DATA COMMUNICATION IN THE MICROWAVE RANGE USING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE ELEMENTS IN A CONSTRUCTION MACHINE

A coupling element connectable to a string of one or more pipes, for example, a drill string of one or more pipes or drill pipes is provided. The coupling element is configured to excite, responsive to a data signal fed to the coupling element, an electromagnetic wave in the string. The coupling element comprises a feed portion at a first end of the coupling element, the feed portion to receive the data signal, a first electrically conductive portion extending from the feed portion towards a second end of the coupling element, the second end to be connected to the string for forming an electrically conductive connection between the first electrically conductive portion and the string, and a second electrically conductive portion extending from the feed portion towards the second end of the coupling element. The first and second electrically conductive portions are arranged so as to define a waveguide. The waveguide expands in a direction from the first end towards the second end.