Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly supports selecting alternate printed antenna geometries of an antenna by selectively placing common PCB components (for example, zero-ohm resistors) on the PCB. The desired zero-ohm resistors may be placed using automated part placement equipment commonly used to place surface mount components. The configurable antenna comprises at least one antenna section having a plurality of antenna components. Zero-ohm resistors are selectively placed in series along the antenna section to couple the desired conductor components when manufacturing the PCB assembly. With some embodiments, a configurable antenna includes a low frequency antenna section that may be selectively coupled with a high frequency antenna section antenna through one or more zero-ohm resistors, where each antenna section has a plurality of antenna components. With this approach, a common printed circuit board may be used to support a plurality of antenna variations spanning different frequency bands.

Abstract: A wireless microphone system comprises system equipment (for example, rack-mounted equipment including receivers/transceivers, distribution amplifier), one or more transmission line accessories, and a transmission line network connecting the accessories with the system equipment. The transmission line accessory compensates for downlink RF losses on transmission lines between accessories and between an accessory and system equipment. Compensation parameters for the transmission line accessory is determined by the system equipment by generating an uplink RF test signal by an RF source at the system equipment. The RF source may be varied over a plurality of frequencies to determine the compensation parameters over the plurality of frequencies. The system equipment subsequently instructs the transmission line accessory to configure an adjustable RF gain circuit (and also possibly a compensation filter) accordingly.

Abstract: An RF distribution system distributes a radio frequency (RF) signal to a plurality of receivers. Ports provide RF connectivity from the antennas to the receivers while also providing data connectivity between the receivers. Sensors detect which receivers are connected to the distribution system so that the distribution system can route data from the first detected receiver to the other detected receivers and back to the first detected receiver. The distribution system can dynamically alter the routing if the receiver configuration changes. Consequently, a receiver can send data to other receivers through A-ports and B-ports of a radio distribution system. The A-ports provide RF connectivity to a first antenna while the B-ports provide RF connectivity to a second antenna. Different commands for locking, unlocking, scanning RF spectrum, and configuring can be sent between the receivers via the A-ports and B-ports through the RF distribution system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the status of a battery that powers a wireless microphone transmitter. The transmitter has a tone oscillator that produces a tone of a frequency beyond the audible limit which is transmitted, along with acoustical signals, to a receiver. The amplitude of the tone is changed as the battery voltage of the transmitter decreases. The receiver for the transmitter includes a circuit that detects the changes in amplitude of the high frequency tone. The front panel of the receiver, for example, may contain an LCD display on which a battery fuel gauge is present, indicating the remaining battery life of transmitter. When an amplitude change beyond a threshold is detected, the fuel gauge is updated, and the respective bar on the gauge is turned off.

Abstract: A wireless audio system, including an audio and radio frequency module, that is prevented from being accidentally turned off by using an electronic gate responsive to a gate signal for coupling electrical power from a source to the module which bypasses the normal mechanical power switch. Means are provided for generating the gate signal in response to operation by the user so that the user cannot accidentally turn off the system by moving the power switch to its off position.