Antenna with integrated tuning detection elements
AssigneeThe Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
InventorDouglas W. White
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In various embodiments, systems and methods for automatically tuning an antenna to a desired frequency utilize a tuning detection element that sends or receives a signal in accordance with one mode of the antenna and that is separated from the antenna by a gap and outside of a signal path of the antenna. In various system implementations, a processor communicates with the tuning detection element and antenna and monitors the amplitude of a signal transmitted to or from the tuning detection element. A resonant frequency of the antenna may be tuned to the desired frequency by a tuning element.
Claims37
A system for automatically tuning an antenna to a desired frequency, the antenna having a signal path for receiving a signal, the system comprising:
- a tuning detection element, located outside of the signal path and separated from the antenna by a gap, for transmitting a signal to the antenna in accordance with at least one mode of the antenna;
- a processor for monitoring an amplitude of the signal received by the antenna;
- and
- a tuning element for tuning a resonant frequency of the antenna to the desired frequency based on an instruction from the processor.
A method for automatically tuning an antenna to a desired frequency, the method comprising:
- radiating energy proximate an antenna outside of a signal path, the energy radiated in accordance with at least one mode of the antenna;
- receiving a signal from the antenna in response to the energy radiated in accordance with the at least one mode;
- monitoring an amplitude of the received signal;
- and
- tuning a resonant frequency of the antenna to the desired frequency with a tuning element based on the monitored amplitude.
A system for automatically tuning an antenna to a desired frequency, the antenna having a signal path for transmitting a signal, the system comprising:
- a tuning detection element, located outside of the signal path and separated from the antenna by a gap, for receiving a signal transmitted from the antenna in accordance with at least one mode of the antenna;
- a processor for monitoring an amplitude of the signal received by the tuning detection element;
- and
- a tuning element for tuning a resonant frequency of the antenna to the desired frequency based on an instruction from the processor.
A method for automatically tuning an antenna to a desired frequency, the method comprising:
- transmitting a signal to an antenna over a signal path, the antenna radiating energy in accordance with at least one mode of the signal;
- receiving energy radiated from the antenna at a tuning detection element located outside of the signal path;
- monitoring an amplitude of the received energy in accordance with the at least one mode of the signal;
- and
- tuning a resonant frequency of the antenna to the desired frequency with a tuning element based on the monitored amplitude.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.