Switching Between Antennas And Lines Patents (Class 343/876)
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Patent number: 6859189Abstract: The fast switching multifunction antenna of the present invention is a variable length antenna that may be switched to provide the equivalent function of a broadband antenna. The variable length antenna quasi-continuously transmits or receives signals at a plurality of frequencies by changing the effective length of the antenna using a variety of switching mechanisms. The present invention may comprise a plurality of antenna segments, a plurality of selectively actuable switches for interconnecting the antenna segments, and a switching mechanism operably coupled to the plurality of selectively actuable switches for switching them at a switching rate that is greater than twice the highest frequency to be transmitted or received. The switching rate will be fast enough to allow the antenna to sample the highest frequency and all of the required lower frequencies within the desired frequency range without the loss of information at any frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Ayax D. Ramirez, Stephen D. Russell, Mark W. Roberts
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Patent number: 6850189Abstract: A circuit for the selective activation of a plurality of antennas (L1 to L4) from a common end stage (8) contains a first selector switch (10) at a terminal (6) of the end stage (8), the switch contacts (12, 22) of which are each connected to a switch contact (20, 26) and via an antenna (L1, L2) each to one fixed contact each of a twin selector switch (14, 24). The fixed contacts of the twin selector switch are each connected via a further antenna (L3, L4) to the other terminal (18) of the end stage and these are also connected to the other switch contacts (16, 28) of the twin selector switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Johannes Ilg, Franz Waltl
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Publication number: 20040227678Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an antenna for transmitting/receiving a RF signal at a plurality of different frequencies. Transmitting/receiving a RF signal at a plurality of different frequencies is achieved by providing a F antenna comprising a plurality of switches which can be used to adjust the resonant frequency of the antenna. By providing a F antenna, the antenna will be much smaller than the wavelength at which the antenna is operating. This allows the antenna to be used in compact devices such as PDA's and cellular phones.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: HRL LABORATORIES, LLCInventor: Daniel F. Sievenpiper
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Patent number: 6812901Abstract: An antenna arrangement for a vehicle comprises a plurality of individual antennas, at least one of which is arranged in a vehicle window. The vehicle has a cover unit for a free space between the window and a region in the vehicle interior, which cover unit comprises a metal body that forms a further antenna. A switching device controls switching between the antennas to optimize signal reception.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Juergen Deininger
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Patent number: 6812905Abstract: A distributed antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements, and a plurality of power amplifiers, each power amplifier being operatively coupled with one of said antenna elements and mounted closely adjacent to the associated antenna element, such that no appreciable power loss occurs between the power amplifier and the associated antenna element, each said power amplifier comprising a relatively low power, linear power amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Andrew CorporationInventors: Mike Thomas, Mano D. Judd
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Publication number: 20040189526Abstract: A cellular handset supports non compressed handover for different frequency ranges, and different wireless standards.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Michael Louis Frank
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Publication number: 20040164922Abstract: A microelectromechanical switch (MEMS) beam-steering antenna array is provided. The antenna comprises an active element including a selectively connectable MEMS, and a lattice of beam-forming parasitic elements, each including a selectively connectable MEMS, proximate to the active element. In some aspects, the active element is a dipole radiator having an effective quarter-wavelength odd multiple length at a first plurality of frequencies in response to connecting radiator MEMS. Likewise, the dipole counterpoise has an effective quarter-wavelength odd multiple length at the first plurality of frequencies in response to connecting counterpoise MEMS. Further, each parasitic element has an effective half-wavelength odd multiple length at the first plurality of frequencies in response to connecting their corresponding MEMS. In other aspects, the active element is a monopole and includes a radiator with a radiator MEMS, a counterpoise groundplane, and parasitic elements with MEMSs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Allen Tran
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Publication number: 20040164905Abstract: A MEMS antenna is provided comprising a dielectric layer, and a conductive line radiator formed overlying the dielectric layer including at least one selectively connectable MEMS conductive section to vary the mechanical (physical) length of the radiator. The antenna may include a plurality of selectively connectable MEMS conductive sections and a plurality of fixed-length conductive section. The MEMS conductive sections may be parallely aligned along the radiator width, and/or parallely aligned along the radiator length. For example, the radiator may have a first length formed in response to connecting a first MEMS conductive section, and a second length, shorter than the first length, formed in response to disconnecting the first MEMS conductive section. Then, the radiator first length would be an effective quarter-wavelength odd multiple at a first frequency, and the second length would be an effective quarter-wavelength odd multiple at a second frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Allen Tran
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Patent number: 6781217Abstract: A transmission line structure comprises a plurality of conductive lines over an insulating layer. With three conductive lines, a center conductive line is disposed between the outer conductive lines to define a gap distance therebetween that is less than their height. In a further aspect, a conductive layer (e.g., a ground plane) contacts the insulating layer on a side thereof opposite the plurality of conductive lines. A ratio for the height of the conductive lines relative to the distance therebetween is kept greater than another ratio for the width of the center conductor relative to the thickness of the insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: David GenLong Chow
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Patent number: 6781544Abstract: A combination of near omni-directional antennas and internal patch antennas, all built into an access point in accordance with FCC requirements. Typically a printed antenna array is used for the near omni-directional antenna, and the internal patch antenna is a TM10 mode stacked patch antenna. A mechanical detect switch changes antenna types automatically, depending on the rotation state of the antenna system. Alternately, a configuration utility enables a user to select the antenna type for the access point when it is installed in the field. This arrangement gives the UNII access point flexibility to be mounted in various orientations and match the characteristics of the antenna to the installation requirements.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stephen V. Saliga, Fred J. Anderson, James A. Mass, Timothy A. Frank
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Publication number: 20040130496Abstract: A diversity antenna system of the present invention includes: two antennas of different directionality, the two antennas generating two signals; a synthesizing means for generating a synthesized signal by synthesizing the two signals; a selection means for selecting either one selected from the group consisting of the two signals and the synthesized signal; and a selection controlling means for controlling the selection means. When the intensities of the two signals are not higher than a predetermined value, the selection controlling means controls the selection means such that the selection means fixedly selects the synthesized signal. According to the diversity antenna, excellent receptive conditions can be obtained even in weak electric fields.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Hiroshi Iijima, Hidetoshi Oka, Hideaki Oshima
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Patent number: 6753827Abstract: A first antenna is movable between a first position pulled out from the communication terminal and a second position accommodated in a mobile communication terminal. A second antenna is built in the communication terminal. A first switch electrically connects only the first antenna with a power feeding circuit via an impedance matching circuit when the first antenna is placed at the first position, and electrically connects only the second antenna with the power feeding circuit when the first antenna is placed at the second position. A second switch grounds the second antenna in cooperation with the first switch, when the first antenna is placed at the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Yokowo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Oshiyama, Seiji Gou
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Patent number: 6744411Abstract: An electronically scanned antenna system includes a plurality of array elements and a control system. Each array element has a plurality of reflecting components capable of reflecting an electromagnetic wave incident thereon. Each reflecting component, in turn, is interconnected to at least one reflecting segment by at least one switch. In this regard, when the switches are in a closed state the respective reflecting segments are electrically coupled to the respective reflecting components to thereby alter a reflective geometry of the respective reflecting components. The control system is capable of controlling the switches to thereby control the array elements to provide a desired degree of phase shift to a signal reflected from the antenna. Advantageously, the control system is capable of controlling the switches of one reflecting component at the same time the control system controls corresponding switches of other reflecting components.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gordon D. Osterhues, Julio Angel Navarro
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Publication number: 20040100416Abstract: A compact antenna and a communication unit having the same comprises one or more input feeds and one or more sets of elements. Each set of elements is coupled to one or more of the input feeds, and each set of elements has a property that input signals applied to input feeds coupled to the set of elements causes a directed beam to be emitted. At least one given element of the set or sets of elements has a largest dimension, and a smallest wavelength to be emitted from the antenna is larger than the largest dimension for the given element. The antenna is adapted to simultaneously transmit the input signals, and generally more than two input signals. When a concentration region for a directed beam is large enough, more than one degree of freedom can be contained in the concentration region. Techniques are presented for designing the compact antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Michael R. Andrews, Partha Pratim Mitra, Alexander Polyakov
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Patent number: 6741208Abstract: A weather radar antenna for radiating a desired beam formed by feeding quadrants of the antenna uses a dual-mode switched aperture antenna feed. The dual-mode switched antenna feed has an input divider that splits the input signal. A left switch switches the split input signal using a left first diode and a left second diode to top left and bottom right quadrants of the antenna. A right switch switches the split input signal using a right first diode and a right second diode to top right and bottom left quadrants of the antenna. The diodes are forward and reverse biased as required to feed top, bottom, left and right portions of the antenna to obtain the desired beam. When all the diodes are reversed biased the split signal is fed to all quadrants of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventors: James B. West, Kenneth R. Stinson
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Publication number: 20040095288Abstract: Passive or active pixelized antenna structures are described in which the radio-frequency (RF) tuning of individual antenna pixel elements, the connections of individual antenna pixel elements to other antenna elements, and optionally the local phase of individual elements or groups of elements, is varied and controlled using tunable elements. Efficient and low-cost control of a large number of tunable elements is provided by matrix addressing techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: The Penn State Research FoundationInventor: Thomas N. Jackson
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Patent number: 6714169Abstract: An integrated module for an active antenna assembly is disclosed. The integrated module is switchable between a receive mode and a transmit mode and includes active components and a dual input wideband balun. The active components includes amplifiers and micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switches. The integrated module is adapted for positioning directly behind a radiator of an antenna array.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Loc B. Chau, Kuan M. Lee, John S. Williams
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Patent number: 6680710Abstract: Radiation synthesizer systems provide efficient wideband operation with loop antenna elements which are small relative to operating wavelength. Energy dissipation is substantially reduced by cycling energy back and forth between a high-Q radiator and a storage capacitance under control of a switching circuit. Systems using multi-segment loop antennas match input impedance to switching circuit parameters. Use of such antennas in crossed-loop configurations excited in quadrature and supported on a wearable garment provide body-borne antennas with isotropic type coverage. With light-weight flexible construction, a wearable radiating system can avoid any need for visually identifiable features and provide effective antenna pattern coverage regardless of the wearer's body orientation, whether standing, prone or otherwise.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Joseph T. Merenda
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Publication number: 20030210204Abstract: A directional antenna having a number, N, of outlying monopole antenna elements. These monopole elements are formed as a first upper conductive segment on a portion of a dielectric substrate. The array also includes the same number, N, of image elements. The image elements are formed as a second set of lower conductive segments on the same substrate as the upper conductive segments. The image elements, generally having the same length and shape as the monopole elements, are connected to a ground reference potential. To complete the array, an active antenna element is also disposed on the same substrate, adjacent to at least one of the monopole elements. In a preferred arrangement, the passive monopole elements and corresponding image elements are selectively connected to operate to in either a reflective or directive mode, such as via a switchable coupling circuit that selectively changes the impedances connected between them.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: Tantivy Communications, Inc.Inventors: Bing Chiang, William R. Palmer, Griffin K. Gothard, Christopher A. Snyder
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Patent number: 6642889Abstract: A reflect array antenna comprises a non-electrically conductive substrate with an array of antenna elements supported on the substrate. Each antenna element comprises a plurality of patch radiating elements arranged in rows and columns. Each patch radiating element comprises a plurality of notches formed in the element, the notches being angularly displaced around the circumference of the element. A plurality of stub short transmission lines are individually positioned in each of the plurality of notches and a plurality of switches individually couple one end of a notch to one of the plurality of stub short transmission lines.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Daniel T. McGrath
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Patent number: 6642908Abstract: A multiple beam array antenna system comprises a plurality of radiating elements provided from stripline-fed open-ended waveguide coupled to a Butler matrix beam forming network. The Butler matrix beam forming network is coupled to a switched beam combining circuit. The antenna can be fabricated as a single Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Joseph S. Pleva, Caroline Breglia, Thomas W. French, Walter Gordon Woodington, Michael Joseph Delcheccolo, Mark E. Russell, H. Barteld Van Rees
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Publication number: 20030197652Abstract: An antenna system for an electronic article surveillance system, comprising: a first antenna and a second antenna, the first antenna and the second antenna mounted for use in a substantially overlapping manner, the first antenna configured as a loop, the second antenna configured in a “figure-8”; a control circuit for selectively activating one of the first and second antennas. The first and second antennas each operate as a transmit and receive antenna. The control circuit further comprises a switch to selectively enable operation of one of the antennas when the other is open circuit. One of the antennas transmits and receives while the other is open circuit, and vice versa. The loop antenna substantially detects markers oriented substantially perpendicular to an elongated axis when entering into a surveillance area. The “figure-8” antenna substantially detects markers oriented substantially parallel to an elongated axis when entering into a surveillance area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicants: WG Security Products, Inc., EAS Sensor SenseInventors: Xiaohui Yang, Arthur Fuss
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Patent number: 6633260Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a configurable circuit are disclosed. In addition, method and apparatus for providing a phased array antenna having an integrated configurable circuit are provided. According to the present invention, at least a first component of a configurable circuit is formed on a first substrate. At least a second component of a configurable circuit is formed on at least a portion of a moveable cantilever formed from a second substrate. The first and second substrates are registered with one another to form a completed configurable circuit. According to the present invention, a configurable circuit may comprise a variable capacitor or a switch. In addition, a configurable circuit may be used in connection with phase shifting a radio frequency signal provided to an element of a phased array antenna.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Dean A. Paschen, P. Keith Kelly, Dan A. Payne
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Publication number: 20030184494Abstract: An antenna switching device (4) is an antenna switching device (4) for switching between a first antenna (2) and a second antenna (3) and includes a base member (9), a moving member (10) having a portion capable of contacting a portion of the first antenna (2), the moving member (10) moving linearly relative to the base member (9) as the first antenna (2) moves, and a biasing member (11, 21, 25, 28) biasing the moving member (10) toward the portion of the first antenna (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Kosuke Yagi
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Patent number: 6624791Abstract: A present embodiment of the invention solves the problem by providing an antenna control system in a wireless communication system. A communication interface transfers a control signal to an antenna controller. The antenna controller processes the control signal. The antenna controller then substitutes an antenna with another antenna based on the control signal. Advantages of the embodiments include providing a reliable wireless communication system that decreases the number of lost calls by increasing the availability of antennas. Other advantages include providing flexible antenna coverage to an area by remotely controlling the antenna through a public communication network by means of a modem.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, L.P.Inventor: Walter F. Rausch
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Patent number: 6618022Abstract: A self contained radio frequency identification integrated circuit (RFIDIC) switch. The RFIDIC switch includes a switch housing, a radio frequency identification integrated circuit enclosed in the switch housing and an actuator extending into the switch housing. The RFIDIC is powered by a radio frequency carrier signal. The actuator is movable to a first position and to a second position. The radio frequency identification integrated circuit transmits a signal when said actuator is in one of the positions. Movement of the actuator to the other position alters said signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventor: Arthur James Harvey
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Patent number: 6614403Abstract: Radiation synthesizer systems provide efficient wideband operation with an antenna, such as a loop, which is small relative to operating wavelength. Energy dissipation is substantially reduced by cycling energy back and forth between a high-Q radiator and a storage capacitance under control of a switching circuit. In addition to transmit operation using an energy source such as a battery, by reciprocity receive systems deliver received signals to an output device, such as a speaker or other audio or visual transducer device. By efficient direct processing, via controlled activation of switch devices of switch modules, incident RF signals are converted to baseband signals. Commercial type AM receivers may be provided without IF processing and detection or analog filters.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc.Inventor: Joseph T. Merenda
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Patent number: 6606063Abstract: Radiation synthesizer systems provide efficient wideband operation with an antenna, such as a loop, which is small relative to operating wavelength. Energy dissipation is substantially reduced by cycling energy back and forth between a high-Q radiator and a storage capacitance. Systems using multi-segment loop antennas match antenna input impedance to switching circuit parameters. Control signal feeds employ fiber-optic cables and reduce conductive paths. Multi-voltage DC supply configurations use parallel conductor portions of antenna loop segments and reduce the need for separate DC supply conductors. Spurious conductive loops are thereby reduced and lightweight, flexible antenna constructions are enabled.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Joseph T. Merenda
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Patent number: 6606068Abstract: The layout of multi-antenna loops in this invention comprises: a plurality of antenna loops, wherein one terminal of each antenna loop is electrically coupled with an antenna switch and the other terminal is electrically connected to a ground wire. All antenna loops are symmetrical antenna loops each of which contains a plurality of n-shaped sections to form sawtooth-shaped regions and compound into a plurality of dummy closed regions. If the symmetrical antenna loops are in-phase state, the plurality of sawtooth-shaped regions consist of the plurality of n-shaped sections with the non-interlacing method; if the symmetrical antenna loops are oppositephase state, the plurality of sawtooth-shaped regions consist of the n-shaped sections with the interlacing method.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Aiptek International Inc.Inventors: Ching-Chuan Chao, Chih-An Chen, I-Wen Wang
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Publication number: 20030132886Abstract: A first antenna is movable between a first position pulled out from the communication terminal and a second position accommodated in a mobile communication terminal. A second antenna is built in the communication terminal. A first switch electrically connects only the first antenna with a power feeding circuit via an impedance matching circuit when the first antenna is placed at the first position, and electrically connects only the second antenna with the power feeding circuit when the first antenna is placed at the second position. A second switch grounds the second antenna in cooperation with the first switch, when the first antenna is placed at the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Yokowo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Oshiyama, Seiji Gou
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Patent number: 6583767Abstract: In transceiver apparatus, there is a plurality of sets (A-H) of substantially unidirectional antennae. Each set of antennae has a single radio subsystem for providing a radio output signal for transmission by one of the antennae in the set and for receiving a signal received by one of the antennae to provide an output signal from the radio subsystem. Each of the plurality of radio subsystems has a switch. The switch is operated to switch the output of the radio subsystem to a selected one of the antennae in the set for transmission of a radio signal by said selected antenna and to switch an input of the radio subsystem to a selected one of the antennae in the sets such that a signal received by said selected antenna is passed as an input to the radio subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Radiant Networks PLCInventor: Stephen M. Fitz
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Publication number: 20030098816Abstract: A transmit and receiving system including a first array including a first plurality of antenna elements disposed to provide a transmit antenna. The system further includes a second array having a second different plurality of antenna elements disposed to provide a receive antenna. The first array is coupled to a first switching system, which is operative to selectively form at least one transmit beam. The second array is coupled to a beam combining system, which is operative to selectively form a plurality of receive beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Joseph S. Pleva, Michael J. Delcheccolo
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Patent number: 6567046Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna capable of dynamic reconfigurability of several antenna parameters. Specifically, the present invention is an antenna comprising a plurality of surface PIN devices arranged in a gridlike array. Each of the SPIN devices can be individually activated or deactivated. When a SPIN device is activated, the surface of the device is injected with carriers such that a plasma is produced within the intrinsic region of the device. The plasma can be sufficiently conductive to produce conductor or metal like characteristics at the surface of the device. Various ones of the SPIN devices can be activated to electronically paint a conductive pattern upon the substrate supporting the PIN devices. Through selective activation of the SPIN devices various surface antenna patterns can be produced upon the substrate including dipoles, cross dipoles, loop antennas, Yagi-Uda type antennas, log periodic antennas, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Sarnoff CorporationInventors: Gordon C. Taylor, Stewart M. Perlow, Arye Rosen, Aly E. Fathy, Sridhar Kanamaluru, Moniem Esherbiny
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Publication number: 20030076271Abstract: The invention relates to a planar antenna which comprises the following elements:Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Yves Borlez, Laurent Secretin
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Publication number: 20030058185Abstract: In a mounting structure of an antenna switching circuit, a first switching diode is connected between a first conductor pattern and a second conductor pattern, an inductor is connected between the first conductor pattern and a third conductor pattern, a first capacitor is connected between the third conductor pattern and a fourth conductor pattern, and a second switching diode is implemented by a bare chip. The bare chip is mounted on the fourth conductor pattern, a cathode thereof being connected to the fourth conductor pattern and an anode thereof being connected to the third conductor pattern via a bonding wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiki Baba
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Patent number: 6529496Abstract: A device and method are provided for limiting a power of a signal transmitted through any antenna to a maximum transmission power of the antenna in a TSTD (Time-Switched Transmission Diversity) transmitter of a base station of a mobile communication system. In a TSTD transmitter including at least two antennas and a pattern storage for storing a maximum transmission power limit value and switching patterns of a plurality of user data to be transmitted through the antennas, transmission powers assigned to antennas are measured upon receipt of new user data. A switching pattern is determined such that a value obtained by adding one of the transmission powers to a transmission power of the new user data does not exceed the maximum transmission power limit value.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Heung Yeom, Soon-Young Yoon, Jae-Min Ahn
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Patent number: 6522896Abstract: A base station of a radiocommunication system has at least two antennas and can select one of the antennas. It determines if a channel to transmit to at least one mobile station is unidirectional and switches from one antenna to another in accordance with a predetermined random or pseudo-random law if the channel to transmit is unidirectional.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Nicolas Chuberre, Christian Massy, Michèle Lupu
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Publication number: 20030001791Abstract: An active sampler antenna capable of transmitting signals is disclosed. The active sampler antenna includes a first set of conducting surfaces, a second set of conducting surfaces, a power source, and multiple switches. The second set of conducting surfaces is located substantially parallel to the first set of conducting surfaces. The power source has two terminals, namely, a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the power source is connected to the second set of conducting surfaces. Each of the switches is connected between a respective one of the first set of conducting surfaces and the second terminal of the power source. The switches allows a defined amount and timing of charges to be delivered from the power source to the first set of conducting surface for signal transmissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: William Sven Barquist, William Walter Anderson, George Allan Whittaker, Thomas John Rohrer, John Jesse Soderberg, John McGinnis, Michael Gregory Abernathy
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Patent number: 6501426Abstract: An array of dual trough radiator elements including orthogonally crossed trough waveguide cavities and RF feed members of predetermined adjustable length extending across the cavities from one radiator element to its neighbor, where the feed members are suspended in a slot formed in the body radiator elements and where the inner or proximal ends are connectable to an RF energy source while the outer or distal end is unconnected in an open circuit arrangement. The array also includes intermediate support members of electrical insulation located on an outer surface of the radiator element and a switchable parasitic ground plane consisting of a set of parasitic conductor elements is located on a top surface of the intermediate support member.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventor: Timothy G. Waterman
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Patent number: 6489843Abstract: A power amplifier including: a first amplifier PA2 having an input terminal and an output terminal; a passive circuit PC3 having an input terminal and an output terminal; and a first switch SW2 having a single-pole terminal and two multi-throw terminals, one of the multi-throw terminals of the first switch SW2 being connected to the input terminal of the first amplifier PA2 and the other of the multi-throw terminals of the first switch SW2 being connected to the input terminal of the passive circuit PC3. This makes it possible to provide a power amplifier and a communication unit which can be operated with different frequencies, output powers or modulation types.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaaki Nishijima, Taketo Kunihisa, Osamu Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6469669Abstract: A hybrid antenna system for a portable Wireless Communication Device (WCD) includes a concealed, internal shielded substrate antenna fixedly mounted to and wholly internally within a casing of the portable WCD. The hybrid antenna system also includes a displaceable antenna, such as a whip antenna, that is selectively extendable from and retractable within the casing. The antenna system includes a mechanism for electrically connecting the displaceable antenna to internal RF circuitry of the portable WCD when the displaceable antenna is in an extended position and for electrically isolating the displaceable antenna from the internal RF circuitry when the displaceable antenna is in a retracted position within the casing.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventor: Allen Minh-Triet Tran
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Patent number: 6469677Abstract: Method and apparatus for actuating switches in a reconfigurable antenna array. Micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switches span gaps between antenna elements disposed on an antenna substrate. An integrated optic waveguide network which directs optical energy towards the MEMS switches is contained in a superstrate disposed above the antenna elements and substrate. The MEMS switches are formed on a semi-insulating substrate. When illuminated, the resistance of the semi-insulating substrate is lowered so as the reduce the resistance between the control contacts. The antenna array is reconfigured by directing optical energy to the photo-voltaic cells connected to selected MEMS switches to close those MEMS switches, thereby electrically connecting selected antenna elements and by directing optical energy to the semi-insulating substrate of selected MEMS switches to open those MEMS switches, thereby electrically disconnecting selected antenna elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: James H. Schaffner, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Robert Y. Loo
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Patent number: 6462717Abstract: An all-weather housing for outdoor microwave radio nodes arranged in a network, each node capable of directing or receiving a beam of microwave energy in a selected direction, the housing including a shroud enclosing a transceiver, antenna, switches, and utilities. Each shroud has a radome projecting from the shroud in line of sight relation to other radomes in the network. A microwave radio transceiver is disposed within the shroud, operating on a scheduled transmission and reception basis in accordance with a schedule provided in a control channel amidst data. A ball-shaped microwave refractive lens is located adjacent to the radome, inside of the shroud, with a curved array of feed ports and switches, with the feed ports communicating microwave energy between the transceiver and the radome through the lens in multiple selected directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Caly CorporationInventors: Glenn E. Wheelock, Josef Berger, Russell K. Layton, Jr.
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Patent number: 6456257Abstract: A system and method for controlling an antenna arrangement including a plurality of antennas employed in, for example, a user terminal of a communications network, to provide a selected antenna pattern from among different antenna patterns based on, for example, the strength of a communications signal being received by the antenna arrangement of the user terminal, in order to satisfy desired gain and beamwidth requirements. The system and method can employ a switch that can be manually switched to control the antenna arrangement to provide the selected antenna pattern. The switch also can include a plurality of diodes that are controlled automatically or by a manual switch to select the antenna pattern. The plurality of antennas can be selectively activated and deactivated to provide the selected antenna pattern. Also, the plurality of antennas can be stacked vertically in relation to each other, or can include a first antenna and a second antenna disposed within said first antenna.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventor: Hassan Zamat
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Publication number: 20020126050Abstract: A whip antenna is movable between a first position corresponding to a state in which the whip antenna is extended from a casing of the mobile communication terminal, and a second position corresponding to a state the whip antenna is accommodated within the casing. A built-in antenna is disposed within the casing. A power feeding circuit is disposed within the casing. A first matching circuit has a first impedance, through which the power feeding circuit and the whip antenna are electrically connected when the whip antenna is placed at the first position. A second matching circuit has a second impedance which is higher than the first impedance, through which the whip antenna is grounded when the whip antenna is placed at the second position. A switch mechanism is opened so that the built-in antenna is electrically disconnected from the power feeding circuit when the whip antenna is placed at the first position, and closed so that the built-in antenna is electrically connected to the power feeding circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Applicant: Yokowo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Oshiyama, Atsushi Sato, Katsutoshi Okubo, Takao Kawahara, Seiji Gou
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Publication number: 20020109642Abstract: An improved tuning method is used in conjunction with a set of nested electrically conducting cones to increase the frequency band over which the resulting radiating system functions as an electrically small antenna with controlled variation in input impedance. This technique enables switching of the frequency band by means of simple circuits that can be activated by a control voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Walter Gee, Paul E. Mayes
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Patent number: 6417807Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconfiguring an antenna array by optical control of MEMS switches. A light source is provided to direct light to individual optically sensitive elements which control delivery of actuating bias voltage to the MEMS switches. The light source is preferably separated from the antenna array by a structure which conducts the controlling illumination but provides a high impedance electromagnetically reflective surface which reflects electromagnetic radiation over the antenna operating frequency range with small phase shift, and which is disposed very close to the antenna array. Optically sensitive elements preferably include photoresistive elements, which are best formed in the substrate upon which the MEM switches are formed, and may include photovoltaic elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Hui-Pin Hsu, Tsung-Yuan Hsu
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Patent number: 6400326Abstract: An antenna system for an automobile uses an external antenna that is either connected to the cell phone directly, or connected to a passive antenna that communicates with the cell phone.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Denso Corporation, Ltd.Inventor: Donald R. Green, Jr.
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Patent number: 6392610Abstract: An antenna device for transmitting and/or receiving RF waves connectable to a radio communication device and including a radiating structure with at least two switchable antenna elements. At least one switching element, arranged in a central switching unit, selectively connects and disconnects the at least two switchable antenna elements. The at least two antenna elements can be individually switched between different coupling states by the central switching unit. The central switching unit has a control port for reception of control signals enabling the central switching unit to effect a centralized switching of said at least two switchable antenna elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Allgon ABInventors: Christian Braun, Olov Edvardsson, Leif Eriksson, Liu Donghui
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Publication number: 20020053995Abstract: An antenna system for use in a wireless communication system includes an array of M×N radiating elements for emitting a beam, an input port for providing signals to the array of M×N radiating elements, M number of first phase shifters for steering the-beam on the basis of column by phase shifting the signals from the input port, N number of second phase shifters for steering the beam on the basis of row by phase shifting the signals, N number of switchable dividers for selectively transmitting the signals to a number of transmission lines incorporated into the second phase shifters and M number of combiner/dividers for transmitting the signals from the transmission lines of the second phase shifters to the transmission lines of the first phase shifters. The antenna system can implement a 3-way beam control by utilizing multi-line phase shifters and switchable dividers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Applicant: KMW Inc.Inventor: Duk-Yong Kim