Modulation By Absorption, Shielding, Or Reflecting Patents (Class 455/106)
  • Patent number: 11342682
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to a reflector device, having a first conductive layer of substrate, a dielectric layer of substrate, and a second conductive layer patterned with a first and a second set of frequency selective elements configured to reflect an incident electromagnetic radiation beam into a plurality of reflected beams at phase angles different from that of the incident electromagnetic radiation beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventors: Chiara Pelletti, Maha Achour
  • Patent number: 10459081
    Abstract: The method for locating a certain object is a method for locating the object by means of a detected locating signal. With this method, locating of precisely this object is checked in such a way that an object with at least a temporally variable reflective property is used, and an influence of this reflective property on the detected locating signal is checked. The locating system has a locating sensor for locating an object by means of a locating signal detected by a locating sensor, as well as an evaluating device which is configured to check an influence of a temporally variable reflective property of the object on the locating signal detected by the locating sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Heuer, Anton Schmitt, Xi Zhang
  • Patent number: 10266018
    Abstract: A communication system that includes a transmitter that wirelessly transmits a signal from a plurality of antennas; a receiver that wirelessly receives a signal; a plurality of targets to which a signal is to be transmitted by the transmitter; a second target to which a signal is to be transmitted by the transmitter; and an electronic control unit that is configured to decide a target to which a signal is to be wirelessly transmitted, from among the plurality of targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9819383
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a metal frame including a base portion and an edge portion formed along the outer edge of the base portion, first and second cases bonded to the front and back sides of the metal frame so as to expose the edge portion to the outside, first and second waterproof layers formed between the cases and the metal frame, conductive members that operate a radiator for antennas, together with the edge portion, and are formed on one side of the second case, and feeding portions for feeding the conductive members, the feeding portions being disposed in an enclosed space formed by the waterproof layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yeomin Youn, Jaehyun Choi, Jungsun Ahn, Changil Kim, Kangjae Jung
  • Patent number: 9675809
    Abstract: An isolated circuit including a RF input configured to receive a far field radiative powering signal and a rectified voltage output configured to provide a rectified voltage based on the received far field radiative powering signal. The isolated circuit also includes a first power assembly comprising a first impedance coupled to the RF input where the first impedance is provided, at least in part, by activating a first switch in response to the rectified voltage satisfying a first voltage threshold. The isolated circuit also includes a second power assembly comprising a second impedance coupled to the RF input where the second impedance is provided, at least in part, by activating the first switch and a second switch in response to the rectified voltage satisfying the first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 9600773
    Abstract: A method for detecting anomalous energy usage of building or household entities. The method applies a number of successively stringent anomaly detection techniques to isolate households that are highly suspect for having engaged in electricity theft via meter tampering. The system utilizes historical time series data of electricity usage, weather, and household characteristics (e.g., size, age, value) and provides a list of households that are worthy of a formal theft investigation. Generally, raw utility usage data, weather history data, and household characteristics are cleansed, and loaded into an analytics data mart. The data mart feeds four classes of anomaly detection algorithms developed, with each analytic producing a set of households suspected of having engaged in electricity theft. The system allows a user to select households from each list or a set based on the intersection of all individual sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Amit Dhurandhar, Jayant R. Kalagnanam, Stuart A. Siegel, Yada Zhu
  • Patent number: 9596611
    Abstract: A data expansion system that provides continuum of discrete wireless small cell coverage areas for mobile terminals includes a set of roadway reflectors configured to provide wireless broadband data services to a mobile terminal. Each reflector includes processing circuitry configured to establish communications between the mobile terminal and a backhaul network. Each reflector includes a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive data. Each reflector includes a power source that converts solar energy into electricity. Each reflector includes a housing configured to contain the processing circuitry, the transceiver, and the power source. The housing has a raised reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: NEUTRONIC PERPETUAL INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Terrance Berry
  • Patent number: 9595006
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting anomalous energy usage of building or household entities. The method applies a number of successively stringent anomaly detection techniques to isolate households that are highly suspect for having engaged in electricity theft via meter tampering. The system utilizes historical time series data of electricity usage, weather, and household characteristics (e.g., size, age, value) and provides a list of households that are worthy of a formal theft investigation. Generally, raw utility usage data, weather history data, and household characteristics are cleansed, and loaded into an analytics data mart. The data mart feeds four classes of anomaly detection algorithms developed, with each analytic producing a set of households suspected of having engaged in electricity theft. The system allows a user to select households from each list or a set based on the intersection of all individual sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Amit Dhurandhar, Jayant R. Kalagnanam, Stuart A. Siegel, Yada Zhu
  • Patent number: 9473199
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit performs an amplification of a carrier signal received by a transmitting and receiving unit. The amplifier circuit includes an impedance matching circuit that performs matching of an impedance of the amplifier circuit when the transmitting and receiving unit and the amplifier circuit are connected. A superposition wave generating unit generates a superposition wave which is superimposed on the received carrier signal. A driver outputs an amplified carrier signal which is obtained by adding the superposition wave to the received carrier signal. An amplitude detecting unit detects whether the received carrier signal is a predetermined carrier signal superimposed with a predetermined communication signal, based on changes of an amplitude value of the received carrier signal. When the predetermined carrier signal is detected, the amplifier circuit outputs the amplified carrier signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Tsuji, Koji Kawahata, Nobunari Tsukamoto, Takashi Otsuki
  • Patent number: 9407312
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit that amplifies a carrier wave that a transmitting and receiving part has received, and includes a superimposition wave generation part that generates a superimposition wave to be superimposed onto the carrier wave; an amplifying part that adds the carrier wave and the superimposition wave to obtain an amplified carrier wave and outputs the amplified carrier wave; and an amplitude detection part that detects, based on a change in an amplitude value of the carrier wave, that the carrier wave is a predetermined carrier wave that carries a predetermined communication signal. The amplifier circuit outputs the amplified carrier wave when having detected the predetermined carrier wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Tsuji, Kohji Kawahata, Nobunari Tsukamoto, Naohiro Itoh
  • Patent number: 9024727
    Abstract: Methods and systems for utilizing oscillator frequency divider settings as a temperature sensor are described herein. An example method may involve a reader device transmitting an RF signal to a tag device that includes an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator signal with an oscillator frequency and a frequency adjuster configured to adjust the oscillator frequency with a frequency adjustment factor to provide a resulting frequency, the oscillator frequency being dependent on a temperature of the tag device and the resulting frequency being based on a reference frequency provided by the RF signal. The method may also involve the reader device receiving data from the tag device, the data being indicative of the oscillator frequency. The method may further involve the reader device determining an estimate of the temperature of the tag device based on at least the received data and a predetermined relationship between temperature and oscillator frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Patrick Otis, Nathan Pletcher, Daniel Yeager
  • Patent number: 8929842
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a communication device with an antenna protects a body from electromagnetic fields. The apparatus includes a sensing unit to sense a surrounding environment of the communication device, a variable element to perform a variable operation according to a voltage or current applied thereto. The apparatus further includes a variable element control unit to control the voltage or current according to the surrounding environment sensed by the sensing unit to cause the variable element to perform the variable operation, and an intelligent periodic structure coupled with the variable element, the intelligent periodic structure being configured to change an operation frequency of the wireless communication device according to the variable operation of the variable element and adjust a radiation pattern direction of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sang il Kwak, Jong Hwa Kwon, Dong-Uk Sim
  • Patent number: 8874048
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a wireless device includes a board, a semiconductor chip, a radiation element, a sealing resin, a conductive layer, and a first conductive wall. The semiconductor chip is mounted on the board and includes a transmission/reception circuit. The radiation element is formed on the board. The sealing resin seals the semiconductor chip. The conductive layer covers at least a portion of a surface of the sealing resin. The first conductive wall is provided between the semiconductor chip and the radiation element and is connected to the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yukako Tsutsumi, Koh Hashimoto, Takayoshi Ito, Koji Akita, Keiju Yamada
  • Patent number: 8824961
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for polling for near field communications (NFC) devices by checking for multiple protocols. A NFC device polls for devices by first maintaining an unmodulated carrier field active for a specific period of time. The NFC device then polls using a first modulation and waits for a response. If there is no response, and without again maintaining another unmodulated carrier field for a specific period of time, the NFC device polls using a second modulation that is greater than the first modulation and waits again for a response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Stewart Royston
  • Patent number: 8811914
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a terahertz frequency electromagnetic beam are disclosed. For example, the method receives the terahertz frequency electromagnetic beam via a metamaterial having a plurality of addressable magnetic elements, where a resonant frequency of each of the plurality of addressable magnetic elements is capable of being programmably changed via an adjustment, and activates selectively a subset of the plurality of addressable magnetic elements to manipulate the terahertz frequency electromagnetic beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: David Michael Britz, Robert Raymond Miller, II
  • Patent number: 8738093
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting a number of requests for transmission information by a user device when a presence of an object is detected are described. A user device detects a presence of object that absorbs electromagnetic radiation, and in response, selects a number of requests for transmission of additional information. The user device transmits the additional information at the specified transmit power level using the selected number of scheduled requests when the presence of the object is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Varada Gopalakrishnan, Kiran K. Edara
  • Patent number: 8649742
    Abstract: A radio communication system according to the present invention includes a scatterer configured to reflect, refract, or transmit a radio wave radiated primarily from a transmission side apparatus to radiate the radio wave secondarily to a desired area and a metamaterial is used for the scatterer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamami Maruyama, Shinji Uebayashi, Tatsuo Furuno
  • Patent number: 8588187
    Abstract: A communications system includes a first reception device and a transmission device. The transmission device includes a modulator operable to modulate a plurality of subcarriers using a signal series obtained by multiplexing a first signal series to be transmitted to the first reception device and a second signal series to be transmitted to a plurality of reception devices including the first reception device in a communications area of the transmission device and a transmitter operable to transmit the modulation signals. The first reception device includes a demodulator operable to regenerate the first signal series and the second signal series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takaharu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8583193
    Abstract: A hand-held communication device, such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), comprises a sensor assembly and an auxiliary input interface. The auxiliary input interface is situated along one or more exterior surfaces of the device and is electrically coupled to processing circuitry within the device. The sensor assembly is removably attached to the one or more exterior surfaces of device and provides signals at the multiple outputs in response to tactile inputs from the user. In one embodiment, an assignment procedure assigns tactile inputs from the user to predefined functions of the device and/or one or more software applications installed in the device. During subsequent operation of the device, each of the specific tactile input executes one or more predefined functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: William H. Meitzler, Adrian Napoles
  • Patent number: 8571610
    Abstract: A zone effective ground-position-responsive wifi hotspot system comprising a first antenna arranged within a zone, responsive to any of a wide variety of various manufacturers different wireless ground-position-indicative RF communication devices, a transmission line for transmitting RF signals to and from the wide variety of various manufacturers different ground-position-indicative RF communication devices utilized within the zone, and a control unit arranged in a link between the first antenna arranged within the zone, and the transmission line, the control unit enabled to be responsive to a variety of different wireless ground-position-indicative RF communication devices, to enable controlled wireless RF communication to and from the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Chester Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Donald N. Halgren
  • Patent number: 8548399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adapting transmission parameters in a transmitter Tx in communication with at least one antenna 27; 38; 47; 57; 77, 88. The method comprises: transmitting a signal from the transmitter Tx measuring at least one reflection coefficient S11 of said signal for each antenna 27; 38; 47; 57; 77, 88, and adapting the transmission parameters based on the measured reflection coefficient S11. The antenna could be a transmit antenna and/or a receive antenna. In a preferred embodiment antenna calibration may be performed by measuring propagation time for each individual transmitter chain 481, 482; 781, 782, and compensate for differences in time delay between the individual transmitter chains 481, 482; 781, 782 to assure that the signal is transmitted simultaneously from all transmit antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Henrik Asplund, Jonas Medbo, Mathias Riback
  • Patent number: 8532592
    Abstract: A mixed-signal adaptive integrated circuit may comprise a primary function circuit, a digitally controlled analog sub-system cooperatively connected with the primary function circuit, and an on-chip signal analyzer. The on-chip signal analyzer may be arranged to analyze RF signals. The signal analyzer may comprise at least one multiplexor for selecting selected RF signals for comparison and analysis, and may comprise a digital signal processor (DSP) for analyzing the selected RF signals and adjusting at least one operational parameter of the digitally controlled analog sub-system responsive to the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Scintera Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Qian Yu, Abhijit G. Shanbhag, Yan Wang
  • Patent number: 8451093
    Abstract: An improved RFID Tag, Interrogator, and system wherein at least one tag modulates a radio frequency signal by modulated backscatter operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Vital Wireless, LLC
    Inventor: Vitaly Drucker
  • Patent number: 8447239
    Abstract: A data expansion system that provides continuum of discrete wireless small cell coverage areas for mobile terminals includes a set of roadway reflectors configured to provide wireless broadband data services to a mobile terminal. Each reflector includes processing circuitry configured to establish communications between the mobile terminal and a backhaul network. Each reflector includes a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive data. Each reflector includes a power source that converts solar energy into electricity. Each reflector includes a housing configured to contain the processing circuitry, the transceiver, and the power source. The housing has a raised reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Neutronic Perpetual Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Terrance Berry
  • Patent number: 8412130
    Abstract: A millimeter wave transceiving system 100 for transmitting and receiving a millimeter wave includes a transmitting apparatus 1 for transmitting a millimeter wave, a reflecting plate 41 for reflecting a millimeter wave transmitted from the transmitting apparatus 1, and a receiving apparatus 2 for receiving a millimeter wave reflected by the reflecting plate 41. The reflecting plate 41 includes a metal plate, a metal sheet, or a metal film, as a reflecting surface 43 for reflecting a millimeter wave. This makes it possible to realize a millimeter wave transceiving system which allows an easy installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Suematsu, Tohru Yamamoto, Keisuke Sato
  • Patent number: 8369781
    Abstract: A radio data communication apparatus includes a circuit unit and at least one antenna unit. The circuit unit performs data read and write operations relative to an IC tag. Each antenna unit has an antenna and conducts a predetermined signal modulation to a first signal to be transmitted through the antenna by radio to a specific IC tag in the data write operation. Also, each antenna unit conducts a predetermined signal demodulation to a second signal received through the antenna from the specific IC tag in accordance with the data read operation. The antenna unit is arranged at a position separated from the circuit unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Fujij
  • Patent number: 8285222
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for identifying a communication device includes a signal generator coupled to a transmit horn and a computing system coupled to a receive horn through a receiver. The signal generator is operable to generate an excitation waveform from the transmit horn such that the communication device passively reflects a response waveform. The computing system is operable to receive the response waveform from the communication device and compare the response waveform to a plurality of reference waveforms to determine the identity of the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Eddie R. Brock, Thomas G. Ribardo, Jr., Darrell L. Young, Yuri Owechko
  • Patent number: 8237550
    Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or other type of device that transmits data in response to a broadcast of energy, may have a switch. The switch may allow an operator to signal whether the device will transmit data when energized. The switch could also allow an operator to select a particular item of data, or a combination of items of data, to be transmitted. Receiving data reflected from the device may signify an action to be performed, or may signify the fact that some physical action (e.g., pressing, by a human finger) has occurred with respect to the device. Thus, device that transmit data when energized may be used to direct the operation of other devices (e.g., by turning such other devices on or off), to implement tactilely-sensitive displays, or as part of other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Reichert, Glenn T. Thrush, David W. Baumert
  • Patent number: 8233853
    Abstract: A transmission circuit for radio frequency signals has a power mixer and includes a radio frequency input port, a first radio frequency output port, a second radio frequency output port, and a dummy load port. The transmission circuit also has a first switch unit and a second switch unit. The first switch unit is connected to the first radio frequency output port and outputs the radio frequency signals which are emitted from the first radio frequency output port or reflects the radio frequency signals which are emitted from the first radio frequency output port back to the first radio frequency output port. The second switch unit is connected to the second radio frequency output port and outputs the radio frequency signals which are emitted from the second radio frequency output port, or reflects the radio frequency signals which are emitted from the second radio frequency output port back to the second radio frequency output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jian Min Wang, Wei Dong Wang, Yao Xing
  • Patent number: 8120465
    Abstract: An improved RFID Tag, Interrogator, and system wherein at least one tag modulates a radio frequency signal by modulated backscatter operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Vitaly Drucker
  • Patent number: 8112131
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a docking system for connecting a portable communication device to a further signal transmission line. The docking system may be arranged within a workstation such as a desk or a tray. The system may also envelope a room in a building or be located in a vehicle, to control and restrict the radiative emission from the communication device and to direct such radiation to a further remote antenna and or signal distribution system connected to the transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Chester Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Donald N. Halgren
  • Patent number: 8073503
    Abstract: A wireless device having a remote station portion, such as a cellular telephone, PDA, laptop computer, handheld computer, or the like and a removably connectable medical device portion, such as a blood glucose monitor or the like, is provided. The medical device portion is separated from the remote station portion by an isolation circuit and electromagnetic shielding to inhibit the electronics and radio frequency transmission of the remote station portion interfering with the medical device. Moreover, a control processor in the remote station portion has a battery management module to disable functions as the charge in the power source falls to provide sufficient power for operation of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Guilherme Luiz Karnas Hoefel, Liren Chen, Jack Steenstra, Kirk S. Taylor, Yang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8060027
    Abstract: The present invention provides an RF transmission leakage mitigator for use with a full-duplex, wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the RF transmission leakage mitigator includes an inversion generator configured to provide an RF transmission inversion signal of an interfering transceiver RF transmission to a receiving portion of the transceiver thereby creating a residual leakage signal. Additionally, the RF transmission leakage mitigator also includes a residual processor coupled to the inversion generator and configured to adjust the RF transmission inversion signal of the interfering transceiver RF transmission based on reducing the residual leakage signal to a specified level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Khurram Muhammad, Dirk Leipold
  • Patent number: 8032082
    Abstract: There is described an amplifier for a radio frequency signal for transmitting a transmit signal to an otological apparatus. The amplifier comprises at least one power transistor for switching an output signal. A breaker gap of the power transistor is actively connected to a network such that a power loss converted in the power transistor is at least partially reduced during a switchover into a switched-on state and/or at least during a switchover into a switched-off state. The breaker gap of the at least one transistor is at least indirectly connected in series to a power supply source by way of a choke coil. The amplifier comprises a transmit coil as an output load, with the transmit coil comprising an inductor and being actively connected to the power transistor. The transmit coil is coupled to the choke coil in a transformer-like manner, with the choke coil thus being able to transmit an output power to the transmit coil. The transmit coil can generate a transmit signal from the output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Mihail Boguslavskij, Jürgen Reithinger
  • Publication number: 20110195677
    Abstract: Stacked CMOS power amplifier (PA) and radio frequency (RF) coupler devices and related methods are disclosed. The stacked device includes a CMOS PA die configured to receive a transmit input signal and to output an amplified transmit signal, and a RF coupler device configured to receive the amplified transmit signal, to output an antenna transmit signal, and to output an RF signal proportional to the antenna transmit signal. The CMOS PA die and the RF coupler device are stacked on top of and electrically coupled to each other, and the CMOS PA die and the RF coupler device are combined within a single semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the RF coupler device is positioned on top of the CMOS PA die, and in other embodiments the CMOS PA die is positioned on top of the RF coupler device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Abhay Misra
  • Patent number: 7995969
    Abstract: A translation transceiver device consistent with certain embodiments has a 60 GHz band receiver for receiving SD type device compatible transmissions. A demodulator demodulates the SD type transmissions. A decoder decodes the demodulated SD type transmissions into received data. An AD type encoder encodes the received data to produce AD type transmitter compatible data. An AD type modulator modulates the AD type transmitter compatible data, and an AD type 60 GHz band transmitter transmits the modulated AD type transmitter compatible data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Hardacker
  • Patent number: 7986653
    Abstract: Data encoded in packets modulated onto a carrier wave is transmitted between a base station and a transponder. Each packet includes a header section that contains at least a reference symbol and that serves for adjusting one or more transmission parameters, and a further section such as a data section. The transponder transmits data back to the base station through modulation and backscattering of the carrier wave. During the transmission of the header section by the base station, the transponder transmits transponder operating information relating to the processing of data to be received and/or transmitted by the transponder, by corresponding modulation and backscattering of the carrier wave. In response to and dependent on the received transponder operating information, the base station adjusts at least one transmission parameter, whereby the highest data transmission rate within the capabilities of the particular transponder can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Ulrich Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7982586
    Abstract: A wireless communication system includes an interrogator including a housing including circuitry configured to generate a forward link communication signal; communication circuitry configured to communicate the forward link communication signal; and a communication station remotely located with respect to the housing and configured to receive the forward link communication signal from the communication circuitry and to radiate a forward link wireless signal corresponding to the forward link communication signal; and at least one remote communication device configured to receive the forward link wireless signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: David K. Ovard, Roy Greeff
  • Patent number: 7979037
    Abstract: A bandpass type delta sigma modulation section performs delta sigma modulation on an inputted modulation signal such that quantization noise is reduced in a frequency band which requires low noise. A low pass filter removes a noise component in a high frequency region from the signal on which the delta sigma modulation has been performed. A frequency modulation circuit reduces noise in the frequency band which requires low noise with the bandpass type delta sigma modulation section and the low pass filter, and reduces noise in the vicinity of a direct current component DC with a feedback comparison section and a loop filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7945219
    Abstract: A bandpass type delta sigma modulation section 15 performs delta sigma modulation on an inputted modulation signal such that quantization noise is reduced in a frequency band which requires low noise. An LPF 16 removes a noise component in a high frequency region from the signal on which the delta sigma modulation has been performed. A frequency modulation circuit 1 reduces noise in the frequency band which requires low noise with the bandpass type delta sigma modulation section 15 and the LPF 16, and reduces noise in the vicinity of a direct current component DC with a feedback comparison section 11 and a loop filter 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7928838
    Abstract: Wheel Electronics and Tire Control System for Measuring a Measurand is provided. The wheel electronics may include a receiving device for picking up and digitizing an amplitude-modulated request signal, which has a carrier frequency for encoding a request, having a first evaluation device, which checks the request signal for the presence of a request contained therein, and having a digital counter for generating an envelope of the request signal, which has a counter input for coupling the request signal, which is clocked at a clock signal frequency different from the carrier frequency and is determined from the clock signal frequency and the request signal of its envelope. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tire control system for measuring a measurand with this type of wheel electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Christof Abt
  • Patent number: 7925224
    Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate wireless communication where one side of the link is designed for ultra-low power consumption. The apparatus comprises two types of transceivers: a full function transceiver (called the “Controller”) and a reduced function transceiver (called the “Terminal”), which are normally connected in a “star” network configuration (i.e. several Terminals communicating with one Controller). The Controller communicates with Terminals directly using chirp signals which contain the modulated data to be transmitted. The Terminal communicates with the Controller by re-transmitting “carrier” chirp signals which have been sent to it by the Controller. In this way the Terminal does not generate any of its own RF signals, thereby reducing its power consumption. The Terminals may not communicate directly with each other, only indirectly through the Controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Telecommunications Research Laboratories
    Inventor: John A. Pinkney
  • Patent number: 7904124
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a docking system for connecting a portable communication device to a further signal transmission line. The docking system may be arranged within a workstation such as a desk or a tray. The system may also envelope a room in a building or be located in a vehicle, to control and restrict the radiative emission from the communication device and to direct such radiation to a further remote antenna and or signal distribution system connected to the transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: AMBIT Corp
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Donald N. Halgren
  • Patent number: 7873318
    Abstract: A radio-frequency communication device arranged to transmit a transmitted signal from a transmitter antenna device toward a communication object, and to receive through a receiver antenna device a reply signal transmitted from the communication object, for radio communication with the communication object, the radio-frequency communication device including a transfer-function calculating portion operable to calculate a transfer function indicative of a relationship between a signal input to the transmitter antenna device and a signal generated by the receiver antenna device due to the signal input to the transmitter antenna device, and a receiver-circuit-constant setting portion operable to set a receiver-circuit constant for improving a quality of the reply signal received by the receiver antenna device, on the basis of the transfer function calculated by the transfer-function calculating portion, and the signal input to the transmitter antenna device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Nagai, Kentaro Ushiyama
  • Patent number: 7869771
    Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to wireless transmitters, and also relating to multi-band transformers. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a multi-band transformer configured to receive as an input a signal associated with a first frequency band or a signal associated with a second frequency band. The transformer may include one or more inputs and a first output and a second output. The transformer may also include one or more switches coupled to the transformer and configured to selectively output a received input signal onto the first output and/or the second output of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Alireza Zolfaghari
  • Patent number: 7848386
    Abstract: A (radio frequency) RF transmission system includes an RF transmitter that generates an RF signal at a sequence of selected carrier frequencies. A frequency hop module, coupled to the RF transmitter generates the sequence of selected carrier frequencies. A programmable antenna is tuned to each of the sequence of selected carrier frequencies to transmit the RF signal via an antenna current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7844253
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to use a shielded enclosure for exchanging secure data. One embodiment comprises an enclosure formed of electromagnetically shielding material that prevents an electromagnetic field from entering an interior of the enclosure or emitting from the interior of the enclosure, the enclosure sized to house a mobile electronic device; a receiver within an interior of the enclosure to receive data transferred wirelessly from a mobile electronic device placed within the enclosure; and a hardware interface having a first end external to the enclosure and a second end within the interior of the enclosure and coupled to the antenna, the hardware interface to transfer data wirelessly received by the receiver to a separate device exterior to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Future Dial Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Chan, George C. Huang
  • Patent number: 7801559
    Abstract: A method for transmitting and receiving digitally modulated wireless signals using an analog FM transceiver is provided. The analog FM transceiver has a transmit speech audio frequency band, a receive speech audio frequency band substantially equal to the transmit speech audio frequency band, a subaudible frequency band, a direct microphone audio input, and a direct speaker audio output. The method includes generating, in a baseband digital spectrum translator external to the analog FM transceiver, a baseband transmit signal occupying frequencies substantially within the transmit speech audio frequency band of the analog FM transceiver. The method also includes applying the generated baseband transmit signal to the direct microphone audio input to thereby transmit a digitally encoded RF TX signal having a constant envelope and using the analog FM transceiver to receive a digitally encoded RF RX signal with a constant envelope and to generate a baseband receive signal using the digitally encoded RF RX signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Pine Valley Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Duane Taylor
  • Patent number: RE42751
    Abstract: The present invention includes backscatter communication systems, interrogators, methods of communicating in a backscatter system, and backscatter communication methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a backscatter communication system includes an interrogator including a transmitter configured to output a forward link communication and a receiver configured to receive a return link communication having a carrier signal, the receiver being configured to reduce the amplitude of the carrier signal of the return link communication; and a communication device configured to modulate the carrier signal to communicate the return link communication responsive to reception of the forward link communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Greeff, David K. Ovard
  • Patent number: RE43242
    Abstract: The present invention includes backscatter communication systems, interrogators, methods of communicating in a backscatter system, and backscatter communication methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a backscatter communication system includes an interrogator including a transmitter configured to output a forward link communication and a receiver configured to receive a return link communication having a carrier signal, the receiver being configured to reduce the amplitude of the carrier signal of the return link communication; and a communication device configured to modulate the carrier signal to communicate the return link communication responsive to reception of the forward link communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Greeff, David K. Ovard