Abstract: An improved system and methods for increasing security at sensitive locations from unwanted third parties through the use of fluidized granular solids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securing and/or tracking cargo containers. The security unit comprises a positioning receiver configured to provide a position of the cargo container and a memory configured to store a first geocentric zone and a second geocentric zone of the cargo container. The security unit also comprises a controller coupled to the positioning receiver and the memory. The security unit is configured to receive the position of the cargo container from the positioning receiver, determine if the position of the cargo container is within one of the first geocentric zone and the second geocentric zone stored in the memory, operate in a first operating mode associated with the first geocentric zone if the position is within the first geocentric zone, and operate in a second operating mode associated with the second geocentric zone if the position is within the second geocentric zone.

Abstract: This invention involves encapsulating an RFID device in an encapsulating material by known encapsulating processes to form a domed, encapsulated RFID tag. The encapsulating material may be translucent or opaque, flexible or hard, and has minimal effect on transmission or reception of radio frequency (RF) signals. The invention further involves a stand-off bracket, composed of one or more materials that have minimal effect on transmission or reception of RF signals, for mounting an RFID device on or near materials that impede RF transmission and reception. The encapsulated RFID tag and stand-off bracket, separately, may have an adhesive or other attachment means on one of their surfaces so that they may be adhered or otherwise attached to another surface. In one application, an encapsulated RFID tag in the 860-928 MHz range is mounted on a stand-off bracket and may be used for tracking items to which it is attached.

Abstract: Disclosed is an RFID tag for protecting information and a method for protecting personal information. The RFID tag for protecting information includes an encoder for simultaneously outputting first and second signals so as not to allow the RFID reader to distinguish respective RFID tags from each other in accordance with an information request signal from an RFID reader, a modulator for modulating the first and second signals output from the encoder, and first and second antennas respectively for outputting the modulated first and second signals. Therefore, personal information can be protected by preventing the information of the respective RFID tags from being read by unauthorized RFID.

Abstract: An asset, object, person or animal monitoring system and associated method for monitoring assets, objects, people or animals utilizing impulse radio techniques. The asset, object, person or animal monitoring system of the present invention can vary the duty cycles of the impulse radio transmitters, by both manual and automatic means, to adapt to varied requirements.

Abstract: An RFID tag that receives an RF signal from a reader is arranged to derive a threshold signal from a detected envelope of the RF signal, where the threshold signal is proportional to the detected envelope signal. The detected envelope signal is then compared to the threshold signal to derive a digital signal from the received RF signal. By maintaining the threshold signal proportional to the detected envelope signal, false bit detections due to ripple effect on the received signal and interference from other sources are reduced. The threshold signal may be derived employing a switched capacitor attenuator circuit.

Abstract: RFID systems, devices, software and methods are adapted for receiving from an RFID tag at least waves that communicate at least a first version of its code. An output tag code is output that is the same as the first version, if a fidelity criterion is met regarding the first version. If not met, the output tag code is instead a final version that is reconstructed from the first version, and also from any additionally optionally subsequently received versions. In some embodiments, an error recovery block includes a subcomponent fidelity criterion checking block that can determine whether the fidelity criterion is met, and a code reconstruction block that can derive the final version.

Abstract: A system including at least one theft security system having at least one transceiver device, set up adjacent at least one passage, for detecting antitheft labels that pass the passage, characterized in that each theft security system and/or each transceiver device is preferably provided with an identification code with which each theft security system and/or each transceiver device is identifiable within the system, the system further having at least one control device, and the system further having a communication device, the communication device being adapted for real-time transmission of real-time information about detected antitheft labels from each theft security system and/or each transceiver device to the control device, the control device being adapted for real-time processing of the real-time received real-time information.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for ranging or determining a distance between a reader and a wireless tag. In one embodiment, a query signal is transmitted from the reader to the wireless tag. The carrier signal from the reader may then be modulated and the modulated signal transmitted from the reader during at least a portion of a response period for the wireless tag. A modulated backscatter response from the wireless tag is received at the reader and is used to calculate a distance between the reader and the wireless tag.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are disclosed. For example, an exit control system is described that detects unauthorized removal of articles from a protected facility. A series of antennas are setup to produce interrogation corridors located near the exit of the protected area. RFID tags are attached to the articles to be protected. Each tag includes information that uniquely identifies the article to which it is affixed and status information as to whether the articles removal from the facility is authorized. The RF reader outputs RF signals through the antennas to create electromagnetic fields within the interrogation corridors. The reader outputs RF power from a single port to the multiple antennas via a splitter/combiner. In this way, a single RF reader with only one transmitter/receiver port simultaneously interrogates multiple antennas. A variety of techniques are described by which the reader can detect the removal of an unauthorized article.

Abstract: A radio frequency IC tag and a manufacturing method for the same includes an IC chip on which information is stored, and an antenna for transmitting the information that is stored on the IC chip. In the antenna, a power-feeding part on which the IC chip is mounted extends along a direction in which an electric current flows. Radiation parts are formed so that the width of the radiation parts becomes wider than that of the power-feeding part with respect to the longitudinal axis of the power-feeding part. The radiation parts extend from the power-feeding part, at both sides thereof, along the direction in which the electric current flows.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to supply a semiconductor device capable of communicating data through radio communication, such as an RFID tag or a label-like object, with high productivity at low cost. In the invention, a memory portion, a signal control circuit portion and a communication circuit portion are formed with the use of a TFT formed over an insulating substrate, and the insulating substrate is fixed opposite to a support provided with an antenna so that the antenna is connected to a terminal portion connected to a communication circuit. The invention is an RFID tag and a label-like object including an ID chip whose memory portion, signal control portion and communication circuit portion are formed with the use of TFTs formed over an insulating substrate and an antenna formed to connect to a terminal portion of the ID chip, in which data stored in a memory portion or data to be stored in a memory portion can be communicated through a communication circuit by radio communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a missing person, in particular, a missing child, includes utilizing a CD or other electronic storage medium to store unique identifying indicia of the person, portions of which are encrypted to protect sensitive information and to make it accessible only to authorities having been given a decryption key in advance. The CD or other storage medium is held by the legal guardian of the person, i.e. child, and given to authorities only if the child goes missing. Sensitive personal information is never centrally stored in a database. A kit, including the CD, may also include a conventional photo ID card of the child and, optionally, a booklet of instructions to the parent or other legal guardian.

Abstract: A technique for quickly determining the type of liquid in a container externally regardless of the material of the container, preferably contactlessly. A halogen heater 102 and an infrared thermopile 103 are disposed outside an electrically conductive container 101 made of aluminum, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is measured when the halogen heater 102 is off, followed by the turning-on of the halogen heater 102 for two seconds, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is then measured, and a difference from the previous result of measurement is calculated. If the difference is smaller than a threshold value, the liquid in the container is determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a blue lamp is activated. If the difference is greater than the threshold value, the liquid in the container cannot be determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a red lamp is activated, indicating abnormality.

Abstract: A method for receiving alarm warnings with a mobile communication device, comprising the steps of: storing a district-warning radio frequency contrast table in the mobile communication device, wherein the district-warning radio frequency contrast table records a relationship between a plurality of districts and a plurality of warning radio frequencies for broadcasting the audio warning messages corresponding to one of the plurality of districts; finding a first warning radio frequency corresponding to the first district of a user location in the district-warning radio frequency contrast table, wherein the user carries the mobile communication device, the first district is one of the plurality of districts, and the first warning radio frequency is one of the plurality of warning radio frequency; and receiving a radio signal according to the first warning radio frequency and demodulating the radio signal to obtain a first audio warning message corresponding to the first district.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting fogging on a glass pane, the arrangement including a support plate, a sensor element in thermal communication with the glass pane, wherein the sensor element is arranged on the support plate and is sensitive to moisture and a contact element that thermally couples the sensor element with the glass pane. The contact element is fastened on the support plate so as to enclose the support plate to a large extent in a contact area where the contact element contacts the glass pane.

Abstract: A stray voltage detection and reduction system. The stray voltage detection portion of the system includes a vessel configured to hold a liquid, such as water. An electrode is suspended in the water, and another electrode is positioned below the vessel in contact with the earth. A meter is coupled to the electrodes in such a manner that when an animal drinks from the vessel the presence or absence of stray voltage is detected by the meter. The stray voltage reduction portion of the system electrically isolates a water distribution system. A water source is connected to non-electrically-activated valves. The valves feed a plurality of storage tanks. The storage tanks connect to non-electrically-activated valves which are coupled to a booster pump. A control system ensures that the water source remains electrically-isolated from the booster pump.

Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.

Abstract: An air treatment device having electrodes supported by a housing and a voltage generator operatively coupled to the electrodes. The air treatment device includes at least one sensor operatively coupled to the voltage generator for sensing a condition and providing signals used for adjusting the voltage generated by the voltage generator.

Abstract: When a connector of a power cord is connected to an inlet of a printer, an RFID reader of the printer acquires rating information of the power cord by reading the rating information from an RFID-IC of the power cord. Then, a controller of the printer judges whether the rating of the power cord conforms to the rating of the printer based on the rating information of the power cord and rating information of the printer. If it is judged that the rating of the power cord does not conform to the rating of the printer, the controller sets the printer to a sleep mode, in which the printer is operated with a current value within the rating range of the power cord, and also causes relevant parts of the printer such as an alarm generator to issue an alert/alarm to the operator.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed on an object in a sequence includes a water-proof enclosure embedded in the object, a motion actuated switch, a controller, and a battery. The motion actuated switch is mounted within the enclosure, for triggering the controller in response to a motion of the object. Moreover, the controller is mounted within the enclosure, and electrically connected to the motion actuated switch and electrically connected to the light-emitting devices respectively, for driving the light-emitting devices lighting in a predetermined way when triggered by the motion actuated switch. Furthermore, the battery is mounted within the enclosure, for supplying the circuit with electrical power.

Abstract: Methods for determining the resonant frequency for interrogation of a resonant device include steps for generating and transmitting RF interrogation pulses of various bandwidths to energize one or more SAW resonator elements. Initial RF interrogation pulses have a relatively wide bandwidth, such that the general location of a resonant device's resonant frequency can be expediently determined. Then, interrogation pulses having smaller bandwidth pulses can be transmitted near the determined general location of resonance to further narrow the location of resonance. In some emodiments, one or more initial interrogation pulses are transmitted in the center of or at an expected value within a range of operation of a resonant device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the passage by a vehicle of a determined point for monitoring on a road, wherein from a remotely situated location a laser beam is transmitted continuously to the point for monitoring, reflections from the transmitted laser beam are received at the remotely situated location, and it is determined from the received reflections that the vehicle is passing the point for monitoring. The laser beam can be transmitted at right angles to the travel direction of the passing vehicle. The detection can be used to activate a red-light camera, to measure the speed of the vehicle or measure the traffic intensity, without sensors, for instance induction loops, having to be arranged in the road for this purpose. The invention further relates to a system for performing this method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for converting XML data to a destination encoding format. A receive module receives a request for bytes of XML data in a destination encoding format streamed from a source XML file. A transfer module transfers the requested bytes from a byte conversion buffer to a request buffer in response to the request and the byte conversion buffer having at least the requested bytes. A conversion module, in response to the byte conversion buffer lacking the requested quantity of bytes, transfers part of the requested bytes to the request buffer, fetches input bytes from an XML file, stores the bytes in a receive buffer, transfers the input bytes through a byte-to-character converter to a character conversion buffer, transfers the characters through a character-to-byte converter to the byte conversion buffer, and transfers enough bytes to the request buffer to satisfy the request.

Abstract: A storage device comprising a modulation encoder and decoder, an error-correction encoder and decoder, and a metric computation module. The modulation encoder and decoder provide a modulation code for data stored on the storage device. The error-correction encoder and decoder provide an error-correcting code for data to be written on the storage device. The metric computation module is coupled with the modulation decoder to compute conditional probabilities using recovered read-back channel parameters of the storage device.

Abstract: A technique for encoding 9-binary symbol (9B) source vectors into 10-binary symbol (10B) encoded vectors include the steps of obtaining a plurality of 9B source vectors, and encoding the 9B source vectors into a plurality of 10B encoded vectors according to an encoding scheme. A fraction of the 10B encoded data vectors have binary symbol changes, other than whole-vector complementation, compared to corresponding ones of the 9B source vectors, the fraction not including any disparity dependent encoded representations. Techniques for encoding 7B source vectors to 8B encoded vectors, and decoding techniques, are also provided.

Abstract: A distortion compensator updating and selecting a distortion compensation coefficient applied to a digital transmission signal so as to reduce the difference between the digital transmission signal and a digital feedback signal is disclosed. The distortion compensator includes a control part that controls the level of an input signal to an analog-to-digital conversion part outputting the digital feedback signal in accordance with the magnitude of the amplitude of the digital transmission signal.

Abstract: An A/D converter stage including an A/D sub-converter connected to a D/A sub-converter (12) is calibrated by a method that inserts a calibration test sequence into the D/A sub-converter. This is accomplished by forcing (SW) the comparators (COMP1-COMP7) of the A/D sub-converter to generate and insert the sequence into the D/A sub-converter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a time-continuous delta-sigma analog-digital converter for the conversion of an analog input signal into a digital output signal, comprising an analog filter for the filtering of the analog input signal, a clocked operated quantiser, which contains at least one comparator (34) and which quantises the filtered analog signal outputted through the analog filter for the generation of the digital output signal, and a feedback arrangement with at least one digital-analog converter, which supplies to the analog filter at least one feedback signal on the basis of the digital output signal. According to the invention a calibration device (32) linked with the quantiser is stipulated, which is designed to determine at a predetermined point in time an offset error of the comparator (34) and subsequently to compensate for this (Itrim).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring energy usage. The apparatus can include an amplifier having a plurality of gain stages and the amplifier can be for receiving an input signal. The apparatus can also include an analog-to-digital converter that is coupled to the amplifier. Furthermore, the apparatus can include a scaling adjustment module that is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter. Additionally, the apparatus can include a gain control module coupled to the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A signal selecting circuit is disclosed which outputs a first and a second digital signals by converting a first and a second analog signals into digital signals, the first and the second analog signals being the same or different signals selected from a plurality of analog signals, the signal selecting circuit comprising: an analog signal selection circuit that, based on an analog selection signal, selects the first and the second analog signals from the plurality of analog signals; a first AD converter that converts the first analog signal outputted from the analog signal selection circuit into a third digital signal to output the third digital signal; a second AD converter that converts the second analog signal outputted from the analog signal selection circuit into a fourth digital signal to output the fourth digital signal; a digital signal selection circuit that, based on a digital signal, selectively outputs one or both of the third and the fourth digital signals as the first and the second digital sig

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for a negative contributive offset compensation mechanism for a transmit buffer adapted to compensate for the positive offset generated by higher order sigma-delta modulators used to amplitude modulate the transmit buffer. The positive outputs from the sigma-delta modulator are processed differently than the negative outputs. The inverters associated with the negative outputs in the sigma-delta modulator are removed and the clock signal used to drive the transistors corresponding to the negative outputs is negated or shifted 180 degrees from the clock used to drive the transistors corresponding to the positive outputs. A non-inverted version of the clock is used with the positive outputs and an inverse clock is used with the negative outputs. Use of the inverse clock causes a negative contributive offset to be generated that is added on the second half cycle of each clock. The result is an offset compensated RF output signal having zero offset.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing and/or using amplifiers and performing various amplification related operations are described. The methods are well suited for use with, but not limited to, switching type amplifiers. The methods and apparatus described herein allow for the use of switching amplifiers while reducing and/or compensating for distortions that the use of such amplifiers would normally create. The described methods and apparatus can be used alone or in combination with various novel signaling schemes which can make it easier to compensate for the non-ideal behavior of switching amplifiers in such a way as to enable practical application in wireless transmission and/or other applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous-time delta-sigma analog digital converter (10) for converting an analog input signal (IN) to a digital output signal (OUT), comprising an analog filter (20), which filters the analog input signal, a quantifier (30) cycled by a clock signal (CLK), which quantifier quantifies the filtered analog signal transmitted by the analog filter (20) to generate the digital output signal, and a feedback device (40) with at last one digital analog converter, which transmits at least one analog feedback signal based on the digital output signal (OUT) to the analog filter (20).

Abstract: An analogue-to-digital converter comprises a window comparator. The window comparator comprises an input for an analogue input signal and an output for a comparison result indicating a result of a comparison of the analogue input signal with an upper bound and a lower bound of a level window. The analogue-to-digital converter further comprises a level window position signal generator. The level window position signal generator comprises an output for a level window position signal adjusting a position of the level window based on an information derived from the comparison result and indicating whether the level window should be increased, decreased or maintained. The analogue-to-digital converter further comprises an output for a digital information based on the comparison result.

Abstract: Methods and devices perform analog to digital signal conversion in shorter time and/or with less power consumption than that of a comparable analog to digital conversion that uses a conventional sequential approximation method based on a binary search. A predictive guess is supplied as a digital first signal. The digital first signal is converted (D/A) to a counterpart, analog guess signal. Fewer cycles and less power is consumed if the initial guess is within a certain range of the actual magnitude of the analog input sample signal. In one embodiment, a digital modeler is used to model a process underlying the analog input sample signal to thereby provide fairly good guesses.

Abstract: An A-D converter includes a first amplifier circuit, an A-D converter circuit, a D-A converter circuit, a subtraction circuit, a second amplifier circuit, a timing control circuit, a type control unit, an output unit. The type control unit sets the type of the A-D converter circuit at the time of conversion to the higher 4 bits, to a type in which either one of an analog signal or a reference voltage is inputted selectively to a comparator via a capacitor. The type control unit performs a control so that the type of the A-D converter circuit at the time of conversion to values of the higher 5th to 7th bits and the higher 8th to 10th bits from the most significant bit, to a type in which an analog signal and a reference voltage are inputted fixedly to a comparator without involving a capacitor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an analog-to-digital conversion circuit configured to convert an input analog signal into a digital signal, said analog-to-digital conversion circuit includes: a first amplifying unit; a second amplifying unit; a comparing unit; a first averaging unit; a second averaging unit; and a third averaging unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices, and apparatus to interrogate a clothed individual with electromagnetic radiation to determine if a concealed object is being carried. This determination includes establishing data corresponding to an image of the individual with a pair of opposed, semi-cylindrical array panels each configured to interrogate the individual with electromagnetic radiation in the 200 MHz to 1 THz range.

Abstract: A system for synthesizing data received from a weather radar system includes a digital signal processor, a data synthesizer, a convolution filter, and data storage. The digital signal processor digitizes reflectivity data from a radar antenna. The data synthesizer generates an M×N matrix for a digitized reflectivity data point and populates each element in the M×N matrix with the value of the digitized reflectivity data point. The convolution filter calculates a filtered value for each element in the M×N matrix. The data storage stores the M×N matrix for display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving differential navigation accuracy uses time transfer over a two-way communications link. The communications link transmits an overall time offset between a differential reference station and a remote user. A differential navigation position solution is modified at the remote user with the overall time offset to improve the differential navigation accuracy. A first time offset between a first communications device and a first navigation receiver at the remote user is determined. A second time offset between the first communications device at the remote user and a second communications device at the differential reference station is determined. A third time offset between the second communications device and a second navigation receiver at the differential reference station is determined. An overall time offset from the first time offset, the second time offset, and the third time offset is computed and used to improve the differential navigation accuracy.

Abstract: A switching circuit is used for switching a plurality of antennas of an antenna module so that the antenna module has a plurality of modes of use. Each mode of use uses two antennas for radiating a transmitting signal generating by a signal processing unit or sending a received signal to the signal processing unit. The switching circuit includes a plurality of power dividing modules, a plurality of switches and a control unit for controlling on/off of the switches. A mode of use is selected so as to pass the signal, through the switches and the power dividing modules, to the antennas for being radiated. The signal received by the antennas is transmitted to the signal processing unit also through the power dividing modules and switches. The control method determines the mode of use of the antenna module. At first, select a mode of use of the antenna module and switch to the selected mode. Next monitor signal throughput of the switched mode. Then compare the throughput value with a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an antenna and signal processing system enabling angle of arrival (AOA) determination for a frequency hopping signal, in which a calibration coefficient is determined in response to one or more calibration signals injected into the system at one or more of the frequencies in the hopping sequence and proximate in time to reception of the communication signal. The calibration coefficients are reflective of a frequency and time dependent parameter of a path between the antenna and wireless location sensor. The AOA is determined as a function of the calibration coefficient and the radio frequency energy of the received communication signal. Several embodiment of the method are illustrated.

Abstract: A diversity radio antenna includes a ground substrate and two elongated antenna elements. The antenna elements each extend between respective opposing ends thereof in a plane parallel to and spaced from the ground substrate. An excitation electrode is interposed between the respective ends. A ground connector switch is configured to selectively connect and disconnect the ground substrate to the antenna elements for controlling radiation beam pattern and polarisation diversity of the antenna. The ground connector switch is configured to selectively connect the antenna elements to the ground substrate for adapting the antenna to a circularly-polarised radio wave, or to disconnect one of the antenna elements from the ground substrate for adapting the antenna to a linearly-polarised radio wave.

Abstract: Circuit modules and methods of construction thereof that contain composite meta-material dielectric bodies that have high effective values of real permittivity but which minimize reflective losses, through the use of host dielectric (organic or ceramic), materials having relative permittivities substantially less than ceramic dielectric inclusions embedded therein. The composite meta-material bodies permit reductions in physical lengths of electrically conducting elements such as antenna element(s) without adversely impacting radiation efficiency. The meta-material structure may additionally provide frequency band filtering functions that would normally be provided by other components typically found in an RF front-end.

Abstract: A MIMO antenna (20) disposed on a substrate (10) including a first surface (102) and a second surface (104). The MIMO antenna includes a first antenna (20a) and a second antenna (20b) each including a radiating body (22a), a feeding portion (26a) electrically connected to the radiating body, and a metallic ground plane (24a). The radiating body includes a first radiating portion (222a), a second radiating portion (226a), and a gap (28a) formed between the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion. The radiating body and the feeding portion of the first antenna and the ground plane of the second antenna are laid on the first surface of the substrate, and the radiating body and the feeding portion of the second antenna and the ground plane of the first antenna are laid on the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide antennas capable of receiving both left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) signals and right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) signals, and outputting both signals on a single feed. In one exemplary embodiment, an antenna generally includes two substantially coplanar concentric patches. The inner patch is substantially square. The outer patch has inner and outer edges both of which are substantially square. The two patches do not physically contact one another. A single feed is connected to the inner patch. The inner patch receives the LHCP signal, and the two patches operate collectively together for receiving the RHCP signal.

Abstract: The method and apparatus described herein improves the bandwidth of a selected frequency band of a multi-band antenna. In particular, a selection circuit selectively applies capacitive coupling to the multi-band antenna to improve the bandwidth of a first frequency band without adversely affecting the bandwidth of a second frequency band. To that end, the multi-band antenna of the present invention comprises a main antenna element and a parasitic element disposed proximate the main antenna element. When the multi-band antenna operates in the first frequency band, the main antenna element capacitively couples to the parasitic element. However, when the multi-band antenna operates in the second frequency band, the selection circuit disables the capacitive coupling.

Abstract: An arrangement by which an external device is connected to a radio device via its antenna without modifying the radio device mechanically. The radiating element (311) of the antenna of the radio device is a conductive part of its casing, which is fed electromagnetically by means of a feed element (322). The connecting is implemented by a coupler (310) to be placed at the antenna on top of the casing, from which coupler there is an intermediate cable (350) to the external device. The coupler includes a coupling element (311), from which there is electromagnetic coupling to the radiating element (321) through a thin dielectric membrane, or direct galvanic coupling. From the coupling element to the jumper cable there is electromagnetic coupling through an intermediate element (312), or direct galvanic coupling. Because the radiating plane is located on the outer surface of the radio device, its distance to the coupling element can be made very small.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, a dielectric substrate carried by the housing, circuitry carried by the dielectric substrate, and an audio output transducer carried by the upper portion of the housing and connected to the circuitry. The device may further include a user input interface carried by the housing and connected to the circuitry, and at least one auxiliary input/output device carried by the upper portion of the housing and connected to the circuitry. An antenna may also be carried within the lower portion of the housing comprising a pattern of conductive traces on the dielectric substrate.