Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting circuit operation in response to physical orientation of an integrated circuit (IC) coupled to a host site via direct soldering or a socket. The IC can be installed in a correct orientation or rotated and installed in an incorrect orientation. The IC may have a square, substantially symmetric footprint and the incorrect orientation may correspond to 90 or 180 degree rotation of the IC from the correct orientation. The orientations may be discerned by sensing electrical characteristics of the installed IC. For example, the IC may ground a detection line when installed in the correct orientation, while the detection line may be floating when the IC is installed in an incorrect orientation. The IC may be switchably connected to other components such as a power supply only when it is detected as being installed in the correct orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting circuit operation in response to physical orientation of an integrated circuit (IC) coupled to a host site via direct soldering or a socket. The IC can be installed in a correct orientation or rotated and installed in an incorrect orientation. The IC may have a square, substantially symmetric footprint and the incorrect orientation may correspond to 90 or 180 degree rotation of the IC from the correct orientation. The orientations may be discerned by sensing electrical characteristics of the installed IC. For example, the IC may ground a detection line when installed in the correct orientation, while the detection line may be floating when the IC is installed in an incorrect orientation. The IC may be switchably connected to other components such as a power supply only when it is detected as being installed in the correct orientation.

Abstract: A compact, integrated wireless communication module includes a data interface, baseband electronics section, radiofrequency electronics section and antenna connector. The module may be operable as a stand-alone wireless communication device for incorporation into larger host devices. The module is certifiable or pre-certified as a stand-alone wireless device in accordance with a given set of certification processes.

Abstract: The present technology provides an apparatus and a method for transmitting data via two or more FM signals in an interference avoiding manner. The apparatus comprises at least two FM transmitters. Each FM transmitter is configured to transmit a FM signal on a particular FM channel characterized by a certain carrier frequency that includes data and optionally one or more corresponding alternative frequencies (AFs). The apparatus further includes at least two receivers for receiving incoming electromagnetic radiation (EMR). At least one of the receivers is configured to receive incoming EMR associated with at least one of the FM channels, and another is configured to receive incoming EMR at least at frequencies outside of the FM channels. The controller is configured to separately control activation and deactivation of the FM transmitters and determine the carrier frequencies and the one or more AFs based upon incoming EMR.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring identity information for temporary use by a wireless device, visiting a foreign operator network, is provided. A user is presented, at a kiosk, with an opportunity to download a temporary identity which is recognized by the operator network as belonging to a local subscriber, and the user may make a request for service. In response to the user-generated request for service, local identity information is transferred to the wireless device for use thereby. The transfer is short-range wireless communication from the kiosk to the wireless device. The temporary identity, once installed on the wireless device, makes the wireless device appear as a local subscriber. Upon termination of use, the temporary identity is returned to a pool and usable for another wireless device.

Abstract: A multilayer circuit board of a wireless terminal, a circuit assembly comprising the circuit board and a wireless terminal comprising the circuit assembly are provided. The wireless terminal is of a type which utilizes a UICC. The multilayer circuit board is configured to accommodate a UICC encapsulated within one or more interior layers of the multilayer circuit board, for example as a semiconductor die. The multilayer circuit board is further configured to accommodate one or more additional components integral to functionality of the wireless terminal, optionally also embedded within the circuit board. Integration of components into the interior layers may facilitate theft deterrence and/or tamper resistance. A physical programming interface to the encapsulated UICC may be rendered inaccessible after initial programming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring identity information for temporary use by a wireless device, visiting a foreign operator network, is provided. A user is presented, at a kiosk, with an opportunity to download a temporary identity which is recognized by the operator network as belonging to a local subscriber, and the user may make a request for service. In response to the user-generated request for service, local identity information is transferred to the wireless device for use thereby. The transfer is short-range wireless communication from the kiosk to the wireless device. The temporary identity, once installed on the wireless device, makes the wireless device appear as a local subscriber. Upon termination of use, the temporary identity is returned to a pool and usable for another wireless device.

Abstract: The present technology provides an apparatus and a method for transmitting data via two or more FM signals in an interference avoiding manner. The apparatus comprises at least two FM transmitters. Each FM transmitter is configured to transmit a FM signal on a particular FM channel characterized by a certain carrier frequency that includes data and optionally one or more corresponding alternative frequencies (AFs). The apparatus further includes at least two receivers for receiving incoming electromagnetic radiation (EMR). At least one of the receivers is configured to receive incoming EMR associated with at least one of the FM channels, and another is configured to receive incoming EMR at least at frequencies outside of the FM channels. The controller is configured to separately control activation and deactivation of the FM transmitters and determine the carrier frequencies and the one or more AFs based upon incoming EMR.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission line portion for a circuit board including a conductive strip and a pad portion including a conductive pad connected to the conductive strip, wherein an impedance discontinuity or mismatch between the transmission line portion and the pad portion is reduced or controlled. Impedance discontinuity or mismatch may be controlled by controlling the dimensions of the pad portion, for example the pad width or distance between pad and ground. A ground pad associated with the pad portion may be provided on a different layer than a ground plane of the transmission line portion. The ground pad and ground plane may be connected by vias. The ground pad may comprise a patterned conductive region, the pattern configured so as to desirably configure impedance of the pad portion. Also provided are a method, circuit board layout, and the like, related to the above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission line portion for a circuit board including a conductive strip and a pad portion including a conductive pad connected to the conductive strip, wherein an impedance discontinuity or mismatch between the transmission line portion and the pad portion is reduced or controlled. Impedance discontinuity or mismatch may be controlled by controlling the dimensions of the pad portion, for example the pad width or distance between pad and ground. A ground pad associated with the pad portion may be provided on a different layer than a ground plane of the transmission line portion. The ground pad and ground plane may be connected by vias. The ground pad may comprise a patterned conductive region, the pattern configured so as to desirably configure impedance of the pad portion. Also provided are a method, circuit board layout, and the like, related to the above.