With Variable Reactance For Tuning Antenna Patents (Class 343/745)
  • Patent number: 8659491
    Abstract: A Radio Frequency (RF) device includes an adjustable antenna structure for coupling to a transmit/receive coupling module. The adjustable antenna structure includes an antenna and a plurality of transmission line elements. At least one of the plurality of transmission line circuit elements is selected, based on a transmission line characteristic signal, to form a transmission line circuit that is coupled to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Publication number: 20140049434
    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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew R. Greene, Keith Ronald Manssen, Gregory Mendolia
  • Patent number: 8654020
    Abstract: An antenna having a capacitive element is disclosed. Herein, the antenna is configured of a radiator, a ground plane being spaced apart to a predetermined distance from the radiator, a ground pin electrically connected to the radiator and the ground plane, a capacitive element located between the radiator and the ground plane, a first branch arm electrically connecting the capacitive element and the radiator, and a second branch arm electrically connecting the capacitive element and the ground plane. Thus, multiple band and broad band characteristics can be realized by the simple structure of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Radina Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hyeong-dong Kim, Sin-hyung Jeon, Hyeng-cheul Choi
  • Patent number: 8654034
    Abstract: A dynamically-reconfigurable feed network antenna having a microstrip patchwork radiating surface wherein individual radiating patches and elements of a stripline feed structure can be connected to and disconnected from each other via photoconductive interconnections. Commands from software alternately turn light from light emitting sources on or off, the light or lack thereof being channeled from an underside layer of the antenna so as to enable or disable the photoconductive interconnections. The resultant connection or disconnection of the radiating patches to each other and to the stripline feed structure will vary the antenna's frequency, bandwidth, and beam pointing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: David J. Legare
  • Patent number: 8648755
    Abstract: An antenna comprising an IMD element and one or more parasitic and active tuning elements is disclosed. The IMD element, when used in combination with the active tuning and parasitic elements, allows antenna operation at multiple resonant frequencies. In addition, the direction of antenna radiation pattern may be arbitrarily rotated in accordance with the parasitic and active tuning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ethertronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian Rowson, Jeffrey Shamblin, Laurent Desclos
  • Patent number: 8643557
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus and a radio communication apparatus are capable of separately controlling a resonance frequency in a basic mode and a resonance frequency in a higher mode and have a wide bandwidth in which the resonance frequency in the basic mode is variable. The antenna apparatus includes a feeding electrode 2, a loop-shaped radiation electrode 3, a capacitance portion 4, and inductors 5 and 6. The capacitance portion 4 is formed by a gap between an open end 3a of the loop-shaped radiation electrode 3 and the feeding electrode 2. The inductor 5 is disposed at a position where a large current is obtained in the basic mode and a small current is obtained in the higher mode. The inductor 6 is disposed at a position where a large current is obtained in the higher mode and a small current is obtained in the basic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakano, Kazunari Kawahata, Nobuhito Tsubaki, Kenichi Ishizuka, Shigeyuki Fujieda
  • Publication number: 20140022132
    Abstract: A system and process that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a multiband antenna as may be used in mobile communications devices. The multiband antenna includes a feed port coupled to each of a first radiating portion and a second radiating portion. Each of the first and second radiating portions defines a respective resonant bandwidth. The multiband antenna also includes at least one adjustable tuning circuit disposed between physically isolated radiating segments of a respective one of the first and second radiating portions. Adjustment of the tuning circuit alters a corresponding resonant bandwidth allowing the corresponding resonant bandwidth to be tuned independently of the other resonant bandwidth and without affecting performance of the other resonant bandwidth. In at least some embodiments, the tuning circuit can include a tunable phase shifter having one or more components, each having a variable reactance. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Firass Mirza Badaruzzaman, Randy Alan Wiessner, Marshall Joseph Katz
  • Publication number: 20140022133
    Abstract: Techniques and apparatus based on metamaterial structures provided for antenna and transmission line devices, including single-layer metallization and via-less metamaterial structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Services GMBH
    Inventors: Ajay Gummalla, Maha Achour, Cheng Jung Lee, Vaneet Pathak, Gregory Poilasne
  • Patent number: 8633863
    Abstract: One or more input signals are used to generate a Pseudo noise generator and re-inject the signal to obtain a more efficient method of control of a receiver using adaptive antenna array technology. The antenna array automatically adjusts its direction to the optimum using information obtained from the input signal by the receiving antenna elements. The input signals may be stored in memory for retrieval, comparison and then used to optimize reception. The difference between the outputs of the memorized signals and the reference signal is used as an error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ethertronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Desclos, Sebastian Rowson, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Publication number: 20140015720
    Abstract: A tri-band antenna for noncellular wireless applications is provided. The antenna comprises: a first radiating arm for generating a first resonance in a first frequency band, the first radiating arm further enabled for connection to an antenna tuning circuit; the first radiating arm comprising a capacitive coupling structure; a coupling arm separated by a gap from the first radiating arm; a second radiating arm for generating a second resonance in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, the second radiating arm connected to the coupling arm such that the second radiating arm is capacitively coupled to the first radiating arm; and a third radiating arm for generating a third resonance in a third frequency band lower than the second frequency band, the third radiating arm connected to the coupling arm such that the third radiating arm is capacitively coupled to the first radiating arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Handro, Michael Kuhn, Christopher Wehrmann
  • Publication number: 20140015718
    Abstract: A tri-band antenna for noncellular wireless applications is provided. The antenna comprises: a first radiating arm for generating a first resonance in a first frequency band, the first radiating arm further enabled for connection to an antenna tuning circuit; the first radiating arm comprising a capacitive coupling structure; a coupling arm separated by a gap from the first radiating arm; a second radiating arm for generating a second resonance in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, the second radiating arm connected to the coupling arm such that the second radiating arm is capacitively coupled to the first radiating arm; and a third radiating arm for generating a third resonance in a third frequency band lower than the second frequency band, the third radiating arm connected to the coupling arm such that the third radiating arm is capacitively coupled to the first radiating arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas HANDRO, Michael KUHN, Christopher WEHRMANN
  • Publication number: 20140015719
    Abstract: Dynamically switchable antenna apparatus and associated methods. In one embodiment, a switching antenna configuration is used within a portable device (e.g. mobile phone). The switching antenna comprises at least one antenna element which operates at one or more resonant frequencies, and one or more switching elements. In one implementation, the switching elements are autonomously controlled to correct for detuning effects experienced by the antenna (e.g., body tissue loading) by modifying the electrical length of the antenna radiator(s) and/or correcting antenna impedance mismatch. In another implementation, the switching elements are controlled to effectuate band switching of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: PRASADH RAMACHANDRAN
  • Patent number: 8626083
    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 a closed loop process, and a matching network having at least one second tunable element coupled at a feed point of the antenna for tuning the matching network based on an operational parameter of the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Matthew R. Greene, Keith R. Manssen
  • Patent number: 8624788
    Abstract: An wireless communication device has a housing with an exterior surface that is designed to face a user when the wireless communication device is transmitting a radio frequency signal. The communication device includes an antenna disposed inside the housing for emitting a radio frequency signal. A metal-dielectric structure resonates to reflect the radio frequency signal. The metal-dielectric structure is located between the antenna and the exterior surface at a position wherein he metal-dielectric structure traps and reflects the radio frequency signal thereby reducing a specific absorption rate of the wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Mina Ayatollahi
  • Publication number: 20130335280
    Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for electrically coupling a first lower frequency radiator of a first antenna to a first upper frequency radiator of a second antenna via a shared first port, electrically coupling a second lower frequency radiator of the first antenna to a second upper frequency radiator of the second antenna via a shared second port, suppressing, at least in part, with at least one first filter, first signals of the first lower frequency radiator from entering the first upper frequency radiator, second signals of the first upper frequency radiator from entering the first lower frequency radiator, or both, and suppressing, at least in part, with at least one second filter, third signals of the second lower frequency radiator from entering the second upper frequency radiator, fourth signals of the second upper frequency radiator from entering the second lower frequency radiator, or both. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Li Chen, III, Frank M. Caimi, Mark T. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8610632
    Abstract: Techniques for adjusting one or more antenna parameters to optimize the performance of a wireless device are disclosed. In an embodiment, a variable antenna electrical length module is provided with a control signal for selecting a preferred antenna electrical length. Further techniques for accommodating multiple antennas are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Yang Zhang, Jack Steenstra, Ernest T. Ozaki, Jui-Yao Lin, Kirk S. Taylor, Liren Chen, Guilherme Luiz Karnas Hoefel
  • Publication number: 20130328734
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of compensating for an antenna impedance mismatch are provided, including obtaining information about a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a signal received by the antenna, determining that an impedance mismatch exists if the obtained information indicates a predetermined condition indicative of an impedance mismatch, and tuning the antenna to compensate for the impedance mismatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Surinder THIND
  • Patent number: 8604988
    Abstract: A multi-function array is described where several communication system functions are realized using the same antenna architecture. An array of antenna elements where each antenna element can generate multiple radiation patterns is described; the multiple radiation patterns from each antenna element provides increased capability and flexibility in generating a phased array, a MIMO antenna system, a receive diversity antenna system, as well as direction finding feature by way of an interferometer function provided by one or multiple elements. The small volume attributes of the antenna elements populating the array lend this technique to mobile wireless devices as well as access points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ethertronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Desclos, Sebastian Rowson, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Patent number: 8593348
    Abstract: An antenna including a ground plane region, a feed element having associated with it a first reactance and a coupling element having associated with it a second reactance, the second reactance being of opposite sign to the first reactance, the coupling element being coupled to the feed element and to the ground plane region and being located in close proximity to the ground plane region, wherein an impedance and hence a resonant frequency of the antenna depend on the first and second reactances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Galtronics Corporation Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Krupa, Snir Azulay
  • Patent number: 8594584
    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: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Matthew R. Greene, Keith R. Manssen, Gregory Mendolia
  • Patent number: 8593358
    Abstract: Wireless devices, and particularly mobile devices such as cellphones, PDAs, computers, navigation devices, etc., as well as other devices which transmit or receive data or other signals at multiple frequency bands utilize at least one antenna to transmit and receive and a plurality of different bands (e.g., GSM cellular communication band; Bluetooth short range communication band; ultrawideband (UWB) communications, etc.). These wireless devices can simultaneously transmit or receive at a plurality of different bands, or simultaneously transmit and receive at different bands. The wireless devices have the ability to use a single physical structure (e.g., an antenna) for transmission and reception of many different bands. The antenna can be either actively tuned or passively tuned using one or more elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Theodore S. Rappaport
  • Publication number: 20130307739
    Abstract: The tunable antenna integrated system may include a tunable antenna module, a bias module, a direct current control module, and a RF module. The tunable antenna module may include a tunable capacitor and an antenna. The tunable capacitor may have the capacitance thereof adjusted according to an adjusting voltage. A resonant frequency of the antenna is controlled by the tunable capacitor. The bias module has a digital/analog converter for receiving a control voltage to generate the adjusting voltage, and the adjusting voltage may be outputted to the tunable capacitor with the value thereof larger than that of the control voltage. The direct current control module is connected to the bias module for outputting the control voltage to the digital/analog converter. The RF module is connected to the bias module, and a RF signal is transmitted between the tunable antenna module and the RF module through the bias module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: AUDEN TECHNO CORP.
    Inventors: CHING-WEI CHANG, CHENG-HAN TSAI, YEN-CHAO LI
  • Publication number: 20130299579
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus for backscattering an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal includes an antenna for backscattering the incoming RF signal in accordance with a reflection coefficient characteristic of the antenna. A variable impedance circuit includes an output electrically connected to the antenna. A low pass delta sigma modulator is coupled to the variable impedance circuit and digitally controls the output of the variable impedance circuit, such that the reflection coefficient of the antenna is adjusted based on the output of the variable impedance circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Tajinder MANKU
  • Patent number: 8581789
    Abstract: A self-reconfigurable multimode antenna system where loading conditions of sensors are analyzed and used to generate control signals to dynamically reconfigure an antenna for improved performance. One or multiple sensors can be coupled to the antenna to dynamically change the radiating structure. One or multiple sensors can be coupled to the input or matching section of the antenna to improve or alter the impedance match of the antenna. An algorithm to relate loading effects of sensors to dynamically adjust the antenna is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ethertronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Desclos, Jeffrey Shamblin, Barry Matsumori
  • Patent number: 8583183
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing transmission parameter control at a transmitting station is described. The exemplary system and method comprises querying a transmission parameter control module for a transmission schedule. The transmission schedule comprises at least one schedule entry defining a set of transmission parameter controls as they pertain to a destination address. At least one packet of data is then transmitted to the destination address according to the transmission parameters controls of at least one schedule entry from the transmission schedule. A system and method for selecting an antenna configuration corresponding to a next transmission of packet data is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ruckus Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: William Kish, Victor Shtrom, John Chanak
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130293431
    Abstract: A multiple-band antenna having first and second operating frequency bands is provided. The antenna includes a first patch structure associated primarily with the first operating frequency band, a second patch structure electrically coupled to the first patch structure and associated primarily with the second operating frequency band, a first slot structure disposed between a first portion of the first patch structure and the second patch structure and associated primarily with the first operating frequency band, and a second slot structure disposed between a second portion of the first patch structure and the second patch structure and associated primarily with the second operating frequency band. A mounting structure for the multiple-band antenna is also provided. The mounting structure includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to and overlapping the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: GEYI WEN, PERRY JARMUSZEWSKI, ADAM D. STEVENSON
  • Publication number: 20130293432
    Abstract: Provided is a MEMS module that includes a MEMS element having a first capacitor electrode that can be displaced, a second capacitor electrode that opposes the first capacitor electrode, and driving electrodes that cause the first capacitor electrode to be displaced. The driving electrodes are connected to a control unit that applies a driving voltage to the driving electrodes and monitor terminals for detecting power. Thus, an element for monitoring power is not needed and a MEMS module, a variable reactance circuit and an antenna device are provided that are capable of realizing smaller size and lower loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Kazunari KAWAHATA, Hiroshi NISHIDA, Hiroshi NISHIKAWA, Toshiya KAWATE
  • Publication number: 20130285863
    Abstract: Reconfigurable multi-band antenna techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes an antenna that can operate at multiple frequency bands that include first and second frequency bands, respectively. The antenna includes a first radiator structure configured to tune to the first frequency band and comprising a first radiator element. In addition, the antenna includes a second radiator structure configured to tune to the second frequency band and comprising the first radiator element and a second radiator element. The antenna also includes a tunable circuit configured to couple the first radiator element to the second radiator element. Additionally, the apparatus includes a communication module configured to use the tunable circuit to adjust one of said first and second frequency bands independently from, and without causing a change in, the other of said first and second frequency bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Javier Rodriguez De Luis, Alireza Mahanfar, Benjamin J. Shewan, Stanley Yu Tao Ng
  • Patent number: 8570231
    Abstract: This application describes a dynamically tuned front end module using a modal antenna approach for improved communication system performance. The front end module consists of power amplifiers, filters, switches and antennas along with tuning circuits integrated and controlled to provide an optimized system for RF transmission. Dynamic tuning provides the ability to maintain optimized system performance for a wide variety of use cases and environments that the wireless device is operated in. Several transmission modes are accessed in an algorithm to optimize the performance of multiple wireless devices in a cellular system, to include a power conservation mode, emergency transmission mode, and cell capacity optimization mode. Dynamic adjustment of correlation and isolation between multiple antennas is a benefit provided by this front end topology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ethertronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Desclos, Barry Matsumori, Sebastian Rowson, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Patent number: 8564485
    Abstract: An adjustable multi-band planar antenna especially applicable in mobile terminals and a radio device. The adjusting circuit (430) of the antenna is galvanically connected to a point (X) of the radiator, where the circuit can affect the places of at least two operating bands. The adjusting circuit comprises a multi-pole switch (433), by which said radiator point can be connected to one of alternative transmission lines. For example, one of two transmission lines (434, 435) is open and another shorted. A discrete capacitor (C2) can be located between the separate conductor of the transmission line and an output pole of the switch as an additive-tuning element. The adjusting circuit further comprises a LC circuit (432) between the radiator (320) and the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Pulse Finland Oy
    Inventors: Zlatoljub Milosavljevic, Antti Leskelä, Christian Braun
  • Publication number: 20130271330
    Abstract: An antenna for a wireless device includes a low band left-handed (LBLH) mode element and a low band right-handed (LBRH) mode element both operable in a low frequency bandwidth and a high band left-handed (HBLH) mode element and a high band right-handed (HBRH) mode element both operable in a high frequency bandwidth. The LBLH mode element is capacitively coupled to a feed of the antenna and is inductively coupled to a ground of the antenna. The LBRH mode element is electrically coupled to the feed of the antenna. The HBLH mode element is capacitively coupled to the feed of the antenna and is inductively coupled to the ground of the antenna. The HBRH mode element is electrically coupled to the feed of the antenna. At least one tuning element is operatively coupled to at least one of the mode elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Foster Bishop, Yong Kwon Park, Junwon Kim
  • Patent number: 8560028
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an antenna system. The antenna system may include a first antenna and a second antenna. The antenna system may further include a first LRU connected to the first antenna, and a second LRU connected to the second antenna. The antenna system may further include a router, said router being connected to the first LRU, the second LRU and a communication system, the communication system being remotely located from the antenna system. The router may be configured for receiving a plurality of concurrent (ex.—simultaneous) communication control inputs from the communication system and may selectively route the received communication control inputs to the LRUs. The LRUs may, based upon the received communication control inputs establish LRU settings for causing the antennas to transmit and/or receive communications in accordance with said communication control inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Mulbrook
  • Patent number: 8552921
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor device which can be surely supplied electric power by electromagnetic waves in different frequency bands without preventing reduction in size and weight of a semiconductor device. A semiconductor device capable of wireless communication is provided with a frequency determining circuit which detects the frequency of the electromagnetic waves received by the antenna and a circuit which automatically adjusts impedance in accordance with information from the frequency determining circuit, and the semiconductor device communicates and obtains electric power by one antenna. For adjustment of impedance, a circuit which can change the inductance or the capacitance, or an antenna which can change the length is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taichi Kato
  • Patent number: 8552916
    Abstract: An antenna includes a first arm whose one end is connected to a feeding unit, a second arm whose one end is connected to the first arm at a position that is away from the one end of the first arm and whose other end is connected to ground, and a variable impedance unit whose impedance is variable, provided between the ground and the other end of the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Md. Golam. Sorwar Hossain, Takashi Yamagajo
  • Publication number: 20130257666
    Abstract: An antenna having a driven element coupled to multiple additional elements to resonate at multiple frequencies. A magnetic dipole mode is generated by coupling a driven element to a second element, and additional resonances are generated by coupling additional elements to either or both of the driven or second element. One or multiple active components can be coupled to one or more of the coupled elements to provide dynamic tuning of the coupled or driven elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ETHERTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Laurent Desclos, Chew Chwee Heng, Sebastian Rowson, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Publication number: 20130249750
    Abstract: An antenna adjustment circuit includes: a drive section that inputs an alternating drive signal to a variable capacitance connected to an antenna; and a control section that sets a capacitance value of the variable capacitance, based on a phase of an output signal derived from the variable capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Bernie Griffiths
  • Publication number: 20130249752
    Abstract: A three-dimensional multiple spiral antenna includes a substrate, a plurality of spiral antenna sections, and a feed point module. The substrate has a three-dimensional shaped region and each spiral antenna section is supported by a corresponding section of the three-dimensional shaped region and conforms to the corresponding section of the three-dimensional shaped region such that, collectively, the spiral antenna sections have an overall shape approximating a three-dimensional shape. The feed point module is coupled to a connection point of at least one of the spiral antenna sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicolaos G. Alexopoulos, Seunghwan Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130249751
    Abstract: A dynamically-reconfigurable feed network antenna having a microstrip patchwork radiating surface wherein individual radiating patches and elements of a stripline feed structure can be connected to and disconnected from each other via photoconductive interconnections. Commands from software alternately turn light from light emitting sources on or off, the light or lack thereof being channeled from an underside layer of the antenna so as to enable or disable the photoconductive interconnections. The resultant connection or disconnection of the radiating patches to each other and to the stripline feed structure will vary the antenna's frequency, bandwidth, and beam pointing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Legare
  • Publication number: 20130231068
    Abstract: A portable electronic device and method for tuning an antenna is provided. The portable electronic device includes an antenna, a tunable element, a first input unit, at least one additional input unit, and a processor. The method involves receiving a first set of data, determining a plurality of possible physical states, activating a second input unit, receiving a second set of data from the second input unit, selecting a physical state of the portable electronic device from the plurality of possible physical states, and tuning the antenna based on the physical state of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Mahinthan VELUPPILLAI, Riyaz Shamshudin JAMAL, Nagula Tharma SANGARY
  • Patent number: 8525734
    Abstract: An antenna device for a portable electronic device and an electronic device provided with such an antenna are disclosed. The antenna device is configured to provide in a combination a tuning element for tuning at least one electrical dimension of the portable electronic device and an antenna radiator element of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Joonas Veli-Allan Krogerus
  • Publication number: 20130225088
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for tuning the resonant frequency of an antenna in a wireless communication device are disclosed, along with embodiments of a wireless communication device using such a method. Embodiments sense the out-of-band impedance of the antenna, which comprises an antenna element and selectively adjustable impedance disposed between the antenna element and a ground plane of the wireless device, and adjust the selectively adjustable impedance to achieve a desired resonant frequency of the antenna. Embodiments separate an antenna signal into an in-band signal and out-of-band impedance, generate an error signal related to the out-of-band impedance, apply the error signal to a controller circuit configurable to generate an impedance error signal representing the change in antenna impedance, and apply the impedance error signal to the selectively adjustable impedance. Embodiments of a method and electronic circuit for determining the change in impedance of an antenna are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventor: William David Anderson
  • Patent number: 8508076
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission unit includes an oscillator for converting DC energy into RF energy having a frequency f0 and a first antenna for transmitting the RF energy. The first antenna includes a first inductor and a first capacitor that are connected together in series to form a series resonant circuit with a resonant frequency fT. The unit further includes a second antenna for receiving, by resonant magnetic coupling, at least a part of the RF energy that has been transmitted by the first antenna. The second antenna includes a second inductor and a second capacitor that are connected in parallel with each other to form a parallel resonant circuit with a resonant frequency fR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kanno
  • Patent number: 8508420
    Abstract: An antenna device and a wireless communication apparatus that are capable of obtaining a plurality of resonant frequencies and varying the plurality of resonant frequencies over a wide range are provided. A first antenna unit of an antenna device includes a feed electrode, a first radiation electrode, and a first frequency-variable circuit. The first frequency-variable circuit includes first and second reactance circuits each including a variable-capacitance diode. A control voltage is applied to the first frequency-variable circuit, and the resonant frequency of the first antenna unit can thus be varied. A second antenna unit includes the feed electrode, a second radiation electrode, and a second frequency-variable circuit. The second frequency-variable circuit includes first and third reactance circuits each including a variable-capacitance diode. A control voltage is applied to the second frequency-variable circuit, and the resonant frequency of the second antenna unit can thus be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Fujieda, Kazunari Kawahata, Kenichi Ishizuka
  • Publication number: 20130201067
    Abstract: An electronic device antenna may be provided with an antenna ground. An antenna resonating element may have a first end that is coupled to the ground using an inductor and may have a second end that is coupled to a peripheral conductive housing member in an electronic device. The peripheral conductive housing member may have a portion that is connected to the ground and may have a portion that is separated from the ground by a gap. The gap may be bridged by an inductor that couples the second end of the antenna resonating element to the antenna ground. The inductor may be bridged by a switch. A tunable circuit such as a capacitor bridged by a switch may be interposed in the antenna resonating element. The switches that bridge the gap and the capacitor may be used in tuning the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Hongfei Hu, Mattia Pascolini, Robert W. Schlub, Matthew A. Mow, Nanbo Jin
  • Patent number: 8502678
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a substantially surface independent tagging system are disclosed. A resonant dielectric cavity is defined between upper and lower conducting layers, and closed at one end by a conducting base portion. Incident radiation couples into the cavity and is resonantly enhanced. An electronic device or tag paced at the edge of the cavity experiences a high electric field strength on account of this enhancement and is driven into operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Omni-ID Cayman Limited
    Inventors: James Robert Brown, Christopher Robert Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20130194144
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-resonance tunable antenna having a plurality of variable resonance points. The multi-resonance tunable antenna includes at least two branch lines and at least two capacitors. The at least two branch lines branch from a branch point of a basic line, which is connected to a filter used to receive wireless signals, in different directions. The at least two capacitors are connected between the at least two branch lines and a grounding terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Hak Lee
  • Publication number: 20130194139
    Abstract: An electronic device may have tunable antenna structures. A tunable antenna may have an antenna resonating element and an antenna ground. An adjustable electronic component such as an adjustable capacitor, adjustable inductor, or adjustable phase-shift element may be used in tuning the antenna. An impedance matching circuit may be coupled between the tunable antenna and a radio-frequency transceiver. The adjustable electronic component may be coupled to the antenna resonating element or other structures in the antenna or may form part of the impedance matching circuit, a transmission line, a parasitic antenna element, or other antenna structures. During manufacturing, manufacturing variations may cause the performance of the tunable antenna to deviate from desired specifications. Calibration operations may be performed to identify compensating adjustments to be made with the adjustable electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Joshua G. Nickel, Mattia Pascolini
  • Publication number: 20130187812
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an antenna coupler mechanism. The antenna coupler mechanism includes a bottom plate that includes a first conductor that is configured to couple energy into a nearby structure. A first tuning leg is connected in parallel with the bottom plate by a first set of electrical connections. The first tuning leg includes a second conductor and is configured to accept a radio frequency device in series with the second conductor. A second tuning leg is connected in parallel with the bottom plate by a second set of electrical connections. The second tuning leg includes a third conductor and a capacitor connected in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Regis J. Nero, JR., Steven J. Fleck
  • Patent number: 8493185
    Abstract: Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for reading RFID transponders utilizing readers in which the Q-factor of the resonant antenna of the reader shifts over the course of the reader's interrogation cycle in response to the detection of data from FDX and HDX RFID transponders in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment having a dynamically adjustable Q-factor, wherein the reader transmits an activation signal configured to activate half duplex and full duplex transponders includes a signal source configured to drive a resonant antenna and a dynamic switching circuit configured to set the Q-factor of the resonant antenna to a first value during the transmission of the activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aleis Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Leigh Bateman