Abstract:
A host controller for a distributed wireless local area network (WLAN) includes: a communications interface connected to each of a set of wireless access points (APs); a memory storing (i) identifiers of each of the wireless access points, and (ii) a master identifier of the host controller; and a processor configured to: receive a notification, from a first one of the APs, that the first AP has completed an association with a client device; in response to receiving the notification: deploy association data, including an identifier of the client device, to each of the APs; initiate a handshake mechanism with the client device, via a selected one of the APs, to generate an encryption key; and provide the encryption key to each or the APs to enable data exchange between the client device and each of the APs.
Abstract:
A wireless communications module includes: a primary board including (i) a first surface bearing a radio controller, and defining a set of control contacts for connection to respective ports of the radio controller, and (ii) a second surface opposite the first surface; an antenna array integrated with the primary board, the antenna array including a plurality of unit cells each having: an inverted-L antenna having a planar element adjacent to the second surface of the primary board, and an orthogonal element extending from the planar element to a feed layer within the primary board; and a passive patch element between the planar element and the feed layer.
Abstract:
A radio frequency module includes: a primary board including: an upper surface carrying a radio controller; and a lower surface carrying antenna control elements; a spacer affixed to the lower surface and having a predefined height extending away from the lower surface; and a secondary board affixed to the spacer, separated from the lower surface by an air gap having the predetermined height; the secondary board supporting a phased array of antenna elements.
Abstract:
A calibration signal is transmitted from a transmitter antenna. A receiver antenna receives a loopback signal that results from an air coupling of the receiver antenna and the transmitter antenna. The loopback signal is compared to a target. If the loopback signal does not meet the target, then a gain of the calibration signal is adjusted and the loopback signal is again checked against the target. When the loopback signal meets the target, the gain is taken as a calibrated transmitter gain.
Abstract:
A phased array antenna system is provided, comprising a support member having a mounting surface; a plurality of electronic components supported on the mounting surface; an antenna supported on the support member adjacent to a perimeter of the mounting surface, for transmitting and receiving ultra-high frequency radio waves of wavelength λ; and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a top portion and a bottom portion for enclosing the support member and a radome for enclosing the antenna. The center of curvature of the radome is positioned less than 1 λ from an end of the antenna. The thickness of the radome is approximately λ/5 and the radius of the radome is less than 1 λ.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for beamforming training using frames is provided. A device generates a frame comprising header data and beamforming data. The beamforming data is organized into units of beamforming training (TRN) fields. The header data comprises numbers indicating: a first type of TRN fields in each of the units of the beamforming data, to be transmitted using same antenna settings used for the header data; a second type of TRN fields in each of the units to be transmitted using different antenna settings than used for the header data; and how the first type of TRN fields are organized into respective groups of the second type of TRN fields in each of the units that are to be consecutively transmitted using same respective antenna settings, the respective antenna settings changing with each successive group of the third number of the second type of TRN fields.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for group owner (GO) renegotiation are provided. For example, the method and apparatus may be used for GO renegotiation in a wireless personal network (WPAN), for example, a 60-gigahertz (60 GHz) peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless network. The incumbent group owner (e.g., personal base station set (PBSS) control point (PCP)) controls the operation of the group. GO renegotiation can occur, for example, when a newly arriving device (e.g., a prospective group owner) is trying to connect to the PBSS and/or, for example, with PCP rearrangement among members of an existing group. As an example, after the formation of the group, the PCP may want to relinquish the role of being the PCP. A procedure is described for deciding among clients and the PCP which device will assume the role of group owner from the existing PCP in the event the role of group owner is to be reassigned.
Abstract:
A coplanar waveguide (CPW) apparatus comprises a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The substrate comprises a metal layer proximate to the first surface. The metal layer comprises a conductive trace comprising a signal line coupled to a launcher element at a first end of the signal line, and a ground plane co-planar with the conductive trace. The ground plane defines a substantially rectangular first region surrounding the launcher element and defining a second region surrounding the signal line, the first and second regions substantially devoid of conductive material. The launcher element has a substantially rectangular shape with a width greater than a width of the signal line at the first end.
Abstract:
A wireless receiver automatic gain control system includes: a coarse amplification subsystem that receives and amplifies a carrier-modulated signal; a demodulator that generates a baseband signal from the amplified carrier-modulated signal; a fine amplification subsystem that amplifies the baseband signal; and a controller connected to the amplification subsystems. The controller: obtains a unified gain value for the amplification subsystems; based on the unified gain value, selects (i) one of a plurality of coarse gain values defining a set of coarse gain steps each spanning a plurality of unified gain steps, and (ii) one of a plurality of fine gain values defining a set of fine gain steps each spanning a single unified gain step; and sets (i) the gain of the coarse amplification subsystem to the selected coarse gain value, and (ii) the gain of the fine amplification subsystem to the selected fine gain value.
Abstract:
An IC package includes an IC die disposed at a first surface of a substrate, which includes a signal via extending between first and second metal layers. The first metal layer is proximate to the first surface and includes a first coplanar waveguide. The first coplanar waveguide has a first signal line coupling a die bump to the signal via and has a first ground plane co-planar with the first signal line. The second metal layer is proximate to a second surface and includes a second coplanar waveguide that has a second signal line coupling the signal via to a launcher element and has a second ground plane co-planar with the second signal line. The IC package further includes a waveguide channel aperture comprising a region surrounding the launcher element and which is substantially devoid of conductive material and a via fence disposed at a perimeter of the first region.