A system and method are disclosed for providing a bi-directional data communication link within a LIDAR assembly that has a stationary portion attached to an autonomous vehicle and a second portion rotatably connected to the stationary portion. The second portion may include one or more emitting/receiving devices (e.g., lasers) for detecting objects surrounding the autonomous vehicle. A first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a first optical transceiver may be located within the stationary portion. A second PCBA having a second optical transceiver may be located within the second portion. A hollow shaft may be positioned so as to extend between the stationary portion and the second portion.

A coupler provides a high speed datalink between rotating parts and comprises a circular channel, enclosing a hollow-cylindric volume, and at least two antennas. The circular channel is made of electrically conductive material and includes an inner ring, an outer ring rotatable against the inner ring, and two sidewalls on the sides of the rings. An inner antenna is mechanically coupled to the inner ring and an outer antenna is mechanically coupled to the outer ring. The antennas are configured to establish a microwave signal connection between them based on multiple reflections of an electromagnetic wave at the rings.

A probe for receiving transmissions of electrical signals from a transmitter across an interface of a slip ring comprising a signal capture area comprising at least one segmented signal receiving strip arranged in spaced relation to the transmitter of the slip ring for receiving a signal transmitted across the interface of the slip ring. The segmented signal receiving strip configured to receive a range of frequency signal content of the signal and having a first signal receiving segment having a first frequency response, a second signal receiving segment electrically coupled to said first signal receiving segment and having a second frequency response less than the first frequency response, and a third signal coupled to the first signal receiving segment and having a third frequency response less than the first frequency response.

A system and method are disclosed for providing a bi-directional data communication link within a LIDAR assembly that has a stationary portion attached to an autonomous vehicle and a second portion rotatably connected to the stationary portion. The second portion may include one or more emitting/receiving devices (e.g., lasers) for detecting objects surrounding the autonomous vehicle. A first printed circuit board including a first set of trace antennas. A second printed circuit board including a second set of trace antennas. The first printed circuit board may be configured to rotate 360-degrees in relation to the second printed circuit board so that the first set of trace antennas and the second set of trace antennas align to provide the bi-directional data link.

A probe for receiving transmissions of electrical signals from a transmitter across an interface of a slip ring comprising a signal capture area comprising at least one segmented signal receiving strip arranged in spaced relation to the transmitter of the slip ring for receiving a signal transmitted across the interface of the slip ring. The segmented signal receiving strip configured to receive a range of frequency signal content of the signal and having a first signal receiving segment having a first frequency response, a second signal receiving segment electrically coupled to said first signal receiving segment and having a second frequency response less than the first frequency response, and a third signal coupled to the first signal receiving segment and having a third frequency response less than the first frequency response.

A rotary joint according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first microstrip line, a second microstrip line, a transmitting circuit connected to one end of the first microstrip line and configured to output a communication signal, a transmitting-side terminator connected to the other end of the first microstrip line, a receiving-side terminator connected to one end of the second microstrip line, and a receiving circuit connected to the other end of the second microstrip line and configured to receive the communication signal, in which the first and second microstrip lines and are set along at least a part of a circular ring having a circumferential length equal to an integral multiple of a wavelength of a traveling wave with which the communication signal propagates through the microstrip lines.

A device for transmitting a signal with the aid of waveguides in rotating systems. The device includes at least one transmitting waveguide and at least one receiving waveguide. The at least one receiving waveguide and the at least one transmitting waveguide being divided into multiple radially distributed segments. The radially distributed segments of the at least one receiving waveguide each include a tap. An adder for adding the signals obtained with the aid of the taps of the radially distributed segments of the at least one receiving waveguide is also provided.

An RF joint rotating about an axis of rotation (Z) includes a number N, greater than or equal to 1, of RF transmission channels, a first, internal surface of symmetry of revolution about the axis (Z) and of RF transmission having a first, internal radius r1, and a second, external surface of symmetry of revolution about the axis (Z) and of RF transmission having a second, external radius r2, strictly less than the first, internal radius r1. The first and second RF transmission surfaces facing one another and rotationally mobile about the axis (Z) are configured through the first and second radii r1, r2, the geometry of the first and second RF access ports, and the geometry of the first and second RF containment and guidance means, such that: each RF transmission channel Vi, i varying from 1 to N, comprises a first RF rotating waveguide, and the N first RF rotating waveguides are distributed angularly over a predetermined number NC, greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, of sections of surfaces of revolution about the axis (Z) of the second RF transmission surface, each of the NC sections being situated along the longitudinal axis of symmetry (Z) at a predetermined different level L1(k).

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a dielectric coupler includes a neck portion configured to receive a first electromagnetic wave from a hollow waveguide. A flared portion is configured to generate, responsive to the first electromagnetic wave, a second electromagnetic wave along a surface of a transmission medium, wherein the flared portion at least partially surrounds the transmission medium, wherein the second electromagnetic wave propagates along the surface of the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path. A tapered portion is configured to interface the neck portion to the flared portion.

A rotary joint according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first microstrip line, a second microstrip line, a transmitting circuit connected to one end of the first microstrip line and configured to output a communication signal, a transmitting-side terminator connected to the other end of the first microstrip line, a receiving-side terminator connected to one end of the second microstrip line, and a receiving circuit connected to the other end of the second microstrip line and configured to receive the communication signal, in which the first and second microstrip lines and are set along at least a part of a circular ring having a circumferential length equal to an integral multiple of a wavelength of a traveling wave with which the communication signal propagates through the microstrip lines.