
output of the power splitter 414 divides the received data
modulated MMW signal along multiple paths P.sub.1-P.sub.N.
Depending on the power splitter (e.g., 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 8-way,
16-way, etc.), the received data modulated MMW signal may be
divided multiple ways. In the illustrated example, the power
splitter 414 divides the received data modulated MMW signal along
paths P.sub.1, P.sub.2, and P.sub.N. However, as indicated by
dashed lines DL2, the received data modulated MMW signal may be
divided along a plurality of additional paths (not shown) that may
be coupled to other additional coupling points (not shown) on the
antenna structure 404.
[0045] The data modulated MMW signals divided along paths P.sub.1,
P.sub.2, and P.sub.N are received and amplified by respective power
amplifiers 416a, 416b, and 416n. Since the power of the data
modulated MMW signal generated from the mixer output (c) is divided
by the operation of the power splitter 414, the power amplifiers
416a, 416b, 416n are utilized to restore or increase this reduced
power. The amplified data modulated MMW signals at the output of
the power amplifiers 416a, 416b, 416n are then received by the bank
of radio frequency RF switches 419 coupled to the output of
amplifiers 416a, 416b, and 416n. Under the control of switch
control unit 423, the actuation of the switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N
within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 419 determines which
amplified version of the data modulated MMW signal is coupled to a
corresponding one of the coupling points 424, 426, 428.
[0046] In operation, for example, by actuating switch SW.sub.1 to a
closed position, the data modulated MMW signal (i.e., along path
P.sub.1) that is amplified by amplifier 416a is received at
coupling point 424 of the grid antenna structure 404. The amplified
data modulated MMW signal received by the grid antenna structure
404 at coupling point 424 is thus radio transmitted at a first
propagation direction. By actuating switch SW.sub.2 to a closed
position, the data modulated MMW signal (i.e., along path P.sub.2)
that is amplified by amplifier 416b is received at coupling point
426 of the grid antenna structure 404. The amplified data modulated
MMW signal received by the grid antenna structure 404 at coupling
point 426 is thus radio transmitted at another second propagation
direction that is different to the first radio propagation
direction. Similarly, by actuating switch SW.sub.N to a closed
position, the data modulated MMW signal (i.e., along path P.sub.N)
that is amplified by amplifier 416n is received at coupling point
428 of the grid antenna structure 404. The amplified data modulated
MMW signal received by the grid antenna structure 404 at coupling
point 428 is thus radio transmitted at yet another third
propagation direction that is different to both the first and the
second radio propagation directions.
[0047] In a first operating mode, by selectively actuating one of
the switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio frequency
RF switches 419 to a closed position, a predetermined LOS MMW radio
transmission at a specific direction may be achieved. For example,
the antenna array structure 404 may be integrated onto the outer
(top) surface of a table, whereby the actuation of different
switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio frequency RF
switches 419 generates different radio transmission directions that
are directed at different specific locations around the table.
[0048] Alternatively, in a second operating mode, by selectively
actuating all of the switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of
radio frequency RF switches 419 to a closed position, a
predetermined LOS MMW radio transmission at multiple directions may
be achieved (i.e., broadcast mode). For example, the antenna array
structure 404 may be integrated onto the outer (top) surface of a
table, whereby the actuation of all of the switches
SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio frequency RF switches
419 generates different radio transmission directions that are
simultaneously directed at multiple specific locations around the
table.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
500 operating as a receiver, according to one embodiment. The
exemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 500 may
include a MMW receiver device 502 and an antenna array structure
504. In the presented example, the antenna array structure 504
includes a grid antenna structure the same as, or similar to, the
grid antenna structure depicted in FIG. 1.
[0050] As depicted in FIG. 5, the grid antenna structure 504
includes a plurality of loops 520a-520k, whereby, as illustrated by
the dashed lines DL'1, any number of additional loop structures may
be implemented between loops 520b-520c and 520i-520j. The grid
antenna structure 504 also includes multiple antenna coupling
points 524, 526, 528, whereby at such points, radio signals are
received at the grid antenna structure 504 during free-space radio
signal reception. As depicted, the antenna coupling points 524,
526, 528 are positioned at different locations on the grid antenna
structure 504. For example, antenna coupling point 524 is located
on an outer radiator element r'.sub.1 of loop 520a, while antenna
coupling point 528 is located on an outer radiator element r'.sub.2
of loop 520k. Further, antenna coupling point 526 is located at the
intersection of radiator elements r'.sub.3 and r'.sub.4
corresponding to loops 520b and 520c. Although the exemplary grid
antenna structure 504 embodiment shows three coupling points 524,
526, 528, any number of coupling points distributed at different
locations may be provided for receiving free-space propagated
signals by the antenna structure 504. In operation, data modulated
signal are received at each coupling point from different radio
propagation directions. As previously described, this in turn
establishes the MMW system's 500 LOS communication requirements
with other MMW devices.
[0051] The MMW receiver device 502 may include a baseband signal
receiver 508, a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a phase
locked loop--PLL) 510, a frequency mixer 512, a power combiner 514,
power amplifier devices 516a to 516n (e.g., low noise
amplifiers--LNAs), a bank of radio frequency (RF) switches 519, and
a switch control unit 523.
[0052] In particular, the baseband signal receiver 508 processes
(e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock extraction, etc.) data
(e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service) that is received
via the antenna array structure 504. The millimeter-wave signal
generator 510 may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal
generator capable of generating signals within, for example, a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals
from both the power combiner 514 and the millimeter-wave signal
generator 510 to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 512, a
down converted data modulated signal is generated at the output (c)
of the frequency mixer 512. As further depicted, the three coupling
points 524, 526, 528 of the antenna structure 504 are each coupled
to the inputs of the respective power amplifier devices 516a, 516b,
516n via the bank of radio frequency (RF) switches 519. As such,
directional LOS data modulated MMW signals are received at the
three coupling points 524, 526, 528 based on their signal
propagation direction. For example, a data modulated MMW signal
transmitted from a first propagation direction is received at
coupling point 524, while a data modulated MMW signal transmitted
from a second propagation direction is received at coupling point
526. Similarly, according to another example, a data modulated MMW
signal transmitted from a third propagation direction is received
at coupling point 528.
[0053] Based on the operation of the switch control unit 523, the
bank of radio frequency (RF) switches 519 couples one or more of
the data modulated MMW signals received at the one or more coupling
points 524, 526, 528 to a corresponding amplifier 516a, 516b, 516n
for signal amplification. For example, based on the actuation of
switch SW.sub.1 (i.e., SW.sub.2 and SW.sub.N unactuated), a data
modulated MMW signal received from coupling point 524 along a first
LOS propagation direction is coupled to amplifier 516a for signal
amplification. Alternatively, according to another example, based
on the actuation of switch SW.sub.2 (i.e., SW.sub.1 and SW.sub.N
unactuated), a data modulated MMW signal received from coupling
point 526 along a second LOS propagation direction is coupled to
amplifier 516b for signal amplification. Further, according to yet
another example, based on the actuation of switch SW.sub.N (i.e.,
SW.sub.1 and SW.sub.2 unactuated), a data modulated MMW signal
received from coupling point 528 along a third LOS propagation
direction is coupled to amplifier 516n for signal amplification.
The power combiner 514 thus receives one or more of the data
modulated MMW signals that have been amplified by power amplifier
devices 516a, 516b, and 516n from amplifier outputs O.sub.1,
O.sub.2, and O.sub.N. However, as indicated by dashed lines DL'2,
the received data modulated MMW signals may be amplified by
additional amplifiers (not shown) that are coupled to additional
coupling points (not shown) on the antenna structure 504.
[0054] In a first operating mode, as described above, by
selectively actuating one of the switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within
the bank of radio frequency RF switches 519 to a closed position, a
predetermined LOS MMW radio signal reception at a specific
direction may be achieved. For example, the antenna array structure
504 may be integrated onto the outer (top) surface of a table,
whereby the actuation of different switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N
within the bank of radio frequency RF switches 419 configures the
MMW receiver device 502 to receive different MMW radio signals
transmitted from different locations around the table.
[0055] Alternatively, in a second operating mode, by selectively
actuating all of the switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of
radio frequency RF switches 519 to a closed position, a
predetermined LOS MMW radio signal reception from multiple
directions may be achieved (i.e., broadcast mode). For example, the
antenna array structure 504 may be integrated onto the outer (top)
surface of a table, whereby the actuation of all of the switches
SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio frequency RF switches
519 configures the MMW receiver device 502 to simultaneously
receive MMW radio signals transmitted from multiple locations
around the table.
[0056] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the position
of the bank of radio frequency RF switches is functionally
represented. Preferably, in FIG. 4, the bank of radio frequency RF
switches 419 can be positioned before the amplifiers 416a-416n. In
FIG. 5, preferably, the bank of RF switches 519 may be located
following the output of amplifiers 516a-516n.
[0057] FIG. 6 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
600 operating as a transceiver, according to one embodiment. The
exemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 600 may
include a MMW transceiver device 602 and an antenna array structure
604. In the presented example, the antenna array structure 604
includes a grid antenna structure that is the same as, or similar
to, the grid antenna structure depicted in FIG. 1.
[0058] The MMW transceiver device 602 may include a baseband signal
receiver/generator 608, a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a
phase locked loop--PLL) 610, a frequency mixer 612, a power
splitter/combiner 614, power amplifier devices 616a, 617a, 616b,
617b, 616n, 617n, a bank of radio frequency (RF) switches
SW'.sub.1, SW'.sub.2, SW'.sub.N, and a switch control unit 623.
[0059] The MMW transceiver device 602 combines the operation of
both the MMW transmitter device 402 of FIG. 4 and the MMW receiver
device 502 of FIG. 5. Further the antenna array structure 604 is
also identical to both the antenna structure 404 of FIG. 4 and the
antenna structure 504 of FIG. 5.
[0060] In particular, in a transmit mode of operation, the baseband
signal receiver/generator 608 provides a source of data (e.g., a
High-Definition Video Streaming Service) for radio transmission via
the antenna array structure 604. The baseband signal generator 408
may include various digital/analog signal processing capabilities
for formatting the data or information prior to up-conversion and
subsequent transmission. Alternatively, in a receive mode of
operation, the baseband signal receiver/generator 608 processes
(e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock extraction, etc.) data
(e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service) that is received
via the antenna array structure 604.
[0061] The millimeter-wave signal generator 610 may include a
tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of generating signals
within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. In a
transmit mode of operation, by applying the output signals from
both the baseband signal receiver/generator 608 and the
millimeter-wave signal generator 610 to the inputs (a, b) of the
frequency mixer 612, a data modulated MMW signal is generated at
the output (c) of the frequency mixer 612. In a receive mode of
operation, by applying the output signals from both the power
splitter/combiner 614 and the millimeter-wave signal generator 610
to the inputs (b, c) of the frequency mixer 612, a down converted
data modulated signal is generated at the output (a) of the
frequency mixer 612. It may be appreciated that the mixer
input/output terminals are described from the perspective whether
signals are being up-converted (T.sub.x mode) or down-converted
(R.sub.x mode) by the mixer 612.
[0062] The power splitter/combiner 614 operates as power splitter
or power combiner depending on the direction of signal travel.
Thus, in the transmit mode where the baseband signal
receiver/generator 608 produces data for transmission, the power
splitter/combiner 614 operates as a power splitter. Alternatively,
in the receive mode where the baseband signal receiver/generator
608 demodulates and processes received data, the power
splitter/combiner 614 operates as a power combiner.
[0063] In the transmit mode, since the frequency mixer 612 is
coupled to the power splitter/combiner 614, the data modulated MMW
signal is received at the input of the power splitter 614. The
output of the power splitter 614 thus divides the received data
modulated MMW signal along multiple paths P'.sub.1-P'.sub.N.
Depending on the power splitter (e.g., 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 8-way,
16-way, etc.), the received data modulated MMW signal may be
divided multiple ways. In the illustrated example, the power
splitter/combiner 614 divides the received data modulated MMW
signal along paths P'.sub.1, P'.sub.2, and P'.sub.N. However, as
indicated by dashed lines DL''2, the received data modulated MMW
signal may be divided along a plurality of additional paths (not
shown) that may be coupled to other additional coupling points (not
shown) on the antenna structure 604. As further depicted, the three
coupling points 624, 626, 628 of the antenna structure 604 are each
coupled to terminals A, B, and C of the bank of radio frequency
(RF) switches SW'.sub.1, SW'.sub.2, and SW'.sub.N. In particular,
terminal A is coupled to SW'.sub.1, terminal B is coupled to
SW'.sub.2, and terminal C is coupled to SW'.sub.3. In the transmit
mode of operation, the bank of radio frequency (RF) switches
SW'.sub.1, SW'.sub.2, SW'.sub.N may be configured to switch
respective paths P'.sub.1, P'.sub.2, P'.sub.N through amplifiers
616a, 616b, and 616n.
[0064] For example, by actuating switch SW'.sub.1 to position `a`,
the data modulated MMW signal (i.e., along path P.sub.1) that is
amplified by amplifier 616a is received at coupling point 624 of
the grid antenna structure 604. The amplified data modulated MMW
signal received by the grid antenna structure 404 at coupling point
624 is thus radio transmitted at a first propagation direction. By
actuating switch SW'.sub.2 to position `a`, the data modulated MMW
signal (i.e., along path P.sub.2) that is amplified by amplifier
616b is received at coupling point 626 of the grid antenna
structure 604. The amplified data modulated MMW signal received by
the grid antenna structure 604 at coupling point 626 is thus radio
transmitted at another second propagation direction that is
different to the first radio propagation direction. Similarly, by
actuating switch SW'.sub.N to position `a`, the data modulated MMW
signal (i.e., along path P.sub.N) that is amplified by amplifier
616n is received at coupling point 628 of the grid antenna
structure 604. The amplified data modulated MMW signal received by
the grid antenna structure 604 at coupling point 628 is thus radio
transmitted at yet another third propagation direction that is
different to both the first and the second radio propagation
directions.
[0065] In a first operating mode, by selectively actuating one of
the switches SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to position `a`, a predetermined
LOS MMW radio transmission at a specific direction may be achieved.
For example, the antenna array structure 604 may be integrated onto
the outer (top) surface of a table, whereby the actuation of
different switches SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to position `a` configures
the transceiver 602 to generate different radio transmission
directions that are directed at different specific locations around
the table. Alternatively, in a second operating mode, by
selectively actuating all of the switches SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to
position `a`, a predetermined LOS MMW radio transmission at
multiple directions may be achieved (i.e., broadcast mode). For
example, the antenna array structure 604 may be integrated onto the
outer (top) surface of a table, whereby the actuation of all of the
switches SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to position `a` configures the
transceiver 602 to generate different radio transmission directions
that are simultaneously directed at multiple specific locations
around the table.
[0066] In the receive mode, the three coupling points 624, 626, 628
of the antenna structure 604 are each coupled to the inputs of the
respective power amplifier devices 617a, 617b, 617n when switches
SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N are configured to position `b`. As such,
directional LOS data modulated MMW signals are received at the
three coupling points 624, 626, 628 based on their signal
propagation direction. For example, a data modulated MMW signal
transmitted from a first propagation direction is received at
coupling point 624, while a data modulated MMW signal transmitted
from a second propagation direction is received at coupling point
626. Similarly, according to another example, a data modulated MMW
signal transmitted from a third propagation direction is received
at coupling point 628.
[0067] Based on the operation of the switch control unit 623, the
switches SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N couple one or more of the data
modulated MMW signals received at the one or more coupling points
624, 626, 628 to a corresponding amplifier 617a, 617b, 617n for
signal amplification. For example, based on the actuation of switch
SW'.sub.1 to position `b` (i.e., SW'.sub.2 and SW'.sub.3 at
position `a`), a data modulated MMW signal received from coupling
point 624 along a first LOS propagation direction is coupled to
amplifier 617a for signal amplification. Alternatively, according
to another example, based on the actuation of switch SW'.sub.2 to
position `b` (i.e., SW'.sub.1 and SW'.sub.3 at position `a`), a
data modulated MMW signal received from coupling point 626 along a
second LOS propagation direction is coupled to amplifier 617ba for
signal amplification. Further, according to yet another example,
based on the actuation of switch SW'.sub.3 to position `b` (i.e.,
SW'.sub.1 and SW'.sub.2 at position `a`), a data modulated MMW
signal received from coupling point 628 along a third LOS
propagation direction is coupled to amplifier 617n for signal
amplification. The power splitter/combiner 614 thus receives one or
more of the data modulated MMW signals that have been amplified by
power amplifier devices 617a, 617b, and 617n from paths P'.sub.1,
P'.sub.2, and P'.sub.N. However, as indicated by dashed lines
DL''2, the received data modulated MMW signals may be amplified by
additional amplifiers (not shown) that are coupled to additional
coupling points (not shown) on the antenna structure 604.
[0068] In a first operating mode, as described above, by
selectively actuating one of the switches S'W.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to
position `b` a predetermined LOS MMW radio signal reception from a
specific direction may be achieved. For example, the antenna array
structure 604 may be integrated onto the outer (top) surface of a
table, whereby the actuation of different switches
SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to position `b` configures the MMW transceiver
device 602 to receive different MMW radio signals transmitted from
different locations around the table. Alternatively, in a second
operating mode, by selectively actuating all of the switches
SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to position `b` a predetermined LOS MMW radio
signal reception from multiple directions may be achieved (i.e.,
broadcast mode). For example, the antenna array structure 604 may
be integrated onto the outer (top) surface of a table, whereby the
actuation of all of the switches SW'.sub.1-SW'.sub.N to position
`b` configures the MMW transceiver device 502 to simultaneously
receive MMW radio signals transmitted from multiple locations
around the table.
[0069] FIG. 7 shows operational modes associated with the
millimeter-wave (MMW) communication systems of FIGS. 4-6, according
to one embodiment. As depicted, an antenna array structure 702 may
be located on a surface 704 of, for example, a table, a mobile
device (e.g., smartphone) display or housing, or other device
surface. The antenna array structure 702 may also be coupled to any
communication device identical to, or similar to, those depicted
and described in relation to FIGS. 4-6. Moreover, the antenna array
structure 702 may communicate with mobile devices 706 and 708,
whereby each of the mobile devices 706, 708 include an identical or
similar communication system to those depicted and described in
relation to the MMW systems of FIGS. 4-6.
[0070] In a first mode of operation 700A, the antenna array
structure 702 may direct LOS communications to a target device. For
example, as described in the foregoing, utilizing a first coupling
point on the antenna array structure 702 in a transmit mode, a data
modulated MMW signal is transmitted at a first propagation
direction to mobile device 708. Alternatively, by using another
coupling point on the antenna array structure 702, a data modulated
MMW signal is transmitted at a second propagation direction to
mobile device 706. Although for illustrative brevity only two
mobile devices 706, 708 and two propagation directions are
described, multiple coupling points on the antenna array structure
702 may be utilized in a manner that facilitates generating LOS
signal transmissions to multiple mobile devices located in the
periphery of surface 704.
[0071] Moreover, utilizing the first coupling point on the antenna
array structure 702 in a receive mode, a data modulated MMW signal
is received at a first propagation direction from mobile device
708. Alternatively, by using another coupling point on the antenna
array structure 702, a data modulated MMW signal is received at a
second propagation direction from mobile device 706. Although for
illustrative brevity only two mobile devices 706, 708 and two
propagation directions are described, multiple coupling points on
the antenna array structure 702 may be utilized in a manner that
facilitates receiving LOS signal transmissions from multiple mobile
devices located in the periphery of surface 704.
[0072] In a second mode of operation 700B, the antenna array
structure 702 may simultaneously direct LOS communications (i.e.,
broadcast) to multiple target devices. For example, as described in
the foregoing, utilizing a first and a second coupling point on the
antenna array structure 702 in a transmit mode, a data modulated
MMW signal is transmitted at both a first and a second propagation
direction to mobile devices 706 and 708. Although for illustrative
brevity only two mobile devices 706, 708 and two propagation
directions are described, multiple coupling points on the antenna
array structure 702 may be utilized in a manner that facilitates
generating LOS signal transmissions to multiple mobile devices
located in the periphery of surface 704.
[0073] Moreover, utilizing the first and the second coupling point
on the antenna array structure 702 in a receive mode, a data
modulated MMW signal is received at a first propagation direction
from mobile device 708, while alternatively, using the other
coupling point on the antenna array structure 702, a data modulated
MMW signal is received at a second propagation direction from
mobile device 706. Although for illustrative brevity only two
mobile devices 706, 708 and two propagation directions are
described, multiple coupling points on the antenna array structure
702 may be utilized in a manner that facilitates receiving LOS
signal transmissions from multiple mobile devices located in the
periphery of surface 704.
[0074] FIG. 8 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
800 operating as a transmitter, according to another alternative
embodiment. The exemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication
system 800 may include a MMW transmitter device 802 and an antenna
array structure 804. In the presented example, the antenna array
structure 804 includes a grid antenna structure the same as, or
similar to, grid antenna structure 404 depicted in FIG. 4.
Moreover, the MMW transmitter device 802 includes multiple MMW
transmitter devices 802A, 802B, 802N that each have components that
are identical to MMW transmitter device 402 depicted in FIG. 4.
[0075] As depicted in FIG. 8, the grid antenna structure 804
includes a plurality of loops 820a-820k, whereby, as illustrated by
the dashed lines DL1, any number of additional loop structures may
be implemented between loops 820b-820c and 820i-820j. The grid
antenna structure 804 also includes multiple antenna coupling
points 824, 826, 828, whereby at such points, radio signals are
coupled to the grid antenna structure 804 for free-space
propagation. As depicted, the antenna coupling points 824, 826, 828
are positioned at different locations on the grid antenna structure
804. For example, antenna coupling point 824 is located on an outer
radiator element r.sub.1 of loop 820a, while antenna coupling point
828 is located on an outer radiator element r.sub.2 of loop 820k.
Further, antenna coupling point 826 is located at the intersection
of radiator elements r.sub.3 and r.sub.4 corresponding to loops
820b and 820c. Although the exemplary grid antenna structure 804
embodiment shows three coupling points 824, 826, 828, any number of
coupling points distributed at different locations (e.g., between
dashed line DL1) may be provided for feeding a signal to the
antenna structure 804. In operation, receiving a data modulated
signal at each coupling point generates a different radio
propagation direction. As previously described, this in turn
establishes the MMW system's 800 LOS communication requirements
with other MMW devices.
[0076] In this alternative embodiment, each of MMW transmitter
devices 802a, 802b and 802n is coupled to respective coupling point
824, 826, and 828. More specifically, MMW transmitter device 802A
is coupled to coupling point 824, MMW transmitter device 802B is
coupled to coupling point 826, and MMW transmitter device 802N is
coupled to coupling point 828. Thus, different data from different
transmitter devices may be communicated over directional MMW
channels to intended recipients.
[0077] Within MMW transmitter device 802, MMW transmitter device
802A may include baseband signal generator 808A, millimeter-wave
signal generator (e.g., a phase locked loop--PLL) 810A, frequency
mixer 812A, and power amplifier device 816a. Also, MMW transmitter
device 802B may include baseband signal generator 808B,
millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a phase locked loop--PLL)
810B, frequency mixer 812B, and power amplifier device 816b.
Similarly, MMW transmitter device 802N may include baseband signal
generator 808N, millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a phase
locked loop--PLL) 810N, frequency mixer 812N, and power amplifier
device 816n. Further, MMW transmitter device 802 also includes a
bank of radio frequency (RF) switches 819 and a switch control unit
823. Each of MMW transmitter devices 802A, 802b, and 802N are
coupled to respective coupling points 824, 826, and 828 via the
bank of RF switches 819, whereby the RF switches 819 are controlled
by switch control unit 823.
[0078] Within MMW transmitter device 802A, baseband signal
generator 808A provides a source of data (e.g., a High-Definition
Video Streaming Service) for radio transmission via the antenna
array structure 804. The baseband signal generator 808A may include
various digital/analog signal processing capabilities for
formatting the data or information prior to up-conversion and
subsequent transmission. The millimeter-wave signal generator 810A
may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of
generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of
57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals from both the baseband
signal generator 808A and the millimeter-wave signal generator 810A
to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 812A, a first data
modulated MMW signal is generated at the output (c) of the
frequency mixer 812A. The first data modulated MMW signal is
received and amplified by power amplifier 816a. The amplified first
data modulated MMW signal at the output of the power amplifier 816a
is then received by the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819
coupled to the output of amplifier 816a. Under the control of
switch control unit 823, the actuation of the switches
SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio frequency RF switches
819 determines which amplified data modulated MMW signal is coupled
to a corresponding one of the coupling points 824, 826, 828. For
example, by actuating switch SW1 of the bank of radio frequency RF
switches 819 to a closed position, the amplified first data
modulated MMW signal is coupled to coupling point 824.
[0079] Within MMW transmitter device 802B, baseband signal
generator 808 B provides a source of data (e.g., a High-Definition
Video Streaming Service) for radio transmission via the antenna
array structure 804. The baseband signal generator 808B may include
various digital/analog signal processing capabilities for
formatting the data or information prior to up-conversion and
subsequent transmission. The millimeter-wave signal generator 810B
may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of
generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of
57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals from both the baseband
signal generator 808B and the millimeter-wave signal generator 810B
to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 812B, a second data
modulated MMW signal is generated at the output (c) of the
frequency mixer 812B. The second data modulated MMW signal is
received and amplified by power amplifier 816b. The amplified
second data modulated MMW signal at the output of the power
amplifier 816b is then received by the bank of radio frequency RF
switches 819 coupled to the output of amplifier 816b. Under the
control of switch control unit 823, the actuation of the switches
SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio frequency RF switches
819 determines which amplified data modulated MMW signal is coupled
to a corresponding one of the coupling points 824, 826, 828. For
example, by actuating switch SW2 of the bank of radio frequency RF
switches 819 to a closed position, the amplified second data
modulated MMW signal is coupled to coupling point 826.
[0080] Within MMW transmitter device 802N, baseband signal
generator 808N provides a source of data (e.g., a High-Definition
Video Streaming Service) for radio transmission via the antenna
array structure 804. The baseband signal generator 808N may include
various digital/analog signal processing capabilities for
formatting the data or information prior to up-conversion and
subsequent transmission. The millimeter-wave signal generator 810N
may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator capable of
generating signals within, for example, a millimeter-wave band of
57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals from both the baseband
signal generator 808N and the millimeter-wave signal generator 810N
to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 812N, a third data
modulated MMW signal is generated at the output (c) of the
frequency mixer 812N. The third data modulated MMW signal is
received and amplified by power amplifier 816n. The amplified third
data modulated MMW signal at the output of the power amplifier 816n
is then received by the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819
coupled to the output of amplifier 816n. Under the control of
switch control unit 823, the actuation of the switches
SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio frequency RF switches
819 determines which amplified data modulated MMW signal is coupled
to a corresponding one of the coupling points 824, 826, 828. For
example, by actuating switch SW.sub.N of the bank of radio
frequency RF switches 819 to a closed position, the amplified third
data modulated MMW signal is coupled to coupling point 828.
[0081] As depicted by dashed line DL2, any number of MMW
transmitter devices may be coupled to any number of corresponding
antenna coupling points. Thus, different sources of data can be
directionally transmitted based on which coupling point is being
utilized. For example, baseband signal generator 808A may include
data that is transmitted at a first propagation direction when
coupled to coupling point 824. Also, baseband signal generator 808B
may include data that is transmitted at a second propagation
direction when coupled to coupling point 826, while baseband signal
generator 808N may include data that is transmitted at a third
propagation direction when coupled to coupling point 828. In some
implementations, the bank of radio frequency RF switches 819 may
incorporate a switch fabric architecture, whereby the output of the
amplifiers 816a-816n can be electrically connected to any one of
the outputs O.sub.a-O.sub.n. For example, switch control unit 823
could connect the output of amplifier 816a to output Ob and thus
coupling point 826. Moreover, switch control unit 823 could
alternatively connect the output of amplifier 816a to output
O.sub.n and thus coupling point 828. Such a switch implementation
thus provides each MMW transmitter device with the capability of
directionally transmitting data to an intended recipient device.
According to another implementation, the architecture depicted in
FIG. 8 may also facilitate multiple-input and multiple-output
(MIMO) communication capabilities.
[0082] FIG. 9 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
900 operating as a receiver, according to another alternative
embodiment. The exemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication
system 900 may include a MMW receiver device 902 and an antenna
array structure 904. In the presented example, the antenna array
structure 904 includes a grid antenna structure the same as, or
similar to, grid antenna structure 504 depicted in FIG. 5.
Moreover, the MMW receiver device 902 includes multiple MMW
receiver devices 902A, 902B, 902N that each have components that
are identical to MMW receiver device 502 depicted in FIG. 5.
[0083] Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 9, the grid antenna
structure 904 includes a plurality of loops 920a-920k, whereby, as
illustrated by the dashed lines DL1, any number of additional loop
structures may be implemented between loops 920b-920c and
920i-920j. The grid antenna structure 904 also includes multiple
antenna coupling points 924, 926, 928, whereby at such points,
radio signals are received by the grid antenna structure 904 during
free-space radio signal reception. As depicted, the antenna
coupling points 924, 926, 928 are positioned at different locations
on the grid antenna structure 904. For example, antenna coupling
point 924 is located on an outer radiator element r'.sub.1 of loop
920a, while antenna coupling point 928 is located on an outer
radiator element r'.sub.2 of loop 920k. Further, antenna coupling
point 926 is located at the intersection of radiator elements
r'.sub.3 and r'.sub.4 corresponding to loops 920b and 920c.
Although the exemplary grid antenna structure 904 embodiment shows
three coupling points 924, 926, 928, any number of coupling points
distributed at different locations (e.g., between dashed line DL1)
may be provided for feeding a signal to the antenna structure 904.
In operation, each coupling point receives a data modulated signal
from a different radio propagation direction. As previously
described, this in turn establishes the MMW system's 900 LOS
communication requirements with other MMW devices.
[0084] In this alternative embodiment, each of MMW receiver devices
902A, 902B and 902N is coupled to respective coupling point 924,
926, and 928. More specifically, MMW receiver device 902A is
coupled to coupling point 924, MMW receiver device 902B is coupled
to coupling point 926, and MMW receiver device 902N is coupled to
coupling point 928. Thus, data from different intended recipients
may be received over directional MMW channels.
[0085] Within MMW receiver device 902, MMW receiver device 902A may
include baseband signal receiver 908A, millimeter-wave signal
generator (e.g., a phase locked loop--PLL) 910A, frequency mixer
912A, and power amplifier device 916a (e.g., low noise
amplifier--LNA). Also, MMW receiver device 902B may include
baseband signal receiver 908B, millimeter-wave signal generator
(e.g., a phase locked loop--PLL) 910B, frequency mixer 912B, and
power amplifier device 916b (e.g., LNA). Similarly, MMW receiver
device 902N may include baseband signal receiver 908N,
millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g., a phase locked loop--PLL)
910N, frequency mixer 912N, and power amplifier device 916n (e.g.,
LNA). Further, MMW receiver device 902 also includes a bank of
radio frequency (RF) switches 919 and a switch control unit 823.
Each of coupling points 924, 926, and 928 are coupled to respective
MMW receiver devices 902A, 902b, and 902N via the bank of RF
switches 919, whereby the RF switches 919 are controlled by switch
control unit 823.
[0086] Within MMW receiver device 902A, baseband signal receiver
908A processes (e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock
extraction, etc.) data (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming
Service) that is received via the antenna array structure 904. The
baseband signal receiver 908A may include various digital/analog
signal processing capabilities following the down-conversion of a
received MMW radio signal by mixer 912A. The millimeter-wave signal
generator 910A may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal
generator capable of generating signals within, for example, a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals
from both the power amplifier 916a and the millimeter-wave signal
generator 910A to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 912A, a
first down converted data modulated signal is generated at the
output (c) of the frequency mixer 912A.
[0087] Also, for MMW receiver device 902B, baseband signal receiver
908B processes (e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock
extraction, etc.) data (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming
Service) that is received via the antenna array structure 904. The
baseband signal receiver 908B may include various digital/analog
signal processing capabilities following the down-conversion of a
received MMW radio signal by mixer 912B. The millimeter-wave signal
generator 910B may further include a tunable PLL MMW signal
generator capable of generating signals within, for example, a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. By applying the output signals
from both power amplifier 916b and millimeter-wave signal generator
910B to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 912B, a second
down converted data modulated signal is generated at the output (c)
of the frequency mixer 912B.
[0088] Similarly, for MMW receiver device 902N, baseband signal
receiver 908N also processes (e.g., demodulation, error correction,
clock extraction, etc.) data (e.g., a High-Definition Video
Streaming Service) that is received via the antenna array structure
904. The baseband signal receiver 908N may include various
digital/analog signal processing capabilities following the
down-conversion of a received MMW radio signal by mixer 912N. The
millimeter-wave signal generator 910N may further include a tunable
PLL MMW signal generator capable of generating signals within, for
example, a millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. By applying the
output signals from both power amplifier 916n and millimeter-wave
signal generator 910N to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer
912N, a third down converted data modulated signal is generated at
the output (c) of the frequency mixer 912N.
[0089] Under the control of switch control unit 923, the actuation
of the switches SW.sub.1-SW.sub.N within the bank of radio
frequency RF switches 919 determines which data modulated MMW radio
signals are received at a corresponding one of the MMW receiver
devices 902A, 902B, 902N. For example, by actuating switch SW.sub.1
of the bank of radio frequency RF switches 919 to a closed
position, a first data modulated MMW radio signal from a first
propagation direction is coupled from coupling point 924 to MMW
receiver devices 902A. Alternatively, by actuating switch SW.sub.2
of the bank of radio frequency RF switches 919 to a closed
position, a second data modulated MMW radio signal from a second
propagation direction is coupled from coupling point 926 to MMW
receiver devices 902B. Further, by actuating switch SW.sub.N of the
bank of radio frequency RF switches 819 to a closed position, a
third data modulated MMW radio signal from a third propagation
direction is coupled from coupling point 828 to MMW receiver
devices 902N.
[0090] As depicted by dashed line DL2, any number of MMW receiver
devices may be coupled to any number of corresponding antenna
coupling points. Thus, different MMW radio signals can be
directionally received based on which coupling point is being
utilized. For example, baseband signal receiver 908A may receive
data that is transmitted from a first propagation direction via
coupling point 924. Also, baseband signal receiver 908B may receive
data that is transmitted from a second propagation direction via
coupling point 926, while baseband signal receiver 908N may receive
data that is transmitted from a third propagation direction via
coupling point 928. In some implementations, the bank of radio
frequency RF switches 919 may incorporate a switch fabric
architecture, whereby any one of the inputs I.sub.a-I.sub.n can be
electrically connected to the input of the amplifiers 916a-916n.
For example, switch control unit 923 could connect input I.sub.b
and thus coupling point 926 to the input of amplifier 916a.
Moreover, switch control unit 923 could alternatively connect input
I.sub.b and thus coupling point 926 to the input of amplifier 916n.
Such a switch implementation thus provides each MMW receiver device
with the capability of directionally receiving data from an
intended recipient device. According to another implementation, the
architecture depicted in FIG. 9 may also facilitate multiple-input
and multiple-output (MIMO) communication capabilities.
[0091] It may be appreciated that while MMW radio signals
propagating from multiple directions are received at each coupling
point associated with the antenna array structure, sufficient
signal strength for MMW receiver detection is based on each
coupling point's sensitivity to a particular signal propagation
direction. As such, although several radio signals from different
directions may be incident at a given coupling point, one of the
several radio signals received from a particular direction will be
detectable.
[0092] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the position
of the bank of radio frequency RF switches is functionally
represented. Preferably, in FIG. 8, the bank of radio frequency RF
switches 819 can be positioned before the amplifiers 816a-816n. In
FIG. 9, preferably, the bank of RF switches 919 may be located
following the output of amplifiers 916a-916n.
[0093] FIG. 10 shows a millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system
1000 operating as a transceiver, according to another embodiment.
The exemplary millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system 1000 may
include a MMW transceiver device 1002 and an antenna array
structure 1004. In the presented example, the antenna array
structure 1004 includes a grid antenna structure that is the same
as, or similar to, the grid antenna structure depicted in FIG. 6.
Moreover, the MMW transceiver device 1002 includes multiple MMW
transceiver devices 1002A, 1002B, 1002N that each have components
that are identical to MMW transceiver device 602 depicted in FIG.
6. MMW transceiver device 1002 may further include a switch control
unit 1023.
[0094] MMW transceiver device 1002A may include a baseband signal
receiver/generator 1008A, a millimeter-wave signal generator (e.g.,
a phase locked loop--PLL) 1010A, a frequency mixer 1012A, power
amplifier devices 1016a and 1017a, and radio frequency (RF) switch
SW''.sub.1. Accordingly, MMW transceiver device 1002B may include
baseband signal receiver/generator 1008B, millimeter-wave signal
generator (e.g., a phase locked loop--PLL) 1010B, frequency mixer
1012B, power amplifier devices 1016b and 1017b, and radio frequency
(RF) switch SW''.sub.2. Similarly, MMW transceiver device 1002N may
include baseband signal receiver/generator 1008N, millimeter-wave
signal generator (e.g., a phase locked loop--PLL) 1010N, frequency
mixer 1012N, power amplifier devices 1016n and 1017n, and radio
frequency (RF) switch SW''.sub.n.
[0095] The MMW transceiver device 1002 combines the operation of
both the MMW transmitter device 802 of FIG. 8 and the MMW receiver
device 902 of FIG. 9. Further the antenna array structure 1004 is
also identical to both the antenna structure 804 of FIG. 8 and the
antenna structure 904 of FIG. 9.
[0096] In particular, in a transmit mode of operation, each of the
baseband signal receivers/generators 1008A, 1008B, 1008N provide a
source of data (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming Service)
for radio transmission via the antenna array structure 1004. The
baseband signal receivers/generators 1008A, 1008B, 1008N may
include various digital/analog signal processing capabilities for
formatting the data or information prior to up-conversion and
subsequent transmission. Alternatively, in a receive mode of
operation, the baseband signal receivers/generators 1008A, 1008B,
1008N process (e.g., demodulation, error correction, clock
extraction, etc.) data (e.g., a High-Definition Video Streaming
Service) that is received via the antenna array structure 1004.
[0097] Within MMW transceiver 1002A, the millimeter-wave signal
generator 1010A may include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator
capable of generating signals within, for example, a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. In a transmit mode of operation,
by applying the output signals from both the baseband signal
receiver/generator 1008A and the millimeter-wave signal generator
1010A to the inputs (a, b) of the frequency mixer 1012A, a first
data modulated MMW signal is generated at output (c) of the
frequency mixer 1012A. In a receive mode of operation, by applying
the output signal from the power amplifier 1017a and the
millimeter-wave signal generator 1010A to the inputs (b, c) of the
frequency mixer 1012A, a first down converted data modulated signal
is generated at output (b) of the frequency mixer 1012A.
Accordingly, the mixer input/output terminals are described from
the perspective of whether signals are being up-converted (T.sub.x
mode) or down-converted (R.sub.x mode) by the mixer 1012A.
[0098] Within MMW transceiver 1002B, millimeter-wave signal
generator 1010B may include a tunable PLL MMW signal generator
capable of generating signals within, for example, a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. In a transmit mode of operation,
by applying the output signals from both baseband signal
receiver/generator 1008B and millimeter-wave signal generator 1010B
to the inputs (a, b) of frequency mixer 1012B, a second data
modulated MMW signal is generated at output (c) of the frequency
mixer 1012B. In a receive mode of operation, by applying the output
signal from power amplifier 1017b and millimeter-wave signal
generator 1010B to the inputs (b, c) of frequency mixer 1012B, a
second down converted data modulated signal is generated at output
(b) of the frequency mixer 1012B. Accordingly, the mixer
input/output terminals are described from the perspective of
whether signals are being up-converted (T.sub.x mode) or
down-converted (R.sub.x mode) by the mixer 1012B.
[0099] Similarly, within MMW transceiver 1002N, millimeter-wave
signal generator 1010N may include a tunable PLL MMW signal
generator capable of generating signals within, for example, a
millimeter-wave band of 57-66 GHz. In a transmit mode of operation,
by applying the output signals from both baseband signal
receiver/generator 1008N and millimeter-wave signal generator 1010N
to the inputs (a, b) of frequency mixer 1012N, a third data
modulated MMW signal is generated at output (c) of the frequency
mixer 1012N. In a receive mode of operation, by applying the output
signal from power amplifier 1017n and millimeter-wave signal
generator 1010N to the inputs (b, c) of frequency mixer 1012N, a
third down converted data modulated signal is generated at output
(b) of the frequency mixer 1012N. Accordingly, the mixer
input/output terminals are described from the perspective of
whether signals are being up-converted (T.sub.x mode) or
down-converted (R.sub.x mode) by the mixer 1012N.
[0100] In the transmit mode, data that is to be transmitted is
up-converted to a MMW carrier frequency, amplified, and radio
transmitted via the antenna array structure. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 10, each of the MMW transceiver devices
1002A-1002N within MMW transceiver device 1002 can generate
different MMW data (e.g., different services) signals for radio
transmission to different directions based on which coupling points
these MMW data signals are applied to.
[0101] For example, data (e.g., service A--streaming music) that is
generated by baseband signal receiver/generator 1008A is
up-converted to a MMW carrier frequency using mixer 1012A and
millimeter-wave signal generator 1010A. This first up-converted MMW
data signal is thus amplified and coupled to coupling point 1024
based on the switch control unit 1023 actuating switch SW''.sub.1
to position `a`. At the coupling point 1024, the antenna array
structure 1004 radio transmits the first up-converted MMW data
along a first propagation direction. Also, data (e.g., service
B--streaming video) that is generated by baseband signal
receiver/generator 1008B is up-converted to a MMW carrier frequency
using mixer 1012B and millimeter-wave signal generator 1010B. This
second up-converted MMW data signal is thus amplified and coupled
to coupling point 1026 based on the switch control unit 1023
actuating switch SW''.sub.2 to position `a`. At the coupling point
1026, the antenna array structure 1004 radio transmits the second
up-converted MMW data along a second propagation direction.
Similarly, data (e.g., service C--storage data) that is generated
by baseband signal receiver/generator 1008N is up-converted to a
MMW carrier frequency using mixer 1012N and millimeter-wave signal
generator 1010N. This third up-converted MMW data signal is thus
amplified and coupled to coupling point 1028 based on the switch
control unit 1023 actuating switch SW''.sub.N to position `a`. At
the coupling point 1028, the antenna array structure 1004 radio
transmits the third up-converted MMW data along a third propagation
direction.
[0102] In the receive mode, a MMW radio signal that is received via
the antenna array structure is pre-amplified, down-converted to a
baseband frequency, and demodulated to retrieve the data. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, each of the MMW transceiver devices
1002A-1002N within MMW transceiver device 1002 can receive
different MMW radio (e.g., different services) signals received
from different directions based on which coupling points these MMW
radio signals are received at.
[0103] For example, a first MMW radio signal is received at
coupling point 1024 from a first propagation direction. Based on
the switch control unit 1023 actuating switch SW''.sub.1 to
position `b` the received first MMW radio signal is amplified by
power amplifier 1017a. Using the millimeter-wave signal generator
1010A and frequency mixer 1012A, the amplified first MMW radio
signal is then down-converted to a baseband frequency for
demodulation and processing by the baseband signal
receiver/generator 1008A in order to extract the data (e.g.,
service A--streaming music). Also, a second MMW radio signal is
received at coupling point 1026 from a second propagation
direction. Based on the switch control unit 1023 actuating switch
SW''.sub.2 to position `b` the received second MMW radio signal is
amplified by power amplifier 1017b. Using the millimeter-wave
signal generator 1010B and frequency mixer 1012B, the amplified
second MMW radio signal is then down-converted to a baseband
frequency for demodulation and processing by baseband signal
receiver/generator 1008B in order to extract the data (e.g.,
service B--streaming video). Similarly, a third MMW radio signal is
received at coupling point 1028 from a third propagation direction.
Based on the switch control unit 1023 actuating switch SW''.sub.N
to position `b`, the received third MMW radio signal is amplified
by power amplifier 1017n. Using the millimeter-wave signal
generator 1010N and frequency mixer 1012N, the amplified third MMW
radio signal is then down-converted to a baseband frequency for
demodulation and processing by baseband signal receiver/generator
1008N in order to extract the data (e.g., service C--storage
data).
[0104] FIG. 11 shows operational modes associated with the
millimeter-wave (MMW) communication systems of FIGS. 8-10,
according to one embodiment. As depicted, an antenna array
structure 1102 may be located on a surface 1104 of, for example, a
table, a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) display or housing, or
other device surface. The antenna array structure 1102 may also be
coupled to any communication device identical to, or similar to,
those depicted and described in relation to FIGS. 8-10. Moreover,
the antenna array structure 1102 may communicate with mobile
devices 1106 and 1108, whereby each of the mobile devices 1106,
1108 include an identical or similar communication system to those
depicted and described in relation to the MMW systems of FIGS.
8-10.
[0105] In one mode of operation 1100, the antenna array structure
1102 may concurrently direct LOS communications to multiple target
devices. For example, as described in the foregoing, utilizing a
first coupling point on the antenna array structure 1102 in a
transmit mode, a data modulated MMW signal carrying a data service
(e.g., data service A: video conference data) is transmitted via
one transceiver device at a first propagation direction to mobile
device 1108. Concurrently or alternatively, by using another
coupling point on the antenna array structure 1102, a data
modulated MMW signal carrying another data service (e.g., data
service B: image data files) is transmitted via another transceiver
device at a second propagation direction to mobile device 1106.
Although for illustrative brevity only two mobile devices 1106,
1108 and two propagation directions are described, multiple
coupling points on the antenna array structure 1102 may be utilized
in a manner that facilitates generating concurrent (i.e., from two
or more transceiver devices) or alternative (i.e., from one
transceiver device) LOS signal transmissions corresponding to
different data services to multiple mobile devices located in the
periphery of surface 1104.
[0106] Moreover, utilizing the first coupling point on the antenna
array structure 1102 in a receive mode, a data modulated MMW signal
generated by mobile device 1108 is received at a transceiver device
from a first propagation direction. Alternatively or concurrently,
by using another coupling point on the antenna array structure
1102, another data modulated MMW signal generated by mobile device
1106 is received at another transceiver device from a second
propagation direction. Although for illustrative brevity only two
mobile devices 1106, 1108 and two propagation directions are
described, multiple coupling points on the antenna array structure
1102 may be utilized in a manner that facilitates concurrently
(i.e., at two or more transceiver devices) or alternatively (i.e.,
at one transceiver device) receiving LOS signal transmissions from
multiple mobile devices located in the periphery of surface
1104.
[0107] As described above, different data (i.e., different data
services) may be communicated between mobile devices 1106, 1108. As
such, in one mode, different data services may be simultaneously
communicated (i.e., transmitted or received) in different radio
propagation directions to separate mobile devices that are at two
different spatial locations. According to another mode, however,
different data services may be communicated (i.e., transmitted or
received) in different radio propagation directions to separate
mobile devices that are at two different spatial locations during
different time periods. For example, data (e.g., data service A)
may first be directionally communicated (i.e., transmitted or
received) 1112 to mobile device 1106 during time interval T.sub.1,
while data (e.g., data service B) may be directionally radio
communicated (i.e., transmitted or received) 1114 to mobile device
1108 during a later time interval T.sub.2, which follows
T.sub.1.
[0108] FIG. 12 shows implementation aspects for MMW communication
systems, according to different embodiments. In a first exemplary
embodiment, MMW communication system 1200 is disposed on a
substrate 1202. The MMW communication system 1200 includes a MMW
communications device 1204 packaged as a radio frequency integrated
circuit (RFIC) and an antenna array structure 1206 that is coupled
to the communications device 1204. The MMW communications device
1204 may be a MMW transmitter device, a MMW receiver device, or a
MMW transceiver device identical to, or similar to, those described
in relation to FIGS. 4-7 and 8-10. The substrate 1202 may include a
system board (i.e., multilayer circuit board), a 3D chip
integration coupled to one or more ICs (not shown), a device
housing, a smart table (i.e., conference room table--see example
shown in FIG. 13), or generally, any surface that can be used to
integrate an antenna array structure and MMW communication device.
As depicted, the communications device 1204 is connected to the
coupling point 1214 of antenna array structure 1206 via antenna
feed 1210 and probe 1212. Moreover, a ground plane 1220 is located
between the antenna feed 1210 and the antenna array structure 1206
disposed on the surface S of the substrate 1202. Thus, the ground
plane 1210 provides noise shielding to the antenna array structure
1206. As further depicted, the MMW communication device 1204 is
located within a top surface cavity 1222 of the substrate 1202.
[0109] Still referring to FIG. 12, according to a second exemplary
embodiment, MMW communication system 1250 is disposed on a
substrate 1252. The MMW communication system 1250 includes a MMW
communications device 1254 packaged as a radio frequency integrated
circuit (RFIC) and an antenna array structure 1256 that is coupled
to the communications device 1254. The MMW communications device
1254 may be a MMW transmitter device, a MMW receiver device, or a
MMW transceiver device identical to, or similar to, those described
in relation to FIGS. 4-7 and 8-10. The substrate 1252 may include a
system board (i.e., multilayer circuit board), a 3D chip
integration coupled to one or more ICs (not shown), a device
housing, a smart table (i.e., conference room table--see example
shown in FIG. 13), or generally, any surface that can be used to
integrate an antenna array structure and MMW communication device.
As depicted, the communications device 1254 is connected to the
coupling point 1264 of antenna array structure 1256 via antenna
feed 1260 and probe 1262. Moreover, a ground plane 1270 is located
between the antenna feed 1260 and the antenna array structure 1256
disposed on the surface S' of the substrate 1252. As depicted, the
ground plane 1270 further extends over the MMW communications
device 1254. As further depicted, the MMW communication device 1254
is located within a bottom surface cavity 1272 of the substrate
1252. Thus, housing the MMW communication device 1204 within the
bottom surface cavity 1272 of the substrate 1252 facilitates
extending the ground plane 1270 to provide noise shielding to not
only the antenna array structure 1256, but also the MMW
communications device 1254.
[0110] FIG. 13 shows a connection implementation 1300 between a
bank of RF switches that couples signals generated by a MMW
communication device to an antenna array structure, according to
one embodiment. For example, the connection implementation 1300 may
be utilized with respect to any one of the MMW communication
systems corresponding to FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10. More specifically,
referring to FIG. 4, according to one example, connection
implementation 1300 may be utilized to connect switch bank 419 to
coupling points 424-428.
[0111] As depicted in FIG. 13, a bank of RF switches 1302 is
connected to antenna array structure 1304 via antenna feeds 1304a
and 1304b, and respective probes 1306a and 1306b. For example, the
bank of RF switches 1302 may include switches such as SW.sub.1 and
SW.sub.2. The probes 1306a, 1306b are coupled to coupling points
1310 and 1312 through openings `A` and `B` of ground plane 1315.
The length of the antenna feeds 1304a, 1304b between the bank of RF
switches 1302 and the probes 1306a, 1306b are selected to be
multiples of the effective substrate (S) half wavelength of the
carrier frequency (e.g., 60 GHz) being transmitted by the antenna
array structure 1304. In particular, the length of the antenna feed
1304a between switch SW.sub.1 of the RF switches 1302 and probe
1306a is selected to be a multiple of the effective substrate half
wavelength of the carrier frequency (e.g., 60 GHz). Also, the
length of the antenna feed 1304b between switch SW.sub.2 of the RF
switches 1302 and probe 1306b is selected to be a multiple of the
effective substrate half wavelength of the carrier frequency (e.g.,
60 GHz). Thus, the length of antenna feed 1304a is n.lamda./2,
where 80 is the effective substrate half wavelength of the carrier
frequency (e.g., 60 GHz) and `n` is an integer value. Further, the
length of antenna feed 1304b is m.lamda./2, where .lamda. is the
effective substrate wavelength of the carrier frequency (e.g., 60
GHz) and `m` is an integer value. In the described implementation,
the multiple of half wavelengths (m.lamda./2, n.lamda./2)
associated with the length of the antenna feeds 1304a, 1304b
enables the integration of the bank of RF switches 1302 within the
MMW communication device. In the depicted implementation, when a
switch within the bank of RF switches 1302 is in an off state, the
antenna needs to see an open circuit (high impedance) at the
antenna coupling point. This is achieved by establishing the
antenna feed length to be a multiple of half wavelengths
(m.lamda./2, n.lamda./2). Further, `m` and `n` can either be
identical or have different values.
[0112] In other implementations, however, signals to the antenna
array structure 1304 may be controlled without the use of the bank
of RF switches 1302. In such an embodiment, for example,
application of a signal to a particular coupling point associated
with the antenna array structure 1304 may be turned OFF or ON by
controlling the power that is provided to the amplifier device
driving the feed that sends the signal to the particular coupling
point.
[0113] FIG. 14 shows an example application 1400 of a MMW
communication system, according to one embodiment. In particular,
the MMW communication system may be incorporated into a conference
room table 1402 (i.e., a smart table type design), or any other
platform. The table may include antenna array structures 1404,
1406, a smart phone charger station 1408, other functional features
(e.g., projector screen controller, in-built WiFi, etc.) 1410, and
peripheral connectors 1412 (e.g., power outlets, USB1 connector,
USB2 connection, etc.). One communication system CS1 includes a MMW
communication device 1415 (e.g., transceiver) that is embedded
within the table 1402 and coupled to antenna array structures 1404,
while another communication system CS2 includes a MMW communication
device 1418 (e.g., transceiver) that is also embedded within the
table 1402 and coupled to antenna array structures 1406. Although
the antenna array structures 1404, 1406 may be identical to, or
similar to, the antenna array structure of FIG. 1, any one or more
of the antenna array structures depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be
utilized.
[0114] The antenna array structures 1404, 1406 may be formed on the
top surface of the table, while their respective MMW communication
devices 1415, 1418 may be located, for example, within a cavity
formed within the table 1402. Based on application, MMW
communication devices 1415 and 1418 include any of the devices
corresponding to FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10. For example, MMW communication
devices 1415 and 1418 may each be identical to MMW transceiver
device 602 of FIG. 6. Similarly, a mobile device 1420 (e.g., smart
phone) located on the charger station 1408 may also include a MMW
communication system identical to, or similar to, those depicted in
FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10. For example, the mobile device 1420 (e.g.,
smart phone) may include a transceiver device and antenna array
structure identical to the MMW transceiver device 602 and antenna
array structure 604 of FIG. 6. Thus, directional LOS MMW radio
communications may be exchanged between the mobile device 1420 and
communication system CS1.
[0115] Still referring to FIG. 14, according to another exemplary
operational example, computers 1425 and 1435 may exchange large
amounts of data via MMW communication system CS1 and CS2. According
to one example, computer 1425 desires to exchange a large volume of
stored data files with mobile device 1420. As such, computer 1425
sends data (TxD1) to MMW communication system CS1 via USB connector
USB1. The data is then received and radio transmitted at a MMW
frequency by MMW communication system CS1 to mobile device 1420, as
indicated by RxD1. According to another example, mobile device 1420
desires to exchange a large volume of stored data files with
computer 1435. As such, mobile device 1420 transmits data (TxD2) at
a MMW frequency (e.g., 60 GHz) to MMW communication system CS2. MMW
communication system CS2 then receives and forwards the data to
computer 1435 via USB connector USB2, as indicated by RxD2.
[0116] The MMW communication systems of the embodiments described
herein allow for large amounts of data to be radio transmitted at
MMW frequencies in a single transmission, which in turn
significantly reduces data transfer times as a result providing
high-data-capacity links. Additionally, the MMW communication
systems can dynamically steer the LOS communications directionally
in order to, among other things, maximize signal reception (i.e.,
increased signal-to-noise ratio) at an intended communication
device (e.g., computer, mobile device, etc.). For example, MMW
communication system CS2 can transmit data to mobile device 1420
along a first propagation direction using antenna array structure
1406. However, MMW communication system CS2 can either
simultaneously or alternative transmit the same or different data
to mobile device 1450 along a second propagation direction using
antenna array structure 1406.
[0117] In the present disclosure, the term power amplifier means
any device or chain of devices that amplifies signals prior to
radio transmission (i.e., at a transmitter) or following radio
signal reception (i.e., at a receiver). For a receiver, the power
amplifier can include a low noise amplifier (LNA), while for a
transmitter, a power amplifier (PA) is an amplification device used
to boost high S/N ratio signals prior to radio transmission.
[0118] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary process 1500 (i.e., a
Communication Switch Control (CSC) Program) for controlling the
switches associated with the MMW communication systems
corresponding to FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10, according to one embodiment.
Process 1500 may be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or
any combination thereof. FIG. 15 will be described with the aid of
the MMW communication system 600 depicted in FIG. 6. It may also be
appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, process 1500 has the
capability of controlling the application of power to the various
power amplifier components in order to control whether signals are
coupled to or received from the antenna structure.
[0119] At 1502, information regarding the intended communicating
parties are received. For example, switch control unit 623 may
receive information that the intended communicating parties are
recipients `A` and `B` (see FIG. 1). At 1504, it is determined
whether communications with one or more of the intended recipients
(A & B) will be a transmission or receive operation. For
example, at 1504, it is determined whether communications with MMW
communication system 600 be a MMW signal reception or a
transmission of a MMW radio signal.
[0120] Once it is determined that the MMW communication system 600
will operate in a transmit mode (1504), at 1506 it is further
established whether the transmission will be directed to a single
intended recipient or a broadcast to all recipients. For example, a
determination will be made as to whether the MMW communication
system 600 will transmit a MMW radio signal to recipient A or B, or
whether a MMW radio signal is to be broadcast to both recipients A
and B.
[0121] If the transmission is a broadcast, at 1508 all relevant
switches are actuated to enable sending the data modulated MMW
signals to all the required antenna feeds and coupling points on
the antenna array structure. For example, within MMW communication
system 600, switches SW'.sub.1 and SW'.sub.2 are actuated by the
switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602. This enables data
modulated MMW signals to be sent to coupling points 624 and 626 of
the antenna array structure 604 for broadcasting to multiple
recipients such as recipients A and B.
[0122] If the transmission is not a broadcast, at 1510 a
predetermined switch is actuated to enable sending a data modulated
MMW signal to a required antenna feed and coupling point on the
antenna array structure. For example, within MMW communication
system 600, switch SW'.sub.1 or SW'.sub.2 is actuated by the switch
control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602. This enables the data
modulated MMW signal to be sent to either coupling point 624 or 626
of the antenna array structure 604. Thus, depending on the coupling
point 624, 626 utilized, the data modulated MMW signal is
directionally sent to either recipient A or B.
[0123] At 1512, the signal strength and continuity of the signal
strength is processed in order to determine whether the actuation
of one or more of the switches should be changed to establish a
more accurate LOS communication path. For example, switch SW'.sub.1
may be actuated (e.g., SW'.sub.1=CLOSED) by the switch control unit
623 of MMW transceiver 602 in order to establish a LOS
communication path to recipient A. If recipient A fails to
acknowledge initial receipt of the transmission from MMW
transceiver 602 within a predefined time period and/or number of
transmission tries, the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver
602 changes the switch actuation configuration (e.g.,
SW'.sub.1=OPEN; SW'.sub.2=CLOSED) to send the transmission along
another LOS communication path. In this exemplary scenario,
recipient A may have changed its position. Thus, using different
switch configurations, the position of an intended recipient may be
determined based on eventually receiving an acknowledgement from
the recipient (e.g., recipient A) and measuring the received signal
strength.
[0124] If, however, it is determined that the MMW communication
system 600 will operate in a receive mode (1504), at 1514 it is
further established whether the signal reception will be from a
single intended recipient or a broadcasted signal. For example, a
determination will be made as to whether the MMW communication
system 600 will receive a MMW radio signal from transmitting party
A or B (see FIG. 1), or whether a received MMW radio signal is to
be broadcast from transmitting party A or B.
[0125] If the intended reception is from a broadcast, at 1516 all
relevant switches are actuated to enable receiving the broadcast
data modulated MMW signal at all the required antenna feeds and
coupling points on the antenna array structure. For example, within
MMW communication system 600, switches SW'.sub.1 and SW'.sub.2 are
actuated by the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602.
This enables the received data modulated MMW signal to be received
at coupling points 624 and 626 of the antenna array structure 604
based on the broadcast from either transmitting party A or B.
[0126] If the signal reception is not a broadcast, at 1518 a
predetermined switch is actuated to enable receiving a data
modulated MMW signal at a required antenna feed and coupling point
on the antenna array structure. For example, within MMW
communication system 600, switch SW'.sub.1 or SW'.sub.2 is actuated
by the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602. This enables
the data modulated MMW signal to be received to either coupling
point 624 or 626 of the antenna array structure 604. Thus,
depending on the coupling point 624, 626 utilized, the data
modulated MMW signal is directionally received from either
transmitting party A or B. More specifically, for example,
actuating switch SW'.sub.1 enables the data modulated MMW signal to
be received at coupling point 624 of the antenna array structure
604, while actuating switch SW'.sub.2 enables the data modulated
MMW signal to be received at coupling point 626 of the antenna
array structure 604.
[0127] At 1520, the signal strength and continuity of the signal
strength is processed in order to determine whether the actuation
of one or more of the switches should be changed to establish a
more accurate LOS communication path. For example, switch SW'.sub.1
may be actuated (e.g., SW'.sub.1=CLOSED) by the switch control unit
623 of MMW transceiver 602 in order to establish a LOS
communication path from transmitting party A. If a transmission
from transmitting party A is not received by MMW transceiver 602
within a predefined time period and/or number of transmission
tries, the switch control unit 623 of MMW transceiver 602 changes
the switch actuation configuration (e.g., SW'.sub.1=OPEN;
SW'.sub.2=CLOSED) to establish signal reception along another LOS
communication path. In this exemplary scenario, transmitting party
A may have changed its position. Thus, using different switch
configurations, the position of a communicating transmitting party
may be determined based on eventually receiving the data modulated
MMW signal from the transmitting party (e.g., transmitting party A)
at a particular signal strength. In one implementation, based on
the received signal being above a certain predetermined threshold,
it is determined that the transmitting party is at a particular
location.
[0128] Within each of the exemplary MMW communication system
embodiments described above, the transmitter, receiver, or
transceiver devices may alternatively not include any baseband
signal source and/or receiver devices (e.g., FIG. 4: 408, FIG. 5:
508, etc.), and thus, include MMW signal generators (e.g., FIG. 4:
410, FIG. 5: 510, etc.), mixers (e.g., FIG. 4: 412, FIG. 5: 512,
etc.), amplifiers (e.g., FIG. 4: 416a-n, FIG. 5: 516a-n, etc.), and
in some instances, power-splitter/combiners (e.g., FIG. 4: 414,
FIG. 5: 514, etc.). In such embodiments, data to be transmitted, or
data to be received and processed, may be provided from another
device (i.e., located either remotely or in proximity).
[0129] The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a
computer program product. The computer program product may include
a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer
readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to
carry out aspects of the present invention.
[0130] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0131] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0132] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object
code written in any combination of one or more programming
languages, including an object oriented programming language such
as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural
programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or
similar programming languages. The computer readable program
instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on
the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on
the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on
the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote
computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type
of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area
network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry
including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays
(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by
utilizing state information of the computer readable program
instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to
perform aspects of the present invention.
[0133] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable
program instructions.
[0134] These computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in
a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
[0135] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing
apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps
to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that
the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0136] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in
the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0137] FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of the components of a data
processing system 1800, 1900, that may be incorporated within
switch control units 423, 523, 623, 823, 923, or 1023 (FIGS. 4-6
& 8-10) in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the
present invention. It should be appreciated that FIG. 16 provides
only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any
limitations with regard to the environments in which different
embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted
environments may be made based on design and implementation
requirements.
[0138] Data processing system 1800, 1900 is representative of any
electronic device capable of executing machine-readable program
instructions. Data processing system 1800, 1900 may be
representative of a smart phone, a computer system, PDA, or other
electronic devices. Examples of computing systems, environments,
and/or configurations that may represented by data processing
system 1800, 1900 include, but are not limited to, personal
computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick
clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,
microprocessor-based systems, network PCs, minicomputer systems,
and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of
the above systems or devices.
[0139] The data processing system 1800, 1900 may include a set of
internal components 800 and a set of external components 1900
illustrated in FIG. 16. The set of internal components 800 includes
one or more processors 1820, one or more computer-readable RAMs
1822 and one or more computer-readable ROMs 1824 on one or more
buses 1826, and one or more operating systems 1828 and one or more
computer-readable tangible storage devices 1830. The one or more
operating systems 1828 and programs such as Communication Switch
Control (CSC) Program 1600 (also see FIG. 15) is stored on one or
more computer-readable tangible storage devices 1830 for execution
by one or more processors 1820 via one or more RAMs 1822 (which
typically include cache memory). In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 16, each of the computer-readable tangible storage devices
1830 is a magnetic disk storage device of an internal hard drive.
Alternatively, each of the computer-readable tangible storage
devices 1830 is a semiconductor storage device such as ROM 1824,
EPROM, flash memory or any other computer-readable tangible storage
device that can store a computer program and digital
information.
[0140] The set of internal components 1800 also includes a R/W
drive or interface 1832 to read from and write to one or more
portable computer-readable tangible storage devices 1936 such as a
CD-ROM, DVD, memory stick, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical
disk or semiconductor storage device. The CSC program 1600 can be
stored on one or more of the respective portable computer-readable
tangible storage devices 1936, read via the respective R/W drive or
interface 1832 and loaded into the respective hard drive 1830.
[0141] The set of internal components 1800 may also include network
adapters (or switch port cards) or interfaces 836 such as a TCP/IP
adapter cards, wireless wi-fi interface cards, or 3G or 4G wireless
interface cards or other wired or wireless communication links. CSC
program 1600 can be downloaded from an external computer (e.g.,
server) via a network (for example, the Internet, a local area
network or other, wide area network) and respective network
adapters or interfaces 1836. From the network adapters (or switch
port adaptors) or interfaces 1836, the CSC program 1600 is loaded
into the respective hard drive 1830. The network may comprise
copper wires, optical fibers, wireless transmission, routers,
firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.
[0142] The set of external components 1900 can include a computer
display monitor 1920, a keyboard 1930, and a computer mouse 1934.
External component 1900 can also include touch screens, virtual
keyboards, touch pads, pointing devices, and other human interface
devices. The set of internal components 1800 also includes device
drivers 1840 to interface to computer display monitor 1920,
keyboard 1930 and computer mouse 1934. The device drivers 1840, R/W
drive or interface 1832 and network adapter or interface 1836
comprise hardware and software (stored in storage device 1830
and/or ROM 1824).
[0143] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are
not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used
herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the one or more
embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement over
technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed
herein.
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