Antenna alignment using a temperature-dependent driver
US6933901B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q1/1257
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system having a steerable antenna coupled to a temperature-dependent driver. The driver has a shape-memory element fabricated using a shape-memory alloy (SMA) and having the ability to change its shape as a function of temperature. The element is adapted to steer the antenna to improve signal reception and is controlled by a control circuit, which resistively heats the element while using the strength of the electrical signal generated by the antenna in response to a received radio-frequency signal as a feedback signal. The temperature of the element is adjusted to optimize the signal strength. Systems of the invention may enable customer-performed antenna alignment and are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.