Adjustable Patents (Class 343/861)
  • Publication number: 20080136728
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to impedance matching applied to a radio apparatus having an antenna. The antenna transmits and receives a signal of a predetermined frequency band. A high-frequency signal processing unit performs a signal processing on the signal transmitted from and received by the antenna. The signal path connects the antenna with the high-frequency processing unit. The signal path is structured in a manner such that, at one point between the antenna and the high-frequency signal processing unit, the signal path is branched out to a plurality of branched line paths that each include at least an inductance component and a capacitance component and, at another point between them, the respective branched-out branched line paths are gathered. By adjusting the number of a plurality of branched line paths, the impedance is matched in the predetermined frequency band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Seiichi Banba
  • Publication number: 20080136729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna matching device that varies a frequency bandwidth according to mobile communication services, and to a transceiver having the same. To this end, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a transceiver that varies a frequency band and a bandwidth according to required services in a mobile communication system, the transceiver including an antenna matching controller that generates a prescribed switch control signal according to a service requested by a user, an antenna variable matching unit that variably forms a matching circuit according to the switch control signal to be transmitted from the antenna matching controller and varies the frequency band and the bandwidth, an analog processing unit that processes a signal to be transmitted/received through the antenna variable matching unit, and a wideband antenna that transmits/receives a radio frequency according to the frequency band and the bandwidth set by the antenna variable matching unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Byung-Su KANG, Jae-Ho Jung, Seong-Min Kim, Kwang-Chun Lee
  • Publication number: 20080122723
    Abstract: A programmable antenna includes a fixed antenna element and a programmable antenna element that is tunable to one of a plurality of resonant frequencies in response to at least one antenna control signal. A programmable impedance matching network is tunable in response to at least one matching network control signal, to provide a substantially constant load impedance. A control module generates the antenna control signals and the matching network control signals, in response to a frequency selection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation, a California Coporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7379714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting the impedance between a transmitter's power amplifier (PA) and antenna to efficiently transfer power from the PA to the antenna. The impedance between the PA and the antenna is adjusted based on power level measurements and/or PA direct current (DC) consumption measurements, depending on whether the PA is a linear PA or a switch-mode PA. In another embodiment, a hybrid PA including a first stage linear PA and a second stage switch-mode PA is implemented in a transmitter. The hybrid PA selectively connects the output of the first stage linear PA to one of the input of the second stage switch-mode PA and the output of the hybrid PA, depending on the output power level of the first stage linear PA, the output power level of the hybrid PA, or a requirement indicated by a transmit power control (TPC) command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tanbir Haque, Alpaslan Demir, Leonid Kazakevich, Gerard Klahn
  • Patent number: 7348926
    Abstract: A cellular phone covering a plurality of frequency bands, includes (a) an antenna, (b) a high-frequency circuit, (c) an antenna-matching circuit electrically connecting in series between the antenna and the high-frequency circuit, and (d) a first unit which varies a ground length in accordance with a frequency band in which the cellular phone makes communication with others, the ground length being defined as a length of a ground area for the antenna-matching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Ueda
  • Patent number: 7317303
    Abstract: A power supply creates a voltage difference between high and low power supply rails. The power supply has a voltage signal source, a capacitive coupling element, energy storage element 12, first and second rectifying diodes, a regulator, and bypass means for selectively decreasing the impedance between the voltage signal source and the low power supply rail or increasing the load presented to the voltage signal source. The capacitive coupling element is connected to the voltage signal source. Energy storage element 12 stores energy between the high and low power supply rails. The first rectifying diode is positioned between the capacitive coupling element and energy storage element 12. It is coupled to the voltage signal source through the capacitive coupling element and arranged to favor current flow toward energy storage element 12 from the capacitive coupling element. The second rectifying diode is positioned between the capacitive coupling element and the low power supply rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Celis Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Alan D. DeVilbiss
  • Patent number: 7242364
    Abstract: A wide-band antenna comprises a series-resonant antenna and a resonant circuit. The antenna has a radiative element and a feed pin. The resonant circuit comprises an inductive element connected to the feed pin and a capacitor connected in parallel to the inductive element, which has a center tap for adjusting the impedance of the resonant circuit relative to the antenna impedance. The antenna can be a low-impedance PILA, a helix, monopole, whip, stub or loop antenna. The wide-band antenna can be used for the low (1 GHz range) or high (2 GHz range) band. The antenna can be made to simultaneously cover both 850 & 900 bands with the ground plane small enough to be implemented in a mobile phone or the like. The center tap is either connected to the feed of the antenna or connected to an RF front-end dependent upon the impedance level of the antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Tero Ranta
  • Patent number: 7190933
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit and method for automatic tuning of a resonant circuit in a transceiver having a receiver and a transmitter that includes a power amplifier for driving the resonant circuit. During a transmit mode of the transceiver, a resonance voltage of the resonant circuit is compared to an input voltage signal to the power amplifier to determine an error signal that is converted into a control word. The control word drives an adjustable capacitance bank that is part of the resonant circuit. During a receive mode of the transceiver, the control word value is held constant to substantially maintain resonance of the resonant circuit during operation of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Intergration Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Hendricus De Ruijter, Gábor Tóth, Péter Onódy, András Hegyi, Attila Zólomy, Matthijs D. Pardoen, János Erdélyi, Ferenc Mernyei
  • Patent number: 7180467
    Abstract: A dual-band antenna matching system and a method for dual-band impedance matching are provided. The method comprises: accepting a frequency-dependent impedance from an antenna; and, selectively supplying a conjugate impedance match for the antenna at either a first and a second communication band, or a third and a fourth communication band. More specifically, the method comprises: tuning a first tuning circuit to a first frequency; and, simultaneously tuning a second tuning circuit to a second frequency. In response, a conjugate match is supplied to the antenna in the first communication band in response to the first frequency. Simultaneously, the antenna is matched in the second communication band in response to the second frequency. When the first tuning circuit is tuned to a third frequency, and the second tuning circuit is tuned to a fourth frequency, then conjugate matches are supplied for the third and fourth communication bands, responsive to the third and fourth frequencies, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Fabrega-Sanchez, Gregory Poilasne, Stanley S. Toncich, Allen Tran
  • Patent number: 7176845
    Abstract: A sub-band antenna matching method and an antenna matching system for selectively matching a communication bandwidth segment impedance have been provided. The method comprises: accepting a frequency-dependent impedance from an antenna; and, selectively supplying a conjugate impedance match for the antenna at a sub-band of a first communication band. In some aspects, the method selectively supplies a conjugate impedance match for the antenna at a sub-band of a second communication band. More specifically, the method comprises: tuning a first tuning circuit to a first frequency; simultaneously tuning a second tuning circuit to a second frequency to match the antenna at a low end of the first communication band. Likewise, the first tuning circuit is tuned to a third frequency and the second tuning circuit is tuned to a fourth frequency to match the antenna at a high end of the first communication band in response to the third and fourth frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Fabrega-Sanchez, Gregory Poilasne, Stanley S. Toncich, Allen Tran
  • Patent number: 7116281
    Abstract: Described is a universal dipole which may include a feed line coupled to a first fitting; a balun coupled to a second fitting; a first variable length antenna element coupled to the first fitting; a second variable length antenna element coupled to the second fitting; a support plate holding the feed line and the balun at a fixed spacing, the support plate including a short circuit path between the feed line and the balun; and a sliding short assembly attachable between the feed line and the balun to create a short circuit at variable distances along the feed line and the balun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Rankin
  • Patent number: 7113087
    Abstract: Proximity of a user body part can be detected by measuring the effects such proximity has on antenna impedance mismatches. The amount of mismatch affects the amount of RF signal energy reflected back into a transmission line connecting the antenna to a RF signal source. A directional coupler has a main line electrically connected to the transmission line, as well as a coupled line. The directional coupler produces a signal on its coupled line in relation to the magnitude of reflected energy on the transmission line; the amount of reflected energy varies in response to how well the antenna impedance matches the transmission line impedance. A signal detector is electrically connected to the coupled line, and responds to signals produced in the coupled line by the main line. The signal detector output is then used to determine whether a body part is in proximity. Other aspects the invention include an adaptive algorithm to adjust a threshold for proximity determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Casebolt, Craig S. Ranta
  • Patent number: 7109945
    Abstract: There is provided a flat antenna that includes a feed conductor, and at least one non-feed conductor positioned on either one side or both sides of the feed conductor depending on the required reception band. Thus, a flat antenna that is capable of receiving television broadcast can be miniaturized. In addition, a matching circuit that is so configured that the resonant frequency of the flat antenna is made variable is provided integrally. Through this matching circuit, the resonant frequency of the flat antenna can be varied so as to correspond to the desired reception channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kohei Mori
  • Patent number: 7109944
    Abstract: An antenna is constituted in which a variable capacitance capacitor portion Ct is connected between an antenna element and a ground. In the variable capacitance capacitor, a plurality of variable capacitance elements using a thin film dielectric layer whose dielectric constant is changed by a voltage applied are connected in parallel with regard to direct current component and in series with regard to high frequency component between an antenna-element-side terminal and a ground-side terminal. The capacitance change ratio of the variable capacitance capacitor that depends on the bias signal can be utilized to the maximum so as to perform impedance matching so that the electrical length of the antenna element is changed, and thus, the operating frequency can be changed. In addition, the antenna having small waveform distortion and intermodulation distortion, high power handling capability and low loss at high frequencies can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Sato, Takanori Ikuta
  • Patent number: 7058372
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit and method for continuous automatic tuning of a resonant circuit. A resonance voltage of the resonant circuit is phase shifted by a predetermined phase shift ? degrees and an input voltage signal to a power amplifier driving the resonant circuit is phase shifted by ?±90 degrees to place the signals in quadrature. The phase shifted signals are mixed to obtain a error signal. The error signal is compared to a predetermined voltage range in order to generate control signals for a control word generator, such as an up-down counter. The control word generator produces a control word that drives a capacitance bank that is part of the resonant circuit. The present invention continuously automatically adjusts the capacitance of the capacitance bank to tune the resonant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Integration Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Matthijs D. Pardoen, János Erdélyi, Attila Zólomy, Ferenc Mernyei
  • Patent number: 6972720
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a ground conductor plate, and a radiating conductor plate made of a metal plate, which is spaced from the ground conductor plate. The radiating conductor plate is provided with adjusting means for adjusting the electrical length. Thus, the correction of the electrical lengths can be made even if there is a difference between the electrical lengths of the radiating conductor plate caused by assembling errors, etc. In addition, when the antenna device is used in a state in which it is connected to external equipment, the adjusting means allows the adjustment of the electrical lengths of the radiating conductor plate even if the electrical lengths of the radiating conductor plate are subjected to the electrical influence from the electrical equipment and its surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Shikata, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Tomotaka Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6870460
    Abstract: A transponder 14.1 for a radio frequency (RF) identification system comprises an antenna 22.1 having an antenna impedance (ZA) having a real part (RA) connected to transponder circuitry presenting a load impedance (ZL) having a real part (RL), a ratio ( R L R A ) of the real part (RL) of the load impedance and the real part (RA) of the antenna impedance having a first value that is bigger than one when the transponder is not transmitting data. During transmission of data the ratio is switched between the first value and a second smaller value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Supersensor (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Gordon Gervase Turner, John McMurray
  • Publication number: 20040263411
    Abstract: A dual-band antenna matching system and a method for dual-band impedance matching are provided. The method comprises: accepting a frequency-dependent impedance from an antenna; and, selectively supplying a conjugate impedance match for the antenna at either a first and a second communication band, or a third and a fourth communication band. More specifically, the method comprises: tuning a first tuning circuit to a first frequency; and, simultaneously tuning a second tuning circuit to a second frequency. In response, a conjugate match is supplied to the antenna in the first communication band in response to the first frequency. Simultaneously, the antenna is matched in the second communication band in response to the second frequency. When the first tuning circuit is tuned to a third frequency, and the second tuning circuit is tuned to a fourth frequency, then conjugate matches are supplied for the third and fourth communication bands, responsive to the third and fourth frequencies, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jorge Fabrega-Sanchez, Gregory Poilasne, Stanley S. Toncich, Allen Tran
  • Patent number: 6721544
    Abstract: A duplexer structure for allowing an RF transmitter and an RF receiver to share a common antenna includes impedance matching circuitry to match the receiver input impedance to the antenna impedance during a receive operation and impedance transformation circuitry to transform the antenna impedance to a lower impedance at the receiver input terminals during a transmit operation. The impedance matching circuitry and the impedance transformation circuitry of the duplexer share one or more passive components, thus reducing the overall number of components required to implement the duplexer. This reduction in component count reduces the amount of chip area required to implement the duplexer and increases the ease with which the RF transceiver is integrated onto a semiconductor chip. In one embodiment, the duplexer uses a differential topology to provide common mode noise rejection and even harmonic distortion cancellation within a transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Luiz M. Franca-Neto
  • Patent number: 6718157
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for commonly using an antenna for a call signal and a television (TV) broadcasting signal in a radio communication terminal including an antenna, a phone duplexer, a TV tuner, an LC parallel circuit, connected between the antenna and the phone duplexer, for forming an LC resonance circuit for a call signal frequency band, an LC series circuit connected to a connected point of the LC parallel circuit and the antenna and to a DC power supply terminal, a stub for impedance matching one terminal of which is connected between a capacitor and an inductor of the LC series circuit and the other terminal of which is connected to the TV tuner, and a path providing section for providing a path between a connected point of the stub and the TV tuner and a ground terminal in accordance with a switching control signal provided according to a TV or call operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teak-Kyun Choi
  • Patent number: 6469590
    Abstract: An antenna (24) for minimizing reception of undesirable signals below a predetermined frequency band includes a first and a second terminal (A, A′) connectable to at least a receiver (22). The antenna components are connected to the first and second terminals, and a filter (26) is integrally connected across the first and second terminals (A, A′). The filter matches an impedance value of the antenna components with an impedance value of the receiver. Moreover, the filter effectively forms a short circuit at the undesirable frequency to minimize reception of undesirable signals below the predetermined frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company
    Inventors: John Richard Lewis, Jr., Steven Michael Senn
  • Patent number: 6429828
    Abstract: A wide-band self-tuning antenna system for the reception of VHF/UHF signals includes planar antenna elements located on both the surfaces of a printed circuit board and a tuner unit which includes a plurality of matching networks for the respective plurality of bands of frequencies. The planar elements on the respective surfaces of the printed circuit board are substantially identical in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Prapan Paul Tinaphong, Yi Lisa Shui
  • Patent number: 6417811
    Abstract: An in-glass antenna system for a window with adjustable impedance for impedance matching. The in-glass antenna system includes an in-glass slot antenna that is defined by an upper portion, a lower portion and two respective side portions. An in-glass impedance matching circuit is connected to the slot antenna, wherein the impedance matching circuit adjusts the impedance of said slot antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Adrian
  • Publication number: 20010020921
    Abstract: A tunable antenna includes separate radiator parts coupled to one another. The coupling between the parts is changed by rotating and/or displacing the parts with respect to one another such that the antenna exhibits a radiation pattern associated with a respective degree of a rotation and/or displacement. A process for manufacturing such antennas includes constructing parts for a respective antenna, coupling the parts to one another to permit them to rotate and/or displace, measuring the radiation pattern of the parts, and adjusting the radiation pattern by rotating and/or displacing the parts with respect to one another to set a nominal radiation pattern of the respective antenna formed by the parts. The couple is changed by rotation and/or displacement of the parts. A respective degree of rotation and/or displacement creates a corresponding change of a radiation pattern of the parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Martin Weinberger, Michael Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20010017602
    Abstract: A transmission system delays a carrier wave and program audio in the digital domain. The carrier wave and the program audio are converted to analog and the carrier wave is modulated by the program audio. The system includes a master oscillator that generates a digital carrier wave. The digital carrier wave is transmitted to a delay stage that delays the digital carrier wave by a certain delay value. The system further receives an analog or digital signal that is representative of programming. If an analog signal is received, the signal is transmitted to an analog-to-digital converter where it is converted to digital audio. The digital audio is then transmitted to a delay stage that delays the digital audio by the same delay value. The digital carrier wave and the digital audio are converted to an analog carrier wave and analog audio respectively. A modulator modulates the analog carrier wave by the analog audio and sends the amplitude modulated carrier wave to a power amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Mario Hieb
  • Patent number: 6218994
    Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an antenna system which makes use of the waveguide properties of sea ice. The antenna system broadly includes at least one antenna wire extending along and preferably in contact with a sea ice surface for transmitting and receiving substantially vertically polarized radio waves. In a first embodiment, the antenna system has a single antenna wire connected to a tuner at one end and grounded to seawater at a second end. The antenna system also has a second length of wire attached to the tuner. The second wire passes through a hole in the sea ice and is also grounded to the seawater beneath the sea ice. In an alternative embodiment, only the second wire is grounded to the seawater beneath the sea ice. The single antenna wire in this embodiment is ungrounded. In yet another embodiment, the antenna system comprises a dipole antenna wire laying on the surface of the sea ice and being connected to a radio for transmitting and receiving radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Paul M. Mileski, Patrick E. Gilles, Brian L. Pease
  • Patent number: 5999134
    Abstract: The present invention provides a glass antenna system with improved reception, a connector of the glass antenna system and a method of producing the glass antenna system. The glass antenna system includes a glass substrate, at least one electroconductive antenna element positioned along a major surface of the substrate, wherein the antenna element provides an impedance which varies over a given frequency band, an impedance matching network secured to the glass substrate in a position such that the impedance matching network is electrically coupled to a portion of the antenna element, and means to electrically interconnect the network to a feedline of an electromagnetic energy transmitting and/or receiving unit. The impedance matching network is used to transform the impedance of the antenna element to a desired impedance. In one particular embodiment of the invention the impedance matching network is part of a connector and is formed along a first major surface of a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Dishart, David A. Saar
  • Patent number: 5986617
    Abstract: An unbalanced to balanced antenna matching unit (AMU) is capable of operating over a relatively large frequency range by utilizing multiple transformers connected in series, with a set of bypass switches used to control the number of transformers that are "active" in the matching unit at any particular time. Complex impedance matching by the AMU is controlled by a variable capacitor in parallel with the multiple transformers and a variable capacitor in series with the unbalanced input. The parallel variable capacitor may be located on either side of the transformer arrangement. The transformer output may be configured to switch between matching either a low impedance antenna or a high impedance antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies
    Inventor: Scott Wayne McLellan
  • Patent number: 5883600
    Abstract: A tuneable antenna including an elongated radiating element with a conductive loading coil positioned on an insulating member. A capacitor is formed above the loading coil with a conductive member overlying the loading coil and movable with respect to the coil and the capacitor to change the resonant frequency of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Frank J. Kukura
  • Patent number: 5874926
    Abstract: A matching circuit and an antenna apparatus which, though small-sized, can be used in a radio apparatus which transmits and receives radio waves having a wide range of frequencies. A matching circuit includes an inductance element formed of a chip inductor connected in series with an antenna body, a first capacitance element formed of a trimmer capacitor, and a second capacitance element formed of a chip capacitor, which capacitance elements are connected between respective ends of the inductance element and a ground terminal, and thus in parallel to the antenna body. One end of the inductance element is connected to the power supply terminal of the antenna body, and the other end is connected to a power source for applying a voltage to the antenna body. The first capacitance element is connected between a ground and the connection point of the power supply terminal of the antenna body and the inductance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Mfg Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Teruhisa Tsuru, Harufumi Mandai, Toshifumi Oida, Yoichiro Suga
  • Patent number: 5751253
    Abstract: A new and improved antenna-transmission line coupling system is provided wherein the electro-magnetic oscillations in the antenna are prevented from entering the circuitry which couples the antenna to its transmission line. The coupling structure (called coupler) includes an impedance matching transformer and a capacitor connected to the transformer and capacitively coupled with the antenna element. Various embodiments are provided for varying the capacitive coupling with the antenna element. Antenna elements having capacitor plates on their ends are disclosed; as well as an arrangement wherein a universal coupler having a broad band impedance matching transformer can be used with any number of antenna elements each tailored for a different commercial RF frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Horace Wells
  • Patent number: 5631611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a matching and tuning network for connecting a source of RF power to a complex load. The network is comprised of a primary circuit and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit is comprised of a fixed capacitor connected in series with a primary winding of a coupling transformer connected to said source of RF power. The secondary circuit is comprised of a series connection of a secondary winding of said coupling transformer and a variable capacitor connected to said load. The network is further comprised of an input voltage sensor; and an input current sensor both connect to an impedance detector and a phase detector. The impedance detector controls an encoder for varying the coupling between the primary winding and the secondary winding of the coupling transformer to maintain a constant input impedance. The phase detector controls the same encoder for varying the capacity of the variable capacitor so as to maintain a zero phase shift at the input to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Nautel Limited
    Inventor: Ky T. Luu
  • Patent number: 5589844
    Abstract: An automatic antenna tuner which conjugately matches the impedance of an electrically small antenna to the impedance of a transmit amplifier output stage by using a pi-type impedance matching network with adjustable capacitive circuit components which are preferably implemented using a low cost escapement mechanism. During an initial set up tuning procedure, a resistive Wheatstone bridge detector is disposed between the output of the power amplifier and the input to the pi network, to feedback a measure a degree of match of the pi network to a controller. The capacitive elements in the legs of the pi network are then electromechanically adjusted under the operator of the controller until an optimum setting is found. These initial impedance values are determined for each frequency in an operating range and then stored in a non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Flash Comm, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald K. Belcher, David C. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5564086
    Abstract: In a radio transmitter (100) that includes a power amplifier (104) and an antenna (106), a method for enhancing an operating characteristic of the radio transmitter (100) can be accomplished in the following manner. The power amplifier (104) provides a signal (113) to a variable matching network (111), wherein the signal (113) comprises energy to be radiated by the antenna (106). The variable matching network (111) couples the signal (113) to a sampler (112) that is operably coupled to an output of the variable matching network (111 ) and the antenna (106). The sampler (112) samples a forward component (114) and a reflected component (115) of the signal (113). The radio transmitter (100) processes the sampled forward and reflected components (116, 118) to produce a feedback control signal (120). The feedback control signal (120) is used to adjust the variable matching network (111 ), such that an operating characteristic of the radio transmitter (100) is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Cygan, Paul H. Gailus, William J. Turney, Francis R. Yester, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5521607
    Abstract: A bandwidth-enhanced antenna system for operating on one of a plurality of selected frequency bands includes a whip or wire antenna element having band selection wires and a contiguous set of inductors arranged in series, each of the inductors being sufficiently separated from one another and being arranged such that the resonant frequency of any of said inductors is greater than the highest operating frequency of the plurality of frequency bands. Selector means is included provide a band select signal, and a plurality of switches each having a first terminal connected to a corresponding one of the inductors and a second terminal connected to the feed-end of the antenna element. The switches are responsive to the bandwidth select signal to allow communication using a selected one of the plurality of the frequency bands. An impedance matching network may be used for coupling an external receiver or transmitter to the feed-end of the antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell International
    Inventor: Richard E. Deasy
  • Patent number: 5483680
    Abstract: A method and circuit for detecting and reducing the impedance mismatch between the directional coupler and the antenna of an RF communications system exposed to externally generated RF signals. The impedance mismatch is detected by the quadrature multiplication of the signal passing through a directional coupler in the forward and reverse directions with the detection being enhanced by the use of a forward direction signal substantially devoid of externally generated RF signal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Talbot
  • Patent number: 5448253
    Abstract: An antenna (105) for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals includes a conductive element (300) having a first electrical length and a first operating impedance and a transmission line (315) having a second electrical length and a second operating impedance for resonating the conductive element (300) at a predetermined operating frequency. A coaxial element (305) having a third electrical length is coupled to the conductive element (300) and the transmission line element (315) for converting the first operating impedance to the second operating impedance. When the conductive element (300) is resonated, the first, second, and third electrical lengths are substantially equal to a quarter wavelength or an odd multiple thereof at the predetermined operating frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenzo A. Ponce de Leon, Nick Buris, Kazimierz Siwiak
  • Patent number: 5440318
    Abstract: A panel antenna suitable for use in cellular communication applications provided with means for mechanically and electrically adjusting the tilt of the antenna beam. Electrical down tilt being achieved by varying the length of a first feed line to a group of dipole pairs. Mechanical down tilting of the antenna beam being achieved by tilting the antenna ground plane and dipole driver assembly with respect to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventors: Roger J. Butland, William E. Heinz
  • Patent number: 5412310
    Abstract: Switchable inductors for strong currents are used especially in antenna tuning circuits. The value of the inductance between the terminals of the primary winding of an air-core static transformer is different depending on whether the secondary winding of the transformer is placed in an open circuit or in a short circuit by switching means formed by power semiconductor elements. Application in particular to antenna coupling circuits for VLF stations working by frequency hop transmission with highly selective antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventors: Ivan Wolk, Guy Boulzaguet
  • Patent number: 5335368
    Abstract: A portable radio apparatus having a casing thereof keeps a matching state of an antenna thereof in the call waiting state and in the operating state of the apparatus. The casing is foldable and expandable and accommodates therein a transmitting and receiving circuit connected via a variable matching circuit to the antenna. The matching circuit is connected to a sensor disposed in the casing for sensing a folded state thereof. Depending on a result of the sensing operation of the sensor, the matching circuit changes the matching state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Tamura
  • Patent number: 5331271
    Abstract: A transformer having a core of soft magnetic material around which a first winding and a second winding are wound and a leakage inductance based on the magnetic coupling between these windings. The effective leakage reactance is minimized by adding a third transformer winding serially connected to a capacitor, the latter of which is varied to reduce the leakage reactance over a broad frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Robbert C. Thuis
  • Patent number: 5281932
    Abstract: An impedance matching device that is particularly suited for high speed, high power applications is disclosed. The impedance matching devices employ magnetic coupling allowing their usage in a "frequency-agile" environments such as communication as well as communication jamming and deception techniques without creating high current, high voltage and thermal conditions that might otherwise damage the related switching devices. The impedance matching device provides a predetermined impedance to transform a load impedance Z.sub.L into a desired characteristic impedance Z.sub.0 over a frequency range having a lower and an upper band. The device comprises one or more first and second inductive components. Each of the first inductive components has an impedance characteristic associated with said lower band, whereas each of the second inductive component has an impedance characteristic associated with the upper band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: AEL Defense Corp.
    Inventor: Baruch Even-Or
  • Patent number: 5225847
    Abstract: In an automatic tuning system for an antenna having a single variable reactance element, the power transmitted to the antenna and the power reflected from the antenna on the feedline are sensed. The variable reactance component of the antenna is adjusted until the ratio between the transmitted and reflected power on the feedline indicates that the standing wave ratio on the feedline is at a minimum, whereupon the antenna will be tuned. The adjustment of the variable reactance component is by a stepping motor controlled by a microprocessor, which is programmed to make calculations to determine when the standing wave ratio reaches a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Antenna Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Roberts, Brian T. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 5202696
    Abstract: A low cost, high efficiency, end fed half wave folded dipole radio frequency antenna. The antenna includes an improved balun including a conductive tubular base secured to a conventional coaxial cable connector, a conductive tube telescoped relative to the base with a slot between the base and tube having an area corresponding to the extent the tube and base are telescoped together and two wires within the tube connected to the coaxial connector and each having an insulating sleeve. A folded wire loop antenna is connected to the wires and extends away from the balun. The loop may include coils to improve the gain of the antenna. A tubular insulating housing encapsulates the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Jack W. Sheriff
  • Patent number: 5170496
    Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for matching the resonant frequency of an antenna resonant circuit (18) to the output circuit of a transmitter output stage (10), the antenna resonant circuit (18) is coupled via a reactance to the transmitter output stage (10). By means of a current sensor (16), the supply direct current of the transmitter output stage (10) is detected. The value of a tuning component (26), lying in the antenna resonant circuit (18), can be changed by a control signal; the tuning component is a governing factor for the resonance frequency of the antenna resonant circuit (18). A comparator and control unit (36)repeatedly samples the value of the supply direct current detected by the current sensor (16). In dependence upon the result of a comparison with a sequential previously sampled value, it applies th control signal to the tuning component (26) to obtain a maximization of the supply direct current detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno G. Viereck
  • Patent number: 4965607
    Abstract: An automatic antenna coupler is disclosed. The antenna coupler automatically matches the output impedance of a 50-ohm transmitter to the input impedance of a non-broad-band antenna, such as a whip, dipole or long wire. The resulting increase in transmit coupling efficiency provides greater radiative power than that available from an unmatched antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: BR Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Wilkins, Alvin O. Wong
  • Patent number: 4935746
    Abstract: An efficiency monitoring antenna which has a sampling pick-up loop and LED coupled to the lead-in and senses and indicates returning power flow. Tuning and impedance matching elements are also included which allow the antenna to be tuned and matched to the transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Donald H. Wells
  • Patent number: 4928108
    Abstract: The present invention provides within three particular aspects thereof an isolating and matching device operable to enable an electrically heatable window of a motor vehicle to be used as an efficient VHF communications aerial or antenna; wherein isolating and matching circuitry is provided for Series VHF Matching, Shunt VHF Matching and Split Passband Matching of an electrically heatable window heating element to an aerial input impedance of an aerial feeder circuit of a radio frequency receiver or transmit/receive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: BSH Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerzy J. Kropielnicki, Brian Easter, James D. Last
  • Patent number: 4921465
    Abstract: An RF signal input circuit for a UHF tuner of a television receiver comprises a series-tuned circuit including a varactor diode and an inductance element connected in series, in the order named, between signal ground and a gate electrode of a field-effect transistor RF amplifier. The series-tuned circuit has a relatively uniform bandwidth throughout the UHF range. A capacitor connected in shunt with the gate electrode completes a "split-capacitor" configuration in which the varactor diode and the shunt capacitor form a variable impedance transformation network for making the relationship between the effective impedances of the series-tuned circuit and FET amplifier relatively uniform throughout the UHF range. The order of the varactor diode and inductance element allows a low cost adjustable capacitor comprising a grounded shield wall as one plate and a movable tab as a second plate to be connected directly across the varactor diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: RCA Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander W. Hietala, Max W. Muterspaugh
  • Patent number: 4903035
    Abstract: The present invention provides within three particular aspects thereof an isolating and matching device operable to enable an electrically heatable window of a motor vehicle to be used as an efficient VHF communications aerial or antenna; wherein isolating and matching circuitry is provided for Series VHF Matching, Shunt VHF Matching and Split Passband Matching of an electrically heatable window heating element to an aerial input impedance of an aerial feeder circuit of a radio frequency receiver or transmit/receive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: BSH Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerzy J. Kropielnicki, Brian Easter, James D. Last