Abstract: A system and method for estimating a location of wireless devices transmitting signals on channels in a communications system having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of Location Measurement Units (“LMU”). A first plurality of signals from a first channel may be received by one or more of the plural LMUs and a second plurality of signals from a second channel may be received by one or more of the plural LMUs. The received first and second plural signals may be converted into first and second digital signals and then divided into first and second sets of frequency bins, the first and second sets of bins corresponding to the respective channel. Each of the divided signals may be correlated with one or more reference signals, and the correlated signals stored in a database for estimating a location of one or more wireless devices.

Abstract: A method for enabling a system to enhance the accuracy of a location estimate modifies weights in a weight matrix associated with receiver station measurements in parallel with successive refinements of the location estimate. In a typical location estimation scenario, several receiving stations simultaneously derive measurements of a signal from the emitter. Any one of these measurements is in general some function of the emitter location and the receiving station location. The aggregate of these measurements is often in excess of the minimum number of measurements required to provide an estimate of the emitter location. Where such an excess exists, the method proceeds by modifying the weights associated with the measurements in parallel with successive refinements of the location estimate. The method can be implemented over various cellular protocols with a consistent and significant enhancement in the accuracy of location estimates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for processing requests by a stand-alone serving mobile location center (SAS), shared by multiple radio access networks in a wireless network, for determining locations of mobile devices within the wireless network. A positioning request message for a mobile device is received from a radio network controller (RNC) in a radio access network (RAN) of the multiple radio access networks. An originating point code (OPC) and a cell identifier are retrieved from the positioning request message. A mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC) corresponding to the RAN are determined based on the retrieved OPC. A serving network node communicating with the mobile device is identified using the cell identifier and the determined MCC and MNC.

Abstract: An improved phase shifter assembly is provided. The phase shifter assembly may comprise first and second sub-assemblies with certain common actuating elements. In one example, a first phase shifter sub-assembly is provided, the first phase shifter sub-assembly including a first phase shifter carrier, a first phase shifter printed circuit board mounted on the first phase shifter carrier, a first wiper printed circuit board coupled to an input of the first phase shifter printed circuit board and having at least a first end coupled to transmission lines on the first phase shifter printed circuit board, and at least one wiper support mechanically coupling the first wiper printed circuit board to the first phase shifter printed circuit board. A second phase shifter is similarly provided. Common actuating elements may include a pivot arm and a throw arm.

Abstract: A feed assembly for a reflector antenna having a unitary portion of dielectric material, a proximal end of the unitary portion configured for connection with the reflector antenna. The unitary portion having a waveguide portion extending between the proximal end and a sub reflector support having a sub reflector surface at a distal end. The waveguide portion and the sub reflector surface covered with an RF reflective material. The unitary portion may be cost effectively formed via, for example injection molding and or machining. Alternatively, the feed assembly may be formed as a horn feed, without a sub reflector.

Abstract: A phase shifter includes two or more conductive strips, an input line and a wiper coupled to both the input line and the conductive strips. Rotation of the wiper about a pivot point alters the path lengths between the input line and output ports or antenna elements connected to the conductive strips. The wiper is a multi-bladed wiper. Phase errors in multi-bladed wiper-type phase shifters are reduced. Arrangements for reduction of phase shifter size or increase in phase shift range are described.

Abstract: Thermal mass compensated foam support structures for coaxial cables such as inner conductors and or inner conductor support structures. The foam support structures provided with an adhesive solid or high density foam polymer or blend layer to increase the thermal mass of the support structure enough to allow the foam to surround the adhesive solid or high density foam polymer or blend layer without forming unacceptably large voids in the foam dielectric as the foam dielectric cures.

Abstract: A reflector antenna mount for a reflector antenna with a primary mount coupled to a support arm. The primary mount rotatable in a first axis relative to the support arm. A secondary mount coupled to the primary mount; the secondary mount pivotable in a second axis relative to the primary mount. The reflector antenna coupled to a front side of the secondary mount; an electronics enclosure of the reflector antenna positioned on a back side of the secondary mount, the electronics enclosure coupled to the reflector antenna. A dielectric enclosure provided with a front face and a side surface coupled to the primary mount. The front face spaced away from the reflector antenna, outside of a range of motion of the directional antenna in the second axis.

Abstract: An impedance adapter with body and cap portions coupled together encloses a cavity with a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB is provided with a trace on a first side and a ground plane on a second side. The trace is coupled to a first contact at a first end of the PCB and a second contact at a second end of the PCB. The trace has a sinuous path between the first contact and the second contact, the path longer than a longitudinal axis length of the PCB. The first and second contacts are supported coaxial within the inner conductor bore of the respective cap portion and body portion by first and second end insulators. The ground plane coupled to the body portion and the cap portion. A method of manufacture for the adapter includes steps of pre-assembling the PCB, contacts and insulators before insertion into the cavity.

Abstract: A reflector antenna feed RF seal between an antenna base, a feed hub and a vertex plate. The RF seal formed via a generally annular gasket of compressible material adapted to seat around an outer diameter of the feed hub. The gasket having an outer diameter greater than a diameter of a joint between the feed hub and the antenna base and less than an outer diameter of the vertex plate. The gasket compressed within a cavity formed between the antenna base, the feed hub and the vertex plate as the feed hub is seated within the antenna base.

Abstract: An antenna for communicating with mobile devices in a land-based cellular communication system via an antenna beam having a width, azimuth angle and downtilt angle. The antenna includes: a two dimensional array of radiating elements (31-34); and a feed network (35-39) from a feed line to the radiating elements. The feed network includes: downtilt phase shifting means (35,36) for varying the phase of signals supplied to or received from the radiating elements so as to vary the downtilt angle of the antenna beam; azimuth phase shifting (38,39) means for varying the phase of signals supplied to or received from the radiating elements so as to vary the azimuth angle of the antenna beam; and beam width adjustment means (37) for varying the power or phase of signals supplied to or received from the radiating elements so as to vary the width of the antenna beam.

Abstract: A waveguide transition for transitioning from an overmoded waveguide to another waveguide is provided, where one end of the waveguide is configured to connect to a rectangular waveguide and the other end is configured to connect to an elliptical waveguide. The transition has an internal shape having top and bottom walls and two side walls. The top and bottom walls are shaped to join smoothly with waveguides at each end of the transition, while the side walls diminish in height along the length of the transition. The waveguide transition may employ mode filtering to suppress unwanted higher modes. A method of forming waveguide components is also disclosed, involving thixoforming of components in single pieces, the components having internal shapes configured for mold core removal.

Abstract: A panel antenna having an enclosure, an internal cover, one or more micro radios and RF modules, and a radome is provided. The enclosure may include a rectangular rear panel, side walls with an interior surface to mount micro radios and an external surface to receive heat sinks, and a hinged front cover providing an internal cover. The internal cover may also have a plurality of RF radiating modules fastened thereto. The internal cover may also provide environmental sealing and electromagnetic shielding. The plurality of micro radios are located inside the cavity of the enclosure, and each micro radio is coupled to an RF radiating module. The micro radios may be mounted inside the enclosure on the side walls. The radome encloses the RF radiating modules. The radome may be mounted to the internal seal. Additionally, the panel antenna may further include a heat sink mounted on an exterior side of the rear panel.

Abstract: A novel system and method for a network overlay geolocation system operating in a host wireless communication system with repeaters is disclosed. Embodiments of the novel system and method enable wireless communication system to determine if signals being received by system receivers arrive directly from a target mobile appliance or if the signals are passing through a repeater. The system's determination may be based at least in part on the TA of the signal, the power of the received signal, the power of the transmitted signal, the hearability of the signal at system receivers, the hearability of system transmitters at the mobile and the known delays associated with the repeaters. Embodiments of the novel system and method provide a more accurate geolocation of mobiles served by repeater stations than capable in the prior art.

Abstract: A system and method of applying a known modification in the form of a distortion to a signal to enable a determination if a signal received by a first node is received directly from a second node or indirectly through a repeater. The repeater receives a primary signal and creates a secondary signal as a function of the primary signal and a known distortion, wherein the known distortion identifies the repeater. The primary signal is transmitted and injected with the secondary signal as the first signal to the primary receiver.

Abstract: A self-gauging electrical connector for coaxial cables with outer conductors of varied diameters is provided with a clamp ring coupled to a connector body with a bore. A mechanical grip and an electrical contact are retained within the bore. The mechanical grip and the electrical contact engage the outer conductor upon insertion of the outer conductor into the bore. The mechanical grip is displaced radially proportional to an outer diameter of the outer conductor. The electrical contact is displaced radial proportional to the radial displacement of the mechanical grip.

Abstract: A system and method for a network analysis system operating in a wireless communication system with repeaters is disclosed. Embodiments of the system and method enable the network analysis system to determine if signals being received by the network receivers arrive directly from a target mobile appliance or if the signals are passing through a repeater. The repeaters, through an augmentation, measure attributes of a received signal and based on these attributes the system determine whether the signal is served by a repeater or other network device.

Abstract: A spring contact for a coaxial connector includes a first ring provided with a plurality of spring fingers extending toward a connector end of the first ring and a second ring provided with a plurality of spring fingers extending toward a connector end of the second ring. The first ring and the second ring are nested together. The spring contact may be manufactured, for example, by stamping a pre-form ring from a planar metal sheet and then bending the spring fingers extending radially inward from an inner diameter of the pre-form ring to extend towards a connector end of the resulting spring contact.

Abstract: A grip ring for a coaxial connector couples with a coaxial cable with a solid outer conductor. The c-shaped ring is provided with a gap between a first end and a second end. A shield portion extends from the first end and a slot portion dimensioned to receive the shield portion provided in the second end. The shield portion keys with the slot portion as a diameter of the grip ring is reduced. An inner diameter of the grip ring is provided with a grip surface. Further, the grip ring may be provided with a flange edge at the cable end projecting from the outer diameter.