Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna assembly in a cellular network has a radome that houses a plurality of antenna arrays and an electronics module. The electronics module has a weatherproof housing that encloses electronics for processing signals received by and transmitted from a first of the antenna arrays. The electronics module is physically removeably connected to an outer surface of the radome and electrically removeably connected to the first antenna array, such that the electronics module can be removed without (i) disrupting service to other antenna arrays and (ii) removing the antenna assembly from the cell tower on which the antenna assembly is installed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna assembly in a cellular network has a radome that houses a plurality of antenna arrays and an electronics module. The electronics module has a weatherproof housing that encloses electronics for processing signals received by and transmitted from a first of the antenna arrays. The electronics module is physically removeably connected to an outer surface of the radome and electrically removeably connected to the first antenna array, such that the electronics module can be removed without (i) disrupting service to other antenna arrays and (ii) removing the antenna assembly from the cell tower on which the antenna assembly is installed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna assembly in a cellular network has a radome that houses a plurality of antenna arrays and an electronics module. The electronics module has a weatherproof housing that encloses electronics for processing signals received by and transmitted from a first of the antenna arrays. The electronics module is physically removeably connected to an outer surface of the radome and electrically removeably connected to the first antenna array, such that the electronics module can be removed without (i) disrupting service to other antenna arrays and (ii) removing the antenna assembly from the cell tower on which the antenna assembly is installed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna assembly in a cellular network has a radome that houses a plurality of antenna arrays and an electronics module. The electronics module has a weatherproof housing that encloses electronics for processing signals received by and transmitted from a first of the antenna arrays. The electronics module is physically removeably connected to an outer surface of the radome and electrically removeably connected to the first antenna array, such that the electronics module can be removed without (i) disrupting service to other antenna arrays and (ii) removing the antenna assembly from the cell tower on which the antenna assembly is installed.

Abstract: An electronic device, configured to be blindly mated with a printed circuit board, comprises a housing and at least one RF interconnect. The RF interconnect comprises an outer conductor, an insulator, and an inner conductor that function in a manner similar to the outer conductor, insulator, and inner conductor of a coaxial cable, respectively. The inner conductor comprises a spring-loaded electrical contact such as a POGO pin. An upper end of the outer conductor is electrically coupled to the housing and a lower end of the outer conductor is configured to electrically couple to a ground return path of the printed circuit board. In its normally extended position, the spring-loaded contact extends beyond the lower end of the outer conductor, and the outer conductor limits the compression distance of the spring-loaded contact.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna system has a plurality of antenna paths and a calibration circuit. Each of the antenna paths has a transceiver and an antenna element. The calibration circuit has (i) a calibration transceiver and a different coupler coupled to each antenna path. The couplers are connected in series with one another and with the calibration transceiver. Connecting the couplers in series, rather than in parallel, reduces the amount of cabling needed and the need for a combiner/splitter or switch matrix between the couplers and the calibration transceiver, thereby reducing the cost, volume, and/or weight associated with the calibration circuit.

Abstract: In an amplifier system that linearizes an amplifier by pre-distorting the input signal prior to amplification, a baseband pre-distortion processor processes the input signal in a digital baseband domain to generate one or more pre-distortion parameters based on the power of the digital baseband input signal. The digital baseband signal is up-converted and D/A-converted into a non-baseband (e.g., IF or RF) signal which is then pre-distorted, e.g., using a phase/gain adjuster or a vector modulator. By generating the pre-distortion parameters at baseband, while pre-distorting the input signal at non-baseband, the amplifier system avoids the cost and inaccuracies associated with analog signal delay and RF power detection of prior-art “all-RF” pre-distortion implementations, while avoiding the wider-bandwidth filtering of prior-art “all-baseband” pre-distortion implementations.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the output power of a transmitter including a power amplifier includes a pilot detection circuit for detecting the power of a pilot channel from an output of the amplifier. The pilot detection circuit provides a pilot power output signal reflective of the pilot channel power. A reference circuit provides a pilot power reference signal, and a comparator circuit compares the pilot power output signal and reference signal and provides a power level correction signal. A level adjustment circuit adjusts the power level of an input to the amplifier and uses the power level correction signal to vary the amplifier input to control the output power level of the amplifier.

Abstract: In an amplifier system that linearizes an amplifier by pre-distorting the input signal prior to amplification, a baseband pre-distortion processor processes the input signal in a digital baseband domain to generate one or more pre-distortion parameters based on the power of the digital baseband input signal. The digital baseband signal is up-converted and D/A-converted into a non-baseband (e.g., IF or RF) signal which is then pre-distorted, e.g., using a phase/gain adjuster or a vector modulator. By generating the pre-distortion parameters at baseband, while pre-distorting the input signal at non-baseband, the amplifier system avoids the cost and inaccuracies associated with analog signal delay and RF power detection of prior-art “all-RF” pre-distortion implementations, while avoiding the wider-bandwidth filtering of prior-art “all-baseband” pre-distortion implementations.

Abstract: A multi-layer backplane for processing radio frequency (RF) and other signals has alternating layers of conductive traces for RF signals and other types of signals, and ground plane layers of conductive material electrically insulated from each other. The backplane upper layer has a plurality of coaxial connectors for connection of cables and other devices which supply RF energy signals to and convey them from the backplane, with each connector having a center pin extending into the backplane to make electrical contact with a trace of a selected trace layer. A ground plane cap layer of electrically conductive material is provided below the last ground plane layer associated with a trace layer and beneath the coaxial connector center pins for preventing leakage of radio frequency energy between the center pins. A row of conductive vias can be provided along one or more sides of a trace carrying RF energy.

Abstract: A current sensing element is included as an integral part of a magnetic component by mounting a toroidal magnetic core having a current sensing winding into a receptacle of a winding bobbin of the magnetic component. This eliminates a need for a separate board mounted current sensing winding thereby saving circuit board space and reducing overall parts count on the circuit board, and circuit assembly costs.