Antenna Switching System for Connecting Antenna Elements to Form Combined Antennas

A method implemented in a computing device comprising at least a first antenna and a second antenna, the method comprising:

• connecting the first antenna to process signals in a first frequency band;
• connecting the second antenna to process signals in a second frequency band;
• and
• controlling a switching network to:
• in a first switching state, electrically connect the first antenna and the second antenna to form a combined antenna responsive to receiving a first switching signal;
• and
• in a second switching state, electrically disconnect the first antenna and the second antenna and process:
• (a) the signals in the first frequency band via the first antenna and (b) the signals in the second frequency band via the second antenna.

A system comprising:

• a housing;
• a first antenna configured to process signals in a first frequency band;
• a second antenna configured to process signals in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band;
• and
• a switching network connected to the first antenna and the second antenna, the switching network configured to:
• in a first switching state, electrically connect the first antenna and the second antenna to form a combined antenna configured to process signals in a third frequency band;
• and
• in a second switching state, electrically disconnect the first antenna and the second antenna and process:
• (a) the first frequency band via the first antenna and (b) the second frequency band via the second antenna.

A switching network comprising:

• a first switching element including:
• (a) a first portion configured to electrically connect a first port of a first antenna to process signals in a first frequency band when the switching network is in a second switching state;
• and
• (b) a second portion configured to electrically connect a second port of the first antenna to process signals in a third frequency band when the switching network is in a first switching state;
• and
• a second switching element including:
• (a) a first portion configured to electrically connect a second port of the first antenna to a terminating impedance when the switching network is in the second switching state;
• and
• (b) a second portion configured to electrically connect the second port of the first antenna to a third switching element when the switching network is in the first switching state.