Abstract: An Inverted-F antenna (IFA) includes a tunable parallel LC resonator physically inserted between two antenna bodies of the IFA structure. The LC resonator is comprised of a tunable capacitor C1 connected in parallel with a combination of a DC blocking capacitor C2 and an inductor L1 connected in series to each other. A DC bias voltage is applied to the tunable capacitor C1 through a DC bias resistor R1, in order to adjust the capacitance of the tunable capacitor C1. The IFA exhibits dual band characteristics, and its resonant frequencies and bandwidths may be turned by adjusting the capacitance of the tunable capacitor C1. The tunable capacitor C1 may be a BST capacitor.

Abstract: A portable USB device with an improved configuration is described herein. According to one embodiment, a portable USB device includes a core unit having a USB plug connector coupled to one or more flash memory devices and a flash controller disposed therein, where the flash controller is capable of exchanging data with a host via the USB plug connector using a bulk-only-transfer protocol. The portable USB device further includes a housing for enclosing the core unit, including a front end opening to allow the USB plug connector to be deployed. The portable USB device further includes a core unit carrier for carrying the core unit for deploying and retracting the core unit, including a slide button to allow a finger of a user to slide the USB plug connector of the core unit in and out of the housing via the front end opening of the housing.

Abstract: An open-frame flash-memory drive has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with flash-memory chips, a controller chip, and a Serial AT-Attachment (SATA) connector soldered to it. The PCBA is only partially encased by left and right frames or by a U-shaped bracket frame. The frames have PCBA supports and guide posts that fit near edges of the PCBA. The frames do not cover the top and bottom of the PCBA, allowing chips on the PCBA to be ventilated by unblocked air flow. Screws that attach the PCBA to the frame have metal collars that ground the frame to the PCBA's ground plane. The screws form a current path to draw any electro-static-discharge (ESD) current off the frame and onto a PCBA ground. When the SATA connector is inserted into a host, the host ground sinks ESD currents collected by the open frame.

Abstract: A flash-memory drive replaces a hard-disk drive using an integrated device electronics (IDE) interface. The flash drive has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with a circuit board with flash-memory chips and a controller chip. The controller chip includes an input/output interface circuit to an external computer over the IDE interface, and a processing unit to read blocks of data from the flash-memory chips. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with an IDE connector that fits through and opening between the cases. The cases can be assembled with the PCBA by a snap-together, ultrasonic-press, screw-fastener, or thermal-bond adhesive method. Center lines formed on the inside of the cases fit between rows of flash-memory chips to improve case rigidity. The connector has two rows of pins that straddle the center line of the circuit board for a balanced design.

Abstract: A log-periodic dipole array system employs a structure for the transmitter and the receiver designed in a way such that they compensate for the non-linear characteristics of each other to realize linear phase characteristics as a pair. Radiation elements on the receiver are positioned with respect to its corresponding transmission line in an order opposite to the positioning of the radiation elements on the transmitter. Although neither the transmitter dipole array nor the receiver dipole array itself has linear phase characteristics, the overall dipole array antenna system can realize linear phase characteristic. The log-periodic dipole array system has the advantages that linear phase characteristics can be obtained without sacrificing high radiation efficiency and gain.

Abstract: A portable USB device with an improved configuration is described herein. According to one embodiment, a portable USB device includes a core unit having a USB plug connector coupled to one or more multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory devices and an MLC flash controller disposed therein. The portable USB device further includes a housing for enclosing the core unit, including a front end opening to allow the USB plug connector to be deployed. The portable USB device further includes a core unit carrier for carrying the core unit for deploying and retracting the core unit, including a slide button to allow a finger of a user to slide the USB plug connector of the core unit in and out of the housing via the front end opening of the housing.

Abstract: A USB device including a housing and a rear cap that is rotatably connected to the housing to facilitate deploying and retracting a plug connector through a front opening of the housing. The plug connector is fixedly connected onto the front end of a sliding rack assembly that is disposed in housing such that the sliding rack assembly is slidable along a longitudinal axis. The sliding rack assembly includes a carrier including a carrier tray for supporting electronic devices and an elongated positioning rod extending from a rear portion of the carrier tray. The positioning rod is operably engaged with an actuator portion such that manual rotation of the rear cap relative to the housing around the longitudinal axis causes the sliding rack assembly to slide inside the housing between retracted and deployed positions.

Abstract: A case-grounded flash-memory drive has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with flash-memory chips and a controller chip. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with a Serial AT-Attachment (SATA) connector that fits through and opening between the cases. The cases can be assembled with the PCBA by a snap-together, ultrasonic-press, screw-fastener, or thermal-bond adhesive method. Dual-axis case-grounding pins draw any electro-static-discharges (ESD) current off the upper case along a primary axis and onto a PCBA ground through a secondary axis washer that is screwed into the PCBA. The primary axis body of the dual-axis case-grounding pins fits around a PCBA notch while the secondary axis passes through a metalized alignment hole for grounding. When the SATA connector is inserted into a host, the host ground sinks ESD currents collected by the dual-axis case-grounding pins.

Abstract: A flash-memory device has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with a PCB with a flash-memory chip and a controller chip. The controller chip includes an input/output interface circuit to an external computer over a Secure-Digital (SD) interface, and a processing unit to read blocks of data from the flash-memory chip. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with SD contact pads on the PCB that fit through contact openings in the upper case. Supporting end ribs under each of the SD contact pads and middle ribs support the PCB at a slanted angle to the centerline of the device. The PCB slants upward at the far end to allow more thickness for the chips mounted to the bottom surface of the PCB, and slants downward at the insertion end to position the SD contact pads near the centerline.

Abstract: A pen-type computer peripheral device includes an elongated housing containing a PCBA having a plug connector. The PCBA is secured to a positioning member that is actuated by way of a press-push button that is exposed through a slot defined in a wall of the housing. A spring-loaded mechanism includes a spring and a locking mechanism that locks the connector in a retracted position and a deployed position, and the spring biases the connector from the retracted position to the deployed position, or vice versa.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit employs a variable capacitor, such as a BST capacitor. The bias voltage to the variable capacitor may be adjusted in order to match several different frequencies used with the antenna to the signal source.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive includes a slim USB device having an end used to couple the USB flash drive to a host and an opposite end, and a swivel “strap shaped” metal cap having a circle cut out disposed on both cap legs. The snap coupling circle attachment allows the swivel cap to rotate substantially into a first and a second locking position and to rotate substantially 360 degrees about the z-axis of the USB device. The metal cap is generally in a locked position when the snap slot is aligned atop the snap lock tabs such that the protrusion snap ring is descended downward until the positioned flush against the snap lock groove. When unlocked the protrusion snap ring is raised up and rested upon the two snap lock tabs.

Abstract: A flash-memory device has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with a PCB with a flash-memory chip and a controller chip. The controller chip includes an input/output interface circuit to an external computer over a Secure-Digital (SD) interface, and a processing unit to read blocks of data from the flash-memory chip. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with SD contact pads on the PCB that fit through contact openings in the upper case. Supporting end ribs under each of the SD contact pads and middle ribs support the PCB at a slanted angle to the centerline of the device. The PCB slants upward at the far end to allow more thickness for the chips mounted to the bottom surface of the PCB, and slants downward at the insertion end to position the SD contact pads near the centerline.

Abstract: Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention includes a portable flash memory drive with a simplified mechanism, based upon the resilient properties of the material used to create the parts, for reliable extension and retraction of the device's interface plug. The portable flash memory drive is comprised of a metal housing (or case), a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, PCB support, PCB assembly end cap, an upper, and lower housing, and in some embodiments a fingerprint sensor and/or key ring assembly. The press/push switch mechanism is located on either the side of the portable flash memory device, or the top; and relies upon the resilient properties of the material used to create the metal housing or end cap, to create a smooth, locking mechanism for the extension or retraction of the interface (i.e., USB or firewire) plug.

Abstract: A solid state drive (SSD) device includes a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA), a connector mounted on the circuit board, an open-frame support-type housing including first and second parallel elongated brackets extending along opposing peripheral edges of said circuit board, each bracket including a first connecting structure for securing the circuit board to the housing, and a second connecting structure for connecting the housing to an internal rack frame of a host system. The open-frame support type housing does not include a top cover and a bottom cover, whereby both of said opposing first and second surfaces are exposed by first and second openings. The housing includes optional end rails that form a box-like frame. The elongated brackets are formed using die-cast metal, stamped metal, or molded plastic with copper posts. Optional clamp-type brackets clamp along side edges of the PCBA.

Abstract: Thin solid state drive (SSD) housing structures are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a structure for housing an SSD includes a pair of brackets configured to support a PCBA of the SSD at either side of the PCBA via one or more ledges with corresponding fastener holes pre-configured thereon. The ledges are attached to inside surface of the brackets. Each of the brackets has a slab shape with a length and a height. The length is parallel to horizontal direction, while the height parallel to vertical. The ledges are located at mid-height and orientated substantially perpendicular to the brackets such that the PCBA is supported horizontally. In order to securely connect the PCBA with the brackets, a plurality of metal fasteners is used. The fasteners are placed through the fastener holes on the ledges and through corresponding alignment holes pre-configured on the PCBA.

Abstract: A Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) device has a USB plug with reduced wobble. A USB metal wrap around the perimeter of the USB plug is attached to a housing by overmolding. A plug supporter is inserted into the front of the USB metal wrap, and has locking tabs that snap over the inside wall of the housing. Side tabs on the plug supporter fit into side slots on the USB metal wrap to secure the plug supporter inside the USB metal wrap. A circuit board with a USB flash controller has USB metal contacts on an extension end that is inserted through the housing and into the USB metal wrap. The extension end fits underneath top tabs on the plug supporter, preventing the extension end with the USB metal contacts from upward wobble when the USB plug is inserted into a USB socket.

Abstract: A log-periodic dipole array system employs a structure for the transmitter and the receiver designed in a way such that they compensate for the non-linear characteristics of each other to realize linear phase characteristics as a pair. Radiation elements on the receiver are positioned with respect to its corresponding transmission line in an order opposite to the positioning of the radiation elements on the transmitter. Although neither the transmitter dipole array nor the receiver dipole array itself has linear phase characteristics, the overall dipole array antenna system can realize linear phase characteristic. The log-periodic dipole array system has the advantages that linear phase characteristics can be obtained without sacrificing high radiation efficiency and gain.

Abstract: A flash-memory device has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with a PCB with a flash-memory chip and a controller chip. The controller chip includes an external Secure-Digital (SD) interface, and a processing unit to read blocks of data from the flash-memory chip. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with SD contact pads on the PCB that fit through contact openings in the upper case. Dividers between openings in the upper case that expose the SD contact pads also support the PCB at a slanted angle to the centerline of the device. The PCB slants upward at the far end to allow more thickness for the chips mounted to the bottom surface of the PCB, and slants downward at the insertion end to position the SD contact pads near the centerline. A metal switch-bar or an over-molded controller die may be substituted.

Abstract: A flash-memory device has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with a PCB with a flash-memory chip and a controller chip. The controller chip includes an external Secure-Digital (SD) interface, and a processing unit to read blocks of data from the flash-memory chip. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with SD contact pads on the PCB that fit through contact openings in the upper case. Dividers between openings in the upper case that expose the SD contact pads also support the PCB at a slanted angle to the centerline of the device. The PCB slants upward at the far end to allow more thickness for the chips mounted to the bottom surface of the PCB. A user-slidable switch may be slanted to compensate for the PCB slant. The PCB may have a flex section to facilitate the slant without a slanted switch.