Communication methods and apparatus

• US 20040266332A1
• Filed: 08/20/2004
• Published: 12/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Artimi Ltd. (Veebeam Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Artimi Ltd. (Veebeam Corporation)
• Inventors: Lang, Jack Arnold
• Application Number:
  US10/475,758
• Publication Number:
  US 20040266332A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/3.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/69 Spread spectrum techniques
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5437 Wired telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5441 Wireless systems or telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/545 Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines

Abstract

This invention generally relates to ultra wideband (UWB) communication, and in particular to methods and apparatus for enabling such communication.

There is described a method of distributing an uiltrawideband (UWB) communications signal through a building, the method comprising generating a UWB signal and coupling the UWB signal to at least one electrical conductor of a mains power supply circuit of the building to distribute the UWB signal. This facilitates implementation of a UWB network with reduced interference.

Claims

1. A method of distributing an ultrawideband (UWB) communications signal through a building, the method comprising:

generating a UWB signal; and

coupling the UWB signal to at least one electrical conductor of a mains power supply circuit of the building to distribute the UWB signal.

2. A method as any claim 1 further comprising:

generating a plurality of UWB signals at a plurality of UWB transmitters; and

coupling said plurality of UWB signals onto said electrical conductor at a plurality of different points within said building.

3. A method as claim 2 further comprising establishing a common timing between at least a subset of said UWB signals.

4. A method as claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising receiving said UWB signal at a plurality of points within said building.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim and wherein said coupling comprises capacitative coupling.

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim comprising coupling said UWB signal to two electrical conductors of said mains power supply circuit.

7. A method as claim 6 further comprising differentially driving said UWB signal onto said two conductors.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said coupling comprises applying a current drive to said electrical conductors.

9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said coupling is performed at a central distribution point of said mains power supply circuit of said building.

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising varying at least one of a frequency and bandwidth of said UWB signal to suppress interference.

11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising varying a timing of said UWB signal to suppress interference.

12. A data communications network configured to use the method of any preceding claim.

13. Apparatus for distributing an ultrawideband (UWB) communications signal trough a building, the apparatus comprising:

means for generating a UWB signal; and

means for coupling the UWB signal to at least one electrical conductor of a mains power supply circuit of the building to distribute the UWB signal.

14. A consumer electronics device incorporating the apparatus of claim 13.

15. A consumer electronics device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the consumer electronics device is mains powered.