Abstract: A patch antenna includes a ground plane surrounded by a wall defining a cavity. A radiating element is disposed within the cavity substantially parallel to the ground plane and separated from the ground plane by a composite dielectric including an air gap. An excitation probe is electrically connected to the radiating element for exciting at least a dominant mode of the radiating element. The radiating element includes an annular slot surrounding the excitation probe and defining a capacitive load for compensating an inductance of the excitation probe.

Abstract: A distributed repeater architecture includes a donor unit having a donor antenna integrated with active electronic components, for receiving and amplifying RF signals from a fixed station of a wireless communications network. A coverage unit is coupled to the donor unit for processing the RF signals from the fixed station. A network of integrated active antenna modules (IAAMs) is coupled to the coverage unit. Each IAAM includes a respective antenna integrated with active electronic components, for amplifying and radiating the RF signals into a coverage area of the repeater. The system also provides means for controlling stability of the distributed repeater system.

Abstract: A system operates to adaptively control the stability of an on-frequency repeater. A unique signature is imposed on RF signals transmitted by the repeater, and RF signals received by the repeater analyzed to detect signal components corresponding to the signature. The signature and the detected signal components are correlated by a micro-controller, which operates in accordance with an Adaptive Control Algorithm to adjust the ERP of RF signals transmitted by the repeater to limit signal leakage and thereby control the stability of the repeater.

Abstract: Methods are provided for compensating the electrical path delay imposed on signals traversing a repeater. In some embodiments, the repeater generates an output signal having an undelayed signal component. Detection of the undelayed signal component enables establishment of a low error timing reference. In other embodiments, the repeater superimposes a low level signature onto signals traversing the repeater. The signature includes embedded information, from which a receiver can determine an accurate time reference.

Abstract: A system provides evaluation of stability of an on-frequency repeater. A unique signature is imposed on RF signals transmitted by the repeater, and RF signals received by the repeater are analyzed to detect signal components corresponding to the signature. The signature signal is composed of a sequential series of signal pulses separated by a quiescent period. Respective transmit and quiescent power levels of signal components of the input signal received by the repeater are detected. These power levels are then used to estimate the system stability.