Automated antenna trim for transmitting and receiving semiconductor devices

Abstract

A radio frequency communication device and methods of testing and tuning an antenna attached thereto are disclosed. A radio frequency communication device according to the present invention is disclosed comprising internal circuitry and an antenna having a plurality of antenna segments associated therewith. Each antenna segment is associated with the antenna in either series or parallel relation through at least one of a fuse and an antifuse. In testing and tuning, a comparison is made to indicate whether the antenna is too short or too long. If the antenna is too short, an antenna segment may be attached to the antenna by initiating an antifuse. If the antenna is too long, an antenna segment may be detached from the antenna by blowing a fuse. If it is indeterminate whether the antenna is too short or too long, an antenna segment may be either attached or detached, the test repeated, and the results of the repeated test compared with the prior test to determine whether the correct action was taken. If the results improved, the correct action may be repeated if needed. If the results did not improve, an opposing action may be initiated. Tuning the antenna by adjusting its length rather than adjusting the values of impedance elements coupled to the antenna reduces power consumption and heat, and simplifies tuning of antennas for high frequency applications.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.