Proximity sensing using EHF signals

摘要

A system for sensing proximity using EHF signals may include a communication circuit configured to transmit via a transducer an EM signal at an EHF frequency, and a proximity sensing circuit configured to sense a nearby transducer field-modifying object by detecting characteristics of a signal within the communication circuit. A system for determining distance using EHF signals may include a detecting circuit coupled to a transmitting communication circuit and a receiving communication circuit, both communication circuits being mounted on a first surface. The transmitting communication circuit may transmit a signal toward a second surface, and the receiving communication circuit may receive a signal relayed from the second surface. The detecting circuit may determine distance between the first surface and a second surface based on propagation characteristics of the signals.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a first amplifier for amplifying an output signal having an EHF frequency; a transducer operatively coupled to the first amplifier for converting the amplified output signal into an electromagnetic signal having the EHF frequency; and a proximity-sensing circuit, responsive to a reference and a composite signal conducted between the first amplifier and the transducer, for sensing the proximity of a transducer field-modifying device proximate to the transducer, the composite signal including the amplified output signal and any electromagnetic received signal received by the transducer and induced by the field-modifying device, wherein the reference is representative of a characteristic of the composite signal when the transducer field-modifying device is in a reference position, wherein the proximity-sensing circuit compares an amplitude of the reference signal with an amplitude of the composite signal, the proximity-sensing circuit comprising a reference circuit having a second amplifier and a terminating impedance coupled to an output of the amplifier, with the terminating impedance being equivalent to an impedance of the transducer when the transducer field-modifying device is in the reference position, the reference circuit generating the reference signal between the second amplifier and the terminating impedance.