RADIO FREQUENCY WAVEGUIDE COMMUNICATION IN HIGH TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS

A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes (68a, 68b) distributed throughout the machine. Each of the nodes (68a, 68b) is operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals (86). A controller (66) is operable to communicate with the network of nodes (68a, 68b) through the electromagnetic signals (86). A plurality of waveguides (70-73; 202; 222; 242) is configured to confine transmission of the electromagnetic signals (86) between the controller (66) and one or more of the nodes (68a. 68b). A radio frequency antenna (206) is coupled to a first end of a first waveguide (202; 222; 242) of the plurality of waveguides (70-73; 202; 222; 242). A radio frequency transceiver (204) is coupled between the controller (66) and the radio frequency antenna (206). A capacitively coupled membrane (208) at a second end of the first waveguide (202; 222; 242) is configured to establish communication between the first waveguide (202; 222; 242) and at least one node of the plurality of nodes (68a, 68b).