Angle diversity for nondirected wireless infrared communication

We outline the benefits and challenges of using angle diversity in nondirec ted wireless infrared (IR) communications systems. Multiple transmitter bea ms and multiple narrow field-of-view receivers reduce the path loss, multip ath distortion, and background noise of the channel, which leads to improve d range. We also discuss practical considerations for multielement angle-di versity systems, including channel characterization and suboptimal detectio n techniques. Maximal-ratio combining provides nearly optimal performance u p to 100 Mb/s for the angle-diversity systems considered. The design and pe rformance of a prototype angle-diversity IR communication system are discus sed. The prototype can maintain 70 Mb/s at a P-t of 10(-9) over a 4-m range .