Abstract: Multiband antennas are provided that can be embedded in computing devices such as portable laptop computers and cellular phones, for example, to provide efficient wireless communication in multiple frequency bands. For example, monopole multiband antennas, dipole multiband antennas, and inverted-F antennas are provided, which include one or more coupled and/or branch radiating elements, for providing multiband operation in two or more frequency bands.

Abstract: Antennas for use with computing devices such as laptop computers. In one embodiment, the antennas are integrally formed on a metallic covering of a computing device. In another embodiment, the antennas are integrally formed on a metallic cover of a display unit of a laptop device. For instance, one or more antennas are integrally formed on one or more of the bent edges (sidewalls) of the metallic cover of a display unit (i.e., sides of the cover that are perpendicular to the plane of an LCD unit). In other embodiments, one or more antennas are integrally formed on the metallic cover of the display unit in areas between the LCD and the sidewalls.

Abstract: An apparatus for data transfer using radio frequency (RF) energy, includes a first software application that sources and links the data transfer, a second software application for controlling a communications hardware for the data transfer, a hardware device for formatting the data and gaining access to a media, and a physical layer interface hardware, coupled to selectively receive a signal representing the data from the hardware device and to provide an output to the hardware device, for sending and receiving a radio frequency communication. The second software application for controlling the communications hardware uses a target data transmission media of infrared light.

Abstract: Integrated (embedded) tri-band antennas for use with portable devices such as laptop computers. In one aspect, an integrated tri-band antenna for a portable device comprises a first element having a resonant frequency in a first frequency band, a second element having a resonant frequency in a second frequency band, a third element having a resonant frequency in a third frequency band, and a ground element for grounding the first, second and third elements. The first, second and third elements and ground element may be metallic elements formed on a PCB (printed circuit board), wherein the first element is connected to a signal feed, and wherein the PCB is mounted to a metallic support frame of a display unit of the portable device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a wireless/wired computer network in an indoor environment with inherent reliability is disclosed. A master network box connected to an AC power network and a master computer generates an RF field around the computer, the home, and AC power network. The integration and implementation of additional devices to the established network is made through additional appliance boxes. Once introduced into the generated RF field, or connected to the AC power network, the additional device is automatically and seamlessly registered and configured into the network without requiring any user intervention. The network is capable of multiple modulation schemes for providing robust wired or wireless communication for various devices which have different power and data rates.

Abstract: An antenna for integration into a portable computing device is provided. The computer includes a display mounted on a metal frame. The antenna includes a radiating element extending from the metal frame, and a conductor comprising a first component for conducting a signal and a second component connected to the metal frame for grounding the antenna.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a wireless/wired computer network in an indoor environment with inherent reliability is disclosed. A master network box connected to an AC power network and a master computer generates an RF field around the computer, the home, and AC power network. The integration and implementation of additional devices to the established network is made through additional appliance boxes. Once introduced into the generated RF field, or connected to the AC power network, the additional device is automatically and seamlessly registered and configured into the network without requiring any user intervention. The network is capable of multiple modulation schemes for providing robust wired or wireless communication for various devices which have different power and data rates.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, the AC power line network simulator includes an enclosure for containing elements of the system. An AC coupling network coupled to the network simulator implements the functions relating to a particular simulation. A distribution panel connected to a power feed distributes power and includes outgoing circuits and circuit breakers for protecting the outgoing circuits. A plurality of outlets are connected to the breakers of the panel. Through the use of the simulator, with the AC coupling network, simulation of an AC power line network, such as measuring electrical signals, recording electrical signals, simulating electrical signals and inserting electrical signals, can be easily performed. The measured, recorded, simulated and inserted signals correspond to electrical characteristics of elements found in an AC power line network, and can be stored for later analysis. In addition, once simulation information has been stored, it can be reproduced as desired.

Abstract: A cordless modem comprises a radio pair interfaced to a standard data/fax modem which allows a user of a personal computer to wirelessly connect to a telephone line. One end of the radio pair is a remote unit interfaced to the modem contained within the PC while the other end is a base unit connected to a standard telephone wall jack. The base unit can selectively discriminate and adjust for signals received from a telephone voice handset or data signals received from the cordless modem remote unit. Upon receiving an off-hook signal or an incoming call signal, the base unit identifies the type of data (i.e., voice or computer modem data) and adapts accordingly by placing an FM modulator in either of a narrow band deviation or a wide band deviation covering the required range of the particular signal combined with local echo. That is, when voice data is present, a low deviation, narrow filter combination is selected.

Abstract: A method of channel selection between a remote and a base for a cordless or wireless communication system includes the steps of creating a history table having channels assigned to columns and intervals assigned to rows, scanning the channels to determine if interference exists, recording the channels having interference for a given interval in the history table and determining which channel has the least amount of interference over a predetermined number of intervals to select the best channel for communications.

Abstract: A controlled environment radio test apparatus includes first and second chambers for receiving respective first and second radio devices therein. The chambers are sized in proportion to an operational frequency of the radio devices to be tested. A signal-carrying conductor is coupled to the first and second chambers to carry a radio signal therebetween. A signal control device is connected to the radio test apparatus and configured for adjustably introducing selected signal impairments into the radio signal in order to controllably impair the radio signal. An output coupler may be provided for monitoring the effect of the signal impairments on the radio signal. An input coupler may be provided for introducing one or more perturbing signals into the radio signal. The first chamber is adapted so that transmission control inputs can be provided to the first radio device and the second chamber is adapted so that reception monitoring outputs can be received from the second radio device.

Abstract: A portable or notebook type computer communication interface that permits portable computers to be reliably used in a data processing network. The interface involves communication circuitry, special device inputs and power monitoring and charging. A flexible portable computer wireless time and frequency division network is formed using a time and frequency division multiplexed communication channel assignment feature that together with a wireless link establishes a unique direct communication channel between data processing devices on different levels with data packet type transmission security. The principle permits each portable computer in the network to communicate with any other and any and all can transmit and receive at the same time.

Abstract: A cordless modem comprises a radio pair interfaced to a standard data/fax modem which allows a user of a personal computer to wirelessly connect to a telephone line. One end of the radio pair is a remote unit interfaced to the modem contained within the PC while the other end is a base unit connected to a standard telephone wall jack. This arrangement allows the user the convenience and freedom of using a PC, laptop, personal digital assistant, etc., within several hundred feet of a phone jack without being encumbered by a cord. A warning alarm on the remote unit informs the user when the signal strength between the radio pair is below a threshold value. Additionally, the base unit may be equipped with two spatially separated antennas to help mitigate the effects of signal fading.