Angle diversity for nondirected wireless infrared communication

We outline the benefits and challenges of using angle diversity in nondirected wireless infrared communications systems. Multiple transmitter beams and multiple narrow-field-of-view receivers reduce the path loss, multipath distortion and background noise of the channel, which leads to improved range. The design and performance of a prototype angle-diversity infrared communication system are discussed. The prototype can maintain 70 Mb/s at a BER of 10/sup -9/ over a 4 m range.