Multi-channel cabling for RF signal distribution
A multi-channel RF signal cable comprises a metallic material joining a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signal channels in a generally planar structure, wherein at least a first channel is configured to radiatively send and/or receive a first RF signal from the first channel. The multi-channel RF signal cable can have multiple outbound channels, a dedicated receive channel, and in-field programmable radiators, to provide for flexible network design and optimization in a given indoor radiative environment, for example, in-building wireless applications.
1. A multi-channel RF signal cable, comprising:
a metallic material joining a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signal channels in a generally planar structure, wherein at least a first channel is configured to radiatively send and/or receive a first RF signal from the first channel, a second channel is configured to radiatively send and/or receive a second RF signal from the second channel, and a third, non-radiating channel is disposed between the first channel and the second channel.
2. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 1 , wherein each of the RF signal channels comprises a coaxial cable construction.
3. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the RF signal channels comprises one or more optical fibers.
4. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 1 , wherein the first channel comprises a plurality of radiating apertures formed longitudinally along the axial length of the first channel.
5. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of radiating apertures are formed along the axial length of the first channel in a random pattern.
6. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 4 , wherein a portion of the radiating apertures are covered by a metallic tape.
7. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 1 , wherein a second channel is a dedicated receive channel.
8. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 1 , wherein the multi-channel RF signal cable is formed in a lamination process.
9. The multi-channel RF signal of claim 4 , wherein the radiating apertures are covered by a layer of low dielectric material.
10. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 9 , wherein the layer of low dielectric material has a thickness of 2 mils or less.
11. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 4 , wherein exposed dielectric in the radiating apertures is covered by a hydrophobic coating.
12. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 1 , wherein the first channel includes a longitudinal slot formed in the metallic material along the axial length of the first channel.
13. The multi-channel RF signal cable of claim 12 , wherein the longitudinal slot has an opening from about 20 degrees to about 55 degrees.
14. A multi-channel RF signal cable, comprising:
a metallic material joining a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signal channels in a generally planar structure, wherein at least a first channel is configured to radiatively send and/or receive a first RF signal from the first channel, and the first channel comprises a plurality of radiating apertures formed longitudinally along the axial length of the first channel.
15. A multi-channel RF signal cable, comprising:
a metallic material joining a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signal channels in a generally planar structure, wherein at least a first channel is configured to radiatively send and/or receive a first RF signal from the first channel, and the first channel includes a longitudinal slot formed in the metallic material along the axial length of the first channel.