Waveguide-based wireless distribution system and method of operation
First Claim
1. A wireless distribution system comprising:
- a waveguide with a longitudinally consistent hollow cross-sectional structure and electrically conductive inner surface that supports the transmission of wireless signal energy from a wireless signal source to a location proximate to a wireless receiver location;
a plurality of signal ports to inject and extract wireless signal energy; and
a plurality of signal coupling devices coupled to the plurality of signal ports, each of the plurality of signal coupling devices includes;
an impedance transforming section connected between an input port and an output port of each of the signal coupling devices;
a conductor at least partially contained within the impedance transforming section;
a signal probe inserted into the waveguide and coupled to the conductor, wherein the impedance transforming section and the conductor are configured to present to the signal probe a substantially conjugate impedance of the signal probe impedance when the signal probe is contained at least partially within an interior of the waveguide; and
a signal radiating device is connected to the output port of each of the plurality of signal coupling devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The design and use of a simplified, highly efficient, waveguide-based wireless distribution system are provided. A low-loss waveguide is used to transport wireless signals from a signal source or sources to one or more receiver locations. One or more adjustable signal coupling devices partially insert into the waveguide at predetermined locations along the length of the system to provide variable, controlled extraction of one or more wireless signals. Low-loss impedance matching circuitry is provided between the waveguide coupling devices and output connectors to maintain high system efficiency. The system offers the capability of supplying signals of high strength and high quality to a large number of receivers in a wide wireless coverage area via a plurality of signal radiators. Some embodiments of the system are readily adaptable for wireless distribution service in HVAC plenum spaces. A system that combines the functions of fire extinguishing and waveguide wireless distribution is also disclosed.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A wireless distribution system comprising:
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a waveguide with a longitudinally consistent hollow cross-sectional structure and electrically conductive inner surface that supports the transmission of wireless signal energy from a wireless signal source to a location proximate to a wireless receiver location; a plurality of signal ports to inject and extract wireless signal energy; and a plurality of signal coupling devices coupled to the plurality of signal ports, each of the plurality of signal coupling devices includes; an impedance transforming section connected between an input port and an output port of each of the signal coupling devices; a conductor at least partially contained within the impedance transforming section; a signal probe inserted into the waveguide and coupled to the conductor, wherein the impedance transforming section and the conductor are configured to present to the signal probe a substantially conjugate impedance of the signal probe impedance when the signal probe is contained at least partially within an interior of the waveguide; and a signal radiating device is connected to the output port of each of the plurality of signal coupling devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of operating a wireless distribution system comprising:
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providing the wireless distribution system that includes; a waveguide with a longitudinally consistent hollow cross-sectional structure and electrically conductive inner surface that supports the transmission of wireless signal energy from a wireless signal source to a location proximate to a wireless receiver location, a plurality of signal ports to inject and extract wireless signal energy, and a plurality of signal coupling devices coupled to the plurality of signal ports, each of the plurality of signal coupling devices includes; an impedance transforming section connected between an input port and an output port of each of the signal coupling devices, a conductor at least partially contained within the impedance transforming section, a signal probe inserted into the waveguide and coupled to the conductor, wherein the impedance transforming section and the conductor are configured to present to the signal probe a substantially conjugate impedance of the signal probe impedance when the signal probe is contained at least partially within an interior of the waveguide, and a signal radiating device is connected to the output port of each of the plurality of signal coupling devices; and inserting a first group of wireless signals in a preselected bandwidth into the waveguide. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification