Abstract: A wireless communications system infrastructure includes an integrated unit of RF and switch components mounted on a transportable platform for providing a communications link to a public switched telephone network. An airplane for executing a predetermined flight pattern includes a repeater for communicating with the integrated unit of RF and switch components and provides a link between the integrated RF and switch components and operational handsets within a repeater geographic area of coverage corresponding to the flight pattern. The wireless communications system infrastructure is therefore capable of being positioned strategically with respect to terrestrial cell stations and with respect to a flight pattern of the plane carrying the repeater to provide coverage to areas that otherwise may be out of range of an airborne repeater and conventional wireless system infrastructure components.

Abstract: A method of increasing satellite communication quality by using a MEO satellite constellation (12) and a LEO satellite constellation (14) in combination with a decision algorithm which selects the appropriate constellation to route a communication signal through. The decision algorithm can be embodied in three ways: gateway based (18), individual subscriber unit based (22) and satellite based (12, 14). The MEO constellation (12) and LEO (14) constellation may be cross-linked, allowing for switching of service between satellites, as needed, during a communication session.

Abstract: A complimentary switched amplifier transceiver (10) is provided which offers performance advantages and reduces system complexity over conventional half-duplex transceivers by using complimentary switched amplifiers for eliminating switches. Power output to a channel transition (31) from a transmit amplifier (26) is not degraded by a switch insertion loss in a transmit mode. Receiver noise figure is not degraded due to the switch insertion loss from the channel transition (31) to a receive amplifier (27). Switch devices and their associated control lines are eliminated, reducing circuit complexity for complimentary switched amplifier circuits such as a combined amplifier switch (12) and a first bi-directional amplifier (22).

Abstract: A FET structure has first and second active areas separated by an inactive area with a gate bus located thereon. Gate fingers extend from the gate bus between source and drain contacts on the active areas. Bridges extend over the gate bus and interconnect the source contacts.

Abstract: A wideband active quadrature 90 degree hybrid for increased bandwidths with low power losses and the capability to have gain. The 90 degree hybrid can be incorporated in small areas for MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuits) circuitry in the low microwave frequencies. The 90 degree hybrid comprises a plurality of 90 degree phase shift means, each preceded by an input amplifier. Each of the 90 degree differential phase shift means comprises a high pass and a low pass filter. The low pass filter outputs are added together and amplified. The high pass filter outputs are also added together and amplified. The resultant amplified signals are output with a phase differential of 90 degrees. The amplifiers supply gain which is lost in the 90 degree phase shifting.

Abstract: Inductorless bias networks include a bias circuit having a bias return path which is coupled to and biases a variable impedance device in a relatively nonconductive state. Another bias circuit including a FET renders the variable impedance device relatively conductive in response to control signals so that one port is coupled to another port, for instance.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a crossover for coplanar waveguides. A pair of microstrip/strip line conductors are transitioned into coplanar conductors on opposite sides of a substrate. This places the electrical and magnetic fields in an orthogonal relation so as to reduce the possible interference. Once crossed the coplanar conductors are transitioned back to microstrip/strip line conductors.