Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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MOBILE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE-BAND ANTENNA
AND RELATED METHODS
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of
communications, and, more particularly, to wireless
communications and related methods.
Background
[0002] Cellular communication systems continue to grow in
popularity and have become an integral part of both personal and
business communications. Cellular telephones allow users to
place and receive phone calls almost anywhere they travel.
Moreover, as cellular telephone technology is improved, so too
has the functionality of cellular devices. For example, many
cellular devices now incorporate Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA) features such as calendars, address books, task lists,
calculators, memo and writing programs, etc. These multi-
function devices usually allow users to wirelessly send and
receive electronic mail (email) messages and access the Internet
via a cellular network and/or a wireless local area network
(WLAN), for example.
[0003] As the functionality of cellular devices continues to
increase, so too does demand for smaller devices that are easier
and more convenient for users to carry. Nevertheless, the move
towards multi-functional devices makes miniaturization more
difficult as the requisite number of installed components
increases. Indeed, the typical cellular device may include
several antennas, for example, a cellular antenna, a global
positioning system antenna, and a WiFi IEEE 802.11g antenna.
These antennas may comprise external antennas and internal
antennas.
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[0004] Generally speaking, internal antennas allow cellular
devices to have a smaller footprint. Moreover, they are also
preferred over external antennas for mechanical and ergonomic
reasons. Internal antennas are also protected by the cellular
device's housing and therefore tend to be more durable than
external antennas. External antennas may be cumbersome and may
make the cellular device difficult to use, particularly in
limited-space environments. Yet, one potential drawback of
typical internal antennas is that they are in relatively close
proximity to the user's head when the cellular device is in use,
thereby increasing the specific absorption rate (SAR). Yet
more, hearing aid compatibility (HAC) may also be affected
negatively. Also, other components within the cellular device
may cause interference with or may be interfered by the internal
antenna.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment
of the mobile wireless communications device.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an example embodiment of
a multiple-band antenna from the mobile wireless communications
device of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example embodiment
of the mobile wireless communications device of FIG. 1 with the
housing removed.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an example embodiment of
a circuit board from the mobile wireless communications device
of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an example
embodiment of transmit and receive pathways for the mobile
wireless communications device of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an example
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embodiment of the feed path for the second radiator of the
mobile wireless communications device of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of an example
embodiment of the feed path for the second radiator of the
mobile wireless communications device of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an example
embodiment of the feed and parasitic paths for the first
radiator of the mobile wireless communications device of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of an example
embodiment of the feed and parasitic paths for the first
radiator of the mobile wireless communications device of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of an example
embodiment of the feed path for the first radiator of the mobile
wireless communications device of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram of an example
embodiment of the parasitic path for the first radiator of the
mobile wireless communications device of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIGS. 12-26 are diagrams illustrating performance of
an example embodiment of a multiple-band antenna from the mobile
wireless communications device of FIG. 1
[0017] FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram illustrating
example components of a mobile wireless communications device
that may be used with the mobile wireless communications device
of FIG. 1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0018] The present description is made with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown. However,
many different embodiments may be used, and thus the description
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete. Like numbers refer to
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like elements throughout.
[0019] Generally speaking, a mobile wireless communications
device may include a housing, at least one wireless transceiver
carried by the housing, and a multiple-band antenna carried by
the housing and coupled to the at least one wireless
transceiver. Example mobile wireless communications devices may
include portable or personal media players (e.g., music or MP3
players, video players, etc.), remote controls (e.g., television
or stereo remotes, etc.), portable gaming devices, portable or
mobile telephones, smartphones, tablet computers, etc. The
multiple-band antenna may include a first radiator comprising a
radiator element and a parasitic element adjacent thereto, the
parasitic element being selectively switchable between floating
and grounded states, and a second radiator insulated from the
first radiator.
[0020] More specifically, the multiple-band antenna may
comprise a dielectric substrate supporting the first and second
radiators. The dielectric substrate may have a non-planar
shape, for example. The dielectric substrate may be carried by
a bottom of the housing, and the first and second radiators may
be carried by respective opposing first and second sides of the
dielectric substrate.
[0021] Additionally, the second radiator may comprise first
and second branches coupled together with a T-shaped slot
therebetween. The second radiator may comprise a feed
connection on the first branch, and a reference voltage
connection on the second branch. For example, the T-shaped slot
may open outwardly and between the first and second branches.
[0022] Moreover, the radiator element may comprise a first
branch extending alongside the parasitic element, and a second
branch extending outwardly from the first branch. The second
branch may have a bend in a medial portion thereof. The
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radiator element may comprise a feed connection on the first
branch. For example, the parasitic element may have a
rectangular shape.
[0023] Another aspect is directed to a method of making a
mobile wireless communications device. The method may comprise
forming a multiple-band antenna to comprise a first radiator
comprising a radiator element and a parasitic element adjacent
thereto, the parasitic element being selectively switchable
between floating and grounded states, and a second radiator
insulated from the first radiator. The method may also include
coupling at least one wireless transceiver to be carried by a
housing, and coupling the multiple-band antenna to be carried by
the housing and to the at least one wireless transceiver.
[0024] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a mobile wireless
communications device 30 illustratively includes a housing 96, a
wireless transceiver 31 carried by the housing, and a multiple-
band antenna 32 carried by the housing and coupled to the
wireless transceiver. The multiple-band antenna 32
illustratively includes a first radiator 33 comprising a
radiator element 36, and a parasitic element 35 adjacent
thereto. For example, the first radiator 33 may comprise a low
band radiator operating at a frequency band of 824-960 MHz.
[0025] In particular, the parasitic element 35 is aligned
substantially parallel to the radiator element 36. The
parasitic element 35 may be selectively switchable between
floating and grounded states, i.e. it is coupled to a plurality
of differing impedances. The parasitic element 35 is switched
to change the capacitive load of the radiator element 36 and to
control the resonance frequency of the same, thereby improving
antenna performance. For example, the parasitic element 35
illustratively has a rectangle shape, but may comprise different
shapes in other embodiments, such a triangle shape, a trapezoid
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shape, a curved shape, etc.
[0026] Moreover, the radiator element 36 illustratively
includes a first branch 43 extending alongside the parasitic
element 35, and a second branch 44 extending outwardly from the
first branch. The radiator element 36 illustratively includes a
feed connection 47 on the first branch 43. The portion of the
first branch 43 proximal to the feed connection 47
illustratively has a rectangle shape, but may comprise different
shapes in other embodiments, such a triangle shape, a trapezoid
shape, a curved shape, etc. The radiator element 36
illustratively includes a medial portion coupling the first
branch 43 and the second branch 44. The medial portion
illustratively includes L-shaped slot 39 on an inner side
thereof, and a protruding portion 49 on an outer side thereof.
The L-shaped slot 39 may comprise different shapes in other
embodiments, such a triangle shape, a trapezoid shape, a curved
shape, etc. The protruding portion 49 is substantially
rectangle shaped and forms a portion of a speaker receiving
recess, but may comprise different shapes in other embodiments,
such a triangle shape, a trapezoid shape, a curved shape, etc.
The second branch 44 illustratively includes a bend 45 in a
medial portion thereof. The distal end of the second branch 44
is substantially rectangle shaped, but may comprise different
shapes in other embodiments, such a triangle shape, a trapezoid
shape, a curved shape, etc.
[0027] The multiple-band antenna 32 illustratively includes a
second radiator 34 insulated from the first radiator 33. More
specifically, the multiple-band antenna 32 illustratively
includes a dielectric substrate 37 supporting the first and
second radiators 33-34. For example, the second radiator 34 may
comprise a high band radiator operating at a frequency band of
1710-2170 MHz.
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[0028] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 3, the dielectric
substrate 37 illustratively includes a non-planar shape, which
provides firm direct support to the multiple-band antenna 32.
Indeed, the substrate 37 illustratively includes a ridge 95
extending across the bottom of the mobile wireless
communications device 30, the ridge indenting the first and
second radiators 33-34. The dielectric substrate 37 is
illustratively carried by a bottom of the housing 96, and the
first and second radiators 33-34 are carried by respective
opposing first and second sides of the dielectric substrate.
[0029] Additionally, the second radiator 34 illustratively
includes first and second branches 40-41 coupled together with a
medial portion therebetween. The medial portion illustratively
includes a T-shaped slot 42 on an inner side thereon. The T-
shaped slot 42 may comprise different shapes in other
embodiments, such a triangle shape, a trapezoid shape, a curved
shape, etc. The medial portion illustratively includes, on an
outer side thereof, a curved portion 79 and a protruding portion
69. The protruding portion 69 is illustratively substantially
rectangle shaped, but may comprise different shapes in other
embodiments, such a triangle shape, a trapezoid shape, a curved
shape, etc. The second radiator 34 illustratively includes a
feed connection 53 on the first branch 40, and a reference
voltage connection 54, for example, a ground connection, on the
second branch 41. The T-shaped slot 42 may open outwardly and
between the first and second branches 40-41.
[0030] The multiple-band antenna 32 illustratively includes a
tuning member 59 (FIG. 2) positioned above the second radiator
34. The tuning member 59 is illustratively rectangle shaped,
but may comprise different shapes in other embodiments, such a
triangle shape, a trapezoid shape, a curved shape, etc. The
mobile wireless communications device 30 illustratively includes
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a speaker 50 (FIG. 3), and a speaker receiving recess partially
defined by the protruding portions 49, 69 of the first and
second radiators 33-34.
[0031] In the typical cellular device, low band resonance may
cause performance issues for the high band antenna.
Advantageously, the second radiator 34 is electrically insulated
from the first radiator 33 and the parasitic element 35 is
appropriately switched to enhance the isolation therebetween.
For example, if the second radiator 34 (high band) is in use,
the first radiator 33 is terminated with an isolation optimizing
impedance, both the parasitic element 35 and the radiator
element 36. Also, the two radiator approach with an active low
band antenna and a passive high band antenna may give enough
design freedom to achieve design goals (low and high band can be
tuned independently, and coupling between low and high band can
be controlled).
[0032] Referring now additionally to FIG. 4, the mobile
wireless communications device 30 illustratively includes a
circuit board 51 carrying the multiple-band antenna 32, and a
speaker metal support can 91 for supporting the speaker 50. The
mobile wireless communications device 30 illustratively includes
a plurality of electrical contacts 52a-52c, 92a-92b carried by
the circuit board 51 and for being coupled to the first and
second radiators 33-34. In particular, electrical contact 52b
is coupled to the parasitic element 35, electrical contact 52c
is connected to the radiator element 36, electrical contact 92a
is connected to the feed connection 53, and electrical contact
92b is connected to the reference voltage connection 54.
[0033] Referring now additionally to FIG. 5, the mobile
wireless communications device 30 illustratively includes a
transmit-receive path 60. The transmit-receive path 60
illustratively includes a processor 65, a power amplifier 64
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coupled downstream therefrom, an antenna switch block 62 coupled
downstream from the power amplifier, and an antenna tuner block
61 coupled between the first radiator 33 and the processor. The
transmit-receive path 60 illustratively includes a diplexer
block 63 coupled to the power amplifier 64, the processor 65,
and the antenna switch block 62. The transmit-receive path 60
illustratively includes a pair of GSM receiver blocks (900 MHz,
and 1900 MHz) 66-67 coupled between the antenna switch block 62
and the processor 65.
[0034] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 6-7, the mobile
wireless communications device 30 illustratively includes a
second radiator feed path 57 including an antenna feed
connection 53, a matching network (impedance) block 55 coupled
downstream therefrom, and an electrostatic discharge (ESD)
protection block 56 coupled downstream therefrom and configured
to provide an RF input. The second radiator feed path 57
illustratively includes a switch connector block 58 coupled
between the ESD protection block 56 (inductor 302) and the
matching network block 55. The switch connector block 58 is for
use during production testing methods.
[0035] The matching network (impedance) block 55
illustratively includes an inductor 300, and a capacitor 301
coupled in parallel. The second radiator feed path 57
illustratively includes a resistor 309 coupling the matching
network block 55 and the switch connector block 58, and a
capacitor 340 coupling the switch connector block 58 to the ESD
protection block 56.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, the mobile wireless
communications device 30 illustratively includes a first
radiator feed path 89 including an antenna feed connection 47, a
matching network (impedance) block 71 (capacitors 306, 332,
resistors 307, 333, and inductor 334) coupled downstream
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therefrom, and an ESD protection block 72 (capacitors 304-305,
331, resistor 303, and inductor 330) coupled downstream
therefrom and providing an RF input. The first radiator feed
path 89 illustratively includes a parasitic path comprising a
parasitic feed 48, an ESD protection block 73 (capacitors 311,
345, resistor 310, and inductor 344) coupled downstream
therefrom, a switch block 78 coupled thereto and configured to
selective coupled the parasitic element connection 48 to a pair
of impedances 75-76 (capacitors 347, 343, resistor 342, and
capacitors 340-341). The switch block 78 is also coupled to the
processor 65 and includes a single pole double throw switch 74,
for example, capacitors 312, 314, 316-317, and resistors 313,
315). Capacitors 320-321 are coupled between the processor 65
and the switch block 78. The first radiator feed path 89
illustratively includes a switch connector block 77 coupled
between the ESD protection block 72 and the matching network
block 71 (capacitor 332, resistor 333, and inductor 334). The
switch connector block 77 is for use during production testing
methods. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
FIGS. 10-11 illustrate example implementations of the schematic
diagram of FIG. 9. These are presented for illustrative and
exemplary purposes only. Indeed, not all components from FIG. 9
are included in the specific implementations of FIGS. 10-11, and
some components have been altered slightly.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 12-16, several diagrams
illustrate performance of an embodiment of the multiple-band
antenna 32. In particular, diagrams 100, 110 show first
radiator 33 performance in a first switched parasitic state
while diagrams 120, 130 show first radiator performance in a
second switched parasitic state. Data points 101-108 (FIG. 12),
111-118 (FIG. 13), 121-128 (FIG. 14), and 131-138 (FIG. 15)
specify performance at operating frequencies of 824.20 MHz,
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849.00 MHz, 869.00 MHz, 894.00 MHz, 880.00 MHz, 915.00 MHz,
925.00 MHz, and 960.00 MHz, respectively. In FIG. 15, curve 110
illustrates performance of the parasitic switch state from FIG.
13. Diagram 250 shows first radiator 33 efficiency performance
in first 252 and second 251 switched parasitic states.
[0038] In particular, diagrams 100 and 120 show the shift of
the antenna resonance in the low band (frequency range 800-1000
MHz). The active antenna was designed to extend the bandwidth in
the low band area.
[0039] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 17-22 diagrams
140, 150, 230 illustrate coupling effects between the first and
second radiators 33-34 in a first switched parasitic state while
diagrams 170, 180, 220 show coupling effects between the first
and second radiators in a second switched parasitic state. Data
points 141a-146a, 141b-146b (FIG. 17), 151-156 (FIG. 18), 121-
171a-176a, 171b-176b (FIG. 20), and 181-186 (FIG. 21) specify
performance at operating frequencies of 824.00 MHz, 960 MHz,
1.71 GHz, 1.99 GHz, 2.11 GHz, and 2.17 GHz, respectively.
Diagram 230 includes curves 231-232, and diagram 220 includes
curves 221-222.
[0040] The low band antenna (first radiator 33) also shows a
2nd resonance in the range of the high band antenna (second
radiator 34). In the illustrated embodiments, the high band and
low band antennas 33-34 are close together. The 2nd resonance
of the low band antenna 33 will also interact with the 1st
resonance of the high band antenna 34. In diagrams 140, 150,
230, the frequency range is extended, and the higher frequencies
are shown. The diagrams include the range (800 MHz-2300 MHz),
and aid in understanding the control enabled with the active
antenna radiator switching state for the isolation between our
low band and high band antennas 33-34. Diagram 140 shows return
loss of both radiators for the switching state 1 (y-axis in dB,
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x-axis is frequency in MHz), and this figure shows the 1st and
the 2nd resonances of the active antenna (low band radiator 33).
The second resonance is overlapping with the resonance of the
high band radiator 34 (antenna with T slot). This 2nd resonance
causes a coupling between both radiators with impact to antenna
isolation. Diagrams 150 and 230 show the coupling/isolation
between both radiators, diagram 230 being another format (smith
chart) of diagram 150. The antenna isolation impacts the
efficiency, HAC and SAR.
[0041] Diagrams 170, 180, 220 show the same situation for the
switched state 2. It is visible that not only the first
resonance is affected, but also the 2nd resonance is shifted.
The isolation between both antennas is changed (compare FIGS. 18
and 21). Again, diagram 220 provides another Smith diagram
format.
[0042] FIGS. 23-26 include diagrams 190, 195, which
illustrate hearing aid compatibility (HAC) E-field results in
first and second switched parasitic states. In typical cellular
devices with multiple-band antennas, the reduced housing size
and close proximity of the antenna and hearing aid components
may cause self-interference issues. HAC requirements for the
GSM 1900 band are stricter than that for the GSM 850 band. For
below 0.96 GHz, the HAC category M3 limits (AWE' =-5 dB) include
a maximum electric field (E field) of 266.1 V/m and a maximum
magnetic field (M field) of 0.80 A/m. For above 0.96 GHz, the
HAC category M3 limits (AWF =-5 dB) include a maximum electric
field (E field) of 84.1 V/m and a maximum magnetic field (M
field) of 0.25 A/m. In particular, peak E-field measurements in
V/m for the first switched parasitic state include: grid 1 75.4;
grid 2 63.5; grid 3 65.4; grid 4 76.4; grid 5 98.6; grid 6 98.3;
grid 7 101.5; grid 8 111.0; and grid 9 107.3. Peak E-field
measurements in V/m for the second switched parasitic state
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include: grid 1 74.6; grid 2 59.9; grid 3 62.0; grid 4 76.0;
grid 5 95.3; grid 6 94.7; grid 7 101.3; grid 8 109.1; and grid 9
103.8.
[0043] Diagrams 200, 205 illustrate hearing aid compatibility
H-field in first and second switched parasitic states. In
particular, peak H-field measurements in A/m for the first
switched parasitic state include: grid 1 0.271; grid 2 0.281;
grid 3 0.270; grid 4 0.272; grid 5 0.278; grid 6 0.265; grid 7
0.322; grid 8 0.253; and grid 9 0.205. Peak H-field
measurements in V/m for the second switched parasitic state
include: grid 1 0.223; grid 2 0.236; grid 3 0.231; grid 4 0.230;
grid 5 0.235; grid 6 0.230; grid 7 0.272; grid 8 0.211; and grid
9 0.192. Advantageously, the first and second resonances of
the first radiator 33 are managed, thereby mitigating a near
field effect for the hearing aid earpiece. Indeed, as shown in
diagrams 190, 195, 200, 205, the HAC values are clearly reduced
in the second switched parasitic state.
[0044] Advantageously, in the mobile wireless communications
device 30, the isolation (2nd resonance low band radiator 33 and
1st resonance high band radiator 34) between bo6th antennas is
controlled with the different switching states of our active low
band antenna. In one case, high isolation is necessary to have
the best antenna efficiency (GSM 1800, GSM 1900 RX, W-CDMA Band
1,2,4). This permits the multiple-band antenna 32 to realize
this disclosed mechanical arrangement of the antennas being
close together in a small volume. But in other cases (GSM 1900
TX (transmit)), the other switching state that gets less
isolation can be used, which changes the field distribution on
the PCB (printed wire board) and reduces HAC values. Of course,
the antenna efficiency is compromised in this case.
Nevertheless, mobile wireless communications device 30 does not
need an extra HAC reduction structure, as required in typical
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cellular devices (traditional HAC reduction structures are
separate metalized structures( L-stub, for example) mounted
close to antenna). The design of the disclosed low band
radiator 33 is made so that the 2nd resonance of the low band
radiator is in the frequency range where we want to reduce HAC
(GSM 1900 TX).
[0045] Example components of a mobile wireless communications
device 1000 that may be used in accordance with the above-
described embodiments are further described below with reference
to FIG. 27. The device 1000 illustratively includes a housing
1200, a keyboard or keypad 1400 and an output device 1600. The
output device shown is a display 1600, which may comprise a full
graphic liquid crystal display (LCD). Other types of output
devices may alternatively be utilized. A processing device 1800
is contained within the housing 1200 and is coupled between the
keypad 1400 and the display 1600. The processing device 1800
controls the operation of the display 1600, as well as the
overall operation of the mobile device 1000, in response to
actuation of keys on the keypad 1400.
[0046] The housing 1200 may be elongated vertically, or may
take on other sizes and shapes (including clamshell housing
structures). The keypad may include a mode selection key, or
other hardware or software for switching between text entry and
telephony entry.
[0047] In addition to the processing device 1800, other parts
of the mobile device 1000 are shown schematically in FIG. 27.
These include a communications subsystem 1001; a short-range
communications subsystem 1020; the keypad 1400 and the display
1600, along with other input/output devices 1060, 1080, 1100 and
1120; as well as memory devices 1160, 1180 and various other
device subsystems 1201. The mobile device 1000 may comprise a
two-way RF communications device having data and, optionally,
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voice communications capabilities. In addition, the mobile
device 1000 may have the capability to communicate with other
computer systems via the Internet.
[0048] Operating system software executed by the processing
device 1800 is stored in a persistent store, such as the flash
memory 1160, but may be stored in other types of memory devices,
such as a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In
addition, system software, specific device applications, or
parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store,
such as the random access memory (RAM) 1180. Communications
signals received by the mobile device may also be stored in the
RAM 1180.
[0049] The processing device 1800, in addition to its
operating system functions, enables execution of software
applications 1300A-1300N on the device 1000. A predetermined
set of applications that control basic device operations, such
as data and voice communications 1300A and 1300B, may be
installed on the device 1000 during manufacture. In addition, a
personal information manager (PIN) application may be installed
during manufacture. The PIN may be capable of organizing and
managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice
mails, appointments, and task items. The PIN application may
also be capable of sending and receiving data items via a
wireless network 1401. The PIN data items may be seamlessly
integrated, synchronized and updated via the wireless network
1401 with corresponding data items stored or associated with a
host computer system.
[0050] Communication functions, including data and voice
communications, are performed through the communications
subsystem 1001, and possibly through the short-range
communications subsystem 1020. The communications subsystem
1001 includes a receiver 1500, a transmitter 1520, and one or
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more antennas 1540 and 1560. In addition, the communications
subsystem 1001 also includes a processing module, such as a
digital signal processor (DSP) 1580, and local oscillators (L0s)
1601. The specific design and implementation of the
communications subsystem 1001 is dependent upon the
communications network in which the mobile device 1000 is
intended to operate. For example, a mobile device 1000 may
include a communications subsystem 1001 designed to operate with
the MobitexTM, Data TACm or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
mobile data communications networks, and also designed to
operate with any of a variety of voice communications networks,
such as Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), time division
multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA),
Wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), personal
communications service (PCS), GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communications), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE),
etc. Other types of data and voice networks, both separate and
integrated, may also be utilized with the mobile device 1000.
The mobile device 1000 may also be compliant with other
communications standards such as 3GSM, 3rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP), Universal Mobile Telecommunications
System (UMTS), 4G, etc.
[0051] Network access requirements vary depending upon the
type of communication system. For example, in the Mobitex and
DataTAC networks, mobile devices are registered on the network
using a unique personal identification number or PIN associated
with each device. In GPRS networks, however, network access is
associated with a subscriber or user of a device. A GPRS device
therefore typically involves use of a subscriber identity
module, commonly referred to as a SIM card, in order to operate
on a GPRS network.
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[0052] When required network registration or activation
procedures have been completed, the mobile device 1000 may send
and receive communications signals over the communication
network 1401. Signals received from the communications network
1401 by the antenna 1540 are routed to the receiver 1500, which
provides for signal amplification, frequency down conversion,
filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provide analog
to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the
received signal allows the DSP 1580 to perform more complex
communications functions, such as demodulation and decoding. In
a similar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network 1401
are processed (e.g. modulated and encoded) by the DSP 1580 and
are then provided to the transmitter 1520 for digital to analog
conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification
and transmission to the communication network 1401 (or networks)
via the antenna 1560.
[0053] In addition to processing communications signals, the
DSP 1580 provides for control of the receiver 1500 and the
transmitter 1520. For example, gains applied to communications
signals in the receiver 1500 and transmitter 1520 may be
adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms
implemented in the DSP 1580.
[0054] In a data communications mode, a received signal, such
as a text message or web page download, is processed by the
communications subsystem 1001 and is input to the processing
device 1800. The received signal is then further processed by
the processing device 1800 for an output to the display 1600, or
alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O device 1060. A device
may also be used to compose data items, such as e-mail messages,
using the keypad 1400 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device
1060, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or
some other type of input device. The composed data items may
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then be transmitted over the communications network 1401 via the
communications subsystem 1001.
[0055] In a voice communications mode, overall operation of
the device is substantially similar to the data communications
mode, except that received signals are output to a speaker 1100,
and signals for transmission are generated by a microphone 1120.
Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice
message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the
device 1000. In addition, the display 1600 may also be utilized
in voice communications mode, for example to display the
identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or
other voice call related information.
[0056] The short-range communications subsystem enables
communication between the mobile device 1000 and other proximate
systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar
devices. For example, the short-range communications subsystem
may include an infrared device and associated circuits and
components, a Bluetoothm communications module to provide for
communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices, or a
NFC sensor for communicating with a NFC device or NFC tag via
NFC communications.
[0057] Many modifications and other embodiments will come to
the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that various
modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within
the scope of the appended claims.
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