Multi-amplifier repeater system for wireless communication

Abstract

Technology for a multi-repeater system including wireless transmission of power from a first repeater to a second repeater is disclosed. A first and second repeater can be disposed opposite each other about a structural element. Wireless power can be transmitted from the first repeater through the structural element to the second repeater for use by the second repeater.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a first repeater including,
 a first wireless power unit having a first wireless power coupler configured to wirelessly transmit a portion of Direct Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC) electrical power received from a power source; and 
 a first bi-directional amplifier, configured to amplify one or more RF communication signals, wherein the first bi-directional amplifier is powered by the power source; 
   a second repeater including,
 a second wireless power unit having a second wireless power coupler configured to receive the wireless power, and the second wireless power unit is configured to convert the wireless power to DC or AC electrical power, and 
 a second bi-directional amplifier, configured to amplify the one or more RF communication signals, wherein the second bi-directional amplifier is powered by the DC or AC electrical power from the second wireless power unit; 
   a structural element disposed between the first repeater and the second repeater; and a conductive material integral to the structural element configured to be disposed between the first repeater and the second repeater, wherein the conductive material includes one or more openings configured to be disposed between the first wireless power coupler and the second wireless power coupler.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive material comprises one or more of a film, a glazing, or a wired mesh. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein,
 the first wireless power unit includes,
 a wireless power transmitter configured to convert the portion of DC or AC electrical power received from the power source to a RF power signal; and 
 the first power coupler, coupled to the wireless power transmitter, configured to transmit the RF power signal; 
   the second wireless power unit includes,
 the second power coupler configured to receive the RF power signal; and 
 a wireless power receiver, coupled to the second power coupler, 
   configured to convert the received RF power signal to the DC or AC electrical power.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein,
 the first power coupler includes an inductive coil or a capacitive electrode; and   the second power coupler includes an inductive coil or a capacitive electrode.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first shielding path between the first power coupler and the structural element; and   a second shielding path between the second power coupler and the structural element.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the first shielding path and the second shielding path have a substantially similar shape as the opening disposed between the first wireless power coupler and the second wireless power coupler to form a communication path between the first power coupler and the second power coupler. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein,
 the first wireless power unit includes an optical power transmitter configured to convert the portion of DC or AC electrical power received from the power source to an optical signal and transmit the optical signal; and   the second wireless power unit includes an optical power receiver configured to receive the optical signal and convert the optical signal to the DC or AC electrical power.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the first repeater further including,
 a first RF coupling antenna coupled to the first bi-directional amplifier; 
   the second repeater further including,
 a second RF coupling antenna coupled to the second bi-directional amplifier. 
   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the conductive material includes one or more openings configured to be disposed between the first RF coupling antenna and the second RF coupling antenna. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a first shielding path between the first RF coupling antenna and the structural element; and   a second shielding path between the second RF coupling antenna and the structural element.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the first shielding path and the second shielding path have a substantially similar shape as the opening disposed between the first RF coupling antenna and the second RF coupling antenna to form a communication path between the first RF coupling antenna and the second RF coupling antenna. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive material is attached to a structural element disposed between the first repeater and the second repeater. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive material is substantially transparent. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive material comprises a material comprised of thin metal wires. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the first repeater further including,   a first transmission antenna coupled to a transmission port of the first bi-directional amplifier;   the second repeater further including,   a second transmission antenna coupled to a transmission port of the second bi-directional amplifier.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein,
 the first transmission antenna is a directional antenna; and   the second transmission antenna is a directional antenna.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein,
 the first transmission antenna is an omni-directional antenna; and   the second transmission antenna is a directional antenna.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein,
 the first repeater comprises a first Single-Input-Single-Output (SISO) repeater; and   the second repeater comprises a second SISO repeater.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bi-directional amplifier is configured to compensate for RF transmission loss across a structural element disposed between the first and second repeaters. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second bi-directional amplifier is configured to compensate for RF transmission loss across a structural element disposed between the first and second repeaters.