Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to connectors that enable two structures or devices to be coupled together in a manner that enables consistent and reliable operation of contactless communications and power transfer. The connector integrates power and alignment such that when two connectors are coupled together the power connections are also responsible for connector alignment. The connector alignment ensures that contactless communication channels, spanning between the connectors, are aligned to enable consistent and reliable operation of contactless communications.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems and structures for focusing dispersal of electromagnetic signals. Focusing of the electromagnetic signals is achieved by a reflective lens that is constructed from several extremely high frequency focusing layers. Each focusing layer can include an extremely high frequency focusing window that, collectively, define the geometry of a cavity backed reflective lens and its ability to focus electromagnetic signal dispersion.

Abstract: Conduit structures for redirecting extremely high frequency (EHF) signals are disclosed herein. The conduit structures discussed herein are designed to re-direct EHF or RF signal energy from a first signal path to a second signal path. The conduit structures according to embodiments discussed herein can re-direct the RF signal energy while simultaneously adhering to specified signaling characteristic of the RF signal and minimizing stray RF signal radiation within a device to support device-to-device contactless communications.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for managing and establishing contactless communications lanes between two contactlessly coupled systems. A contactless communication lane can be formed for each coupled pair of contactless communication units existing in the two systems. A contactless communications interface can enable software-defined connectivity that manages use of the contactless communication data lanes to enable data communications according to a selected one of a plurality of communications interfaces. The contactless communications interface may serve as a protocol translator and virtualization layer for enabling higher level software such as an operating system of a first system to communicate with a second system without requiring interface protocol specific hardware and software. This advantageously simplifies hardware and software components needed to simultaneously service a multitude of interface protocols.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extremely high frequency (“EHF”) systems and methods for the use thereof, and more particularly to board-to-board connections using contactless connectors.

Abstract: An adapter may facilitate easy and swift data transfer amongst two previously incompatible electronic devices. Such an adapter may be operative to communicate data with a first of the two electronic devices using a contactless communication link and a first communication protocol and to communicate data with a second of the two electronic devices using a mechanical communication link and/or using a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol, such that data may be transferred between the first and second electronic devices via the adapter. The adapter may be communicatively coupled to both the first electronic device and the second electronic device at the same time. The adapter may rapidly transition between communicating data with the first device and communicating data with the second device (e.g., without altering a physical connection between the adapter and one of the first and second devices during such a transition).

Abstract: Conduit structures for guiding extremely high frequency (EHF) signals are disclosed herein. The conduit structures can include EHF containment channels that define EHF signal pathways through which EHF signal energy is directed. The conduit structures can minimize or eliminate crosstalk among adjacent paths within a device and across devices. Launch structures that interface with waveguides are also disclosed herein. Launch structures can control the EHF interface impedance between a contactless communication unit and the waveguide. Waveguide structures discussed herein are designed to provide maximum bandwidth with minimal jitter over a desired distance.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for conforming to power up sequencing rules of a conventional hard-wired data connection even though the hard-wired data connection that would ordinarily exist between two data controllers has been replaced with one or more contactless connectors. A consequence of replacing the hard-wired connection with a contactless connector is that the data controllers no longer directly control the power sequencing between the controllers because they are not able to directly communicate with each other over the hard-wired data connections. Power sequence assist circuitry may be used to assists the data controllers in establishing a link in accordance with the power sequencing rules of a particular wired interface despite the intentionally broken hard-wired data connection between the two controllers by instructing the contactless connectors to communicate with their respective data controllers in compliance with the power sequencing rules.

Abstract: Hinge assemblies that serve as conduits for guiding extremely high frequency (EHF) signals are disclosed herein. The hinge assembly can contain EHF signal energy as data is transmitted from one structure to the other and the hinge assembly can also include a one or more waveguides that define EHF signal pathways through which EHF signal energy is directed. Each hinge assembly may serve as a conduit structure for each coupled pair of contactless communication units (CCUs), and multiple hinge assemblies may be used as separate conduit structures each of several coupled pairs of contactless communication unit.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to electric vehicle charging ports having integrated contactless communication units (CCUs). The electric vehicle charging ports include male and female connector assemblies that can be coupled together in a manner that enables consistent and reliable operation of contactless communications and power transfer. The connector integrates power and alignment such that when two connector assemblies are coupled together, power connections are made in combination with establishing contactless communications links between counterpart CCUs in both connector assemblies. The fixed alignment of the connector assemblies ensures that contactless communication channels, spanning between the connector assemblies, are aligned to enable consistent and reliable operation of contactless communications.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for locating obfuscated EHF contactless connectors so that a contactless communication link can be established between two devices. When connector interfaces are not readily ascertainable, a user may rely on the location embodiments discussed herein to quickly and correctly orient his or her device with respect to another device to establish the contactless communication link.

Abstract: An adapter may facilitate easy and swift data transfer amongst two previously incompatible electronic devices. Such an adapter may be operative to communicate data with a first of the two electronic devices using a contactless communication link and a first communication protocol and to communicate data with a second of the two electronic devices using a mechanical communication link and/or using a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol, such that data may be transferred between the first and second electronic devices via the adapter. The adapter may be communicatively coupled to both the first electronic device and the second electronic device at the same time. The adapter may rapidly transition between communicating data with the first device and communicating data with the second device (e.g., without altering a physical connection between the adapter and one of the first and second devices during such a transition).

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems and structures for focusing dispersal of electromagnetic signals. Focusing of the electromagnetic signals is achieved by a reflective lens that is constructed from several extremely high frequency focusing layers. Each focusing layer can include an extremely high frequency focusing window that, collectively, define the geometry of a cavity backed reflective lens and its ability to focus electromagnetic signal dispersion.

Abstract: Conduit structures for redirecting extremely high frequency (EHF) signals are disclosed herein. The conduit structures discussed herein are designed to re-direct EHF or RF signal energy from a first signal path to a second signal path. The conduit structures according to embodiments discussed herein can re-direct the RF signal energy while simultaneously adhering to specified signaling characteristic of the RF signal and minimizing stray RF signal radiation within a device to support device-to-device contactless communications.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for managing and establishing contactless communications lanes between two contactlessly coupled systems. A contactless communication lane can be formed for each coupled pair of contactless communication units existing in the two systems. A contactless communications interface can enable software-defined connectivity that manages use of the contactless communication data lanes to enable data communications according to a selected one of a plurality of communications interfaces. The contactless communications interface may serve as a protocol translator and virtualization layer for enabling higher level software such as an operating system of a first system to communicate with a second system without requiring interface protocol specific hardware and software. This advantageously simplifies hardware and software components needed to simultaneously service a multitude of interface protocols.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for conforming to power up sequencing rules of a conventional hard-wired data connection even though the hard-wired data connection that would ordinarily exist between two data controllers has been replaced with one or more contactless connectors. A consequence of replacing the hard-wired connection with a contactless connector is that the data controllers no longer directly control the power sequencing between the controllers because they are not able to directly communicate with each other over the hard-wired data connections. Power sequence assist circuitry may be used to assists the data controllers in establishing a link in accordance with the power sequencing rules of a particular wired interface despite the intentionally broken hard-wired data connection between the two controllers by instructing the contactless connectors to communicate with their respective data controllers in compliance with the power sequencing rules.

Abstract: Multiple order connectors for contactless communication devices and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a first device for use in establishing a contactless communications link with a second device is provided. The first device can include a first order connection, which can be constructed to interface with a counterpart first order connection of the second device, and a second order connection. The second order connection can include a substrate, at least one contactless communications unit (CCU) mounted on the substrate and that is operative to establish the contactless communications link with a respective counterpart CCU of the second device, and an actuator operative to move the substrate such that the at least one CCU is optimally aligned with its respective counterpart CCU to establish the contactless communications link.

Abstract: An adapter may facilitate easy and swift data transfer amongst two previously incompatible electronic devices. Such an adapter may be operative to communicate data with a first of the two electronic devices using a contactless communication link and a first communication protocol and to communicate data with a second of the two electronic devices using a mechanical communication link and/or using a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol, such that data may be transferred between the first and second electronic devices via the adapter. The adapter may be communicatively coupled to both the first electronic device and the second electronic device at the same time. The adapter may rapidly transition between communicating data with the first device and communicating data with the second device (e.g., without altering a physical connection between the adapter and one of the first and second devices during such a transition).

Abstract: An adapter may facilitate easy and swift data transfer amongst two previously incompatible electronic devices. Such an adapter may be operative to communicate data with a first of the two electronic devices using a contactless communication link and a first communication protocol and to communicate data with a second of the two electronic devices using a mechanical communication link and/or using a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol, such that data may be transferred between the first and second electronic devices via the adapter. The adapter may be communicatively coupled to both the first electronic device and the second electronic device at the same time. The adapter may rapidly transition between communicating data with the first device and communicating data with the second device (e.g., without altering a physical connection between the adapter and one of the first and second devices during such a transition).