Measuring Signal Energy Patents (Class 343/703)
  • Patent number: 8884830
    Abstract: A high-frequency chip antenna measurement system includes a platform; two piers; an arching; a stepper motor; an indication and fastening assembly having a source antenna holder and an illuminant indicator; a carrier stage; a chip antenna carrier having a support member and two sloping posts extending upward and outward from a top end of the support member, two chip antenna carrier benches being mounted to top ends of the two sloping posts respectively; a probe carrier having a support plate directionally variably fixed to the carrier substrate, two props fixed to the support member and parallel to each other and extending outward and upward slantingways, and a probe carrier bench mounted to top ends of the two props for bearing a probe; and a bridging member having two ends mounted to the chip antenna carrier benches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: National Chung Cheng University
    Inventors: Chia-Chan Chang, Sheng-Fuh Chang, Chun-Chi Lin, Sheng-Chi Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140327586
    Abstract: A test chamber for measuring total radiated power, total isotropic sensitivity, and antenna efficiency is disclosed. The chamber takes the shape of a hollow ellipsoid. RF energy radiated from one focal point of the ellipse reflects off the walls of the ellipse and is collected at the second focal point of the ellipse. A single power measurement at the second focal point measures the total power radiated from the first focal point. The subject matter of the present disclosure significantly reduces the measurement time for these three parameters, and is applicable to the design, production, and repair of antennas and wireless devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Howland Company
    Inventor: James D. Huff
  • Patent number: 8878733
    Abstract: A holding device for holding test antennas includes a base, a sliding plate, a holding pole, and a support block. The sliding plate is slidably mounted on the base. The holding pole is fixed on the sliding plate, and a length of the holding pole is adjustable. The support block is fixed on the holding pole and configured for receiving the test antennas. The holding pole and the sliding plate change a position of the support block along a first axis and a second axis, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Lian He, Yong-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8880002
    Abstract: A simulated radio channel is shifted with respect to a plurality of antenna elements coupled with an emulator for communicating with a device under test by using different directions for the simulated radio channel in an anechoic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Elektrobit System Test Oy
    Inventors: Marko Falck, Pekka Kyösti, Petteri Heino, Jukka-Pekka Nuutinen, Jouni Saastamoinen
  • Publication number: 20140300519
    Abstract: A device includes a test enclosure defining a cavity forming an anechoic chamber, having a test probe placed inside the cavity. The cavity comprises an aperture against which the radiating surface of antenna is positioned. The device includes a microwave-frequency test signal generator and a receiver for microwave-frequency signal emitted by the antenna under test and for measuring its amplitude and its phase in relation to a reference. Depending on the depth of the cavity and the dimensions of the radiation pattern of a test probe, the device comprises one or more test probes placed in fixed positions in the cavity or a mobile probe that can be positioned in various locations of the cavity, the probe or probes being configured and arranged to illuminate the whole active surface of the antenna and that the radiation pattern of each radiating element illuminates at least one test probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Eric Estebe, Pierre Levy, Alain Bouedo
  • Patent number: 8847830
    Abstract: A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive errant microwave energy and a rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna that is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20140266930
    Abstract: A system and method to facilitate wireless testing of a radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver device under test (DUT). With the DUT operating in a controlled electromagnetic environment, the tester exchanges multiple test signals wirelessly with the DUT. Signal phases of the respective test signals are controlled in accordance with feedback signals from the DUT and test equipment. Magnitudes of the respective test signals can also be controlled in accordance with such feedback signals, thereby enabling minimizing of apparent signal path loss between the tester and DUT to effectively simulate an electrically conductive signal path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LITEPOINT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Minh-Chau HUYNH
  • Publication number: 20140266929
    Abstract: A system and method to facilitate wireless testing of a radio frequency (RF) multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) signal transceiver device under test (DUT). With the DUT operating in a controlled electromagnetic environment, the tester transmits multiple test signals wirelessly to the DUT. Signal phases of the respective test signals transmitted by the tester are controlled in accordance with feedback signal data from the DUT. Magnitudes of the respective test signals can also be controlled in accordance with such feedback signal data, thereby enabling dynamic optimization of the wireless communication channel condition number k(H).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LITEPOINT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minh-Chau HUYNH, Dirk J. M. WALVIS, Yinghui LI
  • Patent number: 8823593
    Abstract: There is provided an antenna characteristic measuring system which includes a measuring point scanner to scan a measuring point, an antenna gain measuring device which measures an antenna gain of a measured antenna at a plurality of the measuring points, determines a reference point among the plurality of the measuring points, and obtains antenna gain difference values between the antenna gain at the reference point and each of the antenna gain at the plurality of the measuring points other than the reference point, and an antenna characteristic measuring device which measures a reference antenna characteristic of the measured antenna at the reference point and obtains an antenna characteristic of the measured antenna at each of the plurality of the measuring points other than the reference point by correcting the reference antenna characteristic with each of the difference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kuniyuki Miyata
  • Patent number: 8823601
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a base, an adjusting pole perpendicularly extending up from the base, a slide apparatus slidably mounted to the adjusting pole, a supporting pole forming a rack and slidably installed in the slide apparatus along a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise of the adjusting pole, and an antenna mounted to one end of the supporting pole. The slide apparatus includes a casing and a motor installed in the casing. The casing defines two opposite guiding holes for the supporting pole extending through. The motor includes a driving roller meshing with the rack. The motor drives the driving roller to rotate and mesh with the rack to allow the antenna to move along the direction perpendicular to the slide direction of the slide apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8816915
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a system, method, and test fixture for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. One or more guides are positioned on the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate to perform the RF testing utilizing the one or more guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Paul Partee, Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
  • Patent number: 8810460
    Abstract: A system and method for testing RF characteristics of a wireless device. The wireless device is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a horizontal plane of a test fixture. An RF antenna coupler is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a vertical plane. The positioning of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler correspond to acceptable RF characteristics for testing the wireless device. Positions of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler are identified. The identified positions are utilized to perform subsequent testing of similar wireless devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Jimmie Paul Partee, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
  • Patent number: 8810461
    Abstract: An antenna coupler for testing a mobile-radio device with a coupling element formed in a flat manner by strip conductors on a printed-circuit board and with a retaining device formed on a first side of the printed-circuit board for positioning a mobile-radio device in the vicinity of the coupling element. On the first side of the printed-circuit board, at least one slit structure is introduced into an ground metallization formed there. For feeding the slit structure serving as the coupling element, at least one stripline formed on the second side facing away from it forms a microstripline with the ground metallization remaining between the slit structure of the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Roth, Gottfried Holzmann, Andreas Schiessl
  • Publication number: 20140225791
    Abstract: A method for contactlessly checking the functionality of an antenna coil for a portable data carrier comprises the steps of exciting the antenna coil, detecting the free, damped oscillation of the antenna coil in response to the excitation, and evaluating the detected free, damped oscillation. The excitation of the antenna coil is effected inductively through a pulsed magnetic field, which may be generated by a single direct-current pulse, such as a a Dirac pulse, by means of an exciting coil attached to a pulse generator. The detection of the oscillation of the antenna coil is effected through a measuring antenna, and the evaluation is effected by means of an evaluation device connected to the measuring antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Baldischweiler, Klaus Finkenzeller, Carsten Bohn
  • Publication number: 20140225790
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for manufacturing antennas with a unique signature and for identifying an antenna using its unique signature. An exemplary antenna comprises a radiating element and a ground element, between which a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit is connected. The RLC circuit is designed to generate a return-loss profile that serves as a unique antenna signature. The return-loss profile of the RLC circuit exhibits a resonance frequency outside the antenna's working bandwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Georgy Levin, James H.K. Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20140203977
    Abstract: Disclosed are a monitoring method and system and an integrated monitoring device for an antenna oscillator of a base station, which are used to monitor whether an anomaly occurs in the antenna oscillator of the base station. The monitoring method for an antenna oscillator of a base station in the present invention comprises: performing wave detection and analog-to-digital conversion on an obtained transmission signal of the antenna oscillator of the base station, to acquire a digital signal of a direct-current signal of the transmission signal; determining the amplitude of changes of the digital signal in a set time length, and when the amplitude of the changes is greater than a preset amplitude change threshold, determining that an anomaly occurs in the antenna oscillator; otherwise, determining that the antenna element is normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicants: GUANGDONG TONGYU COMMUNICATION INC., CHINA MOBILE GROUP DESIGN INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Jiwei He, Wentao Zhu, Yong Ding, Peng Gao, Jiping Mao, Yuanbo Cheng, Xingzheng Li
  • Patent number: 8786505
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus configured to be mounted to a radar array antenna having a generally planar face for aligning the antenna includes a rigid frame defining a plane generally parallel to the face of the antenna when the rigid frame is mounted to the antenna. A flexible member is associated with the rigid frame and is configured to flex relative to the rigid frame. The apparatus further includes an optical source for emitting a light beam and a target. One of the optical source and the target is associated with the flexible member and the other of the optical source and the target is associated with the rigid frame. A distance between the path of the light beam and the target is indicative of the degree of misalignment between the flexible member and the rigid frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron L. Westman, John F. Strempel
  • Patent number: 8786502
    Abstract: An electromagnetic anechoic chamber includes an anechoic chamber, an adjusting apparatus, and an antenna device. The anechoic chamber includes a bottom wall defining a rectangular receiving space, and a shielding plate supported on a bottom wall. The adjusting apparatus is received in the receiving space and includes a supporting bracket, two adjusting pulleys respectively installed to two opposite ends of the supporting bracket, and a transmission belt wrapping around the adjusting pulleys. The antenna device includes a base slidably supported on the supporting bracket and an adjusting pole perpendicularly extending up from the base. The adjusting pole extends through the transmission belt and the shielding plate. A motor drives one of the adjusting pulleys to rotate, the transmission belt is moved through the adjusting pulley to move the antenna device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ten-Chen Ho
  • Publication number: 20140198000
    Abstract: A method and device are for calibrating an antenna. At least one switch is spanning sections of a radiating antenna element. A controller is designed to selectively close the switch to be conductive, thus effectively short-circuiting the actual section of the antenna element. The method includes: installing the antenna for field use at least for transmission or reception of signals; then measuring the reflected power from the antenna at least for a number of frequencies or frequency ranges at more than one setting of the switch; and storing the settings that gives a desirable result of reflected power at an actual frequency or frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Comrod AS
    Inventor: Jo Morten Eide
  • Patent number: 8779994
    Abstract: A transmitting signal from a signal generator is divided in seven transmitting signals in a divider, and the phase and the amplitude of each of divided transmitting signals are changed in a phase shifter circuit and an attenuator circuit. The respective transmitting signals from the attenuator circuit are radiated from scatterer antennas. A receiver receives a multiple wave of radiated radio waves by using a receiving antenna. A computer substantially simultaneously starts operations of a D/A converter, the signal generator, and the receiver by using a trigger generator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Sakata, Atsushi Yamamoto, Satoru Amari
  • Patent number: 8773315
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the polarization ellipticity of an antenna response signal to an incident electromagnetic wave received on a crossed-loop antenna or an Adcock antenna array. The method comprises at least the following steps: measuring the phase offset ?? between the signals acquired respectively on the cosine and sine path of the antenna; measuring the ratio R between the amplitudes of the signals acquired respectively on the cosine and sine path of the antenna; determining the ellipticity angle ? based on the phase offset ?? and on the ratio R. The invention applies notably to the discrimination of ionospheric waves from ground and/or sea waves, in particular for a surveillance, eavesdropping, or goniometry system using HF band signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Arnaud Lecca, Eric Merlet, Jean-Christophe Mesnage, Jean-Luc Rogier
  • Publication number: 20140176373
    Abstract: A multiple input loop antenna comprising one or more half-loop antennas disposed above a ground plane wherein the plane of each half loop is perpendicular to the ground plane such that the multiple input loop antenna is a three-dimensional structure and electromagnetic waves are radiated from points within the volume occupied by the antenna rather than from a two-dimensional surface. For this reason, the multiple input loop antenna can radiate levels of peak power without inducing excessive air breakdown which are relatively high compared with peak power levels of conventional antennas having comparable transverse dimensions. Also described is an array antenna comprised of an array of multiple input loop antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: David D. Crouch, Keith G. Kato
  • Patent number: 8760184
    Abstract: A measuring probe, particularly for a non-contacting vector network analysis system, having a housing and at least one coupling structure disposed on the housing and designed for coupling an HF signal from a signal line, such that at least one additional signal probe is disposed on the housing for coupling an electrical signal into the signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Zelder, Bernd Geck
  • Patent number: 8744390
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for adjusting system tests based on detected interference. In one embodiment, a system comprises a host unit; a system test controller to control the performance of system tests, wherein a system test to detect the reception of an interfering signal comprises disabling the generation of tones for transmission through the communication system. The system also comprises multiple remote antenna units communicatively coupled to the system test controller to transmit signals to multiple wireless terminals, wherein a remote antenna unit comprises: an antenna; a transceiver, coupled to the antenna; a signal detector that measures reverse and forward power of signals transmitted to and received from the antenna; and a microcontroller to control the antenna unit, wherein upon receiving a command to perform interference testing, the microcontroller adjusts a subsequent test based on measurements of the reverse power by the signal detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Stratford
  • Patent number: 8742997
    Abstract: Conductive electronic device structures such as a conductive housing member that forms part of an antenna may be tested during manufacturing. A test system may be provided that has a pair of pins or other contacts. Test equipment such as a network analyzer may provide radio-frequency test signals in a range of frequencies. The radio-frequency test signals may be applied to the conductive housing member or other conductive structures under test using the test probe contacts. An antenna may be used to gather corresponding wireless radio-frequency signal data. Forward transfer coefficient data may be computed from the transmitted and received radio-frequency signals. The forward transfer coefficient data or other test data may be compared to reference data to determine whether the conductive electronic device structures contain a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua G. Nickel, James L. McPeak, Jr-Yi Shen
  • Publication number: 20140139382
    Abstract: A high-frequency chip antenna measurement system includes a platform; two piers; an arching; a stepper motor; an indication and fastening assembly having a source antenna holder and an illuminant indicator; a carrier stage; a chip antenna carrier having a support member and two sloping posts extending upward and outward from a top end of the support member, two chip antenna carrier benches being mounted to top ends of the two sloping posts respectively; a probe carrier having a support plate directionally variably fixed to the carrier substrate, two props fixed to the support member and parallel to each other and extending outward and upward slantingways, and a probe carrier bench mounted to top ends of the two props for bearing a probe; and a bridging member having two ends mounted to the chip antenna carrier benches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: National Chung Cheng University
    Inventors: Chia-Chan CHANG, Sheng-Fuh CHANG, Chun-Chi LIN, Sheng-Chi HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8730112
    Abstract: An antenna evaluation apparatus includes receiving antennas to be evaluated, scatterer antennas provided around them, signal generators, delay circuits, dividers, phase-shift circuits, and attenuation circuits. A computer controls the delay circuits to add delay times to radio frequency signals, and controls the phase-shift circuits and attenuation circuits to change phases and amplitudes of the radio frequency signals to produce a first fading. The antenna evaluation apparatus radiates the radio frequency signals from the scatterer antennas, thus creating multipath waves including delay and fading around the receiving antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Sakata, Atsushi Yamamoto, Satoru Amari
  • Patent number: 8730111
    Abstract: A computer measures amplitudes and phases respective received signals S60a relative to a transmitting signal when radio waves are radiated solely from each of the scatterer antennas and received by using a calibration receiving antenna, determines a target amplitude based on measured amplitudes, and determines a target phase based on measured phases. Reference attenuation amount control voltages for respective attenuators are set to attenuation amount control voltages for making the measured amplitudes coincidence with an identical target amplitude, and a reference phase shift amount control voltage for each phase shifter is set to phase shift amount control voltages for making the measured phases coincidence with an identical target phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Sakata, Atsushi Yamamoto, Satoru Amari
  • Patent number: 8693599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless receiving apparatus, whereby inter-antenna interference can be reduced without inducing an increase of a mounting area due to an increase of the number of antennas, and the number of RFIC input terminals, circuit scale and power consumption can be reduced. In the wireless receiving apparatus (100), when a receiving antenna (110-1) and a down-converter (130) are connected with a multiplexer (120) therebetween, a capacity control unit (190-2) controls the capacity value of the capacity-variable parasitic element (180-2) connected to the receiving antenna (110-2) such that the communication capacity of the receiving antenna (110-1) is maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyomichi Araki, Noriaki Saito, Tadashi Morita
  • Publication number: 20140091973
    Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna control method and an antenna device. The method includes (A1) defining a plurality of rough scanning sectors in a signal region; (A2) rotating the antenna to each rough scanning sector to measure a first evaluation signal; (A3) selecting one of the plurality of rough scanning sectors in accordance with the first evaluation signals; (A4) defining a plurality of fine scanning sectors; (A5) rotating the antenna to the plurality of fine scanning sector corresponding to the selected rough scanning sector to measure a second evaluation signal; (A6) selecting one of the plurality of fine scanning sectors in accordance with the second evaluation signals; (A7) rotating the antenna to the selected fine scanning sector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron NeWeb Corp.
    Inventors: Chen-Hung Fang, Chih-Wei Huang, Wen-Jiun Lin
  • Publication number: 20140091972
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods related to miniature probes that can be utilized for electrical and/or magnetic field strength measurements for areas that are smaller than an area of a radio-frequency (RF) module. In some embodiments, an electrical probe can be configured to include an unshielded inner conductor at an end of a coaxial assembly to allow an electrical field to induce differential-mode currents in the coaxial assembly. In some embodiments, a magnetic probe can be configured to include a loop connected to inner and outer conductors of a coaxial assembly to induce a common mode current by a change in magnetic field flux through the loop. In some implementations, such probes can be utilized to obtain near-field measurements to facilitate applications such as electromagnetic (EM) shielding designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Dinhphuoc Vu HOANG, Guohao ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20140071001
    Abstract: A system and method for testing RF characteristics of a wireless device. The wireless device is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a horizontal plane of a test fixture. An RF antenna coupler is positioned in an x-position and a y-position of a vertical plane. The positioning of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler correspond to acceptable RF characteristics for testing the wireless device. Positions of the wireless device and the RF antenna coupler are identified. The identified positions are utilized to perform subsequent testing of similar wireless devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Jimmee Paul Partee, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
  • Patent number: 8669846
    Abstract: The present invention provides one or more powered wireless transceivers and/or one or more passive wireless transceivers, a reader and interrogator with variable power, one or more antennas connected to a human or robotic hand and/or foot, a method for making same and the method of using these devices for process automation and verification involving one or more items in addition to locating, tracking and identifying these items in a supply chain. In one embodiment, a proximity sensing wireless system is provided which can be used to step the handler or operator through the step of a process and verify that each step in the process has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eigent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Warner, James Wang, Jack Winters
  • Publication number: 20140062805
    Abstract: A sensing structure includes an integrated circuit substrate, and a first sensor formed on or above the integrated circuit substrate adapted to detect a first part of an electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate. A sensing structure includes a dielectric substrate and a first sensor formed on or above the dielectric substrate adapted to detect a first part of an electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate. A sensing structure includes an integrated circuit substrate and a multitude of sensors formed on or above the integrated circuit substrate adapted to detect a multitude of parts of an electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate. A method for sensing a first part of an electromagnetic field includes providing an integrated circuit substrate, forming a first sensor on or above the integrated circuit substrate, and detecting the first part of the electromagnetic field in the integrated circuit substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Steven Bowers, Amirreza Safaripour Tabbalvandani, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
  • Publication number: 20140055307
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting whether at least one of an antenna mast and a detection mechanism is installed to an antenna. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring at least one of amplitude modulation (AM) band data and direct current (DC) power data of the antenna; and selectively determining whether at least one of the antenna mast and the detection mechanism is installed based on the at least one of the AM band data and the DC power data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David R. PETRUCCI, Gregg R. KITTINGER, Duane S. CARPER, Douglas C. MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20140055306
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting whether an antenna mast is coupled to an antenna. In one embodiment, a method of monitoring an antenna having a removable detection mechanism is provided. The method includes: monitoring voltage standing wave radio (VSWR) measurement data of the antenna; and selectively determining whether at least one of the detection mechanism and an antenna mast is installed based on the VSWR measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David R. PETRUCCI, Gregg R. KITTINGER, Duane S. CARPER, Douglas C. MARTIN
  • Patent number: 8659489
    Abstract: A radio frequency(RF) printed circuit board (PCB) includes an RF circuit for generating high frequency signals. The RF PCB is connected to an EMC measuring device when measuring the EMC thereof. The measuring device includes a probe pin and a shielding barrel surrounding the probe pin. The shielding barrel includes an end surface at a distal end thereof. The RF PCB further includes a test node connected to the RF circuit and a ground node surrounding the test node. The test node contacts the probe pin and outputs the high frequency signals when measuring the EMC of the RF PCB. The ground node corresponds to the end surface and contacts the end surface while the probe pin contacts the test node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Wei Wang, Chun-Chieh Tsen
  • Publication number: 20140049433
    Abstract: A method for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. The base plate defines a grid of grooves. One or more guides are received for connection to the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate utilizing the one or more guides to perform the RF testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Paul Partee, Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
  • Patent number: 8654016
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining parameters for an array are described. An exemplary embodiment of a method determines a set of parameters for an antenna array including multiple array elements, the array being fed by a feed array including a plurality of feed elements. The embodiment of the method includes measuring a plurality of bistatic ranges Rijk through different signal path combinations, each signal path combination from a feed element “i,” to an array element “j,” and to a feed element “k”. The measuring includes radiating energy from feed element “i”, and reflecting some of the radiated energy from array element “j” back to feed element k of the feed array. The measured bistatic ranges are processed to solve for the set of parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: A. Vince Mrstik
  • Publication number: 20140043181
    Abstract: An exemplary method comprises positioning a first antenna to receive a first signal from a second antenna, the second antenna comprising energy absorbing material that functions to expand beamwidth, receiving the first signal from the second antenna, detecting a plurality of gains based on the first signal, repositioning the first antenna relative to the second antenna to a position associated with an acceptable gain based on the first signal, removing at least some of the energy absorbing material from the second antenna to narrow the beamwidth of the second antenna, receiving, by the first antenna, a second signal from the second antenna, detecting a plurality of gains based on the second signal, and repositioning the first antenna relative to the second antenna to a position associated with an increased gain of the plurality of gains based on the second signal, the increased gain being greater than the acceptable gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Aviat U.S., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Vilhar
  • Patent number: 8643553
    Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of accurately calculating the radiation power of an object to be measured using a spheroidal coupler even when there is a non-negligible loss in a measurement system. A phase rotating unit including a variable phase shifter, a two-branch circuit, and a reflective element that is connected to one of the branched outputs of the two-branch circuit is inserted between a receiving antenna and a power measuring device. The maximum value and the minimum value of power measured by a power measuring device when the variable phase shifter changes a phase are calculated. An output reflection coefficient of a coupler is calculated from the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value, and an input reflection coefficient of an object to be measured which is approximate to the output reflection coefficient is estimated. In addition, an input reflection coefficient of a reference antenna which is used instead of the object to be measured is estimated in the same way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Anritsu Corporation
    Inventors: Tasuku Teshirogi, Shigenori Mattori, Takashi Kawamura, Aya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140002316
    Abstract: A communication device may comprise a radio frequency (RF) matching circuit, an antenna port, an antenna, a first blocking part, a second blocking part, a detecting port, and a reference level providing part. The first blocking part may be provided between the RF matching circuit and the antenna port for blocking a direct current from entering the RF matching circuit; the second blocking part may be an alternating current blocking part, one end thereof is connected to the detecting port, and the other end is connected to the RF line between the first blocking part and the antenna port; the reference level providing module may be connected between the detecting port and the second blocking part; the detecting port may be configured for detecting level, and determine that the connection of the antenna is normal if the detected level is zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: ST-Ericsson Semiconductor (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20130342403
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing antennas are provided. A given power level is transmitted on a first antenna of a device, via a processor. It is determined, at the processor, that the first antenna and a second antenna of the device are properly installed when received power at the second antenna is about greater than or equal to a threshold power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Marshall Joseph KATZ
  • Publication number: 20130342404
    Abstract: A method for measuring an impedance of an antenna includes generating, by a signal source coupled to the antenna, a radio frequency (RF) signal, applying the RF signal to a directional coupler, and mixing, by a first mixer, a first signal from the directional coupler with a signal, wherein the first signal corresponds to a reflected power from the antenna. The method further includes mixing, by a second mixer, a second signal with the signal, wherein the second signal is offset from the first signal by ninety degrees. The method further includes outputting, by a first lower pass filter (LPF) coupled to an output of the first mixer, a real part of a reflection coefficient of the antenna and outputting, by a second lower pass filter (LPF) coupled to an output of the second mixer, an imaginary part of the reflection coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventor: William David Anderson
  • Patent number: 8614578
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining the attenuation of an electromagnetic signal passing through a conductive material. An antenna is provided and placed in relatively close proximity to the conductive material. An alternating current is passed through the antenna and the impedance of the antenna is measured. The attenuation is determined using the measured impedance. A single frequency measurement may be made, or multiple measurements using different frequencies may be made. Grouped parameters based on properties of the material and the frequency of the current are used to relate the coil impedance to the attenuation. A current frequency for which the ratio of the antenna's resistive part of the impedance to the angular frequency of the current is substantially insensitive to at least one of the parameters is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Guozhong Gao, H. Frank Morrison, Hong Zhang, Richard A. Rosthal, David Alumbaugh, Cyrille Levesque
  • Patent number: 8610630
    Abstract: A 4-port strip line cell for generating standard near fields includes an upper conductor, a third port, a first port, a lower conductor, a second port and a fourth port. The third port supplies a power signal to the upper conductor. The first port terminates the upper conductor. The lower conductor is disposed to be spaced apart from the upper conductor. The second port is connected to the lower conductor so as to supply a power signal in the opposite direction of the third port. The fourth port terminates the lower conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Je Hoon Yun
  • Publication number: 20130321222
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a system, method, and test fixture for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. One or more guides are positioned on the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate to perform the RF testing utilizing the one or more guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Paul Partee, Carlos Valmonte Jimenez, Fredrick Oluoch Onyango
  • Patent number: 8599078
    Abstract: A current probe system includes a toroid made from a magnetic material and a wire made from an electrically-conducting material that forms at least one winding about a portion of the toroid. A current is induced in the winding(s) when a time-varying magnetic field is present in the toroid. A float coupled to the toroid floats the system at a water's surface. In use, a buoyant cable antenna is fed through the toroid and the system is moved along the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Navy
    Inventor: Paul M. Mileski
  • Publication number: 20130300616
    Abstract: A method of emulating real world conditions of a radio frequency (RF) signal reaching a device-under-test (DUT) includes exposing the DUT to a cone of RF signal angles of arrival transmitting coordinated RF signals from an antenna array. The antenna array has at least one antenna located at a center of the antenna array and at least three antennas located at substantially equal distance from the center and from each other. Such configuration of the antennas in the antenna array defines a base of the cone to have a range of angles of 20° to 70°. The cone of RF signal angles of arrival and the DUT may be enclosed in a chamber such as an anechoic chamber. The method sets an azimuth angle and/or an elevation angle of the DUT with respect to the transmitted RF signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Spirent Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: John Douglas Reed
  • Patent number: 8581790
    Abstract: A technique for improving radio coverage involves using interdependently tuned directional antennas. An example according to the technique is a substrate including two antennas, a transceiver, and a connector. Another example system according to the technique is a wireless access point (AP) including a processor, memory, a communication port, and a PCB comprising a plurality of directional antennas and a radio. An example method according to the technique involves determining a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and interdependently tuning a first and second directional antenna to reach an expected radiation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trapeze Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Riley