Capacitive RF coupler for utility smart meter radio frequency communications
US9118095B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q1/2233
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for locating a low insertion loss apparatus for capacitive coupling of radio frequency (RF) signals from within the confines of a dielectric housing of a utility meter, through the dielectric cover, avoiding the need for drilling a hole in the utility meter body or meter dielectric cover, to route the coaxial RF cable from the embedded wireless modem to an external remote antenna or in-line power amplifier. Specifically the invention relates to an improved capacitive coupling method, which provides for an un-tethered or tethered integral radio frequency (RF) coupler where said RF coupler is located within and on the outer surface of a replacement dielectric cover or alternately retro-fitted on the inner surface and outer surface of an existing utility meter dielectric cover. A method and apparatus for a, standalone, alternative embodiment of the capacitive RF Coupler apparatus is also described and illustrated herein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.