With Coupling Varying, Regulating, Or Control Patents (Class 455/289)
  • Patent number: 11322294
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coil component that includes: a first core having a mounting surface and a coil placing surface positioned opposite to the mounting surface; a lower coil placed on the coil placing surface such that a coil axis of the lower coil extends substantially perpendicular to the coil placing surface, the lower coil having one end drawn to a first area of the mounting surface and other end drawn to a second area of the mounting surface; and an upper coil substantially coaxially stacked on the lower coil, the upper coil having one end drawn to a third area of the mounting surface and other end drawn to a fourth area of the mounting surface. The lower coil is greater in a coil diameter than the upper coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuhei Someya, Tasuku Mikogami, Yuichi Anzai, Hideomi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9231552
    Abstract: An electronic device including a first reception band pass filter having a first reception frequency set as a passband; a second reception band pass filter having a second reception frequency set as a passband; a first matching circuit having a first end connected to an antenna terminal; a first switch having a first end connected to a second end of the first matching circuit: a second switch having a first end connected to the second end of the first matching circuit; a second matching circuit connected between a second end of the first switch and the first reception band pass filter; and a third matching circuit connected between a second end of the second switch and the second reception band pass filter, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third matching circuits is a variable matching circuit having a controllable matching constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotada Taniuchi, Hideaki Shoji, Takaki Kanno, Katsunori Ishimiya
  • Patent number: 9026073
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a device for receiving signals, which includes: equipment with lead wires configured to be reused as a receiving antenna to receive Frequency Modulation (FM) signals. The disclosure further discloses an antenna device and a mobile terminal. According to the technical solution of the disclosure, occupied space of a receiving antenna for FM signal is reduced greatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Wenqing He
  • Patent number: 8803681
    Abstract: A receiver of an object finder includes an antenna to receive a signal from a transmitter associated with the receiver, a PIN diode having a first terminal coupled with the antenna, and having a resistance that increases as a current flows therethrough decreases, and vice versa, a variable resistor coupled with the first terminal of the PIN diode to control the amount of a current flowing into the PIN diode, and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RF IC) having a first pin electrically coupled with second terminal of the PIN diode to receive the signal from the antenna via the PIN diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: FAVEPC Inc.
    Inventors: Hung-Cheng Chen, Keng-Hao Chang
  • Patent number: 8712355
    Abstract: A method, transceiver integrated circuit (IC), and communications device for generating antenna tuning states derived from a pre-established trajectory of tuning states to adjust a detected signal level towards a preset, given value. A tuning state generation (TSG) controller determines whether a detected signal level matches a given value. If the detected signal level does not match the given value, the TSG controller selects an initial preset tuning state from a pre-established trajectory corresponding to a pre-identified operating condition that best matches a current operating condition. The TSG logic forwards the initial preset tuning state to the antenna tuner to trigger impedance transformation. Following generation of the initial preset tuning state, the controller receives an updated detected signal level. If the updated detected signal level fails to match the given value, the controller generates an incremental tuning state that is interpolated between the initial and a final preset tuning states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Gregory R. Black, William P. Alberth
  • Patent number: 8699983
    Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a sensor housing (12), a sensor package (14), an actuator (16) and a switch (18). The sensor package (14) is disposed within the sensor housing (12) and includes first and second screens and at least one sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is disposed between the first and second screens (36) and is adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid. The actuator (16) is disposed proximate the sensor package (14) within the sensor housing (12) and moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position. The switch (18) is disposed proximate the actuator (16) and is operable between closed and open positions. When the actuator (16) is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator (16) depresses the switch (18) to control an-electrical, circuit connected therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Lincheng Xiu, John James Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 8626101
    Abstract: A wireless electronic device may contain multiple antennas. Control circuitry in the wireless electronic device may adjust antenna switching circuitry so that the device repeatedly cycles through use of each of the antennas. In a device with first and second antennas, the device may repeatedly toggle between the first and second antennas. During each toggling cycle time period, the first antenna may transmit for a fraction of the time period and the second antenna may transmit for a fraction of the time period. The wireless device may control the average power emitted by each antenna by adjusting the fractions of time assigned to each antenna. By performing antenna toggling, the average transmit power produced by each antenna may be reduced while maintaining the average transmit power produced by the device at a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stallman, Nicholas W. Lum
  • Patent number: 8583043
    Abstract: A high-frequency device includes a wireless IC chip and a board which is coupled to the wireless IC chip and electrically connected to radiator plates, and an inductor and/or a capacitance are provided as a static electricity countermeasure element in the board. The inductor is connected in parallel between the wireless IC chip and the radiator plates, and its impedance at the frequency of static electricity is less than an impedance of the wireless IC chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Kato, Nobuo Ikemoto, Yuya Dokai, Koji Shiroki
  • Patent number: 8548407
    Abstract: An antenna assembly, a receiver, and a system configured to superimpose a first received signal from a first antenna and an intermediate signal based on a second received signal from a second antenna onto a single cable. The antenna assembly includes a mixer and an adjustable local oscillator (ALO) that frequency shift the second received signal to generate the intermediate signal. The output frequency of the ALO is controlled by a control signal superimposed on the single cable that is output by the receiver. With this arrangement, a plurality of antennas or antenna elements can be connected to a receiver using a single coaxial cable. Such an arrangement is particularly desirable to manufacturers of automobiles and other vehicles. Also, the receiver can detect if the output frequency of the ALO needs to be adjusted, and so close-loop control of the output frequency is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Walker
  • Patent number: 8463222
    Abstract: A Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna device is adapted for connecting electrically to a radio frequency (RF) circuit for transmitting and receiving RF signals. The MIMO antenna device includes a circuit board, a plurality of antenna units, and a plurality of multiplexer units. The antenna units are disposed on the circuit board proximate to a peripheral edge thereof, are arranged in a loop formation, and are divided into a plurality of groups of the antenna units. Each of the multiplexer units is connected electrically to a respective one of the groups of the antenna units for selecting one of the corresponding antenna units and for connecting electrically the selected one of the corresponding antenna units to the RF circuit, thereby achieving the MIMO technique with the independently and simultaneously operating antenna units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Saou-Wen Su, Lin-Han Tsai, Chuan-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 8447256
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure an attenuating circuit comprises a balun configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal at first and second input ports and configured to output the RF signal. The circuit further comprises an attenuator coupled in parallel with the first and second input ports. A power level of the RF signal output by the balun is based at least partially on an impedance of the attenuator. The attenuator comprises a resistor ladder configured to receive at least a portion of the RF signal and a plurality of switches coupled to the resistor ladder. The plurality of switches are configured to open and close such that the impedance of the attenuator is a function of which switches are open and closed. Therefore, the power of the RF signal is controlled based at least on the opening and closing of the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Kurt B. Hausmann, Omid Oliaei
  • Patent number: 8315562
    Abstract: A method for improving RFID readers includes transmitting an outgoing RF signal to an antenna through a directional device, and generating a demodulated vector signal from an RF signal related to the RF signal received from the receiver. The method also includes setting the impedance of a controllable-variable-reflectance element with control-parameters from a memory circuit. The memory circuit includes a look up table having therein a corresponding relationship between the control-parameters and an error vector related to the demodulated vector signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Duron, Richard T. Knadle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8280334
    Abstract: A waveform reconstruction circuit receives an rf signal from an antenna, digitizes it, and then generates an undistorted reconstructed waveform. The reconstructed waveform can then be conventionally mixed and demodulated to extract useful signal information with enhanced receiver fidelity and sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: American Radio LLC
    Inventor: Robert Hotto
  • Patent number: 8260347
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a circuit for efficient wireless communication. The circuit includes a communication port adapted to be coupled to an antenna feed. Multiple communication paths stem from the communication port, where different communication paths are associated with different frequency bands. Multiple phase shift selection circuits are respectively associated with the multiple communication paths. The phase shift selection circuits have different respective impedances relative to the communication port and the respective impedances vary for the different frequency bands. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Mobile Communications GmbH
    Inventors: Weimin Tang, Ern Tang Chu, Chao Li
  • Publication number: 20120157030
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a signal reception apparatus and a method for implementation thereof. The apparatus comprises: a personal computer interface, configured to implement the communications between a personal computer and the signal reception apparatus; an antenna module, configured to receive signals of a base station; and an antenna interface, configured to implement the communications between a terminal and the signal reception apparatus, so as to provide the signals received by the antenna module to the terminal. The present invention improves the signal reception effect of the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jianhua Mao, Lei Liu, Xiaoming Yu
  • Patent number: 8195118
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for phase shifting and amplitude control. A two-phase local oscillator generates an in-phase sinusoidal signal of a fixed frequency and a quadrature sinusoidal signal of the fixed frequency having a ninety degree phase shift from the in-phase sinusoidal signal. A signal generator receives the in-phase sinusoidal signal and the quadrature sinusoidal signal and generates a controllable sinusoidal signal of the fixed frequency. The controllable sinusoidal signal has a variable amplitude and a shiftable phase. A mixer varies the amplitude and shifts the phase of an input signal by mixing the input signal with the controllable sinusoidal signal to generate an output signal. The input signal and the output signal carry phase and amplitude information required for phased array signal processing. Either a receiver or a transmitter may be implemented using the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Linear Signal, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl F. Warnick
  • Patent number: 8072284
    Abstract: A split delay-line oscillator for secure data transmission is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for a split delay-line oscillator for secure data transmission includes a first modulator/demodulator block in a first device, the first modulator/demodulator block operable to insert a first variable delay to modulate a frequency of a shared carrier signal passing through the first modulator/demodulator block, and a second modulator/demodulator block in a second device, the second modulator/demodulator block operable to insert a second variable delay to modulate the frequency of the shared carrier signal passing through the second modulator/demodulator block, wherein the first and second devices create a shared secret by contributing data on the frequency-modulated shared carrier signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Savitzky, Sergey Chemishkian, Bradley Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7907926
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for utilizing a frequency modulation (FM) antenna for near field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID) are presented. Aspects of a system for utilizing an FM antenna for NFC and RFID may include a tuning control block that enables configuration of at least one capacitor array to control a frequency for reception of signals. A processor may enable configuration of an antenna for the reception of signals wherein the frequency for the received signals is utilized for FM signal reception, and at least one of: NFC signal reception, and RFID signal reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7907924
    Abstract: A semiconductor device interconnecting unit configured to input/output a high-frequency signal having a millimeter wave band to/from a semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor or device interconnecting unit includes a part of a band pass filter configured to pass therethrough the high-frequency signal having a millimeter wave band by using an LC resonance circuit, and a remainder of the band pass filter, wherein the part and the remainder are separated from each other. The part is provided inside the semiconductor device, and the remainder is provided outside the semiconductor device. The part and the remainder include capacitors having variable capacitors added thereto, respectively. A pass band for the high-frequency signal having a millimeter wave band is changed by changing capacitance values of the variable capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7831226
    Abstract: An impedance matching system, a network analyzer having the same, and an impedance matching method thereof are disclosed. The system includes a signal extractor to extract an output signal and an input signal having at least a portion of an electric current outputted through a load and at least a portion of an electric current inputted through the load, respectively, a processor to process the output signal and the input signal extracted from the signal extractor, a comparator to compare a phase and an amplitude of the output signal with a phase and an amplitude of the input signal, respectively, a coefficient calculator to calculate a reflection coefficient using the comparative result provided from the comparator, and a circuit controller to generate a signal for controlling a matching circuit, which matches the phase and the amplitude of the output signal with the phase and the amplitude of the input signal, respectively, so as to ensure the reflection coefficient to have a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do-Hoon Kwon, Young-eil Kim
  • Patent number: 7792512
    Abstract: A system for tuning an impedance at a node comprises a first component associated with a first impedance when the first component is operating and a second impedance when the first component is not operating. The system further comprises a second component coupled to the first component at a node. The second component is associated with a third impedance when the second component is operating and a fourth impedance when the second component is not operating. An impedance tuning circuit is coupled to the second component at the node and operable to tune an impedance at the node based at least in part upon a plurality of the first impedance, the second impedance, the third impedance, and the fourth impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.
    Inventor: Michael D. Womac
  • Patent number: 7706759
    Abstract: A (radio frequency) RF reception system includes an off-chip antenna interface and an integrated circuit. The an off-chip antenna interface includes at least one first off-chip impedance matching component, a filter, and at least one second off-chip impedance matching component. The integrated circuit includes an on-chip antenna interface that forms a first programmable impedance matching network with the at least one first off-chip impedance matching component, and forms a second programmable impedance matching network with the at least one second off-chip impedance matching component. The first programmable impedance matching network and the second programmable impedance matching network are programmable based on a frequency selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7565126
    Abstract: An RF receiver system is provided having a plurality of selectable antennas. The system includes a receiver for receiving RF signals from one of the plurality of antennas at a time. The receiver includes processing circuitry for processing the RF signals and generating a control signal to control selection of one of the antennas at a time. The system further includes a switched diversity module having a plurality of switches coupled to the plurality of antennas for selecting one of the antennas at a time. The switched diversity module further includes logic receiving the control signal generated by the receiver and generating logic output signals to control selection of one of the antennas at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raed S. Shatara, Jeffrey J. Marrah
  • Publication number: 20090156151
    Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to a wireless portable device for radio communication, comprising at least one antenna element (1210), at least one ground-plane (1250), radio frequency communication circuitry (1310) and at least one matching network (1320). The device is arranged for communication involving, at least, receiving and processing a signal in accordance with a communication system having a bandwidth with a lower frequency limit (fmin) and an upper frequency limit (fmax). The antenna element is a non-resonant antenna element for frequencies from said lower frequency limit (fmin) up to said higher frequency limit (fmin). Another aspect of the invention involves two antenna elements (2001, 2002) tuned around two different central frequencies within a frequency band, and a switch (2003) for selectively operatively connecting one of said at least two antenna elements to a radio frequency communication circuitry (2000).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Jaume Anguera, Alfonso Sanz
  • Patent number: 7502594
    Abstract: A wireless communication system with power regulation feedback for improving the robustness of wireless communication transmissions between a receiver and an active emitter irrespective of the distance separation therebetween. The receiver receives wireless communications and detects a voltage induced therein. A feedback loop provides wireless transmission of power regulation feedback based on the detected voltage. The active emitter generates a power regulated data signal in which at least one of maximum and minimum bit voltage levels of respective logical high and low bits is adjusted based on the induced voltage received via the feedback loop. The RF power level, modulation index, and/or slew rate of a data signal emitted from the active emitter is regulated by adjusting at least one of maximum and minimum bit voltage levels of respective logical high and low bits based on voltage induced in the receiver during a previous communication from the active emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Codman Neuro Sciences Sárl
    Inventors: Alec Ginggen, Rocco Crivelli
  • Patent number: 7376407
    Abstract: A system for tuning an impedance at a node comprises a first component associated with a first impedance when the first component is operating and a second impedance when the first component is not operating. The system further comprises a second component coupled to the first component at a node. The second component is associated with a third impedance when the second component is operating and a fourth impedance when the second component is not operating. An impedance tuning circuit is coupled to the second component at the node and operable to tune an impedance at the node based at least in part upon a plurality of the first impedance, the second impedance, the third impedance, and the fourth impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Microtune (Texas), L.P.
    Inventor: Michael D. Womac
  • Publication number: 20080090540
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for utilizing a frequency modulation (FM) antenna for near field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID) are presented. Aspects of a system for utilizing an FM antenna for NFC and RFID may include a tuning control block that enables configuration of at least one capacitor array to control a frequency for reception of signals. A processor may enable configuration of an antenna for the reception of signals wherein the frequency for the received signals is utilized for FM signal reception, and at least one of: NFC signal reception, and RFID signal reception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7333790
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) phase shifter having an RC-CR circuit that includes a first capacitor having a first capacitor node and a second capacitor node and a first resistor coupled between the first capacitor node and a ground. The RC-CR circuit also includes a second resistor having a first resistor node and a second resistor node and a second capacitor coupled between the first resistor node and the ground. The RF phase shifter generates arbitrary phase shift by using a scheme of adding two perpendicular vectors with variable gains (or amplitudes).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Afsahi, Arya Behzad
  • Patent number: 7239858
    Abstract: An RFID reader accessible thorough a personal computer and includes a PC card interface and a controller both operating according to clock signals from a crystal oscillator. The RFID reader further includes a linearized power amplifier modulator in a transmit path, a receive chain capable of demodulating either class_1 or class _0 signals from RFID tags, and an integrated switching device for selecting one of a plurality of antenna for transmitting or receiving RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: WJ Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: John Vincent Bellantoni
  • Patent number: 7184731
    Abstract: A variable attenuator comprising a first attenuator for attenuating a RF signal according to a fixed voltage, a second attenuator connected in parallel to the first attenuator and attenuating the RF signal according to a control voltage for determining an attenuation mode, and a first impedance matching unit for maintaining input/output impedance matching of the second attenuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Gi Mun Kim
  • Patent number: 7181183
    Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates a vanadium redox battery energy storage system. The vanadium redox battery energy storage system receives and is charged by DC power. Upon power interruption, telecommunication equipment relies on the vanadium redox battery energy storage system to receive DC power. A charger/rectifier monitors received AC power to determine if an AC power interruption is occurring and initiates DC power transmission from the vanadium redox battery energy storage system to the telecommunication equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: VRB Power Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy David John Hennessy
  • Patent number: 7142833
    Abstract: A matching unit includes a switching means for switching an inductance of a first inductor. This switching means sets an inductance such that a first inductor shows an inductance property to both of the VHF low-band and high-band, and shows a capacitance property to the UHF band. This structure allows the matching unit to achieve the matching for both the VHF low-band and high-band by just switching the two circuits of the VHF low-band and high-band, also allows the matching unit to show a capacitance property to the UHF band. Thus the loss produced in transmitting signals can be reduced, and the circuit can be simplified. As a result, the matching unit can be downsized, and the cost can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hibino, Ryuichi Kamimoto, Akira Ito
  • Patent number: 7110729
    Abstract: A constant current source for generating a constant reference current that is relatively temperature insensitive. The constant current source comprises: i) first circuitry for generating a first output current that increases with increases in temperature; ii) second circuitry for generating a second output current that decreases with increases in temperature; and iii) a current combiner circuit that combines the first and second output currents to thereby generate the constant reference current. A change in the first output current caused by a temperature change is at least partially offset by a change in the second output current caused by the temperature change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Ranjit Kumar Dash
  • Patent number: 7065328
    Abstract: An AM receiver incorporates an antenna, a transistor, a current source, and a power supply. The antenna is connected to a gate electrode of the transistor and through a link to a signal earth. In operation, the antenna receives radiation and generates a corresponding input signal which propagates to the gate electrode. The transistor is operable to process the input signal in two steps, namely to reflectively amplify the input signal to generate a correspondingly reflectively amplified input signal at the gate electrode in a first step, and amplitude demodulate the amplified input signal in a second step. The transistor is operable in a non-linear region of its current/voltage characteristic whereas it simultaneously provides reflective amplification and signal demodulation, namely the two steps occur simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventors: Ian J Forster, Adrian N Farr
  • Patent number: 6996389
    Abstract: A power supply for a satellite receiver system includes a dual input supply voltage arrangement. When a higher output voltage is selected, a source of a lower supply input voltage is coupled to an input main current conducting terminal of a series pass transistor. On the other hand, when a lower output voltage is selected, a source of a lower supply input voltage is coupled to the input main current conducting terminal of the series pass transistor. A comparator senses a magnitude of an output voltage produced by the series pass transistor. When, as a result of an over current condition, the output voltage is lower than a reference threshold level, any selection of the higher output voltage is automatically overridden and the source of the lower supply input voltage, instead, is coupled to the input main current conducting terminal of the series pass transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: John James Fitzpatrick, Suresh Vishwanatm Leley, Andrew Eric Bowyer, John Joseph Curtis, III, Robert Alan Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6944437
    Abstract: An electronically programmable multimode circuit is described. More particularly, the present invention is an electronically programmable multimode circuit that includes a first path and a second path wherein a mode and a signal directional flow direction is controlled through the selective biasing of the first path and the second path. A multimode circuit is produced that contains modes such as a phase shifter mode, an IQ modulation mode, an amplifier mode, a mixer mode, and a multiplier mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ming-Jer Yang, Matt Nishimoto, Xing Lan, Michael Battung, Robert Wang, Yun-Ho Chung
  • Patent number: 6909885
    Abstract: An RF modulator/switch selectably couples a locally generated and conducted RF signal or an antenna RF signal to a broadcast radio receiver. A local RF input receives the conducted RF signal. An antenna RF input receives the antenna RF signal in response to a radiated RF broadcast in a broadcast band. A resonant network has a first node coupled to the antenna RF input and has a resonant frequency corresponding to the broadcast band. A first relay has a first output selectably coupled to either the antenna RF input or a second node of the resonant network. A second relay has a second output selectably coupled to either the local RF input or the first output of the first relay. When the second relay selects the local RF input then the first relay selects the second node of the resonant network and when the second relay selects the first output of the first relay then the first relay selects the antenna RF input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Francis Kennedy, Edmund Joe Tillo
  • Patent number: 6748197
    Abstract: A method and device for using a single antenna for simultaneously receiving radio frequency signals in different L-band and GPS data band radio frequency bands embodied by example in a circuit having a directional coupler configured to direct a signal input at a first port into two second ports. Filters are coupled to receive the output of each second port, the filters being configured to reflect radio frequency energy in radio frequency bands other than the GPS data radio frequency band. The directional coupler is further configured to direct the reflected radio frequency energy into another port of the directional coupler. A filter is coupled to the other port of the directional coupler and is configured to reflect radio frequency energy in radio frequency bands other than the L-band radio frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lindemann, Tuan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20040102171
    Abstract: An RF modulator/switch selectably couples a locally generated and conducted RF signal or an antenna RF signal to a broadcast radio receiver. A local RF input receives the conducted RF signal. An antenna RF input receives the antenna RF signal in response to a radiated RF broadcast in a broadcast band. A resonant network has a first node coupled to the antenna RF input and has a resonant frequency corresponding to the broadcast band. A first relay has a first output selectably coupled to either the antenna RF input or a second node of the resonant network. A second relay has a second output selectably coupled to either the local RF input or the first output of the first relay. When the second relay selects the local RF input then the first relay selects the second node of the resonant network and when the second relay selects the first output of the first relay then the first relay selects the antenna RF input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: John Francis Kennedy, Edmund Joe Tillo
  • Patent number: 6738650
    Abstract: A radiation shielding apparatus for a wireless communication device operable in at least two cellular frequency spectrums includes a multi-band antenna operably associated with an electromagnetic radiation shield that extends along a length of the antenna. The shield partially surrounds the antenna and is disposed between a user of the communication device and the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangping Zhou, Allen Ting Tsai, Bahadir Suleyman Yildirim
  • Publication number: 20040005871
    Abstract: RF switches and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, a RF switch includes first and second switch assemblies, each comprising an elongate member and a magnetic housing on an end of the member. The magnet is disposed between contact pads for first and second circuits, and an electromagnetic source is coupled to the assemblies. Each switch has a first and second state. Another RF switch of the present invention includes a rotor, an elongate member disposed centrally through the rotor, an actuator coupled to the member and configured to rotate the member and the rotor, and a contact on the rotor that may touch a substrate. The contact is used to complete a first path or a second path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Elna R. Saito, Gregory L. Hey-Shipton, James R. Costa, Stacey M. Bilski
  • Patent number: 6553216
    Abstract: A tuner includes a tunable filter for selecting a desired RF signal in response to a tuning control signal and a tunable image trap for rejecting the undesired image signal corresponding to the desired RF signal responsive to the tuning control signal coupled in cascade between an RF amplifier and a mixer. The tunable trap also serves as an impedance transformation element between the tunable filter and said mixer. The arrangement is particularly useful in a tuner in which the frequency range of the local oscillator signal is below the frequency range of the received RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing, S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Pugel, Gary Dean Grubbs
  • Publication number: 20030054791
    Abstract: An RF circuit configured to inteface a balanced port (1, 2, 11, 12) with an unbalanced port (4, 14) by emulating the function of a balun. Reactive components (20, 30, 120, 130) in both branches of a balanced circuit form two resonant circuits by resonating with parasitic reactance. At a predetermined operating centre frequency, one of the two resonant circuits is above resonance and the other is below resonance, resulting in a 180° phase difference between the signals delivered by the two branches. When used to interface an unbalanced signal source (10) to a balanced load (40), the input impedance may be set to a real value matching the output impedance of the signal source by selection of the reactive component (20, 30) values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Sayers
  • Publication number: 20020077061
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive coupling data receiving device (30), comprising an inductive-type antenna circuit (10) having a coil (11) through which an antenna signal (Sa) passes, and a control circuit (2) comprising binary ports (P1-P7) that can be set to high impedance (HZ). According to the present invention, the device comprises at least two filters (31, 32) arranged to receive a charge modulation signal (Sx), that is present in the antenna signal (Sa), on a first terminal, each connected by their other terminal to a control circuit (2) port (P5, P6). The control circuit is arranged to select one of the filters by setting the port connected to the filter to be selected to “1”, and by setting the port connected to the other filter to high impedance state. Particularly applied to contactless smart card readers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Bruno Charrat
  • Patent number: 6253070
    Abstract: RF circuit includes an amplifier and a shunt. The shunt is controlled to provide a path around the amplifier for avoiding intermodulation distortion caused by overdriving the amplifier. The shunt is formed by a diode with capacitors that match to the RF characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Andrews
  • Patent number: 5754141
    Abstract: A wireless communication device (20) provides a matching state between a radio circuit (28) and an antenna assembly (26) in both its retracted and extended positions, and does so with an elegant design that increases reliability and manufacturability by reducing the number and complexity of components and moving mechanical parts. A matching circuit (30), which is reconfigured according to a switch (32) that is responsive to the antenna's position, provides the matching states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Thompson, Jin D. Kim, Brian J. Hassemer
  • Patent number: 5749046
    Abstract: A signal level measuring apparatus measures a level of a satellite signal from a geostationary satellite as received by a receiving antenna and provides an output to determine whether the antenna is correctly directed to the satellite. The apparatus is disposed between a converter associated with the antenna for converting the satellite signal into an IF signal and a tuner for demodulating the IF signal. The apparatus distributes and divides the IF signal from an input terminal of the apparatus into two output signals. One of the output signals is coupled to an output terminal of the apparatus, which, in turn, is coupled to the tuner. The other output signal is applied to level detector. An output from the level detector is compared with a reference signal. Depending on the comparison output, the state of light emission of a light-emitting device varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: DX Antenna Company, Limited
    Inventors: Minoru Ohta, Akihiro Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 5697087
    Abstract: A 3-element series parallel resonator, which performs series resonance and parallel resonance at a predetermined frequency by a combination of three elements including an inductor and a capacitor of concentrated constants, is used as a filter. This design can reduce the circuit constant and permits a filter to be formed on a semiconductor substrate. Accordingly, various micro-wave devices, such as an amplifier which requires a filter, a frequency converter, a multiplier and signal switcher, can be designed into an MMIC on a single chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Miya, Tsutomu Noguchi
  • Patent number: 5678198
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dynamic range enhancing system for increasing the dynamic range of a transmission link, characterized as either an analog or digital link. The system includes a pre-processing unit, provided at a first location, that receives, as input, a transmit signal, and a post-processing unit, provided at a second location, remote from the first location, that receives, as input, a signal transmitted over the transmission link. The pre-processing unit includes a first signal level adjusting device for adjusting a signal level of the transmit signal to be transmitted over the transmission link and a control signal maybe provided for controlling the post-processing unit, and the post-processing unit includes a second signal level adjusting device for adjusting a signal level of the adjusted transmit signal transmitted over said transmission link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Southwestern Bell Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul H. Lemson
  • Patent number: 5678202
    Abstract: An antenna system and method for use in a portable unit of a wireless telephone headset, wireless telephone headset adapter, or other telecommunication device combines a capacitive coupling antenna with an electric field sensitive antenna. The electric field sensitive antenna, such as a monopole antenna, receives and transmits RF signals when the portable unit is located remote from the user. A patch antenna receives and transmits RF signals when the portable unit is located proximate to, for example is worn by, the user. The patch antenna is a conductive surface for capacitively coupling to a user's body which acts as a radiating and receiving medium. Both the patch antenna and monopole antenna are coupled to an antenna port by matching circuits to tune each antenna for desired RF characteristics. When worn by the user, the RF effects of the monopole antenna are negligible and the patch antenna operates as the primary antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian C. Filimon, Stephen M. Jacobs, Anand Gundavajhala