Abstract: A system having a steerable antenna coupled to a temperature-dependent driver. The driver has a shape-memory element fabricated using a shape-memory alloy (SMA) and having the ability to change its shape as a function of temperature. The element is adapted to steer the antenna to improve signal reception and is controlled by a control circuit, which resistively heats the element while using the strength of the electrical signal generated by the antenna in response to a received radio-frequency signal as a feedback signal. The temperature of the element is adjusted to optimize the signal strength. Systems of the invention may enable customer-performed antenna alignment and are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and mechanisms for measuring transmission loss of a cable comprising the steps of disabling an antenna connected to a second end of the cable, feeding an input signal having an energy level into a first end of the cable for transmission of the input energy toward the second end of the cable, measuring a reflected energy, reflected back toward the first end of the cable from the second end of the cable, and comparing the reflected energy to a input energy to determine a cable loss. Directional couplers may be used to sample the input and reflected energy to be measured. The information derived from the comparison of input and reflected energy measurements can then be used to calibrate a transmitter thereby optimizing performance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and mechanisms for measuring transmission loss of a cable comprising the steps of disabling an antenna connected to a second end of the cable, feeding an input signal having an energy level into a first end of the cable for transmission of the input energy toward the second end of the cable, measuring a reflected energy, reflected back toward the first end of the cable from the second end of the cable, and comparing the reflected energy to a input energy to determine a cable loss. Directional couplers may be used to sample the input and reflected energy to be measured. The information derived from the comparison of input and reflected energy measurements can then be used to calibrate a transmitter thereby optimizing performance.

Abstract: A system having a steerable antenna coupled to a temperature-dependent driver. The driver has a shape-memory element fabricated using a shape-memory alloy (SMA) and having the ability to change its shape as a function of temperature. The element is adapted to steer the antenna to improve signal reception and is controlled by a control circuit, which resistively heats the element while using the strength of the electrical signal generated by the antenna in response to a received radio-frequency signal as a feedback signal. The temperature of the element is adjusted to optimize the signal strength. Systems of the invention may enable customer-performed antenna alignment and are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement.

Abstract: A new physical design for electronic devices (100) comprises a multi-layer stacked assembly (104-110) of a plurality of pan-shaped conductive units that form the layers of the assembly. Each unit is preferably formed from a single sheet of metal into which electronic components, such as an antenna array (208) or a filter array (314) of a transceiver, have been stamped, cut, or etched, and which is then bent around its periphery to form a pan shape. The pans are oriented to face the same direction, are stacked one on top of another, and are fixedly attached to each other by weld, solder, or adhesive. The electrical components defined by the different units are electrically interconnected in a connectorless manner, preferably by flanges (122, 124) formed in the same sheets of metal as the units themselves and extending between the units. Adjacent units in the stack define electromagnetically isolated chambers, e.g., for the filter array. Some layers perform double duty, e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved design and method of manufacture of patch antenna assemblies which incorporates projections, or tabs, to the sides of the antenna patches to facilitate mounting to the antenna structure, thereby reducing the total number of parts used in the antenna assembly.

Abstract: A high-frequency, e.g., microwave, filter (100, 300, 400) is made, e.g., stamped or etched, from a single sheet (110, 310, 410) of electrically conductive material, e.g., a metal plate or a printed circuit board. The sheet defines a frame (112, 312, 412-413), one or more resonant filter elements (114, 311-315, 411-415) inside of the frame, one or more supports (116, 316-317, 416) connecting each resonant filter element to the frame, and a flange (118, 318, 418) on one of the resonant filter elements. The flange serves as an electrical contact to the filter; another flange (317, 417) on another element, or the frame itself, serves as a second contact. An electrically conductive housing (104, 304, 404) encapsulates both faces of the sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved design and method of manufacture of patch antenna assemblies which incorporates projections, or tabs, to the sides of the antenna patches to facilitate mounting to the antenna structure, thereby reducing the total number of parts used in the antenna assembly.

Abstract: A transceiver (100) comprises a stacked metal laminate assembly of a plurality of layers (104-112) inside an enclosure (102). A first layer (104) forms an antenna. A second layer (106) forms a ground plane for the antenna. A third layer (108) forms “front-end” filters (duplexer). A fourth layer (110) together with the second layer forms an electromagnetic isolation enclosure for the filters. A fifth layer (112) comprises a PC board with electronic circuits of the transceiver mounted thereon, and is both mounted to and electronically shielded by the fourth layer. Each of the first through fourth layers is preferably made from a single metal layer, such as a sheet of metal, by stamping. Each of the first through fourth layers is either bent along its periphery into a substantially “cake-pan” shape, or is flat and has a separate side wall (130) attached thereto.

Abstract: A resonant capacitive coupler (124) couples signals across a gap (126) between signal transmission lines (112, 118) of two printed wiring boards (100, 102). The coupler has a conductive contact member (202 or 302) that is either positioned in close proximity to one of the transmission lines (112) or is connected to the one transmission line via a dielectric (204 or 304), and forms a capacitor therewith. The coupler further has a conductive interconnect member (200 or 300) that is connected to the contact member, and also to the other transmission line (108) either directly (FIG. 3) or via a second conductive contact member (202) (FIG. 2). The conductive interconnect member is dimensioned to have an inductive impedance at the frequency of the signals that equals, and hence cancels out, the capacitive impedance of the one or two capacitors formed by the one or two contact members.