Measuring Signal Energy Patents (Class 343/703)
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Patent number: 8892049Abstract: Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include an antenna. A radio-frequency coupler may be coupled to the antenna. Transceiver circuitry may be used to transmit and receive radio-frequency signals through the coupler and the antenna. A reflected power detection circuit may be connected to the coupler. When the transceiver circuitry transmits radio-frequency signals, some of the signals are reflected back from the antenna into the coupler. The coupler directs the reflected antenna signals into the reflected power detection circuit. Processing circuitry may analyze a reflected power signal from the reflected power detection circuit to determine whether operation of the antenna is being disrupted by the placement of a user's hand over the antenna or other proximity effects. If antenna operation is being disrupted, the user may be alerted or other suitable actions may be taken.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael N. Rosenblatt, Louie J. Sanguinetti, Erturk D. Kocalar
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Patent number: 8884830Abstract: A high-frequency chip antenna measurement system includes a platform; two piers; an arching; a stepper motor; an indication and fastening assembly having a source antenna holder and an illuminant indicator; a carrier stage; a chip antenna carrier having a support member and two sloping posts extending upward and outward from a top end of the support member, two chip antenna carrier benches being mounted to top ends of the two sloping posts respectively; a probe carrier having a support plate directionally variably fixed to the carrier substrate, two props fixed to the support member and parallel to each other and extending outward and upward slantingways, and a probe carrier bench mounted to top ends of the two props for bearing a probe; and a bridging member having two ends mounted to the chip antenna carrier benches.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: National Chung Cheng UniversityInventors: Chia-Chan Chang, Sheng-Fuh Chang, Chun-Chi Lin, Sheng-Chi Hsieh
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Publication number: 20140327586Abstract: A test chamber for measuring total radiated power, total isotropic sensitivity, and antenna efficiency is disclosed. The chamber takes the shape of a hollow ellipsoid. RF energy radiated from one focal point of the ellipse reflects off the walls of the ellipse and is collected at the second focal point of the ellipse. A single power measurement at the second focal point measures the total power radiated from the first focal point. The subject matter of the present disclosure significantly reduces the measurement time for these three parameters, and is applicable to the design, production, and repair of antennas and wireless devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: The Howland CompanyInventor: James D. Huff
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Patent number: 8878733Abstract: A holding device for holding test antennas includes a base, a sliding plate, a holding pole, and a support block. The sliding plate is slidably mounted on the base. The holding pole is fixed on the sliding plate, and a length of the holding pole is adjustable. The support block is fixed on the holding pole and configured for receiving the test antennas. The holding pole and the sliding plate change a position of the support block along a first axis and a second axis, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiao-Lian He, Yong-Sheng Yang
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Patent number: 8880002Abstract: A simulated radio channel is shifted with respect to a plurality of antenna elements coupled with an emulator for communicating with a device under test by using different directions for the simulated radio channel in an anechoic chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Elektrobit System Test OyInventors: Marko Falck, Pekka Kyösti, Petteri Heino, Jukka-Pekka Nuutinen, Jouni Saastamoinen
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Publication number: 20140300519Abstract: A device includes a test enclosure defining a cavity forming an anechoic chamber, having a test probe placed inside the cavity. The cavity comprises an aperture against which the radiating surface of antenna is positioned. The device includes a microwave-frequency test signal generator and a receiver for microwave-frequency signal emitted by the antenna under test and for measuring its amplitude and its phase in relation to a reference. Depending on the depth of the cavity and the dimensions of the radiation pattern of a test probe, the device comprises one or more test probes placed in fixed positions in the cavity or a mobile probe that can be positioned in various locations of the cavity, the probe or probes being configured and arranged to illuminate the whole active surface of the antenna and that the radiation pattern of each radiating element illuminates at least one test probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: THALESInventors: Eric Estebe, Pierre Levy, Alain Bouedo
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Patent number: 8847830Abstract: A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive errant microwave energy and a rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna that is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Joseph D. Brannan
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Publication number: 20140266930Abstract: A system and method to facilitate wireless testing of a radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver device under test (DUT). With the DUT operating in a controlled electromagnetic environment, the tester exchanges multiple test signals wirelessly with the DUT. Signal phases of the respective test signals are controlled in accordance with feedback signals from the DUT and test equipment. Magnitudes of the respective test signals can also be controlled in accordance with such feedback signals, thereby enabling minimizing of apparent signal path loss between the tester and DUT to effectively simulate an electrically conductive signal path.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: LITEPOINT CORPORATIONInventor: Minh-Chau HUYNH
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Publication number: 20140266929Abstract: A system and method to facilitate wireless testing of a radio frequency (RF) multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) signal transceiver device under test (DUT). With the DUT operating in a controlled electromagnetic environment, the tester transmits multiple test signals wirelessly to the DUT. Signal phases of the respective test signals transmitted by the tester are controlled in accordance with feedback signal data from the DUT. Magnitudes of the respective test signals can also be controlled in accordance with such feedback signal data, thereby enabling dynamic optimization of the wireless communication channel condition number k(H).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: LITEPOINT CORPORATIONInventors: Minh-Chau HUYNH, Dirk J. M. WALVIS, Yinghui LI
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Patent number: 8823593Abstract: There is provided an antenna characteristic measuring system which includes a measuring point scanner to scan a measuring point, an antenna gain measuring device which measures an antenna gain of a measured antenna at a plurality of the measuring points, determines a reference point among the plurality of the measuring points, and obtains antenna gain difference values between the antenna gain at the reference point and each of the antenna gain at the plurality of the measuring points other than the reference point, and an antenna characteristic measuring device which measures a reference antenna characteristic of the measured antenna at the reference point and obtains an antenna characteristic of the measured antenna at each of the plurality of the measuring points other than the reference point by correcting the reference antenna characteristic with each of the difference values.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Kuniyuki Miyata
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Patent number: 8823601Abstract: An antenna device includes a base, an adjusting pole perpendicularly extending up from the base, a slide apparatus slidably mounted to the adjusting pole, a supporting pole forming a rack and slidably installed in the slide apparatus along a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise of the adjusting pole, and an antenna mounted to one end of the supporting pole. The slide apparatus includes a casing and a motor installed in the casing. The casing defines two opposite guiding holes for the supporting pole extending through. The motor includes a driving roller meshing with the rack. The motor drives the driving roller to rotate and mesh with the rack to allow the antenna to move along the direction perpendicular to the slide direction of the slide apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yong-Sheng Yang
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Patent number: 8816915Abstract: One embodiment provides a system, method, and test fixture for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. One or more guides are positioned on the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate to perform the RF testing utilizing the one or more guides.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Jimmie Paul Partee, Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
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Patent number: 8810460Abstract: A system and method for testing RF characteristics of a wireless device. The wireless device is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a horizontal plane of a test fixture. An RF antenna coupler is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a vertical plane. The positioning of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler correspond to acceptable RF characteristics for testing the wireless device. Positions of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler are identified. The identified positions are utilized to perform subsequent testing of similar wireless devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Jimmie Paul Partee, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
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Patent number: 8810461Abstract: An antenna coupler for testing a mobile-radio device with a coupling element formed in a flat manner by strip conductors on a printed-circuit board and with a retaining device formed on a first side of the printed-circuit board for positioning a mobile-radio device in the vicinity of the coupling element. On the first side of the printed-circuit board, at least one slit structure is introduced into an ground metallization formed there. For feeding the slit structure serving as the coupling element, at least one stripline formed on the second side facing away from it forms a microstripline with the ground metallization remaining between the slit structure of the first side.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Martin Roth, Gottfried Holzmann, Andreas Schiessl
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Publication number: 20140225791Abstract: A method for contactlessly checking the functionality of an antenna coil for a portable data carrier comprises the steps of exciting the antenna coil, detecting the free, damped oscillation of the antenna coil in response to the excitation, and evaluating the detected free, damped oscillation. The excitation of the antenna coil is effected inductively through a pulsed magnetic field, which may be generated by a single direct-current pulse, such as a a Dirac pulse, by means of an exciting coil attached to a pulse generator. The detection of the oscillation of the antenna coil is effected through a measuring antenna, and the evaluation is effected by means of an evaluation device connected to the measuring antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBHInventors: Michael Baldischweiler, Klaus Finkenzeller, Carsten Bohn
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Publication number: 20140225790Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for manufacturing antennas with a unique signature and for identifying an antenna using its unique signature. An exemplary antenna comprises a radiating element and a ground element, between which a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit is connected. The RLC circuit is designed to generate a return-loss profile that serves as a unique antenna signature. The return-loss profile of the RLC circuit exhibits a resonance frequency outside the antenna's working bandwidth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Georgy Levin, James H.K. Sanderson
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MONITORING METHOD AND SYSTEM AND INTEGRATED MONITORING DEVICE FOR ANTENNA OSCILLATOR OF BASE STATION
Publication number: 20140203977Abstract: Disclosed are a monitoring method and system and an integrated monitoring device for an antenna oscillator of a base station, which are used to monitor whether an anomaly occurs in the antenna oscillator of the base station. The monitoring method for an antenna oscillator of a base station in the present invention comprises: performing wave detection and analog-to-digital conversion on an obtained transmission signal of the antenna oscillator of the base station, to acquire a digital signal of a direct-current signal of the transmission signal; determining the amplitude of changes of the digital signal in a set time length, and when the amplitude of the changes is greater than a preset amplitude change threshold, determining that an anomaly occurs in the antenna oscillator; otherwise, determining that the antenna element is normal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicants: GUANGDONG TONGYU COMMUNICATION INC., CHINA MOBILE GROUP DESIGN INSTITUTE CO., LTD.Inventors: Feng Gao, Jiwei He, Wentao Zhu, Yong Ding, Peng Gao, Jiping Mao, Yuanbo Cheng, Xingzheng Li -
Patent number: 8786505Abstract: An alignment apparatus configured to be mounted to a radar array antenna having a generally planar face for aligning the antenna includes a rigid frame defining a plane generally parallel to the face of the antenna when the rigid frame is mounted to the antenna. A flexible member is associated with the rigid frame and is configured to flex relative to the rigid frame. The apparatus further includes an optical source for emitting a light beam and a target. One of the optical source and the target is associated with the flexible member and the other of the optical source and the target is associated with the rigid frame. A distance between the path of the light beam and the target is indicative of the degree of misalignment between the flexible member and the rigid frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Aaron L. Westman, John F. Strempel
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Patent number: 8786502Abstract: An electromagnetic anechoic chamber includes an anechoic chamber, an adjusting apparatus, and an antenna device. The anechoic chamber includes a bottom wall defining a rectangular receiving space, and a shielding plate supported on a bottom wall. The adjusting apparatus is received in the receiving space and includes a supporting bracket, two adjusting pulleys respectively installed to two opposite ends of the supporting bracket, and a transmission belt wrapping around the adjusting pulleys. The antenna device includes a base slidably supported on the supporting bracket and an adjusting pole perpendicularly extending up from the base. The adjusting pole extends through the transmission belt and the shielding plate. A motor drives one of the adjusting pulleys to rotate, the transmission belt is moved through the adjusting pulley to move the antenna device.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ten-Chen Ho
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Publication number: 20140198000Abstract: A method and device are for calibrating an antenna. At least one switch is spanning sections of a radiating antenna element. A controller is designed to selectively close the switch to be conductive, thus effectively short-circuiting the actual section of the antenna element. The method includes: installing the antenna for field use at least for transmission or reception of signals; then measuring the reflected power from the antenna at least for a number of frequencies or frequency ranges at more than one setting of the switch; and storing the settings that gives a desirable result of reflected power at an actual frequency or frequency range.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Comrod ASInventor: Jo Morten Eide
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Patent number: 8779994Abstract: A transmitting signal from a signal generator is divided in seven transmitting signals in a divider, and the phase and the amplitude of each of divided transmitting signals are changed in a phase shifter circuit and an attenuator circuit. The respective transmitting signals from the attenuator circuit are radiated from scatterer antennas. A receiver receives a multiple wave of radiated radio waves by using a receiving antenna. A computer substantially simultaneously starts operations of a D/A converter, the signal generator, and the receiver by using a trigger generator circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Sakata, Atsushi Yamamoto, Satoru Amari
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Patent number: 8773315Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the polarization ellipticity of an antenna response signal to an incident electromagnetic wave received on a crossed-loop antenna or an Adcock antenna array. The method comprises at least the following steps: measuring the phase offset ?? between the signals acquired respectively on the cosine and sine path of the antenna; measuring the ratio R between the amplitudes of the signals acquired respectively on the cosine and sine path of the antenna; determining the ellipticity angle ? based on the phase offset ?? and on the ratio R. The invention applies notably to the discrimination of ionospheric waves from ground and/or sea waves, in particular for a surveillance, eavesdropping, or goniometry system using HF band signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: ThalesInventors: Arnaud Lecca, Eric Merlet, Jean-Christophe Mesnage, Jean-Luc Rogier
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Publication number: 20140176373Abstract: A multiple input loop antenna comprising one or more half-loop antennas disposed above a ground plane wherein the plane of each half loop is perpendicular to the ground plane such that the multiple input loop antenna is a three-dimensional structure and electromagnetic waves are radiated from points within the volume occupied by the antenna rather than from a two-dimensional surface. For this reason, the multiple input loop antenna can radiate levels of peak power without inducing excessive air breakdown which are relatively high compared with peak power levels of conventional antennas having comparable transverse dimensions. Also described is an array antenna comprised of an array of multiple input loop antennas.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: David D. Crouch, Keith G. Kato
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Patent number: 8760184Abstract: A measuring probe, particularly for a non-contacting vector network analysis system, having a housing and at least one coupling structure disposed on the housing and designed for coupling an HF signal from a signal line, such that at least one additional signal probe is disposed on the housing for coupling an electrical signal into the signal line.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Zelder, Bernd Geck
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Patent number: 8744390Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for adjusting system tests based on detected interference. In one embodiment, a system comprises a host unit; a system test controller to control the performance of system tests, wherein a system test to detect the reception of an interfering signal comprises disabling the generation of tones for transmission through the communication system. The system also comprises multiple remote antenna units communicatively coupled to the system test controller to transmit signals to multiple wireless terminals, wherein a remote antenna unit comprises: an antenna; a transceiver, coupled to the antenna; a signal detector that measures reverse and forward power of signals transmitted to and received from the antenna; and a microcontroller to control the antenna unit, wherein upon receiving a command to perform interference testing, the microcontroller adjusts a subsequent test based on measurements of the reverse power by the signal detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.Inventor: Scott Stratford
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Patent number: 8742997Abstract: Conductive electronic device structures such as a conductive housing member that forms part of an antenna may be tested during manufacturing. A test system may be provided that has a pair of pins or other contacts. Test equipment such as a network analyzer may provide radio-frequency test signals in a range of frequencies. The radio-frequency test signals may be applied to the conductive housing member or other conductive structures under test using the test probe contacts. An antenna may be used to gather corresponding wireless radio-frequency signal data. Forward transfer coefficient data may be computed from the transmitted and received radio-frequency signals. The forward transfer coefficient data or other test data may be compared to reference data to determine whether the conductive electronic device structures contain a fault.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Joshua G. Nickel, James L. McPeak, Jr-Yi Shen
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Publication number: 20140139382Abstract: A high-frequency chip antenna measurement system includes a platform; two piers; an arching; a stepper motor; an indication and fastening assembly having a source antenna holder and an illuminant indicator; a carrier stage; a chip antenna carrier having a support member and two sloping posts extending upward and outward from a top end of the support member, two chip antenna carrier benches being mounted to top ends of the two sloping posts respectively; a probe carrier having a support plate directionally variably fixed to the carrier substrate, two props fixed to the support member and parallel to each other and extending outward and upward slantingways, and a probe carrier bench mounted to top ends of the two props for bearing a probe; and a bridging member having two ends mounted to the chip antenna carrier benches.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: National Chung Cheng UniversityInventors: Chia-Chan CHANG, Sheng-Fuh CHANG, Chun-Chi LIN, Sheng-Chi HSIEH
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Patent number: 8730112Abstract: An antenna evaluation apparatus includes receiving antennas to be evaluated, scatterer antennas provided around them, signal generators, delay circuits, dividers, phase-shift circuits, and attenuation circuits. A computer controls the delay circuits to add delay times to radio frequency signals, and controls the phase-shift circuits and attenuation circuits to change phases and amplitudes of the radio frequency signals to produce a first fading. The antenna evaluation apparatus radiates the radio frequency signals from the scatterer antennas, thus creating multipath waves including delay and fading around the receiving antenna.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Sakata, Atsushi Yamamoto, Satoru Amari
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Patent number: 8730111Abstract: A computer measures amplitudes and phases respective received signals S60a relative to a transmitting signal when radio waves are radiated solely from each of the scatterer antennas and received by using a calibration receiving antenna, determines a target amplitude based on measured amplitudes, and determines a target phase based on measured phases. Reference attenuation amount control voltages for respective attenuators are set to attenuation amount control voltages for making the measured amplitudes coincidence with an identical target amplitude, and a reference phase shift amount control voltage for each phase shifter is set to phase shift amount control voltages for making the measured phases coincidence with an identical target phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Sakata, Atsushi Yamamoto, Satoru Amari
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Patent number: 8693599Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless receiving apparatus, whereby inter-antenna interference can be reduced without inducing an increase of a mounting area due to an increase of the number of antennas, and the number of RFIC input terminals, circuit scale and power consumption can be reduced. In the wireless receiving apparatus (100), when a receiving antenna (110-1) and a down-converter (130) are connected with a multiplexer (120) therebetween, a capacity control unit (190-2) controls the capacity value of the capacity-variable parasitic element (180-2) connected to the receiving antenna (110-2) such that the communication capacity of the receiving antenna (110-1) is maximum.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kiyomichi Araki, Noriaki Saito, Tadashi Morita
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Publication number: 20140091973Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna control method and an antenna device. The method includes (A1) defining a plurality of rough scanning sectors in a signal region; (A2) rotating the antenna to each rough scanning sector to measure a first evaluation signal; (A3) selecting one of the plurality of rough scanning sectors in accordance with the first evaluation signals; (A4) defining a plurality of fine scanning sectors; (A5) rotating the antenna to the plurality of fine scanning sector corresponding to the selected rough scanning sector to measure a second evaluation signal; (A6) selecting one of the plurality of fine scanning sectors in accordance with the second evaluation signals; (A7) rotating the antenna to the selected fine scanning sector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Wistron NeWeb Corp.Inventors: Chen-Hung Fang, Chih-Wei Huang, Wen-Jiun Lin
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Publication number: 20140091972Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods related to miniature probes that can be utilized for electrical and/or magnetic field strength measurements for areas that are smaller than an area of a radio-frequency (RF) module. In some embodiments, an electrical probe can be configured to include an unshielded inner conductor at an end of a coaxial assembly to allow an electrical field to induce differential-mode currents in the coaxial assembly. In some embodiments, a magnetic probe can be configured to include a loop connected to inner and outer conductors of a coaxial assembly to induce a common mode current by a change in magnetic field flux through the loop. In some implementations, such probes can be utilized to obtain near-field measurements to facilitate applications such as electromagnetic (EM) shielding designs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventors: Dinhphuoc Vu HOANG, Guohao ZHANG
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Publication number: 20140071001Abstract: A system and method for testing RF characteristics of a wireless device. The wireless device is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a horizontal plane of a test fixture. An RF antenna coupler is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a vertical plane. The positioning of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler correspond to acceptable RF characteristics for testing the wireless device. Positions of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler are identified. The identified positions are utilized to perform subsequent testing of similar wireless devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Jimmee Paul Partee, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
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Patent number: 8669846Abstract: The present invention provides one or more powered wireless transceivers and/or one or more passive wireless transceivers, a reader and interrogator with variable power, one or more antennas connected to a human or robotic hand and/or foot, a method for making same and the method of using these devices for process automation and verification involving one or more items in addition to locating, tracking and identifying these items in a supply chain. In one embodiment, a proximity sensing wireless system is provided which can be used to step the handler or operator through the step of a process and verify that each step in the process has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Eigent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert Warner, James Wang, Jack Winters
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Publication number: 20140062805Abstract: A sensing structure includes an integrated circuit substrate, and a first sensor formed on or above the integrated circuit substrate adapted to detect a first part of an electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate. A sensing structure includes a dielectric substrate and a first sensor formed on or above the dielectric substrate adapted to detect a first part of an electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate. A sensing structure includes an integrated circuit substrate and a multitude of sensors formed on or above the integrated circuit substrate adapted to detect a multitude of parts of an electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate. A method for sensing a first part of an electromagnetic field includes providing an integrated circuit substrate, forming a first sensor on or above the integrated circuit substrate, and detecting the first part of the electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Steven Bowers, Amirreza Safaripour Tabbalvandani, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
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Publication number: 20140055307Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting whether at least one of an antenna mast and a detection mechanism is installed to an antenna. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring at least one of amplitude modulation (AM) band data and direct current (DC) power data of the antenna; and selectively determining whether at least one of the antenna mast and the detection mechanism is installed based on the at least one of the AM band data and the DC power data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David R. PETRUCCI, Gregg R. KITTINGER, Duane S. CARPER, Douglas C. MARTIN
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Publication number: 20140055306Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting whether an antenna mast is coupled to an antenna. In one embodiment, a method of monitoring an antenna having a removable detection mechanism is provided. The method includes: monitoring voltage standing wave radio (VSWR) measurement data of the antenna; and selectively determining whether at least one of the detection mechanism and an antenna mast is installed based on the VSWR measurement data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David R. PETRUCCI, Gregg R. KITTINGER, Duane S. CARPER, Douglas C. MARTIN
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Patent number: 8659489Abstract: A radio frequency(RF) printed circuit board (PCB) includes an RF circuit for generating high frequency signals. The RF PCB is connected to an EMC measuring device when measuring the EMC thereof. The measuring device includes a probe pin and a shielding barrel surrounding the probe pin. The shielding barrel includes an end surface at a distal end thereof. The RF PCB further includes a test node connected to the RF circuit and a ground node surrounding the test node. The test node contacts the probe pin and outputs the high frequency signals when measuring the EMC of the RF PCB. The ground node corresponds to the end surface and contacts the end surface while the probe pin contacts the test node.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun-Wei Wang, Chun-Chieh Tsen
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Publication number: 20140049433Abstract: A method for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. The base plate defines a grid of grooves. One or more guides are received for connection to the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate utilizing the one or more guides to perform the RF testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Jimmie Paul Partee, Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
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Patent number: 8654016Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining parameters for an array are described. An exemplary embodiment of a method determines a set of parameters for an antenna array including multiple array elements, the array being fed by a feed array including a plurality of feed elements. The embodiment of the method includes measuring a plurality of bistatic ranges Rijk through different signal path combinations, each signal path combination from a feed element “i,” to an array element “j,” and to a feed element “k”. The measuring includes radiating energy from feed element “i”, and reflecting some of the radiated energy from array element “j” back to feed element k of the feed array. The measured bistatic ranges are processed to solve for the set of parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: A. Vince Mrstik
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Publication number: 20140043181Abstract: An exemplary method comprises positioning a first antenna to receive a first signal from a second antenna, the second antenna comprising energy absorbing material that functions to expand beamwidth, receiving the first signal from the second antenna, detecting a plurality of gains based on the first signal, repositioning the first antenna relative to the second antenna to a position associated with an acceptable gain based on the first signal, removing at least some of the energy absorbing material from the second antenna to narrow the beamwidth of the second antenna, receiving, by the first antenna, a second signal from the second antenna, detecting a plurality of gains based on the second signal, and repositioning the first antenna relative to the second antenna to a position associated with an increased gain of the plurality of gains based on the second signal, the increased gain being greater than the acceptable gain.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Aviat U.S., Inc.Inventor: Robert Vilhar
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Patent number: 8643553Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of accurately calculating the radiation power of an object to be measured using a spheroidal coupler even when there is a non-negligible loss in a measurement system. A phase rotating unit including a variable phase shifter, a two-branch circuit, and a reflective element that is connected to one of the branched outputs of the two-branch circuit is inserted between a receiving antenna and a power measuring device. The maximum value and the minimum value of power measured by a power measuring device when the variable phase shifter changes a phase are calculated. An output reflection coefficient of a coupler is calculated from the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value, and an input reflection coefficient of an object to be measured which is approximate to the output reflection coefficient is estimated. In addition, an input reflection coefficient of a reference antenna which is used instead of the object to be measured is estimated in the same way.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Anritsu CorporationInventors: Tasuku Teshirogi, Shigenori Mattori, Takashi Kawamura, Aya Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20140002316Abstract: A communication device may comprise a radio frequency (RF) matching circuit, an antenna port, an antenna, a first blocking part, a second blocking part, a detecting port, and a reference level providing part. The first blocking part may be provided between the RF matching circuit and the antenna port for blocking a direct current from entering the RF matching circuit; the second blocking part may be an alternating current blocking part, one end thereof is connected to the detecting port, and the other end is connected to the RF line between the first blocking part and the antenna port; the reference level providing module may be connected between the detecting port and the second blocking part; the detecting port may be configured for detecting level, and determine that the connection of the antenna is normal if the detected level is zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: ST-Ericsson Semiconductor (Beijing) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wei Liu
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Publication number: 20130342403Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing antennas are provided. A given power level is transmitted on a first antenna of a device, via a processor. It is determined, at the processor, that the first antenna and a second antenna of the device are properly installed when received power at the second antenna is about greater than or equal to a threshold power level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventor: Marshall Joseph KATZ
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Publication number: 20130342404Abstract: A method for measuring an impedance of an antenna includes generating, by a signal source coupled to the antenna, a radio frequency (RF) signal, applying the RF signal to a directional coupler, and mixing, by a first mixer, a first signal from the directional coupler with a signal, wherein the first signal corresponds to a reflected power from the antenna. The method further includes mixing, by a second mixer, a second signal with the signal, wherein the second signal is offset from the first signal by ninety degrees. The method further includes outputting, by a first lower pass filter (LPF) coupled to an output of the first mixer, a real part of a reflection coefficient of the antenna and outputting, by a second lower pass filter (LPF) coupled to an output of the second mixer, an imaginary part of the reflection coefficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: HTC CORPORATIONInventor: William David Anderson
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Patent number: 8614578Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining the attenuation of an electromagnetic signal passing through a conductive material. An antenna is provided and placed in relatively close proximity to the conductive material. An alternating current is passed through the antenna and the impedance of the antenna is measured. The attenuation is determined using the measured impedance. A single frequency measurement may be made, or multiple measurements using different frequencies may be made. Grouped parameters based on properties of the material and the frequency of the current are used to relate the coil impedance to the attenuation. A current frequency for which the ratio of the antenna's resistive part of the impedance to the angular frequency of the current is substantially insensitive to at least one of the parameters is preferred.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Guozhong Gao, H. Frank Morrison, Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal, David Alumbaugh, Cyrille Levesque
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Patent number: 8610630Abstract: A 4-port strip line cell for generating standard near fields includes an upper conductor, a third port, a first port, a lower conductor, a second port and a fourth port. The third port supplies a power signal to the upper conductor. The first port terminates the upper conductor. The lower conductor is disposed to be spaced apart from the upper conductor. The second port is connected to the lower conductor so as to supply a power signal in the opposite direction of the third port. The fourth port terminates the lower conductor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventor: Je Hoon Yun
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Publication number: 20130321222Abstract: One embodiment provides a system, method, and test fixture for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. One or more guides are positioned on the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate to perform the RF testing utilizing the one or more guides.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Jimmie Paul Partee, Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
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Patent number: 8599078Abstract: A current probe system includes a toroid made from a magnetic material and a wire made from an electrically-conducting material that forms at least one winding about a portion of the toroid. A current is induced in the winding(s) when a time-varying magnetic field is present in the toroid. A float coupled to the toroid floats the system at a water's surface. In use, a buoyant cable antenna is fed through the toroid and the system is moved along the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of NavyInventor: Paul M. Mileski
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Publication number: 20130300616Abstract: A method of emulating real world conditions of a radio frequency (RF) signal reaching a device-under-test (DUT) includes exposing the DUT to a cone of RF signal angles of arrival transmitting coordinated RF signals from an antenna array. The antenna array has at least one antenna located at a center of the antenna array and at least three antennas located at substantially equal distance from the center and from each other. Such configuration of the antennas in the antenna array defines a base of the cone to have a range of angles of 20° to 70°. The cone of RF signal angles of arrival and the DUT may be enclosed in a chamber such as an anechoic chamber. The method sets an azimuth angle and/or an elevation angle of the DUT with respect to the transmitted RF signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: Spirent Communications, Inc.Inventor: John Douglas Reed