Method and apparatus for changing the electrical characteristics of an antenna in a communications system
AssigneeMotorola, Inc.
InventorsJohn Douglas Reed, Steven Thomas Dunbar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for changing the electrical characteristics of an antenna in a communications system includes first and second conductive portions separated by a slot. Circuit elements are coupled between the first and second conductive portions, the circuit elements being operably controlled by a bias current to control flow of RF current within the first and second conductive elements, wherein the path of the RF current is directed to be in substantially different locations within the first and second conductive elements.
Claims15
An antenna, comprising:
- a conductive element;
- a feed element coupled to the conductive element;
- circuit elements coupled to the conductive element at predetermined positions, the circuit elements adapted to control radio frequency (RF) current flow in the conductive element, wherein the path of the RF current is directed to be in substantially different physical locations within the conductive element;
- and
- a controller coupled to the circuit elements for selectively controlling RF current in the circuit elements to switch the path of the RF current, wherein switching the path of the RF current provides spatial diversity.
An antenna, comprising:
- a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion, the first and second conductive portions being separated and insulated from each other by a slot, the slot having a length;
- a feed element coupled to the first and second conductive portions;
- and
- circuit elements coupled between the first and second conductive portions, the circuit elements being operably controlled by a bias current to control flow of RF current within the first and second conductive elements, wherein the path of the RF current is directed to be in substantially different locations within the first and second conductive elements to provide spatial diversity.
A method for changing the electrical characteristics of an antenna in a communications system, the antenna comprising a conductive element including a feed element coupled thereto, the antenna further comprising circuit elements coupled to the conductive element at predetermined positions, the circuit elements adapted to control RF current flow in the conducting element, wherein the path of the RF current is directed to be in substantially different locations within the conductive element, the method comprising the steps of:
- detecting that the antenna configuration should be changed for providing spatial diversity;
- and
- changing the path of the RF current flow in the conductive element of the antenna via the circuit elements to provide spatial diversity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.