Multiple input multiple output antenna module and associated method
AssigneeBlackBerry Limited
InventorsQinjiang Rao, James Paul Warden, Mina Ayatollahi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna module, comprising a first signal feed port coupled to a first antenna element disposed along a first edge of a PCB, a second signal feed port coupled to a second antenna element disposed on the PCB and a transceiver operable to be selectively coupled to either or both of the first and second signal feed ports. The first and second antenna elements form a plurality of antenna elements confined to a peripheral section surrounding a central region of the PCB of the MIMO antenna module.
Claims18
A method for testing a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna module, the method comprising:
- selecting a set of slot antenna elements for testing from a plurality of slot antenna elements of the MIMO antenna module, wherein the plurality of slot antenna elements are confined to a peripheral section surrounding a central region of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the MIMO antenna module;
- selecting a set of signal parameters for testing the set of the plurality of slot antenna elements, wherein the set of the plurality of slot antenna elements are coupled to a radio frequency (RF) multiplexer (RF MUX) circuit for selectively coupling to one or more transceiver circuits, wherein the plurality of slot antenna elements comprise any of straight slot elements, T-slot elements, L-slot elements, T-and-slot elements, and Y-slot element;
- and
- in response to selecting the set of signal parameters, transmitting a signal meeting the signal parameters via the selected set of the plurality of slot antenna elements disposed on the PCB.
An apparatus for testing a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna module, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of slot antenna elements confined to a peripheral section surrounding a central region of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the MIMO antenna module;
- one or more transceivers having circuitry for generating signals that meet a selected set of signal parameters, the signals for transmission via a selected set of the plurality of slot antenna elements on the PCB, wherein the plurality of slot antenna elements comprise any of straight slot elements, T-slot elements, L-slot elements, T-and-slot elements, and Y-slot element;
- and
- a radio frequency (RF) multiplexer (RF MUX) circuit for selectively coupling a varying combination of the selected set of the plurality of slot antenna elements to one or more transceivers in order for selectively applying the signals thereto.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.