Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for adjusting the gain characteristics of an antenna array in accordance with elevation angle with respect to a satellite for optimum signal reception. The antenna elements of the antenna array are electronically steered in accordance with stored antenna element control data. The antenna element control data is retrieved based on the location of a mobile unit transporting the antenna and a receiver connected thereto, and on stored satellite location data. The mobile unit location data may be provided manually by a user using an input device on the receiver, or automatically by means of a GPS receiver.

Abstract: A device for prepaid recording of digital audio signals. In a system where digital radio signals are received in an encoded format, a digital converter that is enabled by a smartcard module is employed to convert encoded digital signals to decoded digital signals for recording onto a digital storage media. A smartcard having a prepaid account balance is employed to authorize and control the recording of digital signals. A buffer is advantageously employed to store a quantity of digital signals prior to recording.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing audio broadcast signals received from a satellite to a satellite radio receiver. A window clip having an integral transmission line is mounted on the edge of a vehicle window. The interior end of the transmission line is connected to the satellite radio receiver. The exterior portion of the clip, and the exterior portion of the integrated transmission line, is coupled to an antenna. The antenna may be an omnidirectional quadrifilar antenna having circular polarization, a gain greater than about 3 dBi, a G/T greater than about −20 dB/K, and a frequency range of about 2.3 GHz to about 2.7 GHz, also known as the S-band. The antenna system can be used to receive satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) and transfer the signal to a satellite radio receiver inside the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing audio broadcast signals received from a satellite to a satellite radio receiver. A window clip having an integral transmission line is mounted on the edge of a vehicle window. The interior end of the transmission line is connected to the satellite radio receiver. The exterior portion of the clip, and the exterior portion of the integrated transmission line, is coupled to an antenna. The antenna may be an omnidirectional quadrifilar antenna having circular polarization, a gain greater than about 3 dBi, a G/T greater than about −20 dB/K, and a frequency range of about 2.3 GHz to about 2.7 GHz, also known as the S-band. The antenna system can be used to receive satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) and transfer the signal to a satellite radio receiver inside the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing audio broadcast signals received from a satellite to a satellite radio receiver. A window clip having an integral transmission line is mounted on the edge of a vehicle window. The interior end of the transmission line is connected to the satellite radio receiver. The exterior portion of the clip, and the exterior portion of the integrated transmission line, is coupled to an antenna. The antenna may be an omnidirectional quadrifilar antenna having circular polarization, a gain greater than about 3 dBi, a G/T greater than about −20 dB/K, and a frequency range of about 2.3 GHz to about 2.7 GHz, also known as the S-band. The antenna system can be used to receive satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) and transfer the signal to a satellite radio receiver inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of an FM-modulated audio signal from an auxiliary source, and operating a switch to provide that audio signal to a tuner in lieu of the radio frequency signal received at the tuner antenna. The tuner can be a vehicle tuner. The system also comprises a modulator unit for modulating the audio signal and an output plug for insertion into a cigarette lighter receptacle or power receptacle of a vehicle. A radio frequency transmission line, such as a coaxial cable, connects the cigarette lighter receptacle or power receptacle to the vehicle battery and to an antenna switch unit and transports both DC power and the FM-modulated audio signal. The antenna switch unit comprises switched inputs for the vehicle antenna and the output from the modulator unit, and a radio frequency signal detection device for detecting when the FM-modulated audio signal is present. The antenna switch unit provides the output from the modulator unit to the tuner whenever it is detected.

Abstract: A dual coupled vehicle glass mount antenna system and method. The inventive system is adapted for operation through any suitable partition, such as an automobile windshield, and comprises an antenna mounted on a first side of the partition for receiving a signal and a first circuit connected to the antenna. The antenna and the first circuit are mounted on a first side of the partition. In accordance with the present teachings, an arrangement is provided for supplying power to the first circuit. The output of the first circuit is coupled through the partition to a second circuit mounted on a second side thereof by a first coupling arrangement. In the illustrative embodiment, the antenna is a radio frequency antenna, the partition is a vehicle windshield, the first circuit is an amplifier, and the arrangement for supplying power is a second coupling arrangement.

Abstract: A folded helical antenna. Generally, the inventive antenna includes plural radiating elements of conductive material. In the preferred embodiment, the antenna is a quadrifilar helix antenna having four radiating elements. Each radiating element is constrained into a helical shape. In accordance with the present teachings, each radiating element extends in a first direction and has a portion thereof folded in a second direction, the second direction being substantially parallel to the first direction. The novel method of making a quadrifilar helix antenna of the invention includes the steps of: ascertaining desired antenna characteristics for a given application; ascertaining limitations on antenna height for the application; fabricating a helical antenna in accordance with the desired antenna characteristics; and adjusting the height of the antenna in accordance with the limitations by folding the radiating elements thereof.

Abstract: A diversity handset (100) used in a personal communication system includes a flap (104), a first antenna (108) and second antenna (110). The second antenna (110) consists of two portions, the first portion being a direct feed portion (202) printed onto a substrate (206), and the second portion consisting of a parasitic radiator (116) located within the flap (104). The first and second portions (202) and (116) of the second antenna (110) are inductively coupled together between the flap (104) and the substrate (206). Diversity is maintained with the flap (104) open or closed as well as with the flap removed from the handset (100).

Abstract: A base station (102) automatically remotes to a speakerphone mode of operation and connects an incoming call while an external electronic device (104) is simultaneously controlled.

Abstract: An antenna system (202) provides communication capabilities in both extended and retracted positions. Antenna system (202) includes a base helical (214) that capacitively couples to a half wavelength radiator (222) in the extended position. Base helical (214) capacitively couples to a top helical (228) in the retracted position, thereby reducing case currents on the surface of the housing (206).

Abstract: An antenna (110), enclosed within a compact area of a radio (100), is not susceptible to electric fields generated from metallic shields (102, 104) located within the radio. The antenna consists of four sections of traces disposed onto a circuit board (108). The first section is a quarter-wave feed (202), which is coupled to a radio transceiver (118). The quarter-wave feed (202) converts a low impedance point (122) to a high impedance region (203). The second section of antenna (110) capacitively couples to the high impedance region (203). The third section is an isolator section (208) of half a wavelength for providing isolation from the shields (102, 104). The fourth section, quarter-wavelength radiator (214), is a trace electrically equivalent to a quarter of a wavelength having a high impedance and providing the radiating port of the antenna (110).