Apparatus and method for communications via multiple millimeter wave signals

To achieve ultra-high bandwidth data transmission according to embodiments of the invention, a plurality of parallel 60 GHz band frequency signals traveling in substantially parallel paths is employed. A connector or housing includes a plurality of metallized, grounded shells or chambers having antenna pairs that are embedded therein. There is no physical contact between the transmitter and receiver antennas. Instead, the metallized, grounded connector chambers provide isolation between adjacent radio links which all operate on the same frequency.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally pertains to wireless communications systems. More particularly, this pertains to connectors and other devices for use in the transmission of millimeter wave RF signals.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in the field of wireless communications integrated circuit design have resulted in the promise of much higher frequency and data rate broadcast capability at significantly reduced prices. Being developed are integrated circuits in which both radio and signal processing circuits for the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies are placed on one integrated circuit chip.

Wireless transmission in the 60 GHz band (i.e., 57-65 GHz) has several advantages. First, this band is unlicensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, and moreover, the band is unlicensed in most of the rest of the world. Second, due to the extremely short wavelengths the use of this band requires a very small antenna which can be embedded in the same integrated circuit as the radio and signal processing circuitry. Moreover, very high data transmission rates can be achieved in the 60 GHz frequency range, including rates of the order of several gigabits per second (“Gbps”). This makes possible wireless transmission of very large quantities of data including, but not limited to, uncompressed, high definition television (HDTV) signals, the rapid wireless transmission of a high definition movie file to a portable device, or other useful high bandwidth applications.

The usefulness of very high wireless bandwidth is not limited to applications involving transmission distances of several meters, or more. In certain communication link applications, it is desirable that high bandwidth signals be wirelessly transmitted over relatively short distances, such as for instance, a distance of a couple of centimeters or less.

For example, high bandwidth transmission of data in a wireless mode can be advantageous where there exist many wires or data transmission paths leading to one transmitter (such as for example, 32 wires for one transmitter), to reach a high data rate of 1 Gbps channel, for example. Thus when 32 signals are sent in parallel for multiplexing into a 1 Gbps channel that is transmitted serially, a wireless transmission can provide bandwidths that are superior to that which may be achieved via wired connections between a data source and a sink. What is important in certain applications, therefore, is not the distance a wireless signal travels, but rather the bandwidth of such a wireless signal. Thus a 1 or 2 cm transmission distance (or less) would be acceptable. This also provides a degree of isolation between the transmitter and receiver.

Digital communications, entertainment, and business uses have evolved such that ever increasing bandwidth requirements continue. Although the bandwidth associated with a millimeter wave frequency signal is relatively large, it nevertheless is desirable to achieve ultra-high bandwidth capabilities of hundreds of Gbps or more, using the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies.

SUMMARY OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

To achieve ultra-high bandwidth data transmission according to embodiments of the invention, a plurality of parallel 60 GHz band frequency signals (or other millimeter wave signals) traveling in substantially parallel paths are employed. A connector or housing includes metallized, grounded shells or chambers having antenna pairs that are embedded therein. In exterior appearance, the housing is similar to that used for traditional, power connectors for computer components which enable physical contact between the pins contained within the connector shells. In this instance there is no physical contact between the transmitter and receiver antennas. Instead the metallized, grounded connector chambers or shells provide isolation between adjacent radio links which can all operate on the same frequency. Careful selection of the physical parameters of the shell creates a waveguide to increase the efficiency of transmission while lowering the necessary power of the transmitter.

In another embodiment, a first housing comprises a first plurality of walls defining a first plurality of chambers. A first plurality of antennas is disposed within the first plurality of chambers and is adapted for communication at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies. A second housing comprises a second plurality of walls defining a second plurality of chambers. A second plurality of antennas is disposed within the second plurality of chambers and is adapted for communication at the same frequency. At least a portion of at least one wall that defines each chamber of either the first plurality of chambers or the second plurality of chambers is constructed of a conductive material. The first plurality of chambers is aligned with the second plurality of chambers when the first housing is adjacent to the second housing.

In one aspect, the first and second pluralities of antennas are adapted for communication via a plurality of signals that travel in a plurality of paths that are substantially parallel.

In another aspect, a first plurality of semiconductor devices is at least partially disposed within the first plurality of chambers. The first plurality of semiconductor devices includes the first plurality of antennas disposed therein. A second plurality of semiconductor devices is at least partially disposed within the second plurality of chambers. The second plurality of semiconductor devices includes the second plurality of antennas disposed therein.

In another aspect, the first and second housings are mechanically and electrically connected to a printed circuit board with the first housing positioned adjacent to the second housing.

In yet another aspect, the first housing is mechanically and electrically connected to a first printed circuit board, and the second housing is mechanically and electrically connected to a second printed circuit board. The first and second printed circuit boards are adapted for placement adjacent to one another thereby positioning the first housing adjacent to the second housing.

In an alternative embodiment, a method of communication comprises positioning a first housing adjacent to a second housing. The first housing has a first plurality of walls defining a first plurality of chambers, and the second housing has a second plurality of walls defining a second plurality of chambers. At least a portion of at least one wall that defines each chamber of either the first or second plurality of chambers is constructed of a conductive material. The first plurality of chambers is aligned with the second plurality of chambers when the first housing is adjacent to the second housing. A plurality of wireless signals is transmitted at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies using a first plurality of antennas disposed in the first plurality of chambers. The plurality of wireless signals is received using a second plurality of antennas disposed in the second plurality of chambers.

In another aspect, the plurality of wireless signals is transmitted in a plurality of paths that are substantially parallel.

There are additional aspects to the present inventions. It should therefore be understood that the preceding is merely a brief summary of some embodiments and aspects of the present inventions. Additional embodiments and aspects are referenced below. It should further be understood that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. The preceding summary therefore is not meant to limit the scope of the inventions. Rather, the scope of the inventions is to be determined by appended claims and their equivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, ultra-high bandwidth data transmission is achieved by transmitting a plurality of parallel 60 GHz band frequency signals (or other millimeter wave signals) in substantially parallel paths. Each signal is transmitted via a narrow beam that is achieved by configuration of one or more transmission antennas per signal. Ordinarily, a plurality of parallel, wireless signals transmitted via the same (or very closely similar) frequency has the potential for signal interference.

Embodiments of the invention overcome this problem by use of metallized, grounded shells or chambers. Transmitter and receiver antenna pairs are embedded in a metallized connector or housing. In exterior appearance, the housing is similar to that used for traditional, electrical power connectors for computer components. However there is no physical contact between the transmitter and receiver antennas. Instead the metallized, grounded connector chambers or shells provide isolation between adjacent radio links which can all operate on the same frequency.

The grounded chambers allow for a high density array of these antenna pairs enabling many Gbps of data to be communicated. An added benefit is that the connector housing provides mechanical alignment of the transmitter and receiver links. First, each individual active element or antenna is aligned within its individual chamber within the connector housing. Secondly the connector mechanically aligns one or more individual active elements to an optimal configuration which minimizes power usage and signal leakage. This creates a waveguide structure. Unlike optical or electromechanical connectors which tend to require very exacting alignments, embodiments of the invention allow for “sloppy” assembly/alignments and still deliver optimal communications performance. The user experience would be comparable to using computer component power supply connectors today, except that no physical contact occurs between the antennas; the only contact is via the connector housings themselves.

Referring now toFIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a connector assembly101for use in wireless millimeter wave communications. Shown is a first housing103and a second housing105. The first housing103is comprised of a first plurality of chambers107defined by a plurality of projections109disposed in a one-dimensional array. Each chamber107has a plurality of outer walls113and a plurality of inner walls111that define the chamber107and that are constructed of a conductive material, such as aluminum, that is connected to ground. In alternative embodiments, however, the outer walls113of each chamber could be constructed of the conductive material, or the entire chamber body could be constructed of the conductive material.

A plurality of semiconductor devices115is embedded within the first housing103and is partially disposed within the first plurality of chambers107. The plurality of semiconductor devices115includes a plurality of antennas (not shown) disposed in the semiconductor devices115in such a way that at least a portion of each of the antennas is located within the first plurality of chambers107. Thus each chamber107contains at least one antenna that is configured and aligned within the chamber107for the transmission of a relatively narrow beam directed down the length of the chamber107. Each of the antennas is adapted for communication at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies, such as for example, the 60 GHz band. A plurality of cables127having one or more connectors within provide electrical connections between the semiconductor devices115in the first housing103and a circuit board (not shown) or other device.

The second housing105is comprised of a second plurality of chambers117disposed in a one-dimensional array. Each chamber117is defined by a plurality of interior walls119of the housing105and is adapted to receive one of the plurality of projections109of the first housing103as best seen inFIG. 1B. Each interior wall119is constructed of a conductive material, such as aluminum, which is electrically connected to ground. A second plurality of semiconductor devices121is embedded within the second housing105and is partially disposed within the second plurality of chambers117. The second plurality of semiconductor devices121includes a second plurality of antennas (not shown) disposed in the semiconductor devices121in such a way that at least a portion of each of the antennas is located within the second plurality of chambers117.

Thus each chamber117contains at least one antenna that is configured and aligned within the chamber117for the receipt of the signal beam generated by one of the antennas located within one of the chambers107of the first housing103. A plurality of cables129provide electrical connections between the semiconductor devices121in the second housing105and a circuit board (not shown) or other device.

When the first housing103is mated with the second housing105, as best seen inFIG. 1B, the antennas embedded within the first housing103are in a spaced-apart relationship with the antennas that are embedded within the second housing105. The first housing103has a latch125that is adapted to engage a stop123on the second housing105, thereby removably attaching the first housing103to the second housing105. In other embodiments, however, other couplers may be used as well. When the housings are attached, the first and second pluralities of chambers107,117are aligned with one another thereby in effect forming a plurality of unified, metallized chambers or shells which act as waveguides for millimeter wave frequency signals (such as, for example, 60 GHz band signals) that can travel between the antenna pairs. Thus the plurality of antennas in the first housing103is adapted to communicate with the plurality of antennas in the second housing105via wireless signals that travel in a plurality of paths that are substantially parallel, thus providing ultra-high bandwidth data transmission capabilities.

It can be appreciated that the connector assembly101provides isolation between adjacent signals operating at the same frequency. Each chamber within each of the housings provides mechanical alignment and support for its installed antenna relative to the housing in which it is installed. Also, the mated housings provide mechanical alignment and spacing for the antennas relative to one another.

In other embodiments, housing couplers, such as latches, are not used. Rather an assembly is provided wherein the first and second pluralities of chambers107,117are aligned with one another for a relatively brief amount of time, during which data transfer can occur. Thus for example two sets of chambers may be manually aligned and held together (rather than latched together) in a relatively transitory time frame for data transfer.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, the pluralities of chambers107,117are arranged in a one-dimensional array of five pairs of chambers. Alternative embodiments however can employ a greater or lesser number of chamber pairs, including the use of just one pair of antennas.

Still another embodiment of the invention is shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, wherein a connector assembly201uses a two-dimensional array of chambers for wireless millimeter wave communications. This connector assembly201is generally the same as that ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, except that this two-dimensional array of chambers and antennas is used.

A first housing203is comprised of a first plurality of chambers205defined by a plurality of projections207disposed in a two-dimensional array. Each chamber205has a plurality of outer walls211and a plurality of inner walls209that are constructed of a conductive material, such as aluminum, that is connected to ground. A plurality of semiconductor devices213is embedded within the first housing203and is partially disposed within the first plurality of chambers205.

The plurality of semiconductor devices213includes a plurality of antennas (not shown) disposed in the semiconductor devices213in such a way that at least a portion of each of the antennas is located within the first plurality of chambers205. Each of the antennas is adapted for communication at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies, such as, for example, the 60 GHz band. A plurality of cables227potentially having one or more signaling conductors provide electrical connections between the semiconductor devices213in the first housing203and a circuit board (not shown) or other device.

A second housing215is comprised of a second plurality of chambers217disposed in a two-dimensional array. Each chamber217is defined by a plurality of interior walls219and is adapted to receive one of the plurality of projections207of the first housing203, as best seen inFIG. 2B. Each interior wall219is constructed of a conductive material, such as aluminum, that is electrically connected to ground. A second plurality of semiconductor devices221is embedded within the second housing215and is partially disposed within the second plurality of chambers217.

The second plurality of semiconductor devices221includes a second plurality of antennas (not shown) disposed in the semiconductor devices221in such a way that at least a portion of each of the antennas is located within the second plurality of chambers. Each of the second plurality of antennas is adapted for communication at the same frequency as the first plurality of antennas. A plurality of cables229provides electrical connections between the semiconductor devices221in the second housing215and a circuit board (not shown) or other device.

When the first housing203is mated with the second housing215, as best seen inFIG. 2B, the antennas embedded within the first housing203are in a spaced-apart relationship with the antennas that are embedded within the second housing215. The first housing203has a latch223that is adapted to engage a stop225on the second housing215, thereby removably attaching the first housing203to the second housing215. In other embodiments, however, other couplers may be used as well.

When the housings are attached, the first and second pluralities of chambers205,217are aligned with one another thereby in effect forming a plurality of unified, metallized chambers or shells which act as waveguides for a plurality of millimeter wave frequency signals (such as, for example, the 60 GHz band signals) that can travel between the antenna pairs. Thus the plurality of antennas in the first housing203is adapted to communicate with the plurality of antennas in the second housing215via wireless signals that travel in a plurality of paths that are substantially parallel. WhileFIGS. 2A and 2Bshow 2×10 arrays of chambers, alternative embodiments include arrays having a greater or fewer number of rows and a greater or fewer number of columns.

In the above-described embodiments, the antennas are embedded within a plurality of semiconductor devices which in turn are embedded in first and second housings. Alternative embodiments of the invention include a single semiconductor device at least partially disposed in each housing, wherein each semiconductor device has a plurality of antennas disposed in the device. The single semiconductor device in each housing is shaped such that the plurality of antennas extends into the plurality of chambers of each housing.

In yet another embodiment, semiconductor devices are not disposed in the chambers of the housings. Rather, the antennas (or at least a portion of the antennas) are disposed in the chambers but are not fully embedded in semiconductor devices. These antennas are comprised of a conductor that is not integral with any semiconductor device, but is electrically connected to radio and signal processing circuitry located elsewhere in each housing or alternatively, located elsewhere on a circuit board or other device which is connected to the housing via a plurality of cables.

In the above-described embodiments, the plurality of antennas in the first housing transmits signals that are received by the plurality of antennas in the second housing. Alternative embodiments include other combinations, such as for example, the antennas in the second housing transmitting to the antennas in the first housing, or alternatively, a portion of the antennas in the first housing transmitting to a portion of the antennas in the second housing while another portion of the antennas in the first housing receiving signals from another portion of antennas in the second housing, or alternatively still, the antennas of both housings serving as transceiver antennas. In the case of transceiver antennas, embodiments include transceivers that can both transmit and receive, but only perform one function at a time. However, other embodiments include transceivers that can both transmit and receive simultaneously. In this case, these components operate at a dual frequency, such as for example one frequency at 60 GHz and the other at 61 GHz, thus enabling the simultaneous transmission and reception of signals.

In operation, according to one embodiment of the invention, a first housing is positioned adjacent to a second housing by removably attaching the first and second housings to one another. The first housing is comprised of a first plurality of chambers that is at least partially defined by a plurality of projections. The second housing is comprised of a second plurality of chambers adapted to receive the plurality of projections. The first and second pluralities of chambers are disposed in one-dimensional arrays, or alternatively, in two-dimensional arrays. Thus positioning the first and second housings adjacent to one another includes at least partially inserting the plurality of projections into the second plurality of chambers. At least a portion of each chamber of the first and second pluralities of chambers is constructed of a conductive material. When the first housing is positioned adjacent to the second housing, the first plurality of chambers is aligned with the second plurality of chambers.

A plurality of wireless signals is transmitted in a plurality of paths that are substantially parallel and at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies, by using a first plurality of antennas disposed in the first plurality of chambers. The wireless signals are received using a second plurality of antennas disposed in the second plurality of chambers.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A,1B,2A, and2B, the connector assemblies (including their antennas) stand alone, but are electrically connected to circuit boards or other devices via a plurality of cables.FIG. 3shows an alternative embodiment wherein a connector assembly305includes a first housing301and a second housing303that are mechanically and electrically connected directly to a printed circuit board307, with the first housing301positioned adjacent to the second housing303. The structure of the housings301,303is generally similar to that ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, or2A and2B, except that cables do not extend from the rear of the housings. Rather, the electrical connections between the antennas and semiconductor devices within the housings301,303are made directly to the circuit board307via pins or other circuit board electrical connectors.

In an alternative embodiment, the two connected housings301,303on the circuit board ofFIG. 3are replaced with two semiconductor devices. That is, rather than using housings that are constructed of plastic or other suitable material and that include metallized chambers and antennas, two semiconductor devices are employed. Each semiconductor device defines a plurality of chambers, arrayed in one or two dimensions. Each chamber has a wall constructed of a conductive material and surrounds at least one antenna adapted for communication at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies. Each semiconductor device is adapted for direct electrical and mechanical connection to the circuit board via pins or other connectors so that the two devices are adjacent to one another thereby aligning their respective chambers and antenna pairs.

FIG. 4shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein a connector assembly405includes a first housing401and a second housing403that are mechanically and electrically connected directly to two printed circuit boards407,409, respectively. The first housing401is positioned adjacent to the second housing403when the two circuit boards407,409are secured or otherwise adjacent to one another. The structure of the housings401,403is generally similar to that ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, or2A and2B, except that cables do not extend from the rear of the housings. Rather, the electrical connections between the antennas and semiconductor devices within the housings are made directly to their respective circuit boards via pins or other circuit board electrical connectors.

In an alternative embodiment, the two connected housings401,403on the two circuit boards407,409ofFIG. 4are replaced with two semiconductor devices. That is, rather than using housings that are constructed of plastic or other suitable material and that include metallized chambers and antennas, two semiconductor devices are employed. Each semiconductor device defines a plurality of chambers, arrayed in one or two dimensions. Each chamber has a wall constructed of a conductive material and surrounds at least one antenna adapted for communication at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies. Each semiconductor device is adapted for direct electrical and mechanical connection to its respective circuit board via pins or other connectors so that the two devices are adjacent to one another thereby aligning their respective chambers and antenna pairs when the two circuit boards are adjacent to one another.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a housing having a plurality of projections (such as for example the first housing103ofFIG. 1) move like fingers through a matching set of slots with a matching plurality of antennas disposed in the bottom of the slots. Guides at the entrance to the slots assist in dynamic alignment. This embodiment allows the projections to move in unison along a path defined by the slots and make contactless connection with antennas at one or more stops along the way. The applications for this embodiment are many. For example, assembly lines can use this to exchange high speed data between a sled being indexed and factory electronics as the sled moves from station to station. Another application would permit a car (with fingers or projections) to drive over a floor device (with slots) and exchange high speed data in a garage or a work environment.

FIGS. 5A,5B and5C illustrate an example of such an embodiment employing a housing assembly and slot arrangement for use in wireless millimeter wave communications. Shown is a housing503comprised of a plurality of chambers505defined by a plurality of walls507forming a plurality of projections509. The housing503is essentially the same as the first housing103ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, except that the projections509of the housing503ofFIG. 5Aare spaced apart sufficiently so that they may mate in a sliding engagement with a plurality of slots511. Although not shown, the housing503is attached to a factory sled or other machine or device that is or can be in motion.

A plurality of semiconductors devices513is embedded within the housing503and is partially disposed within the plurality of chambers505. The plurality of semiconductors devices513includes a first plurality of antennas (not shown) disposed in the semiconductor devices513in such a way that at least a portion of each of the antennas is located within the plurality of chambers505. Thus each chamber505contains at least one antenna that is configured and aligned within the chamber505for the transmission of a relatively narrow beam directed down the length of the chamber505. Each of the antennas is adapted for communication at a frequency in the millimeter wave spectrum of frequencies, such as for example, the 60 GHz band. A plurality of cables515provides electrical connections between the semiconductor devices513in the housing503and a circuit board (not shown) or other device.

The plurality of projections509of the housing503are adapted to slidably mate with the plurality of slots511defined by a plurality of side walls517and bottom walls519. The slots511extend below a working surface521, such as for example, a factory floor, a work bench, a conveyor surface, a garage floor, or any other surface. A second plurality of semiconductor devices523is disposed on or embedded in the bottom walls519of the plurality of slots511. The second plurality of semiconductor devices523includes a second plurality of antennas (not shown) that are disposed in the semiconductor devices523, and that are adapted for communication at the same frequency as the first plurality of antennas located in the housing503. The projections509of the housing503can slide along the channels formed by the slots511. When the housing503is stopped at a first position relative to the slots511, the projections509of the housing503are disposed above and adjacent to the second plurality of antennas located on or embedded in the bottom walls509of the slots511. At this point, the first plurality of antennas is aligned with the second pluralities of antennas, so that the antenna pairs are enclosed by the metallized chambers505which act as waveguides for millimeter wave frequency signals that can travel between the antenna pairs. In alternative embodiments, however, the side walls517of the slots511are metallized thereby forming all or a portion of the metallized waveguides.

A third plurality of semiconductor devices525is disposed on or in the bottom walls519within the plurality of slots511. Similarly, the third plurality of semiconductor devices525includes a third plurality of antennas (not shown) that are disposed in the semiconductor devices525and that are adapted for communication at the same frequency. When the housing503is stopped at a second position relative to the slots511, the projections509of the housing503are disposed above and adjacent to the third plurality of antennas located on or embedded in the bottom walls519of the slots511.

While the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 5A,5B and5C shows two sets of semiconductor devices having two sets of antennas located at two housing stopping positions relative to the slots511, it will be appreciated that a greater or fewer number of sets of antennas and a greater or fewer number of housing stopping positions may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, while the illustrated embodiment shows slots that define a generally straight pathway, other embodiments may use pathways that are curved.

Thus disclosed are methods and apparatuses for achieving ultra-high bandwidth data transmission. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a plurality of parallel 60 GHz band frequency signals (or other millimeter wave signals) traveling in substantially parallel paths are employed. A pair of housings includes metallized, grounded shells or chambers having antenna pairs that are embedded therein. In exterior appearance, the housings are similar to that used for traditional, electrical power connectors for computer components. (Alternatively, semiconductor devices defining metallized chambers are used in lieu of housings.) However there is no physical contact between the transmitter and receiver antennas. Instead the metallized, grounded connector chambers or shells provide isolation between adjacent radio links which can all operate on the same frequency.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.