Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting signal features including amplitude, phase and timing of recognizable input signals in a frequency band or spectrum of interest. One or more super-regenerative oscillators are provided, each having a center frequency and each detecting signal features of recognizable input signals in the frequency band or spectrum of interest during multiple, successive time slots. The center frequency of each of the one or more super-regenerative oscillators is varied between time slots in a selected sequence, preferably according to a Segmentlet algorithm. The one or more super-regenerative oscillators extract the signal features of each the recognizable input signals in different time slots and/or in different super-regenerative oscillator and with a different time-slot associated center frequency associated with the one or more super-regenerative oscillators, thereby providing a time-frequency-amplitude map of the frequency band or spectrum of interest.

Abstract: A transceiver for a RFID reader and a transceiver for a RFID transponder (tag) allow communication between the two devices. The RFID reader utilizes an analog front end and a digital backend. In the receiver portion of the transceiver, the front end of the RFID reader uses a pair of down-conversion mixers to demodulate a received signal into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components and analog-to-digital converters (ADC) digitize the signal. A digital signal processor (DSP) in the back end processes the digital signal and uses a matched filter for data detection. The RFID tag receives an inductively coupled signal from the reader and the receiver portion of the tag uses a pulse/level detector that employs an analog comparator and a sample and hold circuit to detect the received signal. A digital decoder/controller is used to decode the incoming data and to establish a sampling clock for the pulse/level detector.

Abstract: A transceiver for a RFID reader and a transceiver for a RFID transponder (tag) allow communication between the two devices. The RFID reader utilizes an analog front end and a digital backend. In the receiver portion of the transceiver, the front end of the RFID reader uses a pair of down-conversion mixers to demodulate a received signal into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components and analog-to-digital converters (ADC) digitize the signal. A digital signal processor (DSP) in the back end processes the digital signal and uses a matched filter for data detection. The RFID tag receives an inductively coupled signal from the reader and the receiver portion of the tag uses a pulse/level detector that employs an analog comparator and a sample and hold circuit to detect the received signal. A digital decoder/controller is used to decode the incoming data and to establish a sampling clock for the pulse/level detector.

Abstract: A transceiver for a RFID reader and a transceiver for a RFID transponder (tag) allow communication between the two devices. The RFID reader utilizes an analog front end and a digital backend. In the receiver portion of the transceiver, the front end of the RFID reader uses a pair of down-conversion mixers to demodulate a received signal into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components and analog-to-digital converters (ADC) digitize the signal. A digital signal processor (DSP) in the back end processes the digital signal and uses a matched filter for data detection. The RFID tag receives an inductively coupled signal from the reader and the receiver portion of the tag uses a pulse/level detector that employs an analog comparator and a sample and hold circuit to detect the received signal. A digital decoder/controller is used to decode the incoming data and to establish a sampling clock for the pulse/level detector.

Abstract: A resonant tunneling diode or diode array oscillator (10) including a resonant diode (11) is coupled to a millimeter-wave source (14) and a quench generator (16) for periodically quenching the oscillations so that the average oscillation time of the oscillator is proportional to signal strength of the source (14). The signal source can be from an antenna such as a dipole or tapered slot line antenna.

Abstract: An improved low-cost super-regenerative receiver includes sampling phase-locked loop. Phase sampling is controlled by the quench signal (264). In the preferred embodiment, logic state HIGH to logic state LOW transition of the quench signal (264) defines the timing for the event of sampling. While the quench signal (264) is in logic state HIGH, a quenched oscillator is being turned ON and the oscillation amplitude builds-up until a steady-state level is reached. When the oscillator is turned OFF, effective quality factor of an electronically tunable resonator (206) is reduced, by increasing losses in the circuit, thus to ensure aperiodic (non-oscillatory) decay. The resonator's charge—an energy stored on internal reactive components of the resonator (206), which existed at the instant of turning the oscillations OFF, is transferred during precisely defined period of time to the charge holding capacitor (404) of a charge transfer circuit (216).

Abstract: A resonant tunneling diode or diode array oscillator (10) including a resonant diode (11) is coupled to a millimeter-wave source (14) and a quench generator (16) for periodically quenching the oscillations so that the average oscillation time of the oscillator is proportional to signal strength of the source (14). The signal source can be from an antenna such as a dipole or tapered slot line antenna.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for communicating a base band signal via a communication channel that connects a transmitter to a receiver comprising the steps of modulating the base band signal into a low frequency deviation modulated signal, transmitting the low frequency deviation modulated signal with a transmitter, receiving the low frequency deviation modulated signal with a receiver, mixing the received signal to an intermediate frequency signal, multiplying the intermediate frequency signal by to a multiplied frequency signal, multiplying a reference signal having a frequency generally equal to the center frequency of the intermediate frequency signal by a multiple that is one greater than or one less than the multiplied frequency signal to create a reference multiplied frequency signal, subtracting the reference multiplied frequency signal from the multiplied frequency signal to generate a wide band frequency signal, and discriminating the wide band frequency signal to obtain t

Abstract: A super-regenerative receiver is provided with a regenerative oscillator controlled by a frequency sweep circuit to control the bandwidth at which the receiver can receive a signal. A quench control circuit controls both the regenerative oscillator and the frequency sweeping circuit to “turn on” at the same time. The frequency sweep circuit forces the regenerative oscillator to function as a center frequency movable bandpass filter allowing the receiver to automatically tune to the actual transmitter frequency ftx to provide the best reception. This allows the receiver/filter bandwidth to be very narrow. The receiver operates as an amplitude detector, as well as a frequency or phase detector, thereby allowing the same receiver to detect AM (ASK) signals and FM or FSK signals without adding a frequency discriminator.

Abstract: A high sensitivity of a Super-Regenerative Radio Frequency Receiver and its method is provided in the embodiment of the present invention. By using a common-mode feedback circuit and by replacing the rectifier with a feedback integral-rectifier, the rectifier, the low-pass filter, and the slicer will not be saturated during operation so that the output of the slicer is correctly generated, and the sensitivity of the Super-Regenerative Radio Frequency Receiver is greatly improved as a result.

Abstract: An RF controlled thermostat/controller is disclosed for an HVAC system having a superregenerative RF receiver which uses the temperature sensor of the thermostat for temperature stabilization of the superregenerative RF receiver. The superregenerative RF receiver provides a very low power drain always-on receiver for RF remote control of the thermostat/controller. The thermostat/controller includes a microcontroller with a non-volatile memory. A digital value stored in the non-volatile memory, or a non-volatile memory of a separate component, is used in one of several different embodiments to accurately tune the superregenerative RF receiver.

Abstract: A high frequency super regenerative direct detector includes a power supply and a signal detecting circuit arrangement electrically connected thereto. The signal detecting circuit arrangement, which is a transistor control system, includes a high frequency by-pass circuit, a LC tank circuit configured to be tuned at a pre-tuned frequency and to receive an incoming signal so as to generate an oscillator frequency, ranging from 800 MHz to 960 MHz, a quenching circuit coupling with the high frequency by-pass circuit to generate a quenching frequency, and a transistor circuit device configured to incorporate the oscillator frequency into the quenching frequency in such a manner that when the incoming signal matches the pre-tuned frequency a timing to achieve a saturated level of the quenching frequency is faster than no signal period, and a modulation frequency of the incoming signal is detected out from the signal detecting circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A superregenerative circuit which is operable in a transmit mode and a receive mode of operation. A superregenerative oscillator and a single antenna are functional in both modes. To minimize any undesired RF energy which may be radiated during the receive mode of operation, the circuitry includes decoupling means connected between the antenna and the oscillator. During reception, the oscillator is periodically quenched, and received signals are recovered by circuitry which obtains, during unquenched periods, time samples indicative of the time required for the RF energy to build up to a predetermined level in the oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A signal receiver includes a superregenerative circuit for feeding back a part of an output signal to form part of an input signal through a feedback route to execute a superregeneration, a capacitance element disposed in the feedback route of the superregenerative circuit, a switch for switching the capacitance element, and a PLL circuit for generating a clock signal for switching the switch based on an output of the superregenerative circuit.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit in accordance with the principles of the present invention employs series-connected transmission lines to match a high reflection coefficient source impedance with a load impedance. The matching circuit is formed on a dielectric substrate material and accommodates the relatively limited capabilities of photo-lithographic circuit production. The new impedance matching circuit may be constructed of three series-connected transmission line sections. A first section, the section that is to be connected to the source, transforms the high source impedance into a relatively low valued impedance that is substantially resistive. The reflection coefficient of the first section is substantially equal to the reflection coefficient of the source. A second may be implemented as a quarter-wave transformer that transforms the low impedance developed by the first section into an intermediate impedance value.

Abstract: A data sampling circuit samples radio signal data made up of plural successive sets of data, each set of data having a given number of data bits. A first shift register holds and shifts the data bits of the radio signal data to successively obtain sampled radio signal data for each set of data of the radio signal data. A data holding section successively receives and holds each set of the sampled radio signal data held by the first shift register. Also, a processor successively receives, bit by bit, each set of sampled radio signal data held by the data holding section, and processes each set of sampled radio signal data in accordance with a given processing procedure. The data holding section completes reception of each set of sampled radio signal data from the first shift register before the first shift register holds a first data bit of each next set of data of the radio signal data.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: A micropower RF transdponder employs a novel adaptation of the superregenerative receiver wherein the quench oscillator is external to the regenerative transistor. The quench oscillator applies an exponentially decaying waveform rather than the usual sinewave to achieve high sensitivity at microampere current levels. Further improvements include circuit simplifications for antenna coupling, extraction of the detected signal, and a low-voltage bias configuration that allows operation with less than a 1-volt rail voltage. The inventive transponder is expected to operate as long as the battery shelf life.

Abstract: The current invention is a method (100), super-regenerative transceiver (300), and computer system (500) for providing short range communication with reduced current drain. A control unit provides an amplifier "ON" pulse periodically to a radio frequency amplifier to allow reduced current drain. The radio frequency amplifier eliminates antenna effects in an input signal to provide an amplified input signal. The control unit also provides a receiver "ON" pulse to a super-regenerative receiver immediately following the amplifier "ON" pulse to allow reduced current drain. The super-regenerative receiver detects received data given the amplified input signal.

Abstract: An improved synchronous tracking AM receiver having low power requirements and a small size. The synchronous tracking AM receiver provides signal tracking capability and sensitivity approaching a conventional superhetrodyne receiver. The synchronous tracking AM receiver includes an RF amplifier synchronous input section which couples input signals to a synchronization filter circuit, including a modified Colpitts oscillator. The Colpitts oscillator recycles the signal to generate a high Q output signal. The output signal of the synchronization circuit is coupled to a low pass filter, then amplified by a low frequency amplifier and triggered to produce a digital output signal.

Abstract: Supplied with an input signal into which a carrier signal is modulated at a frame period by a data signal and unique words periodically interspersed throughout the data signal, a demodulating circuit (14) demodulates the input signal into a demodulated signal. A frame synchronizing circuit (23) produces an aperture signal which defines an aperture interval determined by the frame period when the demodulated signal has a level which is lower than a predetermined threshold level. Responsive to the aperture signal, a cross-correlating circuit (24) calculates a cross-correlation coefficient between the demodulated signal and a locally known unique word. By the use of the cross-correlation coefficient, a phase error calculating circuit (25) calculates a phase error between a reproduced carrier signal reproduced from the demodulated signal and a regenerated carrier signal which is a correct regeneration of the carrier signal.

Abstract: A superregenerative receiver includes a quenching oscillator for converting a received signal into a low frequency signal. The quenching oscillator comprises a transistor, a positive feedback circuit and an RC time constant circuit. A circuit is provided for modifying oscillation conditions including the base voltage of the transistor, a power supply voltage and the RC time constant of the RC circuit. In response to the output of the quenching oscillator whose oscillation condition or conditions have been modified, the quenching oscillator is placed into its optimum operating state in order that the receiver assumes substantially the maximum sensitivity.