With Control Of Individual Antenna (e.g., Lobe Switching Or Steering) Patents (Class 343/777)
  • Patent number: 11962077
    Abstract: An electronic device having an antenna, according to the present disclosure, includes: a first cone radiator which is provided between a first substrate and a second substrate, the upper part of which is connected to the first substrate and the lower part of which is connected to the second substrate, and which has an opening at the top thereof; a metal patch which is formed on the first substrate so as to be separated from the top opening; a second cone radiator which is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, the upper part of which is connected to the first substrate and the lower part of which is connected to the second substrate, and which has an opening at the top thereof; and a shorting pin which is formed to electrically connect the metal patch and a ground layer of the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seungwoo Ryu, Joohee Lee, Junyoung Jung
  • Patent number: 11670840
    Abstract: A multibeam analogue former of several two-dimensional radiofrequency beams of continuously variable sizes and/or aiming directions for a reconfigurable two-dimensional active array antenna, includes a first set of analogue multibeam formers of fixed one-dimensional beams, of identical structure, superposed and connected at the output to rows of elementary radiating feeds of a planar antenna array in a first axial direction X. The analogue multibeam former comprises a second set of second one-dimensional analogue formers of radiofrequency beams that are continuously variable in size and/or in aiming direction in second angular aiming directions By along a second axial direction Y. Each second analogue former is formed by a divider with a single input and R output branches in transmission mode, each output branch of the divider including an amplitude and phase control point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Fraysse, Hervé Legay, Florian Vidal
  • Patent number: 11658409
    Abstract: An antenna structure is provided, which includes a substrate, a horizontal radiator and a vertical radiator. The horizontal radiator is on or in the substrate. The vertical radiator is in the substrate and includes a vertical conductor, planar metal structures and a switch. The planar metal structures are electrically connected through the vertical conductor. The switch is in a gap of the planar metal structures and is coupled to at least one of the planar metal structures for switching a current distribution of the vertical radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Chun Pu, Chien-Ting Ho, Yen-Liang Kuo
  • Patent number: 11476714
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for providing wireless power to a mobile device, such as an aerial mobile device like an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A navigational constraint model may prescribe a navigation path along which a wireless power transmission system can provide wireless power to the mobile device. Deviations from the prescribed path may require the mobile device to self-power. The prescription of a navigation path allows for the use of reduced-complexity wireless power transmitters that are fully capable of servicing the prescribed path. Multiple embodiments of prescribed paths with various limitations and features are set forth herein, along with multiple embodiments of wireless power transmission systems of reduced complexity and functionality to fully service the various embodiments of prescribed paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Searete LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Arnstein, Daniel Arnitz, Jeffrey A. Bowers, Joseph A. Hagerty, Guy S. Lipworth, David R. Nash, Matthew S. Reynolds, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 11355855
    Abstract: A waveguide architecture for a dual-polarized antenna including multiple antenna elements. Aspects are directed to dual-polarized antenna architectures where each antenna element includes a polarizer having an individual waveguide with dual-polarization signal propagation and divided waveguides associated with each basis polarization. The waveguide architecture may include unit cells having corporate waveguide networks associated with each basis polarization connecting each divided waveguide of the polarizers of each antenna element in the unit cell with a respective common waveguide. The waveguide networks may have waveguide elements located within the unit-cell boundary with a small or minimized inter-element distance. Thus, unit cells may be positioned adjacent to each other in a waveguide device assembly for a dual-polarized antenna array without increased inter-element distance between antenna elements of adjacent unit cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Anders Jensen, Dominic Q. Nguyen, Donald L. Runyon
  • Patent number: 9786993
    Abstract: A steerable, high-power microwave antenna includes: a forward-traveling, leaky-wave feed antenna; a trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector disposed spaced-apart and above said leaky-wave feed antenna and having a conical surface facing said leaky-wave feed antenna and formed of a plurality of electrical conductors held in parallel order in a grill; and a twist-reflector pivotally mounted opposite and spaced-apart from said conical surface of said trans-reflecting conical-sectional reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC APPLICATION & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert A. Koslover
  • Patent number: 9417318
    Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a leaky wave antenna (LWA) utilizing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) are disclosed and may include configuring a resonant frequency of one or more LWAs in a wireless device utilizing MEMS actuation. RF signals may be communicated using the LWAs. The LWAs may be integrated in metal layers in a chip, an integrated circuit package, and/or a printed circuit board in the wireless device. The LWAs may include microstrip waveguides where a cavity height of the LWAs may be dependent on a spacing between conductive lines in the microstrip waveguides. The LWAs may be configured to transmit the wireless signals at a desired angle. The integrated circuit package may be affixed to a printed circuit board and an integrated circuit may be flip-chip-bonded to the integrated circuit package. An air gap may be integrated adjacent to one or more of the metal layers for the MEMS actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 9281561
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector to reflect Ku and Ka frequency band signals directed by a focal region of the main reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KVH Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Monte
  • Patent number: 9263792
    Abstract: A directive, instantaneous wide bandwidth antenna is disclosed. The antenna can include a ground plane having a recess with a tapered region accessible by an electromagnetic field via a radiating aperture at a forward end of the recess. The antenna can also include an elongate dielectric feed disposed in the recess. The dielectric feed can have a tapered portion proximate the tapered region to guide the electromagnetic field into the recess through the radiating aperture and influence pattern directivity. The antenna can further include a conductive plating disposed at least partially about the dielectric feed in a wedge configuration to influence pattern beam width. The conductive plating can have a taper to facilitate propagation of the electromagnetic field over a range of frequencies. The conductive plating can be disposed toward a rearward end of the recess relative to the radiating aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Patrick Cicero
  • Patent number: 9160055
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a wireless device is provided with a semiconductor chip, a substrate, an antenna, and a sealing material. The chip includes a wireless circuit. The substrate has a plurality of terminals arranged on a first surface and the chip arranged on a second surface. The antenna includes a radiation element and is electrically connected to the chip. The sealing material seals the chip and the antenna. A distance between a first wall of the sealing material substantially parallel to the second surface and the radiation element is equal to or more than a distance between a second wall of the sealing material substantially perpendicular to the second surface and the radiation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yukako Tsutsumi, Koh Hashimoto, Takayoshi Ito, Koji Akita, Koji Ogura
  • Patent number: 8989289
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting three distinct electromagnetic signals on a same frequency are provided. One or more transmitting devices transmit a first data signal and an inverse of the first data signal in two orthogonal linear polarities of an antenna maintaining their inverted phase relationship and a same amplitude as propagated. Transmitting devices also transmit a second data signal in a linear polarity with a 45 degree rotation around the transmit axis of the first data signal. Transmitting devices also transmit a third data signal in linear polarity orthogonal to the second data signal and consequently 315 degree rotation around the transmit axis from the first data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Nigel Iain Stuart Macrae
  • Publication number: 20150070231
    Abstract: Substrate embedded horn antenna includes a dielectric, metal patterns, metal vias and a ground plate. The metal patterns are embedded by being stacked in dielectric. Metal patterns are hollow rectangle types or hollow circle types. Metal vias connect layers of metal patterns by being embedded between layers of metal patterns. Ground plate is formed in an upper side of dielectric. Metal patterns form waveguide structure by being stacked in radial shape. Waveguide structure propagates electromagnetic wave by focusing electromagnetic wave. Embedded horn antenna capable of selectively using vertical radiation and horizontal radiation may be implemented using the via and metal pattern in dielectric substrate. Embedded horn antenna may be implemented in small size with high gain. Vertical embedded horn antenna and horizontal embedded horn antenna may be implemented in a substrate. Method of manufacturing embedded horn antenna capable of selectively using vertical radiation and horizontal radiation may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Chul Soon PARK, Hong Yi Kim
  • Patent number: 8941473
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a first node to be coupled to a first antenna, a second node coupled to a second antenna, a third node to be coupled to a third antenna, a first comparator coupled with a first input to the first node and with a second input to a second node, a second comparator coupled with a first input to the first node and with a second input to the third node, a third comparator coupled with a first input to the second node and with a second input to the third node. Each of the first, the second and the third comparators are configured to compare a first current and a second current at the first input and the second input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Nehrig, Dirk Preikszat
  • Patent number: 8886237
    Abstract: A smart antenna system for communicating wireless signals between a mobile device and a plurality of fixed base stations using different channels and beams. The system comprises a control subsystem, a radio transceiver and an antenna subsystem, providing a plurality of beams. Each beam has a main lobe, one or more nulls, and one or more lateral and back lobes with at least some attenuation, so as to reduce interference. The system performs scanning of different combinations of base stations, channels and beams using one or more test links established with one or more of the fixed base stations. The test links use at least some of the different channels and the different beams, select a first combination of base station, channel and beam based on the scanning, and establish a first operating link for transmitting a wireless signal to the selected base station using the selected channel and beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Redline Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Octavian Sarca, Serban Cretu, Aurel Picu
  • Patent number: 8860552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a strap device for a curtain or a flexible door, said straps having embedded RFID reader antenna modules and different MEMS and MOEMS sensors that make it possible to detect the direction of the objects passing through the gate and also detect the size of the objects so as to modulate the switching of the radiating elements of antennas on the basis of the position of the objects being read. The device also has embedded biosensors that measure in parallel the presence of toxic substances or materials. The device according to the invention has an LED or OLED and PHOLED display means embedded in the strap, more specifically, in a flexible material of the strap. The invention is particularly intended for the qualitative and quantitative traceability of materials passing through a logistical check gate. The device is intended for all places already having curtains with flexible straps, into which it is easily embedded. The device is suitable for all existing RFID readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Azdine Bahou
  • Patent number: 8861646
    Abstract: A wireless communication terminal according to the embodiment includes a communication module including a circuit board having a plurality of pins; a shield case antenna overlapping with one side of the circuit board, electrically connected to a part of the pins and including a signal receiving unit; and a signal processing unit for processing the received signals. An antenna matching unit for matching impedance between the signal processing unit and an antenna unit, a phase shifter for controlling a phase of the received signal and an amplitude regulator for adjusting amplitude of the received signal are provided between the signal processing unit and the antenna unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Guk Kim, Ja Kwon Ku, Kyung Suk Kim, Seung Taek Woo, Jong Chang Lee, Jeong Hoon Cho
  • Patent number: 8811974
    Abstract: Multipoint wireless communications are coordinated in cells with radiation that is emanated from antennas in an inward direction. In an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna and a controller. The first antenna emanates radiation from a first location in an inwardly direction for a cell. The second antenna emanates radiation from a second location in an inwardly direction for the cell. The third antenna emanates radiation from a third location in an inwardly direction for the cell. The controller coordinates the emanation of the radiation via the first, second, and third antennas so as to reduce intra-cell interference for remote terminals located within the cell. The coordination may be effected in accordance with one or more coordinated multi-point (transmission/reception) (CoMP) techniques. Different numbers of sub-cells and antennas per cell and different CoMP cell organizations may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Abdulfauf Hafeez, Jiann-Ching Guey, Sven Oscar Petersson, Kambiz Zangi
  • Publication number: 20140218237
    Abstract: A low complexity/cost beamsteering antenna includes a central line feed affixed to a radial waveguide structure, radiating elements positioned along the circumference of the radial waveguide structure, and a plurality of active elements interspersed along the surface of the radial waveguide structure between the central line feed and the radiating elements. The active elements may comprise PIN diodes or microelectromechanical system (MEMS) components, and may be selectively activated/deactivated by DC switches in order to direct the propagation of an RF signal over the radial waveguide structure in a manner similar to a power divider. As a result, the RF signal may be funneled to selected radiating elements, thereby effectively directionally aiming the main lobe of the emitted radiation pattern to beamsteer the wireless transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Halim Boutayeb
  • Patent number: 8781522
    Abstract: The invention utilizes small, narrow-band and frequency adaptable antennas to provide coverage to a wide range of wireless modes and frequency bands on a host wireless device. The antennas have narrow pass-band characteristics, require minimal space on the host device, and allow for smaller form factor. The frequency tunability further allows for a fewer number of antennas to be used. The operation of the antennas may also be adaptably relocated from unused modes to in-use modes to maximize performance. These features of the antennas result in cost and size reductions. In another aspect, the antennas may be broadband antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Allen Minh-Triet Tran, Ernest T. Ozaki, Jatupum Jenwatanavet, Gregory Alan Breit
  • Patent number: 8766864
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a smart antenna utilizing leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are disclosed and may include a programmable polarization antenna including one or more pairs of LWAs configured along different axes. One or more pairs of leaky wave antennas may be configured to adjust polarization and/or polarity of one or more RF signals communicated by the programmable polarization antenna. RF signals may be communicated via the configured programmable polarization antenna utilizing the configured one or more pairs of the leaky wave antennas. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The polarization and/or polarity may be configured utilizing switched phase modules. The LWAs may include microstrip or coplanar waveguides, wherein a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in one or more integrated circuits, packages, and/or printed circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8766777
    Abstract: Non-RFID-active units in a space are marked by affixing RFID tags. Two tags are affixed to each unit, each tag having a directional antenna. The antennas are oriented to define a per-unit reader location. Units are arranged in the space so the per-unit reader locations at least partially overlap to define a reader location. The units in the space can also be detected by an RFID reader located in the overlapping per-unit reader locations. A controller can compare a received list of tag identities corresponding to units expected to be in the container to the identities of the tags read to determine whether the expected units are in the container and disposed at positions and with orientations that cause the respective per-unit reader locations to at least partially overlap with the reader location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark P. Hinman, Edward Zogg, Donald Saul Rimai
  • Patent number: 8743014
    Abstract: At least three resonance frequencies are obtained by two antenna elements. The antenna device includes antenna elements (11) and (12), a wireless section (20) for supplying power to each of the antenna elements (11) and (12), a PIN diode (16) for electrically connecting and disconnecting the antenna element (11) and the wireless section (20) with/from each other, the antenna elements (11) and (12) being provided so as to be capacitively coupled to each other during the electrical disconnection between the antenna element (11) and the wireless section (20) which electrical disconnection is made by the PIN diode (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinori Kondo, Hiroyuki Takebe, Mikio Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 8743003
    Abstract: A steerable microwave antenna includes a resonant cavity comprising a partially reflecting surface (PRS) formed of an array of transmitting-receiving cells (CF2) each of which is adapted for control in transmissivity and directivity and a totally reflecting surface (TRS). A radiating element (RE) laid within the resonant cavity is provided in the vicinity of the totally reflecting surface (TRS) so as to generate microwaves. A circuit (Bx, By) for controlling transmissivity and directivity of each transmitting-receiving cell (CF2) and of the partially reflecting surface (PRS) is further provided. Such an antenna can be implemented as an antenna for Wifi connections and cellular telephone handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Universite Paris Sub (Paris II), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-CNRS-, Universite Paris X
    Inventors: André De Lustrac, Abdelwaheb Ourir, Shah Nawaz Burokur
  • Patent number: 8675617
    Abstract: A client station in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system includes a beam commutation algorithm and a smart antenna responsive to the beam commutation algorithm for selecting one of a plurality of directional antenna beams. The smart antenna is configured as a virtual omni-directional antenna by using a commutation of switched directional antenna beams. A switched directional antenna system that performs a commutation sequencing can be blind to environmental conditions and changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Interdigital Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Inhyok Cha, Keith Baldwin, Yingxue Li
  • Patent number: 8664807
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing the power of an electromagnetic signal is presented. In one embodiment, a power distribution cavity includes, a planar cavity, input ports and output ports. The planar cavity is formed with a metallic sheet in the shape of a star pattern with a plurality of elongated star arms extending from a round center portion of the metallic sheet. The input ports are attached to the round center portion of the metallic sheet for receiving an input signal. The signals entering the cavity from the input ports creating independent resonant modes within the cavity that combine producing a tapered aperture distribution of signals at the output ports. The output ports are attached near to the outward ends of the elongated star arms. The planar cavity is thus configured to propagate electromagnetic fields at the output ports that were excited within the cavity by the input ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Roland A. Gilbert, Michael D. Blazej
  • Publication number: 20140043189
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dielectric resonator array antenna including one or more series-feed type array elements installed to be arranged in parallel in a multilayer substrate, wherein first high frequency signals having the same or different phases or time delays are adjusted to be applied to the respective series-feed type array elements and respective radiated 1D array beams are individually used or combined to adjust beamforming of 2D array beams. Also, since the series-feed type array element is configured by connecting a plurality of dielectric resonator antennas in series, it can be easily and simply fed in series through coupling generated by the intervals between the feeding lines of the pertinent feeding unit of the plurality of dielectric resonator antennas connected in series. In addition, the broadband characteristics can be obtained by using the plurality of dielectric resonator antennas, whereby the overall antenna performance can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicants: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION, SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Aun Lee, Moonil Kim, Kook Joo Lee
  • Publication number: 20130328739
    Abstract: Methods and systems for converting RF power to DC power utilizing a leaky wave antenna (LWA) are disclosed and may include receiving RF wireless signals utilizing one or more LWAs in a wireless device, and generating one or more DC voltages from the received RF signals utilizing cascaded rectifier cells. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The LWAs may be configured to receive the RF signals from a desired direction. The LWAs may comprise microstrip or coplanar waveguides, wherein a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on a spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in one or more integrated circuits, integrated circuit packages, and/or printed circuit boards. The packages may be affixed to one or more printed circuit boards and the integrated circuits may be flip-chip-bonded to the packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8605807
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting electromagnetic signals are provided. Data signals including a first data signal conveying first data, a second data signal conveying second data, and a third data signal conveying third data are provided. One or more transmitting devices transmit the first data signal and an inverse of the first data signal in two orthogonal linear polarities of an antenna maintaining their inverted phase relationship as propagated. Transmitting devices also transmit the second data signal in a linear polarity with a 45 degree rotation around a transmit axis of the first data signal. Transmitting devices also transmit the third data signal in a linear polarity orthogonally from the second data signal and consequently ±45 degrees from the first data signals. One or more receiving stations receive the transmitted first data signal, the inverse of the first data signal, the second data signal and the third data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Nigel Iain Stuart Macrae
  • Patent number: 8581794
    Abstract: Antenna arrays providing high gain during wireless communications are highly desirable for many applications including, but not limited to, multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) streams and video transmissions. Optimized antenna arrays should also ensure ease of manufacture, thereby enhancing commercial viability. Circular antenna arrays including horn antennas or Yagi antennas are described, each circular antenna array ensuring ease of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Arie Shor, Mark Rich
  • Publication number: 20130293418
    Abstract: An assembly includes a self-contained, adjustable shrouding for a MIMO or SISO, or combination thereof, retransmission system enclosure. The enclosure ensures proper coverage areas of small to large facilities. The proper coverage is achieved through cake layer pie designs that previously often resulted in capacity and sector overlay issues. The antenna enclosure has a directional nature that allows for dividing stadiums, arenas, tracks, (or other large groups) into manageable smaller coverage areas through controlled directional zoning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Richard Bacon, Rob Thomas Gangle, Kyle Jeffrey Eggert, Paul Edward Bacon
  • Patent number: 8548516
    Abstract: A smart antenna system is provided for communicating wireless signals between a mobile device and a plurality of different fixed base stations using different channels and different beams, said smart antenna system comprising a control subsystem, a radio transceiver and an antenna subsystem coupled to each other and adapted to perform scanning of different combinations of base stations, channels and beams using one or more test links established with one or more of said different fixed base stations, said one or more test links using at least some of the different channels and the different beams, select a first combination of base station, channel and beam based on the scanning, and establish a first operating link for transmitting a wireless signal to the selected base station using the selected channel and beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Redline Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Octavian Sarca, Serban Cretu, Aurel Picu
  • Patent number: 8548029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring an antenna system comprising at least two antenna branches providing antenna diversity. At least a first signal branch measure and a second signal branch measure are repeatedly generated in response to a first signal branch and a second signal branch received by a respective one of the at least two antenna branches, thus generating a first plurality of second signal branch measure values in a manner so that the first and second pluralities reflect the quality of the first and second signal branches, respectively, at different points in time. The first and second pluralities are analysed in order to distinguish any differences in the performance of the first and second antenna branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Stefan Willgert
  • Publication number: 20130237163
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a smart antenna utilizing leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are disclosed and may include a programmable polarization antenna including one or more pairs of LWAs configured along different axes. One or more pairs of leaky wave antennas may be configured to adjust polarization and/or polarity of one or more RF signals communicated by the programmable polarization antenna. RF signals may be communicated via the configured programmable polarization antenna utilizing the configured one or more pairs of the leaky wave antennas. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The polarization and/or polarity may be configured utilizing switched phase modules. The LWAs may include microstrip or coplanar waveguides, wherein a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in one or more integrated circuits, packages, and/or printed circuit boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8432326
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a smart antenna utilizing leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are disclosed and may include a programmable polarization antenna including one or more pairs of LWAs configured along different axes. One or more pairs of leaky wave antennas may be configured to adjust polarization and/or polarity of one or more RF signals communicated by the programmable polarization antenna. RF signals may be communicated via the configured programmable polarization antenna utilizing the configured one or more pairs of the leaky wave antennas. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The polarization and/or polarity may be configured utilizing switched phase modules. The LWAs may include microstrip or coplanar waveguides, wherein a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in one or more integrated circuits, packages, and/or printed circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8384597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for changing the radiation pattern shape of an antenna array during electrical tilting. The antenna array has multiple antenna elements, and the system comprises a phase-shifting device provided with a primary port configured to receive a transmit signal, and multiple secondary ports configured to provide phase shifted output signals to each antenna element. The system further comprises a phase-taper device that changes phase taper over the antenna elements, and thus the beam shape, with tilt angle ?. The invention is adapted for use in down-link as well as up-link within a wireless communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Lars Manholm, Mats H Andersson, Martin Johansson, Sven Oscar Petersson
  • Patent number: 8253642
    Abstract: A leaky-wave antenna capable of multi-plane scanning is provided. The leaky-wave antenna includes a substrate, a first antenna series, a second antenna series and a plurality of control units. The first antenna series intersects with the second antenna series to share a predetermined antenna unit among many antenna units. A part of the antenna units is connected in series to extend from a first and a second transmission lines of the predetermined antenna unit to compose the first antenna series, and the other antenna units are connected in series to extend from a third and a fourth transmission lines of the predetermined antenna unit to compose the second antenna series. The control units control the transmission paths between the first to the fourth transmission lines and the antenna units, and switch a leaky beam to different scanning planes, wherein the leaky beam scans with frequency variation through the antenna units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Rong-Yuan Chang, Fu-Chiarng Chen
  • Patent number: 8089415
    Abstract: A feed for an antenna configured for use with a radar system or a satellite communication system is configured to operate in multiple bands. The feed comprises a plurality of concentric waveguides. The feed further comprises a first pair of diametrically opposed probes forming a first axis and electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of concentric waveguides. The feed further comprises a second pair of diametrically opposed probes forming a second axis and electrically coupled to the at least one of the plurality of concentric waveguides. The first and second axis are orthogonal and the first and second pairs of diametrically opposed probes are configured to generate a sum beam and difference beam in the at least one of the plurality of concentric waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. West
  • Publication number: 20110163930
    Abstract: A steerable microwave antenna includes a resonant cavity comprising a partially reflecting surface (PRS) formed of an array of transmitting-receiving cells (CF2) each of which is adapted for control in transmissivity and directivity and a totally reflecting surface (TRS). A radiating element (RE) laid within the resonant cavity is provided in the vicinity of the totally reflecting surface (TRS) so as to generate microwaves. A circuit (Bx, By) for controlling transmissivity and directivity of each transmitting-receiving cell (CF2) and of the partially reflecting surface (PRS) is further provided. Such an antenna can be implemented as an antenna for Wifi connections and cellular telephone handset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicants: Universite Paris Sub (Paris 11), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS, Universite Paris X
    Inventors: André De Lustrac, Abdelwaheb Ourir, Shah Nawaz Burokur
  • Publication number: 20110148727
    Abstract: A leaky-wave antenna capable of multi-plane scanning is provided. The leaky-wave antenna includes a substrate, a first antenna series, a second antenna series and a plurality of control units. The first antenna series intersects with the second antenna series to share a predetermined antenna unit among many antenna units. A part of the antenna units is connected in series to extend from a first and a second transmission lines of the predetermined antenna unit to compose the first antenna series, and the other antenna units are connected in series to extend from a third and a fourth transmission lines of the predetermined antenna unit to compose the second antenna series. The control units control the transmission paths between the first to the fourth transmission lines and the antenna units, and switch a leaky beam to different scanning planes, wherein the leaky beam scans with frequency variation through the antenna units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rong-Yuan Chang, Fu-Chiarng Chen
  • Patent number: 7940524
    Abstract: A self-contained cooling system for a phased array antenna includes a cooling structure, a heat exchanger, and a pump for circulating a fluid coolant around a coolant loop. The cooling system receives power from a remote power source. The cooling structure includes a plurality of coolant inlet pipes, a plurality of coolant outlet pipes, and a plurality of cooling platforms. Each of the cooling platforms has a coolant channel that begins at one of the plurality of coolant inlet pipes, terminates at one of the plurality of coolant outlet pipes, and provides a flow path for a fluid coolant. The cooling structure further includes at least one base plate releasably mounted to at least one of the plurality of cooling platforms. One or more antenna elements associated with the phased array antenna are mounted on the base plate releasably mounted to at least one of the plurality of cooling platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kerrin A. Rummel, Gregory Schaefer, Kevin W. Chen, Brandon H. Allen, Daniel J. Weissman
  • Patent number: 7890052
    Abstract: A communication system has a stratospheric platform with a payload controller and a phased array antenna having a plurality of main array elements for generating a plurality of communication beams and a plurality of auxiliary elements for canceling interference between the communication beams. A gateway station communicates with the stratospheric platform. The gateway station scales the plurality of elements to form a reconfigurable plurality of beams. The gateway station communicates an embedded control signal to the stratospheric platform to communicate a scaling of elements to form the communication beams and the auxiliary element output. The auxiliary element output is used to provide interference canceling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C Chang, Alan Cha, Jacqueline C Chen, Frank A Hagen
  • Patent number: 7889147
    Abstract: A structural grid is provided with continuous and discontinuous beam members coupled by splices, a front structure coupled to the structural grid, the front structure including a walkway and cables, a radome coupled to the front structure. The structural grid is coupled to a plurality of antenna subassemblies. The antenna subassemblies have a forward housing including an RF manifold coupled to a circulator, an aft housing coupled to the forward housing, containing a line replaceable unit that is serviceable or maintainable through the aft housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Tam, Jeff Joseph Dickstein, Lawrence Ronald Heitzmann, Andrew Donald Meekins, Michael Aleksandrovich Dumesh, Daniel David Anderson, Stephen James Essman, Michael Anthony Hahn, Dave Baldacci
  • Publication number: 20100321266
    Abstract: An antenna including a reflector with coverage and frequency flexibility is provided. The antenna comprises a reversible reflector having two separate reflecting surfaces shaped geometrically so as to cover respectively a first and a second geographical zone which are different and have predetermined shapes, in which the two reflecting surfaces are fastened back to back on a common support, and at least two independent sources arranged in a fixed configuration and connected to separate radiofrequency supply chains defining different and predefined operating frequency planes, the reflector having a first deployment position, in which the focal point of the first reflecting surface is located at the phase centre of the first source, and a second deployment position, in which the focal point of the second reflecting surface is located at the phase centre of the second source. Application notably to the field of satellite telecommunication antennae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Ludovic Schreider, Pierre Bosshard, Serge Depeyre
  • Publication number: 20100309824
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a duplexing leaky wave antenna (LWA) are disclosed. In this regard, RF signals may be concurrently transmitted and received via a leaky wave antenna, wherein a height of a first portion of a resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna is different than a height of a second portion of the resonant cavity. RF signals transmitted may be at or near a first frequency and RF signals received be at or near a second frequency. The height of the first portion of the resonant cavity and/or the height of the second portion of the resonant cavity may be controlled by applying one or more voltages which causes one or both reflective surface of the leaky wave antenna to deflect. The leaky wave antenna may be integrated on and/or within an integrated circuit, an integrated circuit package, a printed circuit board, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Publication number: 20100309079
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a smart antenna utilizing leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are disclosed and may include a programmable polarization antenna including one or more pairs of LWAs configured along different axes. One or more pairs of leaky wave antennas may be configured to adjust polarization and/or polarity of one or more RF signals communicated by the programmable polarization antenna. RF signals may be communicated via the configured programmable polarization antenna utilizing the configured one or more pairs of the leaky wave antennas. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The polarization and/or polarity may be configured utilizing switched phase modules. The LWAs may include microstrip or coplanar waveguides, wherein a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in one or more integrated circuits, packages, and/or printed circuit boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7801521
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement, method, and cellular communications system for transmitting and receiving signals between a base station tower, ground-based mobile subscribers, and an aircraft. The antenna arrangement includes a vertically oriented array of antenna elements, and a feedline arrangement that feeds the antenna elements with progressively phase-retarded signals, thereby generating an elevated antenna beam directed upward toward the aircraft and away from the ground-based mobile subscribers. In one embodiment, the antenna arrangement also generates a horizontal antenna beam for communicating with the ground-based subscribers. The horizontal beam and the elevated beam are sufficiently separated in elevation to prevent mutual interference when using the same frequency spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Paul Wilkinson Dent
  • Publication number: 20100188304
    Abstract: A communications system including an antenna array and electronics assembly that may be mounted on and in a vehicle. The communication system may generally comprise an external subassembly that is mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle, and an internal subassembly that is located within the vehicle, the external and internal subassemblies being communicatively coupled to one another. The external subassembly may comprise the antenna array as well as mounting equipment and steering actuators to move the antenna array in azimuth, elevation and polarization (for example, to track a satellite or other signal source). The internal subassembly may comprise most of the electronics associated with the communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Clymer, Frank Blanda
  • Patent number: 7724176
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an antenna array includes a plurality of racks that are each configured with a plurality of antenna elements. Each rack may be rotated relative to the other racks through an axis that is generally parallel to the axis of other racks. Each antenna element within each rack has an axial orientation that is generally similar to and has an elevational orientation that is individually adjustable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James A. Pruett, Timothy E. Adams, Christopher T. Moshenrose, Jerry M. Grimm
  • Patent number: 7720511
    Abstract: The present invention determines optimal positions of a variable antenna using an artificial intelligence-based genetic algorithm (GA). The GA acquires a fitness value for an individual of a genetic algorithm population by updating positions of the antenna. The population improves through an evolutionary computational process using a fitness measure based on the signal strength. At the end of the process, the system positions the antenna to the best position found by the GA. Therefore, the final position gives exceptionally clear reception for a chosen received frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian Hanley, Choong K Oh
  • Patent number: 7671803
    Abstract: A wireless communication system comprising a radio module. The radio module comprises a radio transceiver and an antenna electrically coupled to the radio transceiver. The radio module may also comprise an electromagnetic shield disposed relative to the antenna to enable the antenna to transmit a radio signal to a location external to the electrical device without electromagnetic interference from within the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy Neill, Robin Castell