Title of Invention

A METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY TUNING AN ANTENNA IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND AN ANTENNA TUNING SYSTEM

Abstract In a method and system for dynamically tuning an antenna (102, 402) communication signals are transmitted (502) over a transmission line (106, 406) at a predetermined frequency between a transceiver (120) and an antenna (102, 402), and with sufficient power to operate the antenna (102, 402) and radiate the communication signals via the antenna (102, 402). Reflected communication signals on the transmission line (106, 406) that are reflected from the antenna (102, 402) are sensed (504). And in response to sensing (504) the reflected communication signals, the first electrical length of the antenna (102, 402) is modified (506) to a second electrical length.
Full Text A METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY TUNNING AN ANTENNA IN A
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND AN ANTENNA
TUNING SYSTEM
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/407,606.
file April 3, 2003 and entitled, Wireless Telephone Antenna Diversity System; U.S.
Patent Application Serial Mo. 10/371,792, filed February 21, 2003 and entitled
Microelectromechanical Switch (MEMS) Antenna; U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. 10/371,564, Filed February 21, 2003 and entitled Microeiectromechanical Switch
(MEMS) Antenna Array; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/117,628, filed April
4, 2002, and entitled Ferroelectric Antenna and Method for Tuning Same; U.S.
Application Serial No. 10/120,603, filed April 9, 2002 and entitled Inverted-F
Ferroelectric Antenna.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to wireless communication antennas and,
more particularly, to a system and method for regulating the operating frequency of a
portable wireless communications device antenna.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The size of portable wireless communications devices, such as telephones,
continues to shrink, even as more functionality is added. As a result, the designers
must increase the performance of components or device subsystems while reducing
their size, or placing these components in less desirable locations. One such critical
component is the wireless communications antenna. This antenna may be connected
to a telephone transceiver, for example, or a global positioning system (GPS)
receiver.
Wireless telephones can operate in a number of different frequency bands. In
the US, the cellular band (AMPS), at around 850 megahertz (MHz), and the PCS
(Personal Communication System) band, at around 1900 MHz, are used. Other

frequency bands include the PCN (Personal Communication Network) at
approximately 1800 MHz, the GSM system (Groupe Speciale Mobile) at
approximately 900 MHz, and the JDC (Japanese Digital Cellular) at approximately
800 and 1500 MHz. Other bands of interest are GPS signals at approximately 1575
MHz and Bluetooth at approximately 2400 MHz.
Conventionally, good communication results have been achieved using a whip
antenna. Using a wireless telephone as an example, it is typical to use a combination
of a helical and a whip antenna. In the standby mode with the whip antenna
withdrawn, the wireless device uses the stubby, lower gain helical coil to maintain
control channel communications. When a traffic channel is initiated (the phone
rings), the user has the option of extending the higher gain whip antenna. Some
devices combine the helical and whip' antennas. Other devices disconnect the helical
antenna when the whip antenna is extended. However, the whip antenna increases
the overall form factor of the wireless telephone.
It is known to use a portion of a circuitboard, such as a dc power bus, as an
electromagnetic radiator. This solution eliminates the problem of an antenna
extending from the chassis body. Printed circuitboard, or microstrip antennas can be
formed exclusively for the purpose of electromagnetic communications. These
antennas can provide relatively high performance in a small form factor.
Since not all users understand that an antenna whip must be extended for best
performance, and because the whip creates an undesirable form factor, with a
protrusion to catch in pockets or purses, chassis-embedded antenna styles are being
investigated. That is, the antenna, whether it is a whip, patch, or a related
modification, is formed in the chassis of the phone, or enclosed by the chassis. While
this approach creates a desirable telephone form factor, the antenna becomes more
susceptible to user manipulation and other user-induced loading effects. For
example, an antenna that is tuned to operate in the bandwidth between 824 and 894
megahertz (MHz) while laying on a table, may be optimally tuned to operate between
790 and 830 MHz when it is held in a user's band. Further, the tuning may depend
upon the physical characteristics of the user and how the user chooses to hold and

operate their phones. Thus, it may be impractical to factory tune a conventional
chassis-embedded antenna to account for the effects of user manipulation.
European Pat. App. EP-A-1 220 354 discloses a closed loop antenna tuning
system that employs a sounding technique. Specifically, this system will generate a
low-level signal, which does not reach the regulatory threshold of a transmission, and
will adjust the resonant frequency of the system in response. According to this
technique, communications cannot take place while tuning the antenna system.
It would be advantageous if the antenna of a wireless communication device
could be monitored and modified to operate at maximum efficiency.
It would be advantageous if a wireless device could sense degradations in
antenna tuning, due to effect of user manipulation for example.
It would be advantageous if the wireless device antenna tuning could be
modified in response to sensing the effects of user manipulation or other antenna
detuning mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention describes a wireless communication device system and
method for sensing the electrical length of an antenna. That is, the device senses
antenna detuning, in response to user manipulation for example. Using the sensed
information the device modifies characteristics of the antenna, to"move"the antenna,
optimizing the tuning at its intended operating frequency.
Accordingly, a method is provided for regulating the electrical length of an
antenna. The method comprises: communicating transmission line signals at a
predetermined frequency between a transceiver and an antenna; sensing transmission
line signals; and, modifying the electrical length of the antenna in response to sensing
the transmission line signals. Sensing transmission line signals typically means sensing
transmission line signal power levels.
In some aspects, modifying the electrical length of the antenna in response to
sensing the transmission line signals includes modifying the antenna impedance.

Alternately, it can be stated that modifying the electrical length of the antenna
includes optimizing the transmission line signal strength between the transceiver and
the antenna.
More specifically, communicating transmission line signals ata predetermined
frequency between a transceiver and an antenna includes accepting the transmission
line signal from the transceiver at an antenna port. Then, sensing

transmission line signals includes measuring the transmission line signal reflected
from the antenna port.
In some aspects of the method, the antenna includes a radiator, a counterpoise,
and a dielectric proximately located with the radiator and the counterpoise. Then,
modifying the electrical length of the antenna in response to sensing the transmission
line signals includes changing the dielectric constant of the dielectric. In some
aspects, the antenna dielectric includes a ferroelectric materia] with a variable
Alternately, the antenna includes a radiator with at least one selectively
connectahle microelectromechanical switch (MEMS). Then, modifying the electrical
length of the antenna in response to sensing the transmission line signals includes
changing the electrical length of the radiator in response to connecting the MEMS. In
other aspects, a MEMS can be used to change the electrical length of a counterpoise.
Additional details of the above-described method and an antenna system for
regulating the electrical length of an antenna are provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the present invention antenna system
for regulating the electrical length of an antenna.
Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of Fig. 1 enabled with a
ferroelectric dielectric material.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the antenna of Fig. 1 enabled with a
microelectromechanical switch (MEMS).
Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating variations of the present
invention antenna system for regulating the electrical length of an antenna.
Figs. 5a and 5b are flowcharts illustrating the present invention method for
regulating the electrical length of an antenna.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating me present invention method for controlling
the efficiency of a radiated signal.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention method for regulating
the operating frequency of an antenna.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the present invention antenna system
for regulating the electrical length of an antenna. The system 100 comprises an
antenna 102 including an active element 104 having an electrical length responsive to
a control signal, an antenna port connected to a transmission line 106 ID transceive
transmission line signals. The antenna 102 has a control port on line 108 that is
connected to the active element and accepts control signals. Especially in the context
of a wireless telephone system, active element operating frequencies of interest
include 824 to 894 megahertz (MHz), 1850 to 1990 MHz, 1565 to 1585 MHz, and
2400 to 2480 MHz. It should be understood that an antenna electrical length has a
direct relationship with (optimally tuned) antenna operating frequencies. For
example, an antenna designed to operate at a frequency of 1875 MHz may have an
effective electrical length of a quarter wavelength of an electromagnetic wave
propagating through a medium with a dielectric constant. The electrical length may
be considered to be an effective electrical length that is responsive to the
characteristics of the proximate dielectric.
A detector 110 has an input on line 112 operatively connected to the
transmission line 106 to sense transmission line signals and an output on line 114 to
supply detected signals. Operatively connected, as used herein, means either a direct
connection or an indirect connection through an intervening element. A regulator
circuit 116 has an input connected to the detector output on line 114 to accept the
detected signals and a reference input on line 118 to accept a reference signal
responsive to the intended antenna electrical length, which is related to the frequency
of the conducted transmission line signals on line 106. The regulator circuit 116 has
an output connected to the antenna on line 108 to supply the control signal in
response to the detected signals and the reference signal. Note that a wireless

telephone application of the system 100 may further include filters, duplexers, and
isolators (not shown).
In some aspects of the system 100, the antenna, port reflects transmission line
signals in response to changes in the electrical length of the active element 104.
Then, the detector 110 senses transmission line signals reflected from the antenna
port on transmission line 106. That is, the antenna port reflects transmission line
signals at a power level that varies in response to changes in the electrical length of
the active element 104, and the detector 110 senses transmission line signals
responsive to changes in me reflected power levels. Alternately stated, the antenna
port has an input impedance on transmission line 106 that varies in response to
changes in the electrical length, or optimally tuned operating frequency of the active
element 104. The detector 110 senses transmission line signals responsive to changes
in the antenna port impedance changes. The changes in the electrical length are
typically due to changes in the proximate dielectric medium(s). That is, the effective
electrical length changes as the dielectric medium near the active element changes.
For example, a wireless telephone antenna may have a first electrical length
responsive to being placed on a table, and a second electrical length responsive to
being held in a user's hand or placed proximate to a user's head. It is the change in
me dielectric constant of the surrounding dielectric medium mat causes changes in the
antenna's electrical length.
Also shown is a transceiver 120 with a port connected to the transmission line
106 to supply a transmission line signal. The detector 110 senses transmission line
signals supplied by the transceiver 120 and reflected from the antenna port
Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of Fig. 1 enabled with a
ferroelectric dielectric material. The active element 104 includes a counterpoise 200
and a dielectric 202, proximately located with the counterpoise 200, with a dielectric
constant responsive to me control signal on line 108. The active element also
includes a radiator 204 with an electrical length responsive to changes in the
dielectric constant. In some aspects, the dielectric 202 includes a ferroelectric

material 206 with a variable dielectric constant that changes in response to changes in
the control signal voltage levels on line 10S.
A dipole antenna is specifically shown where the radiator and counterpoise
are radiating elements with an effective electrical length at the antenna electrical
length that is an odd multiple of a quarter-wavelength (2n + 1) (λ/4), where n = 0,1,
2,... That is, the wavelength is responsive to the dielectric constant of the proximate
dielectric material, and the operating frequency can be modified by changing the
dielectric constant. The operating frequencies of monopole and patch antenna can
likewise by changed by applying different control signal voltages to (on opposite
sides of) the ferroelectric material. An inverted-P antenna can be tuned using a
ferroelectric capacitor between the end of the radiator and the groundplane and/or in
series to the radiator from the antenna port. Additional details of ferroelectric antenna
designs that are suitable for use in the context of the present invention can be found in
the applications cited as Related Applications, above. These related applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the antenna of Fig. 1 enabled with a
microelectromechanical switch (MEMS). The active element 104 includes at least
one selectively connectable MEMS 300 responsive to the control signal. In one
aspect, such as when the active element is a monopole or patch antenna, a radiator
302 has an electrical length 304 that varies in response to selectively connecting the
MEMS 300.
In other aspects when the antenna is a dipole, as shown, the antenna active
element 104 includes a counterpoise 306 with an electrical length 30S that varies in
response to selectively connecting the MEMS 310. Although only a dipole antenna is
specifically depicted, the MEMS concept of antenna tuning applies to a wide variety
of antenna styles that are applicable to the present invention. The control signal is
used to selectively connect or disconnect MEMS sections. Note that although only a
single MEMS is shown included as part of radiator 302, the radiator may include a
plurality of MEMSs in other aspects. Additional details of MEMS antenna designs
can be found in the MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SWITCH (MEMS)

ANTENNA application cited as a Related Application, above. This application is
incorporated herein by reference.
Returning to Fig. 1, a coupler 130 has an input connected to the transmission
line 106 and an output connected to the detector input on line 112. The detector 110
converts the coupled signal to a dc voltage and supplies the dc voltage as the detected
signal on line 114. A variety of coupler and detector designs are known by those
skilled in the art that would be applicable for use in the present invention.
Typically, the detector 110 includes a rectifying diode and a capacitor (not
shown). Therefore, the detector 110 has a non-uniform frequency response. In some
aspects, the regulator circuit 116 includes a memory 132 with dc voltage
measurements cross referenced to the frequencies of coupled signals. Typically, the
calibration might be made to create a 0 volt offset at a bandpass center frequency (f1),
with plus or minus voltage offsets for frequencies either above or below f1.
However, other calibration schemes are possible. Regardless, the regulator circuit
116 supplies a frequency offset control signal on line 108 that is responsive to the
reference signal on line 118.
Typically, the coupler 130 has a non-uniform frequency response. In other
aspects of the system 100, the regulator circuit 116 includes a memory 134 with
coupler signal strength measurements cross referenced to the frequencies of coupled
signals. As above, the calibration might be made to create a zero offset at a bandpass
center frequency (fl), with plus or minus offsets for frequencies either above or
below f1. The offsets could be added either to the detected signal to indirectly
modify the control signal, or be added to directly modify the control signal.
Regardless, the regulator circuit 116 supplies a frequency offset control signal on line
108 responsive to the reference signal on line 118. The reference signal on line 118
may be an analog voltage that represents the intended antenna operating frequency.
Alternately, the reference signal may be a digital representation of the intended
antenna operating frequency. Note that the regulator circuit 116 may have
mechanisms for calibrating both the detector and the coupler.

In some aspects of the system 100, the regulator circuit 116 includes a
memory 136 for storing previous control signal modifications. Than, the antenna
active element 104 can be initialised with the stored control signal modifications
upon startup. In the context of a wireless telephone, the memory 136 may be used to
store the average modification, in response to the user's normal hand position for
example. Using the average modification as an initial value may result in greater
resource efficiencies.
Figs. 4a and 4b are schematic block diagrams illustrating variations of the
present invention antenna system for regulating the electrical length of an antenna.
Fig. 4a depicts a time-duplexing transceiver. A time-duplexing transceiving system is
understood to be a system where the transmit and receive signals have the same
frequency, but are time division multiplexed. For example, the time-duplexing
transceiver describes a time division multiple access (TDMA) wireless telephone
system protocol. The system 400 comprises an antenna 402 including an active
element 404 having an electrical length responsive to a control signal, an antenna port
connected to a transmission line 406 to transceive transmission line signals, and a
control port connected to the active element 404 and accepting control signals on line
408. A half-duplex transmitter 410 has a port on transmission line 412 to supply a
transmission line signal to the antenna port. A half-duplex receiver 414 has an input
port on transmission line 416 to receive the transmission line signals reflected from
the antennaport and an output port on line 418 to supply an evaluation of received
transmission line signal.
The transmitter 410, receiver 414, and antenna 402 are shown connected to a
duplexer 420. Then, the receiver 414 measures transmitter signals reflected by the
antenna 402, that "leak" through the duplexer. Alternately but not shown, an isolator
(or circulator) can have a first port connected to the antenna port on line 406 and a
second port connected to the transmitter port on line 412 that is minimally isolated
from the first port. The isolator can have a third port connected to the receiver port
on line 416 that is minimally isolated from the first port and maximally isolated from
the second port.

A regulator circuit 422 has an input connected to the receiver output on line
418 to accept the transmission line signal evaluations and a reference input on line
424 to accept a reference signal responsive to the antenna electrical length, which is
in turn related to the frequency of the conducted transmission line signal supplied by
the transmitter 410. The regulator circuit 422 has an output connected to the antenna
on line 408 to supply the control signal in response to the signal evaluations and the
reference signal.
in some aspects, the receiver evaluation is a measurement of the automatic
gain control voltage. That is, the receiver 414 supplies an evaluation that is
responsive to the signal strength of the received signal. If the antenna is well
matched, that is, tuned to operate at the frequency of the conducted transmission line
signals receiving from the transmitter, then very little signal is reflected. As a result,
when the receiver 414 measures low signal strength reflected power levels, the
antenna is properly tuned. The antenna tuning can be improved by searching to find
the minimum signal strength level.
Alternately, the receiver may decode the received signal and use the decoded
bit error rate (BER) to evaluate the antenna matching. As above, when the antenna is
well matched, the reflected signal strength will be low. As a result, the BER rate for a
well-matched antenna will be high. The antenna tuning can be improved by
searching the find the maximum BER. In another variation, the received
demodulated signal can be compared to the (pre-modulated) transmitted signal to
evaluate antenna matching. As in the system of Fig. 1, the regulator circuit 422 may
include a memory (not shown) with previous antenna modification to use at system
initialization.
Fig. 4b depicts an isolator 430 having ports connected on lines 412 and 406 to
pass transmitted transmission line signals to the antenna port The isolator 430 also
has port on line 112 to supply transmission line signals reflected by the antenna port.
The detector 110 is connected to the isolator 430 to accept the reflected transmission
line signals. As in Fig. 1, the detector 110 supplies detected signals to the regulator

circuit 116, and the regulator circuit 116 generates a control signal in response to the
detected signals.
Figs. 5a and 5b are flowcharts illustrating the present invention method for
regulating the electrical length of an antenna. Although the method (and the method
of Figs. 6 and 7, below) is depicted as a sequence of numbered steps for clarity, no
order should be inferred from the numbering unless explicitly stated. It should be
understood that some of these steps may be skipped, performed in parallel, or
performed without the requirement of maintaining a strict order of sequence. The
method starts at Step 500.
Step 502 communicates transmission line signals at a predetermined
frequency between a transceiver and an antenna. Step 504 senses transmission line
signals. Step 506 modifies the electrical length of an antenna in response to sensing
the transmission line signals. In some aspects related to use in a wireless
communications device telephone, modifying the antenna electrical length in Step
506 includes modifying the antenna electrical length to operate at a frequency such as
824 to 894 megahertz (MHz), 1850 to 1990 MHz, 1565 to 1585 MHz, or 2400 to
2480 MHz.
In some aspects of the method, sensing transmission line signals in Step 504
includes sensing transmission line signal power levels. In other aspects, modifying
the electrical length of the antenna in response to sensing the transmission line signals
in Step 506 includes modifying me antenna impedance. Alternately, Step 506
modifies the antenna electrical length by optimizing the transmission line signal
strength between the transceiver and the antenna.
In some aspects, the antenna has an antenna port and communicating
transmission line signals at a predetermined frequency between a transceiver and an
antenna in Step 502 includes accepting the transmission line signal from the
transceiver at the antenna port. Then, sensing transmission line signals in Step 504
includes measuring the transmission line signal reflected from the antenna port.
In other aspects, the antenna includes a radiator, a counterpoise, and a
dielectric proximately located with the radiator and the counterpoise. Then,

modifying the electrical length of the antenna in response to sensing the transmission
line signals in Step 506 includes changing the dielectric constant of the dielectric. In
one aspect, the antenna dielectric includes a ferroelectric material with a variable
dielectric constant. Then, changing the dielectric constant of the dielectric in Step
506 includes substeps. Step 506a supplies a control voltage to the ferroelectric
material. Step 506b changes the dielectric constant of the ferroelectric material in
response to changing the control voltage.
In other aspects, the antenna includes a radiator with at least one selectively
connectable microelectromechanical switch (MEMS). Then, modifying the electrical
length of the antenna in response to sensing the transmission line signals in Step 506
includes changing the electrical length of the radiator in response to connecting the
MEMS. In some aspects, the antenna includes a counterpoise with at least one
selectively connectable MEMS. Then, modifying the antenna electrical length in
Step 506 includes changing the electrical length of the counterpoise in response to
connecting the (counterpoise) MEMS.
In other aspects of the method, sensing transmission line signals in Step 504
includes substeps. Step 504a couples to the transmission line signal. Step 504b
generates a coupled signal. Step 504c converts the coupled signal to a dc voltage.
Step 504d measures the magnitude of the dc voltage. In some aspects, the antenna is
connected to a transmitter through an isolator. Then, sensing transmission line
signals includes detecting the power level of transmitted transmission line signals,
through the isolator.
Other aspects of the method include additional steps. Step 501a calibrates the
dc voltage measurements to coupled signal frequencies. Step 501b determines the
frequency of the coupled signal. Then, sensing transmission line signals in Step 504
includes offsetting the dc voltage measurements in response to the determined
coupled signal frequency. In some aspects, Step 501c calibrates coupled signal
strength to coupled signal frequency. Then, sensing transmission line signals in Step
504 includes offsetting the dc voltage measurements in response to the determined
coupled signal frequency.

Other aspects of the method include additional steps. Step 508 stores previous
antenna electrical length modifications. Step 510 initializes the antenna with the
stored modifications upon startup.
In some aspects, Step 501d initially calibrates the antenna electrical length to
communicate transmission line signals with a transceiver in a predetermined first
environment of proximate dielectric materials. Step 501e changes from the antenna
first environment of proximate dielectric materials to an antenna second environment
of dielectric materials. Then, sensing transmission line signals in Step 504 includes
sensing changes in the transmission line signals due to the antenna second
environment. Modifying the electrical length of antenna in Step 506 includes
modifying the antenna electrical length in response to the antenna second
environment.
In some aspects, the transceiver and antenna are elements of a portable
wireless communications telephone. Then, changing from the antenna first
environment of proximate dielectric materials to an antenna second environment of
dielectric materials in Step 501e includes a user manipulating the telephone.
In other aspects of the method, the antenna is connected to a half-duplex
transceiver with a transmitter and receiver. Then, sensing transmission line signals in
Step 504 includes alternate substeps. Step 504e receives the communicated
transmission line signals at the receiver. Step 504f demodulates the received
transmission line signals. Step 504g calculates the rate of errors in the demodulated
signals, by comparing the received message to the transmitted message, or by using
FEC to correct the received message.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention method for controlling
the efficiency of a radiated signal. The method starts at Step 600. Step 602 radiates
electromagnetic signals at a predetermined frequency. Step 604 converts between
radiated electromagnetic signals and conducted electromagnetic signals. Step 606
senses the conducted signals. Step 608 increases the radiated signal strength in
response to sensing the conducted signals.

In some aspects, sensing the conducted signals in Step 606 includes sensing
conducted signal power levels. In other aspects, increasing the radiated signal
strength in response to sensing the conducted signals in Step 603 includes improving
the impedance match at the interface between the radiated and conducted signals.
Alternately, it can be stated that Step 60S increases the radiated signal strength by
minimizing the signal strength of reflected conducted signals at the interface between
radiated and conducted signals.
Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention method for regulating
the operating frequency of an antenna. The method starts at Step 700. Step 702
communicates transmission line signals at a predetermined frequency between a
transceiver and an antenna. Step 704 senses transmission line signals. Step 706
modifies the antenna operating frequency in response to sensing the transmission line
signals.
A system and method have been provided for altering the operating frequency
of a wireless device antenna in response to sensing the antenna mismatch. Examples
have been given of sensing techniques to illustrate specific applications of the
invention. However, the present invention is not limited to merely the exemplary
sensing means. Likewise, examples have been given of antennas that have selectable
electrical lengths. However, once again the invention is not limited to any particular
antenna style. Finally, although the invention has been introduced in the context of a
wireless telephone system, it has broader implications for any system using an
antenna for radiated communications. Other variations and embodiments of the
invention will occur to those skilled in the art.

WE CLAIM :
1. A method for dynamically tuning an antenna in a wireless communication
device, the method comprising: transmitting communication signals over a
transmission line at a predetermined frequency between a transceiver and an
antenna, and with sufficient power to operate the antenna and radiate the
communication signals; reflecting transmission line signals in response to changes
in an electrical length of the antenna; sensing the transmission line signals
reflected from the antenna; and modifying the electrical length of the antenna in
response to sensing the transmission line signals, the transmission line signals
being a reflection of the communication signals.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensing transmission line
signals comprises sensing transmission line signal power levels.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the antenna is connected to a
transmitter through an isolator, and the sensing the transmission line signals
further includes detecting a power level of transmitted transmission line signals,
through the isolator.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the modifying the electrical
length of the antenna comprises modifying an antenna impedance.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the modifying the electrical
length of the antenna comprises decreasing the signals reflected from the
antenna.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the antenna comprises a
radiator, a counterpoise, and a variable dielectric proximately located with the
radiator and the counterpoise, the modifying the electrical length of the antenna
further comprising changing a dielectric constant of the dielectric.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the antenna dielectric comprises
a ferroelectric material with a variable dielectric constant, the changing the
dielectric constant of the dielectric further comprising: supplying a control voltage
to the ferroelectric material, and changing the dielectric constant of the
ferroelectric material in response to changing the control voltage.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 in which the antenna comprises a
radiator with at least one selectively connectable microelectromechanical switch
(MEMS); wherein the modifying the electrical length of the antenna comprises
changing the electrical length of the radiator via MEMS switching.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the antenna comprises a
counterpoise with at least one selectively connectable MEMS, the modifying the
electrical length of the antenna further comprising changing the electrical length of
the counterpoise via MEMS switching.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensing the transmission line
signals comprises: coupling to the transmission line signal, generating a coupled
signal, converting the coupled signal to a DC voltage, the DC voltage having a
magnitude, and measuring the magnitude of the DC voltage.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1 comprising: storing previous antenna
electrical length modifications; and initializing the antenna with the stored
modifications upon startup.
12. An antenna tuning system for a mobile wireless communication device
comprising: an antenna comprising: an active element having a variable electrical
length responsive to control signals, an antenna port configured to communicate
electromagnetic communication signals, and a control port connected to the active
element to accept the control signals; a transmission line communicably
connected to the antenna port; a transceiver communicably connected to the

transmission line, and configured to receive and transmit the communication
signals via the transmission line; a detector having an input operatively connected
to the transmission line, and configured to sense signals on the transmission line,
the sensed signals being a reflection of the communication signals, the
communication signals being transmitted at a predetermined frequency, and with
sufficient power to operate the antenna and radiate the communication signals; a
regulator circuit having an input connected to the detector and configured to
supply the control signals in response to the transmission line signals; and a
control line connected to the regulator circuit and the control port of the antenna,
and configured to supply the control signals to the antenna.
13. The system as claimed in claim 12 comprising a reference line, the
regulator circuit further having a reference input on the reference line to accept a
reference signal responsive to a predetermined antenna operating frequency, the
regulator circuit being configured to supply control signals in response to the
detected signals and the reference signal.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the detector is configured to
sense power levels of reflected transmission line signals.
15. The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the antenna port has an input
impedance that varies in response to changes in the active element electrical
length, the detector further configured to sense the transmission line signals
responsive to changes in the antenna port impedance.
16. The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the detector senses the
transmission line signals supplied by the transceiver and reflected from the
antenna port, the regulator circuit further configured to supply the control signals in
response to decreasing the transmission line signals reflected from the antenna
port.
17. The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the antenna active element

comprises: a counterpoise, a dielectric, proximately located with the counterpoise,
with a dielectric constant responsive to the control signal, and a radiator with an
electrical length responsive to changes in the dielectric constant.
18. The system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the dielectric comprises a
ferroelectric material with a variable dielectric constant that changes in response to
changes in control signal voltage levels.
19. The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the antenna active element
comprises: a first selectively connectable microelectromechanical switch (MEMS)
responsive to the control signal; and a radiator with an electrical length that varies
in response to selectively connecting the MEMS.
20. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the antenna active element
comprises: a second selectively connectable MEMS responsive to the control
signal, and a counterpoise with an electrical length that varies in response to
selectively connecting the second MEMS.

Documents:

01864-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

01864-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

01864-kolnp-2005-description complete.pdf

01864-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

01864-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

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01864-kolnp-2005-international publication.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-AMENDED PAGES.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-ANNEXURE FORM 3.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-assignment.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-CLAIMS 1.1.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-correspondence-1.1.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE) 1.1.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-DRAWINGS 1.1.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-examination report.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-form 18.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

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1864-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

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1864-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS.pdf

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1864-KOLNP-2005-PCT PIER.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-PCT PRIORITY DOCUMENT NOTIFICATION.pdf

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1864-KOLNP-2005-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT 1.1.pdf

1864-kolnp-2005-reply to examination report-1.2.pdf

1864-KOLNP-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

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Patent Number 246708
Indian Patent Application Number 1864/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 11/2011
Publication Date 18-Mar-2011
Grant Date 11-Mar-2011
Date of Filing 19-Sep-2005
Name of Patentee KYOCERA WIRELESS CORP.
Applicant Address 10300, CAMPUS POINT DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 TRAN, ALLEN 10925 CORTE MEJILONES, SAN DIEGO, CA 92130
PCT International Classification Number H01Q 9/14
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2004/010316
PCT International Filing date 2004-04-02
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10/407,966 2003-04-03 U.S.A.