U.S. patent application number 11/832488 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for method and system for utilizing a power source as an fm antenna for an integrated fm radio.
Invention is credited to Thomas Baker, Brima Bahatunde Ibrahim.
Application Number | 20080233911 11/832488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39774089 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080233911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker; Thomas ; et
al. |
September 25, 2008 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING A POWER SOURCE AS AN FM ANTENNA FOR
AN INTEGRATED FM RADIO
Abstract
Aspects of a method and system for utilizing a power source as
an FM antenna for an integrated FM radio are provided. In this
regard, aspects of the invention may enable reception of FM radio
signals via an external component coupled to a power port of a
communication device. In this regard, an external component may act
as an antenna for the reception of FM radio signals. Additionally,
a device may be enabled to determine whether to use a connected
external component or use an antenna within the device based on the
power levels of FM radio signals received via each. An inductor may
be utilized in order to enhance the resonance of the external
component at FM radio frequencies. Additionally, an output
impedance of a device may be matched to an external component via a
configurable matching network.
Inventors: |
Baker; Thomas; (Manhattan
Beach, CA) ; Ibrahim; Brima Bahatunde; (Aliso Veijo,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
39774089 |
Appl. No.: |
11/832488 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60895665 |
Mar 19, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03L 7/085 20130101;
H03L 7/181 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/205 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/16 20060101
H04B001/16 |
Claims
1. A method for processing signals in a communication system, the
method comprising: in a wireless communication device, receiving FM
radio signals via an external component connected to a power port
of said wireless communication device.
2. The method according to claim 1, comprising receiving said FM
radio signals via an external power coupled to said power port,
wherein said power source acts as an FM antenna.
3. The method according to claim 1, comprising receiving said FM
radio signals via a 12 V DC power adapter coupled to an
automobile.
4. The method according to claim 1, comprising receiving said FM
radio signals via an AC to DC converter coupled to a 120 V AC
electrical outlet.
5. The method according to claim 1, comprising receiving said FM
radio signals via an external antenna coupled to a power port of
said wireless communication device.
6. The method according to claim 1, comprising programmably
selecting between an antenna comprising said wireless communication
device and said external component for said receiving of said FM
signals.
7. The method according to claim 1, comprising selecting between an
antenna within said wireless communication device and said external
component based on power levels and/or signal quality of said FM
radio signals received via said antenna within said wireless
communication device and via said external component.
8. The method according to claim 1, comprising utilizing an
inductor to enhance resonance at FM radio frequencies of said
external component in an FM radio broadcast band.
9. The method according to claim 1, comprising programmably
matching an output impedance of said wireless communication device
to said external component.
10. The method according to claim 1, comprising programmably
configuring one or more banks of capacitors and/or inductors to
match an output impedance of said wireless communication device to
said external component.
11. A system for processing signals, the system comprising: one or
more circuits which enable reception of FM radio signals via an
external component connected to a power port of said wireless
communication device.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable reception of said FM radio signals via an external
power coupled to said power port, wherein said power source acts as
an FM antenna.
13. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable reception of said FM signals via a 12 V DC power
adapter coupled to an automobile.
14. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable reception of said FM radio signals via an AC to DC
converter coupled to a 120 V AC electrical outlet.
15. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable reception of said FM radio signals via an external
antenna coupled to a power port of said wireless communication
device.
16. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable programmable selection between an antenna
comprising said wireless communication device and said external
component for said receiving of said FM radio signals.
17. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable selection between an antenna within said wireless
communication device and said external component based on power
levels and/or signal quality of said FM radio signals received via
said antenna within said wireless communication device and via said
external component.
18. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable utilization of an inductor to enable said external
component to resonate at FM radio frequencies in an FM radio
broadcast band.
19. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable programmably matching an output impedance of said
wireless communication device to said external component.
20. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits enable programmable configuration one or more banks of
capacitors and/or inductors to match an output impedance of said
wireless communication device to said external component.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application makes reference to, claims priority
to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/895,665 filed Mar. 19, 2007.
[0002] This patent application also makes reference to:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number
18563US02) filed on even date herewith; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 18568US02) filed on even
date herewith; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney
Docket Number 18569US02) filed on even date herewith; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 18570US02)
filed on even date herewith;
[0003] Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Certain embodiments of the invention relate to wireless
communication. More specifically, certain embodiments of the
invention relate to a method and system for utilizing a power
source as an FM antenna for an integrated FM radio.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] With the increasing popularity of various wireless standards
and technologies, there is a growing demand to provide a simple and
complete solution for wireless communications applications. In this
regard, electronics manufacturers are increasingly attempting to
incorporate multiple wireless technologies into portable electronic
devices. For example, "smart phones" are increasingly being
equipped to handle a variety of wireless signals for multiple
protocols.
[0006] Although desirable to users, handling multiple wireless
communication technologies into devices such as wireless handsets
may pose problems in terms of cost and complexity. In this regard,
combining a plurality of wireless technologies into a portable
electronic device may require separate processing hardware and/or
separate processing software. Moreover, coordinating the reception
and/or transmission of data to and/or from the portable electronic
device may require significant processing overhead that may impose
certain operation restrictions and/or design challenges.
[0007] For example, integrating FM systems into portable devices
often leads to design challenges not experienced in conventional FM
radios. For example, it may be difficult to achieve high quality
reception of FM signals utilizing relatively small antennas as are
typically found in a portable wireless communication device. In
this regard, the low frequencies of FM radio broadcast signals are
not conducive to the small antennas found in portable electronic
devices.
[0008] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the
present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present
application with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A system and/or method is provided for utilizing a power
source as an FM antenna for an integrated FM radio, substantially
as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the
figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.
[0010] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of
the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated
embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the
following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a plurality of handheld devices
which comprise a single chip integrated FM radio system for
communicating with an FM radio transmitter and/or an FM radio
receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary system for FM
radio transmission and/or reception, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a diagram of an exemplary impedance matching
network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system enabled to
utilize a power source as an FM radio antenna, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 4A depicts a car charger utilized as an FM radio
antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM
radio, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4B depicts a wall charger utilized as an FM radio
antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM
radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4C depicts an external FM radio antenna which connects
to the power port of a wireless communication device with
integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary steps for utilizing a power
source as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device
with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive
functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a
method and system for utilizing a power source as an FM radio
antenna for an integrated FM radio. The FM radio system may
comprise an integrated FM radio transmitter and FM radio receiver.
Aspects of the invention may enable reception of FM radio signals
via an external component coupled to a power port of a
communication device. In this regard, an external component may act
as an antenna for the reception of FM radio signals. Additionally,
a device may be enabled to determine whether to use a connected
external component or use an antenna within the device based on the
power levels of FM radio signals received via each. In order to
improve the resonance at FM radio frequencies of the external
component, an inductor may be utilized. Additionally, an output
impedance of a device may be matched to an external component via a
configurable matching network.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a plurality of handheld devices
which comprise a single chip integrated FM radio system for
communicating with an FM radio transmitter and/or an FM radio
receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown an FM radio transmitter 102,
an FM radio receiver 110, a personal audio player 104a, a smart
phone 104b, a computer 104c, and an exemplary FM radio equipped
device 104d. The FM radio transmitter 102 may be implemented as
part of a radio station or other broadcasting device, for example.
Each of the personal audio player 104a, the smart phone 104b, the
computer 104c, and the exemplary FM radio equipped device 104d may
comprise a single chip 106 with an integrated FM radio for
supporting FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions. The
chip 106 may enable the devices 104 to receive FM radio
communications from the FM radio transmitter 102. Similarly, the
single chip 106 may enable transmission of FM radio communications
by each of the devices 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d to the FM radio
receiver 102.
[0021] Each of the devices 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d may comprise
an electrically small antenna that may result in low quality and/or
inefficient transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals. In
this regard, the relatively long wavelength of FM radio broadcast
signals makes it difficult to radiate/gather sufficient signal
energy for such signals. Accordingly, increasing the area of an
antenna may improve the quality of FM radio signals
transmitted/received by such the devices 104a, 104b, 104c, and
104d. In this regard, each the devices 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d
may comprise a power port that may enable charging an internal
battery or which may be utilized as a power source instead of an
internal battery. Accordingly, the power port may be connected to a
significant length of cable and/or a power source which may
comprise significant conductive area and may act as an antenna for
frequencies in the FM radio broadcast band. Consequently, the
devices 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d may be enabled to utilize the
power port for transmitting and/or receiving FM radio signals.
[0022] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary system for
transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals in an FM radio
broadcast band, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 2A, the radio 200 may comprise two frequency
synthesizers 224a and 224b, an FM radio receive (Rx) block 226, a
memory 228, a processor 230, a directional coupler 234, an antenna
236, a FM radio transmit (Tx) block 232, and a configurable
matching network 244.
[0023] The frequency synthesizers 224a and 224b may comprise
suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable generation
of fixed and/or variable frequency signals. For example, the
frequency synthesizers 224a and 224b may each comprise one or more
direct digital frequency synthesizers, and/or phase locked loops
(PLLs).
[0024] The memory 228 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
and/or code that may enable storage of information. In this regard,
the memory 228 may, for example, enable storage of information
utilized to control and/or configure the frequency synthesizers
224a and 224b. For example, the memory 228 may store the value of
state variables that may be utilized to control the frequency
output by each of the frequency synthesizers 224a and 224b. The
memory 228 may enable storage of information that may be utilized
to configure the FM radio Rx block 226 and/or the FM radio Tx block
232. In this regard, the FM radio RX block 226 and/or the FM radio
Tx block 232 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code
such as a filter, for example, that may be configured based on the
desired frequency of operation. The memory 228 may enable storage
of information utilized for configuring the matching network 244.
For example, one or more state variables may be utilized to
configure a bank of capacitors via one or more switching elements.
The memory 228 may enable storage of information that may be
utilized to configure the signal analyzer 242 and/or the signal
analyzer 240. In this regard, the signal analyzer 242 and/or the
signal analyzer 240 may comprise circuitry, logic, and/or code such
as a filter, for example, that may be configured based on the
desired frequency for measurement. Additionally, the memory 228 may
be enabled to store measurement results from the analyzer 242
and/or the signal analyzer 240.
[0025] The FM radio Rx block 226 may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, and/or code that may enable reception of FM radio signals.
In this regard, the FM radio Rx block 226 may be enabled to tune to
a desired channel, amplify received signals, down-convert received
signals, and/or demodulate received signals to, for example, output
data and/or audio information comprising the channel. For example,
the FM radio Rx block 226 may utilize in-phase and quadrature phase
local oscillator signals generated by the frequency synthesizer
224a to down-convert received FM radio signals. The FM radio Rx
block 226 may, for example, be enabled to operate over a "FM radio
broadcast band", or approximately 76 MHz to 108 MHz. Signal
processing performed by the FM Rx block 226 may be performed
entirely in the analog domain, or the FM radio Rx block 226 may
comprise one or more analog to digital converters and/or digital to
analog converters. The FM radio Rx block 226 may comprise a signal
analyzer 240. In this regard, the signal analyzer 240 may, for
example, be enabled to measure the power at one or more frequencies
in a received signal. In this regard, the signal analyzer 240 may
comprise one or more tunable filters which may be tuned to the same
frequency as the FM radio Rx block 226.
[0026] The FM radio Tx block 232 may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, and/or code that may enable transmission of FM radio
signals. In this regard, the FM radio Tx block 232 may be enabled
to frequency modulate a carrier signal with audio/data information.
In this regard, the carrier frequency may be generated by the
frequency synthesizer 224b. The FM radio Tx block 232 may also be
enabled to up-convert a modulated signal to a frequency, for
example, in a "FM radio broadcast band", or approximately 76 MHz to
108 MHz. Additionally, the FM radio Tx block 232 may be enabled to
buffer and/or amplify a FM radio signal such that the signal may be
transmitted via an antenna. In another embodiment of the invention,
the frequency synthesizer 224a may comprise a DDFS that may be
capable of providing FM radio modulation for the signal to be
transmitted. The FM radio Tx block 232 may comprise a signal
analyzer 242. In this regard, the signal analyzer 242 may, for
example, be enabled to measure the power at one or more frequencies
in a signal being transmitted. In this regard, the signal analyzer
240 may comprise one or more tunable filters which may be tuned to
the same frequency as the FM radio Tx block 226.
[0027] The processor 230 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
and/or code that may enable interfacing to the memory 228, the
frequency synthesizers 224a and 224b, the FM radio Rx block 226,
the configurable matching network 244, the signal analyzer 242, the
signal analyzer 240 and/or the FM radio Tx block 232. In this
regard, the processor 230 may be enabled to execute one or more
instructions that enable reading and/or writing to/from the memory
228. The processor 230 may be enabled to execute one or more
instructions that enable providing one or more control signals to
the frequency synthesizer 224, the FM radio Rx block 226 and/or the
FM radio Tx block 232. In this regard, the processor 230 may, for
example, be enabled to tune the FM radio Rx block 226 and/or the FM
radio Tx block 232 to a desired FM radio channel. The processor 230
may be enabled to execute one or more instructions that enable
providing one or more control signals to the configurable matching
network 244. In this regard, the processor 230 may, for example, be
enabled to configure one or more switching elements comprising the
configurable matching network 244. The processor 230 may be enabled
to execute one or more instructions that enable providing one or
more control signals to the signal analyzer 242, and/or the signal
analyzer 240. In this regard, the processor 230 may, for example,
be enabled to tune the signal analyzer 242, and/or the signal
analyzer 240 to a desired frequency for measurement. Similarly, the
processor 230 may be enable controlling measurements performed by
the transmitted signal analyzer 242 and/or the received signal
analyzer 240. The processor 230 may be enabled to store measurement
results from the signal analyzer 242 and/or the signal analyzer 240
to the memory 228.
[0028] The directional coupler 234 may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic and or code that may enable coupling the FM radio Tx block
232 and the FM radio Rx block 226 to the antenna 236 for the
transmission and reception of wireless signals. The directional
coupler 234 may be enabled to route signals from the FM radio Tx
block to the antenna 236 and to route signals from the antenna 236
to the FM radio Rx block 226. In this regard, the directional
coupler 234 may route received signals to the Rx block 226 where
they may be measured by the signal analyzer 240.
[0029] The configurable matching network 244 may comprise suitable
logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable matching the FM radio
Rx block 226 and/or the FM radio Tx block to the antenna 236 over a
range of impedances. In this regard the matching network 244 may
comprise one or more active components, passive components, and/or
switching elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the
matching network may comprise an LC network with one or more
variable capacitances and/or inductances. In this regard the
variable capacitance may be a bank of capacitors configured via a
number of switching elements. Similarly, the variable inductance
may be a bank of inductors configured via a number of switching
elements. In various embodiments of the invention, all or part of
the matching network 244 may reside on-chip or off-chip. For
example, one or more banks of capacitors may be realized on chip
while one or more inductors may be realized off-chip.
[0030] In an exemplary operation, one or more signals provided by
the processor 230 may configure the system 200. The processor 230
may access the memory 228 and may provide control signals to the
various blocks comprising the chip 202. The frequency synthesizers
224a and 224b may be frequency locked to each other such that the
FM radio Tx block 232 with corresponding signal analyzer 242, and
the FM radio Rx block 226 with the corresponding signal analyzer
240 may be tuned to the same frequency. A test signal may be
generated by the FM radio Tx block 232 and the test signal may be
partially reflected by the antenna 236 due to an impedance mismatch
between the Tx block 232 and the antenna 236. The analyzer 240 may
measure the reflected signal. The processor 230 may utilize
measurements from the analyzers 240 and 242 to configure the
matching network 244. The matching network may be configured for a
plurality of antennas. For example, each of the antennas 236a and
236b may have different characteristics and may thus require a
different configuration of the matching network. Accordingly,
matching to a plurality of antennas may enable selecting the
antenna that achieves the best reception and/or transmission for a
given application. Additionally, a parallel combination of two or
more antennas may be used if it provides the best required
reception. The configuration of the matching network may be
performed at a multitude of frequencies across a "FM radio
broadcast band". For example, for an FM radio band of 76 MHz to 108
MHz, the matching network 244 may be configured at 76 MHz, 92 MHz
and 108 MHz. The configuration of the matching network may be
performed utilizing a multitude of test tone signal strengths. For
example, the matching network may be configured for a maximum and a
minimum transmit power of the FM radio Tx block 232. The determined
matching network configuration for each test frequency and/or
signal strength may be stored to the memory 228.
[0031] FIG. 2B is a diagram of an exemplary impedance matching
network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 2B there is shown two banks of capacitors 254a
and 254b with corresponding switch networks 255a, 255d, and a bank
of inductors 256 with corresponding switch networks 255b and 255c.
Each of the switch networks 255 may comprise a plurality of
switches which may be controlled via a digital word.
[0032] In operation each of the switch networks may be controlled
via a digital word. In this regard the capacitance between node 251
and ground may be determined via a digital control word. Similarly
the capacitance between node 253 and ground may be determined via a
digital control word. Similarly the inductance between nodes 251
and 253 may be configured. Accordingly, the matching network 244
may be programmable controlled to match a wide range of impedances.
All or part of the matching network may be integrated onto a single
substrate or may comprise one or more discrete components. In this
regard, all or part of the matching network 244 may be integrated
onto the chip 106.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system enabled to
utilize a power source as an FM radio antenna, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown
a wireless communication device 302, a power source 320, an AC
chokes 322a, 322b, 322c, a power cable 324, and inductors 324Aa,
324b.
[0034] The wireless communication device 302 may comprise suitable
logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable transmission and/or
reception of FM radio signals. In this regard, the wireless
communication device may be similar to or the same as the devices
104 described in FIG. 1. The wireless communication device 302 may
comprise a processor 312, a memory 314, an FM radio Tx/Rx block
316, a matching network 318, an antenna 312, a switching element
308, a power conditioning block 306, a battery 307, a power port
310, and a DC blocking cap 304.
[0035] The memory 314 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,
and/or code that may enable storage of information. Similar to the
memory 228 of FIG. 2A, the memory 314 may enable storing state
variables and/or other control signal that may enable configuring
and/or controlling the Fm radio Tx/Rx block 316 and/or the matching
network 318. Additionally, the memory 314 may enable storage of
state variables and/or other information that may enable
controlling the switching element 308 to select between the
internal antenna 312 and the power port 310 for receiving FM radio
signals. Also, the memory 314 may enable storage of information
utilized for the configuration and/or operation of the power
conditioning block 306.
[0036] The processor 312 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,
and/or code that may enable interfacing to the memory 314, the
integrated FM radio Tx/Rx 316, the matching network 318, the
switching element 308, and/or the power conditioning block 306. In
interfacing to the memory 314, the integrated FM radio Tx/Rx block
316, and the matching network 318, the processor 312 may be similar
to or the same as the processor 230 described in FIG. 2A.
Additionally, the processor 312 may be enabled to provide one or
more control signals to the switching element 308 for selecting
between the internal antenna 312 and the power port 310 for
receiving FM radio signals. Also, the processor 312 may be enabled
to provide one or more control signals to the power conditioning
circuit 306.
[0037] The FM radio Tx/Rx block 316 may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, and/or code to enable transmission and/or reception of
FM radio signals. In this regard, the FM radio Tx/Rx block 316 may
be similar to or the same as the chip 106 is FIGS. 1 and 2A.
[0038] The matching network 318 may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, and/or code that may enable matching the output
impedance of the FM radio Tx/Rx block 316 to one or more antennas.
In this regard, the matching network may be similar to or the same
as the matching network 244 in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0039] The wireless communication device 302 may comprise an
electrically small internal antenna 312. In this regard, the
antenna 312 may comprise an electrically small antenna that may
provide low quality and/or inefficient transmission and/or
reception of FM radio signals.
[0040] The switching element 308 may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, and/or code that may enable communicatively coupling one
of a number of signal sources to the matching network 318. In this
regard, the switching element 308 may enable selecting between the
internal antenna 312 and the power port 310. The switching element
308 may be controlled by one or more signals from the processor
312.
[0041] The power conditioning block 306 may comprise suitable
logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable conditioning power
received via the power port 310 and/or the battery 307. In this
regard, the power conditioning block 306 may be enabled to filter
power lines, generate multiple voltages from a single voltage,
regulate voltages, and/or regulate currents. Voltages and/or
currents output by the power conditioning block 306 may be utilized
to power the various blocks comprising the device 302. Similarly,
power received via the power port 310 may be conditioned to be
suitable for charging the battery 307.
[0042] The power port 310 may comprise a physical interface via
which the device 302 may receive power from the external power
source 320. Additionally, the power port 310 may enable utilizing
the cable 324 and/or the power source 320 as an FM radio antenna.
In this regard, RF signals received via the power port may pass
through the DC blocking capacitor 304 to the switching element
308.
[0043] The power cable 324 may comprise a length of electrical
conductor suitable for transmission of power from the power source
320 to the device 302. In this regard, the power cable 324 may act
as an antenna for FM radio signals in a FM radio broadcast
range.
[0044] The inductors 326a, 326b may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, and/or code that may enable enhancing the resonance of
the cable 324 and/or the power source 320. In this regard, placing
the inductor 326a between the power source 320 and the cable 324
and/or placing the inductor 326b between the power source 320 and
ground may enhance the resonance of the power source 320 and the
cable 324 at frequencies in an FM radio broadcast band.
[0045] The AC chokes 322a, 322b, 322c may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, and/or code that may enable passing DC frequencies while
blocking AC frequencies in a FM radio broadcast range. In this
regard, the power conditioning block 306 may be low impedance at
frequencies in a FM radio broadcast band. Consequently, without an
AC choke 322a, 322b, and/or 322c, AC signals received via the power
port 310 may effectively be shorted to ground.
[0046] The power source 320 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,
and/or code that may enable generation and/or transmission of power
to the wireless communication device 302. In various embodiments of
the invention, the power source 320 may provide DC current to the
wireless communication device 302. The power source 320 may
comprise significant amounts of metal and/or cabling which may act
as an antenna at FM radio broadcast frequencies. In various
embodiments of the invention, the power source 302 may comprise one
or more transformers and rectifier circuits for AC to DC
conversion. In various embodiments of the invention, the power
source may comprise one or more switching elements for DC to DC
conversion.
[0047] In operation, the device 302 may tune to a desired frequency
in an FM radio broadcast band. The device 302 may then sample an RF
signal from the antenna 312 and an RF signal from the power port
310. For example, an analyzer such as the analyzer 240 of FIG. 2A
may be utilized to determine whether the signal from the antenna
312 or the signal from the power port 310 comprises, for example,
greater power and/or less noise. Accordingly, if the antenna 312
receives a stronger and/or less noisy signal, then the switching
element 308 may be configured to receive FM radio signals via the
antenna 312. Similarly, if the power port 310 receives a stronger
and/or less noisy signal, then the switching element 308 may be
configured to receive FM radio signals via the power port 310. In
various embodiments of the invention, the sampling of the signals
may be performed periodically in order to provide a best available
signal in the face of changing conditions. In this regard, the
signals may be sampled, for example, with sufficiently high
frequency such that received FM radio signals are not audibly
impacted.
[0048] In determining the best received signal, the matching
network 318 may accordingly be configured based on whether the
antenna 312 or the power port 310 is selected. Additionally,
different configurations of the matching network 312 may be ideal
for different power sources 320, different frequencies of
operation, and/or different signal strengths. Accordingly, a
calibration routine may be invoked upon an initial setup of the
device 302 and/or periodically during operation of the device 302.
In this regard, the optimal configuration for the matching network
316 for each of the antenna 312 and various power sources 320 may
be determined in a manner similar to the method described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number
18570US02) which is filed on even date herewith, and hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0049] FIG. 4A depicts a car charger utilized as an FM radio
antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM
radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4A there is
shown a wireless communication device 302 comprising a power port
310 connected to a power adapter 402. In this regard, the adapter
402 may enable connecting the device 302 to a 12 Vdc outlet
located, for example, in an automobile. In one embodiment of the
invention, the adapter 402 may comprise an inductor such as the
inductor 326a or 326b described in FIG. 3. In this manner, the
cable 404 may act as an antenna. In another embodiment of the
invention, an automobile to which the adapter 402 is connected may
have an inductor between the power outlet and chassis ground. In
this instance, metal components comprising the automobile itself
may act as an FM radio antenna.
[0050] FIG. 4B depicts an AC/DC converter utilized as an FM radio
antenna for a wireless communication device with integrated FM
radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4B there is
shown a wireless communication device 302 comprising a power port
310 connected to an AC/DC converter 406. In this regard, the AC/DC
converter 406 may enable connecting the device 302 to a 120 Vac
electrical outlet. In one embodiment of the invention, the AC/DC
converter 406 may comprise an AC choke such as the AC choke 322
described in FIG. 3. In this manner, the cable 408 may act as an
antenna. In another embodiment of the invention, an outlet to which
the adapter 402 is connected may have an inductor between the power
outlet and ground. In this instance, metal components comprising
the outlet and wiring may act as an FM radio antenna.
[0051] FIG. 4C depicts an external FM radio antenna which may
connect to the power port of a wireless communication device with
integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive functions, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG.
4C there is shown an external FM radio antenna 410 that may be
enabled to connect to the power port of the wireless communication
device 302. In this regard, utilizing the power port as an antenna
port may save space and/or cost as compared to having a dedicated
port for an external antenna.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary steps for utilizing a power
source as an FM radio antenna for a wireless communication device
with integrated FM radio transmit and/or FM radio receive
functions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 5, the exemplary steps may begin with start step
502. Subsequent to step 502 the exemplary steps may advance to step
504. In step 504 it may be determined whether an external component
is connected via a power port of a wireless communication device.
For example, a device may comprise a discrete logic signal that is
asserted when an external component is connected to the power port.
If an external component is not connected to the power port, then
the steps may advance to step 514. In step 514 a default antenna,
internal to the wireless communication device, may be utilized for
transmission and/or reception of FM radio signals. In this regard,
the wireless communication device may configure a matching network
for an optimum match to the internal antenna at one or more desired
frequencies.
[0053] Returning to step 504 if an external device is connected to
the power port, then the exemplary steps may advance to step 506.
In step 506 the wireless communication device may measure RF signal
levels present on the power port. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the measurement results may be stored to a memory, such
as the memory 314 in FIG. 3. Subsequent to step 506 the exemplary
steps may advance to step 508. In step 508 the wireless
communication device may measure RF signal levels present on the
internal antenna port. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the measurement results may be stored to a memory, such as the
memory 314 in FIG. 3. Subsequent to step 508 the exemplary steps
may advance to step 510. In step 510 the results from steps 506 and
508 may be compared. In this regard if the power port provides a
stronger and/or less noisy signal at a desired FM frequency then,
in step 512, the power port may be utilized for transmission and/or
reception of FM radio signals at the desired frequency. Conversely,
if the internal antenna provides a stronger and/or less noisy
signal at a desired FM frequency then, in step 514, the internal
antenna may be utilized for transmission and/or reception of FM
radio signals at the desired frequency.
[0054] Another embodiment of the invention may provide a
machine-readable storage, having stored thereon, a computer program
having at least one code section executable by a machine, thereby
causing the machine to perform the steps as described herein for
matching an integrated FM radio system to an antenna utilizing
on-chip measurement of reflected signals.
[0055] Aspects of a method and system for receiving FM radio
signals via an external component coupled to a power port of a
communication device, such as the port 310 of the device 302. In
this regard, an external component, such as the components shown in
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, may act as an antenna for the reception of FM
radio signals. Additionally, a device may be enabled to determine
whether to use a connected external component or an antenna within
the device, such as the antenna 312 of FIG. 3, based on the power
levels of FM radio signals received via each. In order to improve
the resonance of the external component at FM radio frequencies, an
inductor such as the inductor 326a or 326b of FIG. 3 may be
utilized. Additionally, an output impedance of a device, such as
the device 302, may be matched to an external component via a
configurable matching network, such as the matching network 318. In
one embodiment of the invention, the matching network may comprise
a bank of capacitors.
[0056] Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in
hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The
present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at
least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where
different elements are spread across several interconnected
computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus
adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A
typical combination of hardware and software may be a
general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when
being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that
it carries out the methods described herein.
[0057] The present invention may also be embedded in a computer
program product, which comprises all the features enabling the
implementation of the methods described herein, and which when
loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.
Computer program in the present context means any expression, in
any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended
to cause a system having an information processing capability to
perform a particular function either directly or after either or
both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or
notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
[0058] While the present invention has been described with
reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the present
invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention
will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
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