United States Patent 7,528,789
Gothard , et al. May 5, 2009
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Adaptive antenna for use in wireless communication systems
Abstract
An antenna apparatus, which can increase capacity in a cellular communication system or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), such as an 802.11 network, operates in conjunction with a mobile subscriber unit or client station. At least one antenna element is active and located within multiple passive antenna elements. The passive antenna elements are coupled to selectable impedance components for phase control of re-radiated RF signals. Various techniques for determining the phase of each antenna element are supported to enable the antenna apparatus to direct an antenna beam pattern toward a base station or access point with maximum gain, and, consequently, maximum signal-to-noise ratio. By directionally receiving and transmitting signals, multipath fading is greatly reduced as well as intercell interference.
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Inventors: Gothard; Griffin K. (Satellite Beach, FL), Keel, Jr.; Alton S. (Hellam, PA), Snyder; Christopher A. (Melbourne, FL), Chiang; Bing (Melbourne, FL), Richeson; Joe T. (Melbourne, FL), Wood; Douglas H. (Palm Bay, FL), Proctor, Jr.; James A. (Melbourne Beach, FL), Gainey; Kenneth M. (Satellite Beach, FL)
Assignee: IPR Licensing, Inc. (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 11/800,949
Filed: May 8, 2007
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number Filing Date Patent Number Issue Date
11332901 Jan., 2006 7215297
10744912 Dec., 2003 6989797
10441977 May., 2003
09859001 May., 2001 6600456
09579084 May., 2000 6304215
09210117 Dec., 1998 6100843
09157736 Sep., 1998
60234485 Sep., 2000
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Current U.S. Class: 343/834
Current International Class: H01Q 19/10 (20060101)
Field of Search: 343/834,853,700MS 455/138
