Configuration of transmit/receive switching in a transceiver

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to economical collection and transmission of data via wireless data telemetry utilizing a plurality of transceivers, each preferably configured with single antenna.

#2. Discussion of the Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver, in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transceiver of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a long range connector, in accordance with the present invention.

#In accordance with the present invention, a frequency hopping spread spectrum communication transceiver 10 is adapted to dynamically establish and maintain communication links and includes components ideally suited to wireless data telemetry applications. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, transceiver 10 is configured as a stacked pair of printed circuit cards including a digital board 12 connected to a shielded RF board 13, the digital board carries a multi-pin connector 14. Transceiver 10 includes RF and computer control components in a compact package approximately the size of a deck of cards and is adapted to be built into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products to support a wide range of wireless data telemetry applications. Each long range transceiver 10 includes a shielded RF board or module with a frequency hopping transmitter and receiver, an antenna, and a digital control board or module. The digital control module micro processing unit (MPU) 16 performs RF module and application interface management and an application interface is included to communicate with specific OEM products utilizing serial (transistor/transistor logic, TTL) or other standard interfaces. Transceiver 10 operates in the license-free portion of the FCC designated ISM frequency band at 2.4 GHZ, preferably transmitting and receiving data at 9.6 Kbps at ranges of up to 1500 feet when used indoors with the integrally housed antenna 18, or up to 12 miles line of sight when used outdoors with an optional directional antenna. Transceiver 10 transmits or receives on any of 550 independent, non-interfering frequencies. When using transceiver 10, a data telemetry network can readily be configured for either point-to-point (e.g. wire replacement) or host-to-multipoint networks linked to a user's existing computer or to telephone networks via a system gateway. Optionally, up to 5 collocated independent networks may operate simultaneously, and data security is provided by rapid and random frequency changes (i.e., frequency hopping); transceiver 10 can optionally be used with data encryption software for providing secure, coded transmissions.

#Alternatively, a long range connector transceiver 20 as shown in FIG. 3 can be attached to a computer or other device using a standard serial (RS232) port. The long range connector 20 duplicates the functions of the long range transceiver of FIGS. 1 and 2 but is housed in an enclosure 22 having an RS232 compatible connector 26. The long range connector 20 can therefore be used with a wide variety of existing products such as cash registers, ATM machines, laptop computers or any other computer controlled device having an RS232 port and capable of utilizing a frequency hopping spread spectrum communication system software package used to configure a user's or vendor's particular system.

#As best seen in FIGS. 4a-4d, a plurality of optional antennas can be used with either transceiver 10 of FIG. 2 or the long range connector 20 of FIG. 3. In particular, the four inch high mast antenna 30 of FIG. 4b provides moderately enhanced performance and an omnidirectional pattern; the 28 inch high phased array antenna 32 of FIG. 4c provides substantially improved performance in all horizontal directions. The 6 inch flat square panel antenna 34 of FIG. 4d provides substantially improved performance in a single direction, and the 30 inch long tube antenna 36 of FIG. 4a provides dramatically improved performance in a single direction by providing a highly directional beam width. The standard antenna 18 included with either the long range connector 20 of FIG. 3 or the long range transceiver 10 of FIG. 2 is an omni-directional antenna having vertical polarization and a spherical radiation pattern. Standard antenna 18 is built into transceiver 10 or connector housing 22 and does not require an added cable. The four optional antennas of FIGS. 4a-4d are adapted to be connected using selected cable links or connectors, as required for a specific application.