Multi-receiver communication system with distributed aperture antenna

• US 20070176840A1
• Filed: 02/06/2003
• Published: 08/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Raytheon Technologies Corporation d/b/a RTX)
• Original Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Raytheon Technologies Corporation d/b/a RTX)
• Inventors: Pristas, James, Hughes, Dan
• Application Number:
  US10/360,941
• Publication Number:
  US 20070176840A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/841
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0015 Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/007 specially adapted for indoor communication
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/20 Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/203 Leaky coaxial lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/354 Adjacent channel leakage power
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/40 Weight reduction

Abstract

A multi-user wireless communication system for use in an enclosed space includes a distributed aperture antenna having multiple apertures distributed along an outer shield of the antenna. The apertures allow radiated energy to leak from the antenna and form low-power, localized electric fields that can couple receivers to the antenna. The multiple electric fields ensure that the electric field strength is distributed evenly throughout the communication system. The low-power electric fields also reduce the likelihood of electric field leakage that may cause interference with other communication systems outside the enclosed space.

Claims

1. A wireless communication system that accommodates multiple users in an enclosed space, comprising:

a multi-passenger conveyance; and

a distributed aperture antenna, comprising

a conductive core, and

a shield surrounding the conductive core and attached to the conductive core, wherein the shield has a plurality of apertures that form a plurality of energy leakage paths, wherein the energy leakage paths generate a plurality of electric fields; and

a base station in communication with the distributed aperture antenna.

2. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the distributed aperture antenna is in the form of a coaxial cable and wherein the conductive core comprises an inner conductor and an outer conductor.

3. The wireless communication system of claim 2, further comprising a helical dielectric between the inner conductor and the outer conductor.

5. The wireless communication of claim 1, wherein the distributed aperture antenna is in the form of a parallel plate waveguide and wherein the conductive core comprises a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, and a dielectric between the first strip and the second strip.

14. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of apertures provide an open path between said conductive core and outwardly of said shield to provide said energy leakage paths.

18. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the distributed aperture antenna communicates using an 802.11 protocol.

21. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the multi-passenger conveyance is an aircraft cabin.

4. The wireless communication system 2, wherein the coaxial cable is an air-type coaxial cable.

6. (canceled)

7. An aircraft having a wireless communication system, comprising:

a pressurized compartment;

a distributed aperture antenna disposed in the pressurized compartment, the distributed aperture antenna having;

a conductive core, and

a shield surrounding the conductive core, wherein the shield has a plurality of apertures that form a plurality of energy leakage paths, wherein the energy leakage paths generate a plurality of electric fields; and

a base station in communication with the distributed aperture antenna.

8. The aircraft of claim 7, further comprising at least one receiver that links with the distributed aperture antenna via at least one of said plurality of electric fields.

9. The aircraft of claim 8, wherein said at least one receiver comprises a plurality of receivers, each receiver associated with an aircraft function.

10. The aircraft of claim 7, further comprising an unpressurized compartment, wherein the distributed antenna is disposed in both the unpressurized compartment and the pressurized compartment.

11. The aircraft of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of signal wires disposed alongside the distributed aperture antenna.

12. The aircraft of claim 11, wherein the plurality of signal wires carry data corresponding to flight critical functions and the coaxial cable antenna carries data corresponding to non-flight critical functions.

13. The aircraft of claim 7, wherein said plurality of apertures provide an open path between said conductive core and outwardly of said shield to provide said energy leakage paths.

19. The aircraft of claim 7, wherein the distributed aperture antenna communicates using an 802.11 protocol.

15. A vehicle having a wireless communication system, comprising:

a compartment having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion for accommodating a plurality of passengers;

a distributed aperture antenna disposed in the upper portion of the compartment, the distributed aperture antenna having;

a conductive core, and a shield surrounding the conductive core, wherein the shield has a plurality of apertures that form a plurality of energy leakage paths, wherein the energy leakage paths generate a plurality of electrical fields; and

a base station in communication with the distributed aperture antenna.

16. The vehicle as set forth in claim 15, wherein said plurality of apertures provide an open path between said conductive core and outwardly of said shield to provide said energy leakage paths.

17. The vehicle as set forth in claim 16, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

20. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the distributed aperture antenna communicates using an 802.11 protocol.