Abstract: Methods and apparatuses presented herein control antenna connectivity for a wireless communication device as a function of rotation of a connector assembly plugged into the device, such as where an external antenna or cable includes the connector assembly. Assuming the device has a mating connector for the external antenna that changes the connections of internal and external antennas as a function of the connector mating depth, the method comprises configuring the wireless communication device and/or the external antenna with a mechanical feature that changes the mating depth between the device's and the antenna's mating connectors responsive to external antenna rotation. In one embodiment, a body portion of the external antenna retains the mating connector and includes a cam feature or other mechanical feature that engages an edge or surface of the device as the antenna is rotated, thereby pushing the antenna out from the device.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) modem device includes a body member and a flip member. The flip member includes an antenna element and is rotatably coupled to the body member for movement about a hinge axis between a closed position and an open position. A USB connector is movably mounted in the body member for movement between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body member. A linkage mechanism in the body member couples the flip member and the USB connector so that movement of the flip member between the open position and the closed position moves the USB connector between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: An antenna structure is comprised of a body, an antenna element coupled with the body, and an arm support coupled with the body and the antenna element. The arm support also includes a recessed portion on one side adapted to receive a two-sided customizable plate. The customizable plate is made of a non-metallic material. The customizable plate is further adapted to fit within the recess and can be adhered to the recessed portion of the arm support. The customizable plate can also be graphically customized to display a viewable image. In addition, the customizable plate can be imprinted with a metallized pattern on the side that faces the recessed portion when seated in the arm support. The imprinted metallized pattern can beneficially affect the performance characteristics of the antenna element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses presented herein control antenna connectivity for a wireless communication device as a function of rotation of a connector assembly plugged into the device, such as where an external antenna or cable includes the connector assembly. Assuming the device has a mating connector for the external antenna that changes the connections of internal and external antennas as a function of the connector mating depth, the method comprises configuring the wireless communication device and/or the external antenna with a mechanical feature that changes the mating depth between the device's and the antenna's mating connectors responsive to external antenna rotation. In one embodiment, a body portion of the external antenna retains the mating connector and includes a cam feature or other mechanical feature that engages an edge or surface of the device as the antenna is rotated, thereby pushing the antenna out from the device.

Abstract: An express card adapted to receive and utilize a SIM card that can be electrically coupled with a computer is disclosed. The express card includes an extended portion with a printed circuit board (PCB) and a SIM card connector for coupling a SIM card with the PCB. An external antenna jack is electrically coupled with the PCB extended portion. An antenna/SIM card support structure is mounted on the PCB extended portion covering the SIM card connector. The antenna/SIM. card support structure forms a slot adapted to receive and seat a SIM card and form an electrical connection between the SIM card and the SIM card connector. A metallic flex antenna can be affixed to the antenna/SIM card support structure such that the antenna characteristics of an external antenna can be affected based on the metallization pattern and placement of the metallic flex antenna.

Abstract: An express card adapted to receive and utilize a SIM card that can be electrically coupled with a computer is disclosed. The express card includes an extended portion with a printed circuit board (PCB) and a SIM card connector for coupling a SIM card with the PCB. An external antenna jack is electrically coupled with the PCB extended portion. An antenna/SIM card support structure is mounted on the PCB extended portion covering the SIM card connector. The antenna/SIM. card support structure forms a slot adapted to receive and seat a SIM card and form an electrical connection between the SIM card and the SIM card connector. A metallic flex antenna can be affixed to the antenna/SIM card support structure such that the antenna characteristics of an external antenna can be affected based on the metallization pattern and placement of the metallic flex antenna.