Measuring Signal Energy Patents (Class 343/703)
  • Patent number: 10411813
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing the beamforming behavior of a device under test comprises: at least two over-the-air power sensors. Each over-the-air sensor is adapted to measure the power received from the device under test over the air, which leads to at least two respective measurement results. The apparatus also comprises an evaluation unit, which is connected to each of the at least two over-the-air power sensors, and is adapted to receive and to evaluate the at least two respective measurement results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Pauly
  • Patent number: 10395032
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing, inspecting or screening an electrically powered device for modified or unmodified hardware, firmware or software modifications including Malware, Trojans, adware, improper versioning, worms, or virus and the like, includes an antenna positioned at a distance from the electrically powered device and a signal receiver or sensor for examining a signal from the electrically powered device. The receiver or sensor collects unintended RF energy components emitted by the electrically powered device and includes one or more processors and executable instructions that perform analysis in a response to the acquired signal input while the electrically powered device is active or powered. The characteristics of the collected RF energy may be compared with RF energy characteristics of an unmodified device. The comparison determines one of a modified, unmodified or score of certainty of modified condition of the electrically powered device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: NOKOMIS, INC.
    Inventors: Walter John Keller, Bogdan Amaru Pathak, Andrew Richard Portune, Todd Eric Chornenky
  • Patent number: 10361771
    Abstract: Described techniques and apparatuses relate to determining an attenuation environment surrounding a satellite terminal in a satellite communication system. The satellite terminal may receive signals from an auxiliary satellite system, and determine aspects of an attenuation environment that may affect communications with a communications satellite system. For example, transmissions from an auxiliary satellite system may be associated with a respective location of the transmitting satellite in order to define an attenuation profile for the satellite terminal antenna assembly. Subsequent signals from the auxiliary satellite system may be compared with the attenuation map, and the comparison may be used to identify a diagnostic condition for communications with a communications satellite system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramanamurthy V. Darapu, Ian A. Cleary
  • Patent number: 10359459
    Abstract: Generally, in accordance with the various illustrative embodiments of the invention, a signal analyzer can incorporate a quasi-peak detection circuit that includes a detector diode. The detector diode is reverse-biased by using a direct-current (DC) voltage source. In some exemplary implementations, the DC bias voltage is defined on the basis of a predicted DC voltage at an output node of the quasi-peak detection circuit in response to a noise level contribution of the signal analyzer when the detector diode is unbiased. A signal is propagated through the quasi-peak detection circuit after the detector diode is reverse-biased, followed by a noise floor adjustment procedure. The noise floor adjustment procedure includes an adjustment directed at least in part, at compensating for the DC bias voltage that is used to reverse-bias the detector diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Keysight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Gorin
  • Patent number: 10348272
    Abstract: Adaptive self-tunable antenna systems and methods are provided including a closed-loop system for sensing near-field RF signals of transmitted RF signals and tuning an antenna or switching between multiple antennas, so that the strength of the transmitted RF signals is maximized. A sensing antenna detects the near-field RF signal, which is filtered and converted to an RF strength control signal that can be used to generate an antenna tuning control signal. An antenna tuner uses the antenna tuning control signal to keep the antenna in resonance by dynamically changing the electrical length of the antenna or switching between multiple antennas to maximize the strength of the radiated RF signal. Such antennas may be less prone to detuning due to interaction with human bodies or other objects. Dynamically matching the antennas to an RF power amplifier and low noise amplifier can improve stability, power efficiency, gain, noise figure, and receiver sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Zachara
  • Patent number: 10302697
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automated diagnostics include registering an image of a device under test (DUT) to a corresponding design layout. The image is segmented based on the registration to allocate pixels to individual design elements. Emission signatures for the individual design elements are compared to expected signatures. If the emissions differ from the expected signatures more than a threshold amount to determine if a defect is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Franco Stellari, Peilin Song
  • Patent number: 10296009
    Abstract: To quickly recover from a status in which a local device position estimation is unavailable. A movement processor of an autonomous movement device executes a drive process for a driver so as to move autonomously. A position estimator estimates the local device position. An estimation determiner determines whether or not the estimation result of the local device position by the position estimator is uniquely defined. A movement process controller controls the movement processor so as to move to a position where the estimation result of the local device position by the position estimator is uniquely defined when the estimation determiner determines that the estimation result is not defined uniquely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Narikawa
  • Patent number: 10284306
    Abstract: A calibration system for calibrating an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements comprises a signal generator for generating a predetermined test signal and, the signal generator being couplable to the antenna elements for providing the test signal to the antenna elements, a number of probes for measuring at least one physical parameter, which is influenced by emissions of the antenna elements, and providing respective measurement signals, and a position determination unit for determining based on the measurement signals the positions of the antenna elements as calibrated positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Adam Tankielun, Corbett Rowell, Christoph Pointner, Hendrik Bartko
  • Patent number: 10270546
    Abstract: A method for measuring intermodulation produced in a measurement segment of a signal transmission path, by: producing a first HF signal (u1(t)) and a second HF signal (u2(t)), both having a predetermined frequency progression; feeding the first HF signal (u1(t)) and the second HF signal (u2(t)) to the signal transmission path, wherein an intermodulation signal is produced, which intermodulation signal has a first intermodulation signal component (urPIM(t)) produced in an input segment of the signal transmission path and a second intermodulation signal component (uPIM(t)) produced in the measurement segment of the signal transmission path; producing a compensation signal (uc(t)) in accordance with the first intermodulation signal component (urPIM(t)) produced in the input segment; introducing the compensation signal (uc(t)) into the signal transmission path in order to reduce or cancel out the first intermodulation signal component (urPIM(t)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Entsfellner, Benjamin Kaindl, Martin Schwab
  • Patent number: 10263330
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement includes an antenna element and a corresponding feeder line configured to feed a signal to and from the antenna element, and includes a portion of a couplerline spaced apart from but proximate to the antenna element, the feeder line, and a selectivity element. The portion of the couplerline is configured to receive via inductive coupling the signal from one or both of the feeder line and the antenna element, and to transmit a signal via inductive coupling to the feeder line and/or the antenna element. The antenna arrangement includes the selectivity element, which is spaced apart from but proximate to the antenna element, the feeder line, and the portion of the couplerline, and which is configured to select or not select the antenna element for coupling to the portion of the couplerline. An apparatus may include multiple antenna arrangements (with subgroups) and be configured for AAS calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
    Inventors: Risto Tapani Martikkala, Asko Heikki Nykanen
  • Patent number: 10250340
    Abstract: A wireless relay performs Radio Frequency (RF) testing at geographic azimuths. In the wireless relay, a wireless access point wirelessly exchanges user data with wireless user devices and exchanges the user data with Relay Equipment (RE). In the wireless relay, the RE exchanges the user data with the wireless access point and wirelessly exchanges the user data with a wireless communication network. The RE wirelessly receives a directional RF test instruction indicating geographic azimuths. The RE performs a directional RF test at the geographic azimuths based on the directional RF test instruction. The RE transfers RF test results for the geographic azimuths to the wireless communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Dwight Devan Inman, Raymond Emilio Reeves, Calvin D. Mayfield
  • Patent number: 10243628
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to systems and methods for emulating a massive MIMO beamforming antenna array of arbitrary size—a channel model between a transmitter and a receiver, with one or more signal paths having respective amplitudes, angles of arrival, angle spreads, and delays. The disclosed technology includes defining a complete channel model H, calculating the correlation matrix for the channel, grouping the base antenna elements of the antenna array by combinations of signal and polarization, and calculating observed beamforming power of each group of the base elements, by applying a cross-correlation matrix to determine observed power signals and delay of each signal at each remote antenna element of the user equipment. Emulation includes supplying cross-correlated signals to remote antenna elements of user equipment during a RF test of the user equipment. Disclosed technology includes a channel emulator that generates output streams for testing user equipment for multiple users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Spirent Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: John Douglas Reed
  • Patent number: 10236926
    Abstract: In a method for determining the performance of at least one antenna in a system including a plurality of antennas, the method subdivides a reception area and/or a transmission area of at least one antenna into a plurality of sectors, determines at least one value of a performance parameter for at least one of the plurality of sectors indicating an antenna performance, and determines at least one statistical value from the values of the performance parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Levent-Yusuf Ekiz
  • Patent number: 10228319
    Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure feature a system for sensing a change in environment comprising a MMR sensor and a reader. The MMR sensor is configured to be disposed in the environment. The MMR sensor comprises a magnetic bias layer, a resonator, a spacer, and an environmental change receptor. The reader is configured to measure a frequency characteristic of the MMR sensor after the environmental variable changes and the change to the environmental variable is evaluated based on the frequency characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard L. Rylander, Andrew P. Bonifas, David P. Erickson, Jia Hu, Stephen J. Willett, Chaodi Li, Orlin B. Knudson
  • Patent number: 10225024
    Abstract: An antenna unit for monitoring the RF transmission line and RF signal path to an antenna unit used in a distributed antenna system. The antenna has a resistor connected to ground, and a DC injector including a capacitor having a first side connected to an RF transmission line and a second side connected to the antenna, with a first inductor coupled between the resistor and the monitoring module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: R & D Microwaves, LLC
    Inventor: Marek E. Antkowiak
  • Patent number: 10210358
    Abstract: A method for execution by a RFID tag includes receiving, from an RFID reader, an RF signal, where the RF signal has a carrier frequency of a plurality of carrier frequencies that span a broad frequency band. The method further includes adjusting input impedance of the RFID tag over a range of input impedances, where the input impedance of the RFID tag is based on one or more of impedance of the RFID tag's antenna and tank circuit. The method further includes monitoring power level of the received RF signal over the range of input impedances. The method further includes selecting the input impedance of the range of input impedances providing a substantially maximum power level of the received RF signal, where the substantially maximum power level corresponds to the carrier frequency being substantially equal to a resonant frequency of at least one of the antenna and the tank circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: RFMicron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar Rokhsaz
  • Patent number: 10186749
    Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) device is described. The NFC device includes an NFC back end. The NFC back end includes an application processor and a first transceiver. The NFC device also includes an NFC head end that is physically separated from the NFC back end. The NFC head end includes an antenna, a contactless front end, and a second transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeremy Robin Christopher O'Donoghue, John Hillan
  • Patent number: 10177862
    Abstract: A test system for testing a device under test includes: a signal processor configured to generate a plurality of independent signals and to apply first fading channel characteristics to each of the independent signals to generate a plurality of first faded test signals; a test system interface configured to provide the plurality of first faded test signals to one or more signal input interfaces of the device under test (DUT); a second signal processor configured to apply second fading channel characteristics to a plurality of output signals of the DUT to generate a plurality of second faded test signals, wherein the second fading channel characteristics are derived from the first fading channel characteristics; and one or more test instruments configured to measure at least one performance characteristic of the DUT from the plurality of second faded test signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Keysight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhu Wen, Ya Jing, Shao-Bo Chen, Hong-Wei Kong
  • Patent number: 10158174
    Abstract: A system includes an antenna, an impedance measurement circuit, an impedance tuning circuit, and a controller. The impedance measurement circuit can include a test current source that conveys a test current through the antenna, and a voltage sensor that measure a voltage across the antenna while the test current is conveyed through the antenna. The impedance tuning circuit can be coupled to the antenna leads and can include one or more reactive elements that can be selectively coupled to the antenna, or otherwise adjusted, to effect adjustment of the impedance connected to the antenna. The controller can: (i) use the impedance measurement circuit to obtain a measurement indicative of an impedance of the antenna; (ii) determine an adjustment to the impedance tuning circuit based on the obtained measurement; and (iii) cause the impedance tuning circuit to make the determined adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventor: Stephen O'Driscoll
  • Patent number: 10153555
    Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a rotor, a first end component, and a second end component. The rotor includes a rotor body and a plurality of magnets configured to output a first magnetic field. The rotor body defines a plurality of slots extending radially inward from an exterior surface of the rotor body. Each magnet is disposed in a corresponding slot. The first end component includes a first end component body and a plurality of first extensions extending from the first end component body and contacting a first set of the plurality of magnets. The second end component includes a second end component body and a plurality of second extensions extending from the second end component body and contacting the first set. The first end component and the second end component are configured to output an electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Cripe, Bryan S. McCoy, Jeffrey L. Box
  • Patent number: 10145959
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver includes: at least one radio frequency (RF) front end configured to receive a GNSS signal from a single GNSS antenna and to digitize the GNSS signal into a digitized GNSS signal; at least one processor configured to: calculate weight to be applied to a sample of a block of samples of the digitized GNSS signal; apply the weight to at least one sample of the block of samples of the digitized GNSS signal to create a weighted GNSS signal; and perform signal processing on the weighted GNSS signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jussi Raasakka, Martin Orejas, Ondrej Kutik, Jakub Skalicky
  • Patent number: 10135143
    Abstract: Techniques for tuning a crossed-field antenna are provided. An example of an antenna system includes a D-plate with a D-plate feed conductor, such that the D-plate is a horizontal conductor raised above and insulated from a ground plane, an E-cylinder with an E-cylinder feed conductor, such that the E-cylinder is a vertical hollow conductive cylinder of smaller diameter than the D-plate, which is mounted concentrically above and insulated from the D-plate, a transmitter tuning circuit configured to receive a signal from a transmitter, an E-cylinder tuning circuit operably coupled to the transmitter tuning circuit and the E-cylinder feed conductor, and a D-plate tuning circuit operably coupled to the transmitter tuning circuit and the D-plate feed conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Kurt Gorman
  • Patent number: 10097285
    Abstract: A temporary microwave horn antenna coupling device is configured for collecting or injecting quantifiable samples of RF energy. The device comprises a reduced and highly matched radiating aperture, and a waveguide mounted single electric field probe. The electric field probe can be oriented at 45 degrees to the horizontal and vertical electric fields of a linearly polarized antenna, or oriented for a single linear polarization to the electric field in a circular polarized antenna. The electric field probe is connected to an attenuator and/or lossy cable for reduced reflections and gradient thermal dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Lee Reynolds, Martin William Bieti, Robert Rim Choo
  • Patent number: 10082530
    Abstract: A system and method for testing an antenna feed to be incorporated into an operational antenna is disclosed. The system and method uses a scaled reflector with the antenna feed to permit testing that correlates well with a full sized reflector, yet permits testing in a quiet zone of a compact antenna test range. Embodiments are also disclosed for offset feed designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Terence Wu, Ernest C. Chen
  • Patent number: 10056673
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for two-way satellite communication and an asymmetric-aperture antenna for two-way satellite communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a beam pattern for an asymmetric-aperture antenna is offset in a narrow beamwidth direction, and the offset beam pattern is directed by a mechanical gimbal, with the beam pattern offset made to reduce interference with an adjacent satellite. In additional embodiments, operational areas near the equator are identified for a given offset beam pattern, or a beam pattern offset may be adjusted over time to compensate for movement of the asymmetric-aperture antenna when attached to an airplane, boat, or other mobile vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Irvine
  • Patent number: 10014964
    Abstract: A method of testing a phased array antenna that includes a plurality of antenna element pairs, each antenna element pair of the plurality of antenna element pairs including a first antenna element and a second antenna element, the method including: for each antenna element pair of the plurality of antenna element pairs, performing a first cross element gain measurement from the first antenna element to the second antenna element of that antenna element pair; and determining whether there is a problem associated with the phased array antenna by examining the first cross element gain measurements for the plurality of antenna element pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Blue Danube Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg S. Nardozza
  • Patent number: 10003413
    Abstract: A method for assigning, in a database, a relationship between at least one logical channel and at least one antenna element feed that is coupleable to at least one antenna element of an antenna arrangement, is described. The method comprises either: applying a first signal to at least one first logical channel; and detecting whether there is a presence of a radio frequency signal converted from the first signal on at least one first antenna element feed; or applying a second signal to at least one first antenna element feed coupleable to at least one first antenna element of the antenna arrangement; and detecting whether there is a presence of a logical signal converted from the second signal on at least one first logical channel. The method further comprises assigning in the database in response thereto a relationship between the at least one first logical channel and the at least one first antenna element feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global
    Inventors: Conor O'Keeffe, Alex Brophy
  • Patent number: 9991592
    Abstract: A test arrangement for testing a device under test, the test arrangement comprises a measurement antenna system comprising a number of measurement antenna elements for measuring signals emitted by the device under test or emitting test signals to the device under test, a link antenna for communication with the device under test, and a mechanical antenna positioning structure that carries the link antenna and controllably moves the link antenna around the device under test, wherein for positions of the link antenna around device under test that are occupied by the measurement antenna system, the measurement antenna system simulates the link antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Corbett Rowell, Vincent Abadie
  • Patent number: 9966655
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an antenna structure and ensures an all-metal housing feature of the mobile terminal device. The antenna structure includes a housing and a feed plate, where the housing includes a main housing, a first floating object, a second floating object, and an antenna radiator; and the first floating object, the second floating object, and the antenna radiator are separated from the main housing by a first slot; there is a second slot between the first floating object and one side of the antenna radiator, and a third slot between the second floating object and the other side of the antenna radiator; the main housing, the first floating object, the second floating object, and the antenna radiator are connected as a whole by an insulator; and the feed plate is disposed opposite to the main housing, the first floating object, and the antenna radiator at an interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Huawei Device (Dongguan) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanpeng Li, Yafang Yu, Meng Hou
  • Patent number: 9937896
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a security system includes a first lamp for indicating the operating state of the security system, and an antenna device which is supported by the body of the motor vehicle and is arranged outside the vehicle body. The first lamp is integrated into the antenna device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Walzik, Juergen Bruegl, Thomas Wuensche, Max Klimke
  • Patent number: 9935366
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless communication system node, which comprises an antenna arrangement, with at least one array antenna, each array antenna having a plurality of antenna elements. At least a first set of antenna elements is formed from said plurality of antenna elements. For at least one set of antenna elements, a control unit is arranged to: Form an antenna beam that is steerable to a certain pointing angle in at least one plane for a signal having a certain bandwidth with a certain lowest frequency (flow) and a certain highest frequency (fhigh) Determine the relative power of a received signal at a plurality of frequencies in the frequency band. Determine a degree of angular pointing deviation (?b, ?c) for the antenna beam relative the received signal by means of the degree of slant of the relative power of the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Lars Sundström, Lars Manholm
  • Patent number: 9912418
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electromagnetic measurement system to perform radio frequency, RF, downlink testing of a device under test, DUT, in a chamber is provided. Exterior to the chamber is an emulator core configured to introduce an impairment in each of at least one transmit signal to produce at least one impaired signal for each of at least one emulated channel. Within the chamber, for each of the at least one emulated channel, an up-converter is configured to up-convert an impaired signal of the emulated channel to produce a radio frequency, RF, signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ETS-Lindgren Inc.
    Inventor: Michael David Foegelle
  • Patent number: 9891299
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) coils configured to produce a static B0 field having non-homogeneous characteristics. The MRI system includes an RF transceiver configured to acquire MR imaging data from the RF coils for an area of interest. The system includes a DC source coupled to at least one of the RF coils to form a shimming RF coil, the DC source configured to force a select DC current through the shimming RF coil to at least partially shim the non-homogeneous characteristics of the B0 field. The shimming RF coil includes first and second conductors that exhibit distributed capacitance along a length thereof. At least one of the first and second conductors have first and second termination ends with an elongated and continuous conductive path therebetween to convey the select DC current from the DC source through the shimming RF coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Steven Stormont
  • Patent number: 9825364
    Abstract: A system includes an antenna, an impedance measurement circuit, an impedance tuning circuit, and a controller. The impedance measurement circuit can include a test current source that conveys a test current through the antenna, and a voltage sensor that measure a voltage across the antenna while the test current is conveyed through the antenna. The impedance tuning circuit can be coupled to the antenna leads and can include one or more reactive elements that can be selectively coupled to the antenna, or otherwise adjusted, to effect adjustment of the impedance connected to the antenna. The controller can: (i) use the impedance measurement circuit to obtain a measurement indicative of an impedance of the antenna; (ii) determine an adjustment to the impedance tuning circuit based on the obtained measurement; and (iii) cause the impedance tuning circuit to make the determined adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventor: Stephen O'Driscoll
  • Patent number: 9806417
    Abstract: An antenna system and a mobile terminal are disclosed. The antenna system includes an antenna radiator and an adjustable matching circuit connected between the antenna radiator and a radio frequency interface. The adjustable matching circuit adjusts the resistance between the antenna radiator and the radio frequency interface according to a plurality of frequency bands. The antenna radiator in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a metallic body of strip shape, which has a simple structure and is easy to implement and can be combined with the adjustable matching circuit to implement coverage of a larger range band width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiaxiao Niu
  • Patent number: 9794009
    Abstract: Method for testing implicit beamforming operation of a radio frequency (RF) data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT), including transmitting to the DUT combinations of a multidirectional (e.g., legacy) RF test signal and at least two unidirectional (e.g., beamformed) RF test signals with different signal directivity patterns, and monitoring signal strengths of signals received from the DUT in response to each signal. Signal directivity patterns can be controlled by transmitting multiple phase-controlled RF signals via separate arrays of multiple antenna elements to the DUT within a multipath RF signal environment, such as an electromagnetically shielded enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: LitePoint Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Volf Olgaard, Roman Schilter, Minh-Chau Huynh, Carsten Andersen
  • Patent number: 9785807
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting RF field strength. A field strength reference generator develops a field strength reference current as a function of a field strength of a received RF signal; and a field strength quantizer develops a digital field-strength value indicative of the field strength reference current. In one embodiment, detected field strength is used to dynamically vary the impedance of a tank circuit whereby, over time, induced current is maximized. In another embodiment, the quantized field strength is used to sense changes to the environment to which the RFID tag is exposed. In yet another embodiment, dynamic variations of the quantized impedance of the tank circuit are used to sense changes in the environment. Several alternate antennas are specially adapted to facilitate sensing of environmental conditions using the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: RFMICRON, INC.
    Inventors: Shahriar Rokhsaz, Brian David Young
  • Patent number: 9742050
    Abstract: Difficulties in grounding a non-integral, deep drawn resonator (DDR) to the filter body of a cavity may be substantially eliminated by preventing the movement of the DDR away from a grounding contact area on the filter body. The addition of a compression plate and stop limiter in the connection of the non-integral DR to the filter body helps insure that any such movement is eliminated or substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yin-Shing Chong, Yunchi Zhang, Peter A. Casey
  • Patent number: 9735899
    Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating an antenna array. The method may include the following steps: attaching successively pairs of a plurality of probe antennas to each other; performing an initial measurement of a multiport formed by the ports of said pair of probe antennas, the initial measurement yielding initial coefficients of said probe antennas; attaching successively one of said probe antennas to one of the antennas in said antenna array; performing a second measurement of multiports formed by the ports of said probe antennas and said antenna array, the second measurement yielding coefficients of the combination of said antenna array and said probe antennas; and using the initial coefficients and the second measurement coefficients to calibrate said antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: VAYYAR IMAGING LTD.
    Inventor: Shay Moshe
  • Patent number: 9726704
    Abstract: An Antenna measurement system incorporating high speed tracking laser-based global positioning capture synchronized with radio frequency (RF) measurements. A high speed tracking laser is used for collecting RF probe position data synchronously with corresponding near-field RF measurements. The probe may be moved across an arbitrary surface surrounding or adjacent to a device under test (DUT); however, it is not necessary for the probe position to be perfectly coincident with the surface, or any of the discrete points which make up the surface. Here, the probe position is determined relative to a global positioning coordinate system which is defined by a set of monuments which are in known positions relative to the global positioning coordinate system, and not the DUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: NSI-MI Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Mannion, Charles P. B. Pinson, Jeffrey Fordham, Marion Baggett
  • Patent number: 9716311
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a tuning system for a communication device having an antenna, where the tuning system includes at least one first tunable element connected with at least one radiating element of the antenna for tuning the antenna where the adjusting of the at least one first tunable element is based on at least one of a use case associated with the communication device and location information associated with the communication device, and a matching network having at least one second tunable element coupled at a feed point of the antenna, wherein the matching network receives control signals for adjusting the at least one second tunable element to tune the matching network. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Russell Greene, Keith Ronald Manssen, Gregory Mendolia
  • Patent number: 9703343
    Abstract: A transmittal system including an extension device, a connection device, and an impedance device is disclosed. The extension device includes a first connection port and is coupled to a peripheral device. The connection device includes a second connection port and a third connection port. The second connection port is coupled to the first connection port. The third connection port is coupled to an electronic device. The impedance device connects at least one of the first, the second and the third connection ports to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: VIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Sheng-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 9678127
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide shielding and radio frequency (RF) antenna coupling for communication test systems for the testing of wireless data communication devices and systems, including Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) devices and systems. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a shielding and coupling system containing an array of RF antennas is disclosed that includes a flexible jacket integrated with RF shielding material that simultaneously isolates a device under test (DUT) and couples signals from the antennas of the DUT. Such a system may offer improved capabilities such as a faster and more efficient method of isolating the DUT from external interference, a more repeatable and simplified method of transmitting and receiving MIMO RF signals from DUTs having built-in antennas, and a more portable and lower cost RF test setup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ixia
    Inventors: Dov Even, Lester Noel Stott
  • Patent number: 9678180
    Abstract: Example magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF) coils are described. An MRI RF coil may include a first terminal and a second terminal that are connected by a coaxial cable. Rather than rely exclusively on two terminal passive components (e.g., resistor, inductor, capacitor), example coax MRI RF coils rely on the capacitance that can be created in the coax cable between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. The capacitance of the coil may be controlled by selectively disrupting (e.g., cutting, stripping) the outer conductor, the inner conductor, or the dielectric material disposed between the inner and outer conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Quality Electrodynamics, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Yang, Tsinghua Zheng, Yong Wu, Matthew Finnerty
  • Patent number: 9673888
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a communication link between a user terminal and a first satellite associated with a first satellite service are disclosed. The user terminal determines a position of the user terminal based, at least in part, on location information provided by a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver associated with the user terminal, determines a reference azimuth of the user terminal based, at least in part, on a position of a second satellite associated with a second satellite service that is different than the first satellite service, obtains ephemeris data for the first satellite, and aligns a directional antenna of the user terminal with the first satellite based, at least in part, on the position of the user terminal, the reference azimuth of the user terminal, and the received ephemeris data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Roy Howard Davis
  • Patent number: 9651582
    Abstract: A system for measuring impedance is disclosed. The system is designed to be connected with an external unknown impedance. The system includes a reference signal generator, an impedance component coupled to the reference signal generator, a local oscillator configured to generate a signal of a selected frequency, a plurality of frequency mixers coupled to the impedance component and the local oscillator and a switch connected across the impedance component in such a way that the impedance component is bypassed when the switch is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Anton Salfelner
  • Patent number: 9614627
    Abstract: A method and a device for testing a performance of a wireless terminal and a computer readable storage medium are provided. The wireless terminal is placed in a first anechoic chamber and comprises m antennas, where m is a positive integer greater than 1. The method comprises steps of: S1, obtaining m pieces of antenna pattern information of the m antennas; S2, obtaining n first testing signals according to the m pieces of antenna pattern information, where n is a positive integer greater than 1; S3, feeding the n first testing signals to n testing antennas in a second anechoic chamber, and transmitting the n first testing signals to the wireless terminal by the n testing antennas; and S4, obtaining a piece of receiving information of the m antennas for the n first testing signals, and obtaining the performance of the wireless terminal according to the piece of receiving information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: General Test Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Yu, Yihong Qi
  • Patent number: 9614741
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system that includes an antenna system for a vehicle and a method of determining a connectivity status of the antenna system. The antenna system includes a test antenna for transmitting a wireless diagnostic signal with a signature waveform and a primary antenna that receives the wireless diagnostic signal and provides a corresponding wired diagnostic signal to a diagnostic circuit. The diagnostic circuit is configured to determine a connectivity status of the antenna system based on the presence or absence of the signature waveform in the wired diagnostic signal received from the primary antenna. It is possible for the diagnostic circuit to include a finite state machine (FSM) for carrying out the connectivity status determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David R. Petrucci, David Heiden, Charles A. Massoll, Duane S. Carper
  • Patent number: 9596039
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a radio frequency index and a wireless index of an active antenna system are provided. A probe-type testing cover based on a near field coupling mode is adopted to test the radio frequency index of the tested active antenna system. The method comprises testing cover monomer calibration, testing cover environment calibration, radio frequency index test, putting the tested active antenna system into the testing cover, wherein the test environment is the same as the calibration environment, and performing radio frequency test on the tested active antenna system through a radio frequency port of a test probe after compensating the test environment according to a calibration result obtained from the calibration. Further a comprehensive testing method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Boming Wang, Xiangling Li, Xianfeng Guo, Peng Wang
  • Patent number: 9590295
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes an antenna element connected to a power feed point, a parasitic element disposed to overlap the antenna element as viewed from above and configured to be coupled to the antenna element, and a switch connected to the parasitic element and configured to switch connections to connect the parasitic element either to a given potential point or to a test-purpose terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Masahiro Yanagi