United States Patent [19]
`Stein
`
`I 111111111111111111111 lllll 111111111111111111111111111111 lll111111111111111
`US005628055A
`5,628,055
`[11] Patent Number:
`May 6, 1997
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`[54] MODULAR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
`SYSTEM
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: Per Stein, Stockholm, Sweden
`
`[73] Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson
`publ. Stockholm, Sweden
`
`5,203,021
`5,251,232
`5,260,989
`5,361,061
`5,373,149
`5,373,300
`
`4/1993 Repplinger et al ....................... 455/90
`10/1993 Nonami ..................................... 455/84
`11/1993 Jenness et al .................••.....•.... 379/59
`11/1994 Mays et al .............................. 455/269
`12/1994 Rasmussen .............................. 235/492
`12/1994 Jenness et al ............................. 455/89
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 353,966
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Dec. 12, 1994
`
`[63]
`[51]
`[52]
`
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of Ser. No. 26,478, Mar. 4, 1993, abandoned.
`Int. Cl.6 ....................................................... H04B 1/38
`U.S. Cl . .............................. 455/89; 455/90; 455/127;
`379/58; 364/705.05; 375/222
`Field of Search ................................ 455/89, 90, 128,
`455/129, 127. 84, 269. 348. 350, 351; 375/222;
`343/702; 345/825.44; 379/58, 59; 364/705.0L
`705.05; 235/492
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. P.!XfENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,881,258
`4,939,770
`4,972,457
`5,018,051
`5,020,090
`5,028,806
`5,043,721
`5,109,540
`5,157,247
`5,183,404
`5,185,700
`5,202,838
`
`11/1989 Kaiwa et al. ............................. 379/58
`7/1990 Makino ................................... 455/127
`11/1990 O'Sullivan ................................ 379/59
`5/1991 Yamada et al ..
`5/1991 Morris .
`7/1991 Stewart et al ..
`8/1991 May ................................... 340/825.44
`4/1992 Dzung et al. .. ........................... 455/90
`10/1992 Takahira.
`2/1993 Aldous et al ..
`2/1993 Bezos et al ..
`4/1993 Inoue .
`
`0571125 11/1993 European Pat. Off ..
`4136548
`9/1992 Germany .
`9003076
`3/1990 WIPO.
`
`OTHER PUBLICXI'IONS
`
`Patton, Carole ''Radio Transceiver Circuit Card Acts as
`Wireless Modem in PCS" Mar. 28, 1988.
`Primary Examiner-Reinhard J. Eisenzopf
`Assistant Examiner-Thanh Le
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jenkens & Gilchrist, A Profes(cid:173)
`sional Corporation
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A modular telecommunications system configured for wire(cid:173)
`less telecommunication in accordance with a pre-selected
`standard. Modular units are adapted to be secured within
`other items of electronic equipment for establishing a tele(cid:173)
`communications link with a wireless network The modular
`telecommunications unit comprises a housing for mounting
`a radio transceiver therein. The housing includes a plurality
`of contacts arranged along a first end, the contacts being
`adapted for engagement with contacts in the electronic
`equipment, and at least one radio connector disposed along
`the second, opposite end of the housing and connected to the
`radio transceiver within the housing whereby the radio
`transceiver can be coupled to an antenna to enable commu(cid:173)
`nication therefrom.
`
`5 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 1 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 6, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`5,628,055
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`MOBITEX
`PACKET DATA
`
`FIG. 1
`
`CELLULAR RADIO
`(ANALOG OR 1------•
`DIGITAL)
`
`GSM EUROPEAN
`CELLULAR
`RADIO STANDARD
`
`DECT
`STANDARD
`
`CDPD
`STANDARD
`
`22
`MBX
`
`MOBITEX
`RADIO MODEM
`
`FIG. 2
`
`23
`GSM
`
`24
`
`DECT l
`
`GSM RADIO
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`DECT
`
`25
`PAGING
`
`26
`PCS
`
`PAGING RADIO
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`PCS
`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 2 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 6, 1997
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`5,628,055
`
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`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 3 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 6, 1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`5,628,055
`
`131
`
`134A 134
`
`FIG. 7
`
`FIG. 8 ~ 9
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`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 4 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 6, 1997
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5,628,055
`
`133
`
`131
`
`418
`
`41A
`
`FIG. 9A
`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 5 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 6, 1997
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`5,628,055
`
`FIG. 10
`
`FIG. 11
`
`131
`
`271
`
`131
`
`252A
`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 6 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 6, 1997
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,628,055
`
`290
`
`~-270
`
`31
`
`FIG. 12
`
`FIG. 13
`
`295
`
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`200
`
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`31 /"
`3~-
`33~ 34A
`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 7 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 6, 1997
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`5,628,055
`
`LO .-
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`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 8 of 16
`
`

`

`1
`MODULAR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
`SYSTEM
`
`5,628,055
`
`This a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/026.478,
`filed on Mar. 4. 1993, which was abandoned upon the filing 5
`hereof.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE JNVENTION
`
`2
`base stations operating in different geographic areas as well
`as parts of different networks. It would be desirable,
`however, to package radio transceivers and/or modems in a
`modular manner so that a telecommunications terminal,
`such as a portable telephone or a portable personal computer,
`could be adapted for communication with different systems
`by simply replacing the modular unit with one which was
`especially configured for the telecommunications network
`with which communication was desired.
`The use of card mounted telecommunications interface
`equipment in a PC has existed for some time. In particular,
`modems are frequently mounted on an I/0 card and plugged
`into receiving receptacles within the PC. The modem then
`enables the interface of a PC with standard telecommuni-
`15 cation network lines and the transmission/reception of data
`for those lines. This is an extremely useful tool and maxi(cid:173)
`mizes the usefulness of the PC.
`More recently, the company GEC PLESSEY developed a
`radio transmitter for a wireless local area network (WLAN)
`20 for a standard card engagement with a PC so that data can
`be transmitted within approximately a hundred meters with
`a frequency band reserved for such activity. However. this
`radio transmitter for a wireless LAN does not incorporate
`the requisite flexibility and communications alternatives
`25 inherent in Applicant's present system which overcomes
`many of the disadvantages of the prior art.
`It would be an advantage therefor to provide a standard
`PCMCIA card mounted radio transceiver which is readily
`replaceable in order to enable electronic equipment to com(cid:173)
`municate with various networks and in accordance with
`various radio standards merely by interchanging such a card.
`The system of the present invention and various components
`thereof provide such advantages.
`
`30
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to modular telecommunica- 10
`tion equipment and, more particularly. to a card mounted
`radio transceiver and/or modem for use in establishing a link
`to a wireless network for electronic equipment such as
`personal computers.
`2. History of the Prior Art
`The fields of both data processing and telecommunica(cid:173)
`tions have experienced marked advances in recent years.
`Personal computers have become smaller and more efficient
`in their progression through desktop. laptop, notebook. and
`palmtop versions. The great advances in microprocessors,
`memory chips and miniaturization techniques have also
`enabled more and more computing power to be packaged in
`smaller and smaller spaces.
`Personal computers are manufactured by many different
`suppliers around the world. An entire industry has subse(cid:173)
`quently developed in supplying memory cards for enhancing
`the capacity of this wide variety of personal computers.
`Recently. there has been a movement toward standardizing
`the interconnection formats for use in circuit cards for
`personal computers. In particular, the PC and Memory Card
`International Association (PCMCIA) was formed with the
`goal of promoting the interchangeability of integrated circuit
`and memory cards among computers and other types of
`electronic products. Toward this end, the PCMCIA has 35
`promulgated certain physical and electrical standards to
`ensure that cards will be able to be used in different pieces
`of equipment. Both data storage, i.e. memory, and peripheral
`expansion. i.e. I/0. card types constructed in accordance
`with standards should be able to be used in any connectors 40
`also constructed in accordance with the standards. Such a
`standard is set forth in a variety of documents including the
`PCMCIA PC Card Standard, Release 2.0, incorporated by
`reference herein. The standard sets forth a 68 pin inter(cid:173)
`change for I/0 type circuit cards for use in PCs.
`Advances in wireless telecommunications have also
`moved rapidly in recent years. Various communication stan(cid:173)
`dards have been promulgated around the world defining
`specific frequencies. data rates, data formats, and the like for
`both voice and data communications by radio links between 50
`base stations and mobile units. For example. specialized
`packet switching systems for mobile data communications
`have enabled portable computers to directly uplink data
`access into the landline data communication network.
`Similarly. conventional voice based cellular radio systems, 55
`both analog and digital versions, can receive data from
`portable computers and transmit that data through the con(cid:173)
`ventional telephone network to a remotely located data
`terminal. In addition, other systems such as paging (both
`local and global), DECT (Digital European Cordless 60
`Telecommunications). Mobitex, CDPD (Cellular Digital
`Packet Data), PCS (Personal Communications System) and
`the like have come into recent use. Each of these wireless
`telecommunications formats and standards generally
`requires separate software to provide a gateway for data into 65
`the wireless network as well as separate transmission/
`reception formats. This allows communication with radio
`
`SUMMARY OF THE JNVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to modular radio commu-
`nications equipment. More particularly, one aspect of the
`present invention includes providing card mounted radio
`telephone and/or modem equipment configured for wireless
`telecommunication (which includes voice and/or data) in
`accordance with a preselected standard and/or format. Such
`modular units may be replaceably secured within other items
`of electronic equipment for establishing therefrom a tele-
`45 communications link with a wireless network. In one
`embodiment, such equipment includes portable cellular
`radio subscriber terminals.
`In another aspect, the invention includes a modular hous(cid:173)
`ing for mounting a radio transceiver adapted for telecom(cid:173)
`munications in accordance with a preselected standard. An
`array of contacts are arranged along a first end of the housing
`and adapted for engagement with a mating array of contacts
`in an item of electronic equipment, such as a computer or
`portable communications device. A separate antenna con(cid:173)
`nector is disposed along either the first or second end of the
`housing. The connector is coupled to the radio transceiver
`within the housing, and adapted for being coupled to a
`separate antenna structure to enable communication from
`the radio transceiver. As used herein, the term radio trans(cid:173)
`ceiver may also include a modem whereby both voice and
`data may be transmitted and received by the antenna. The
`antenna may be contained within the item of electronic
`equipment, such as in the computer chassis, or it may be
`provided as an external attachment to the housing.
`In yet another aspect, the above described invention
`includes a connector for coupling the radio transceiver
`(which may include a modem) contained within the housing
`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 9 of 16
`
`

`

`5,628,055
`
`3
`to a power source for the supply of current thereto. The
`power connector may include enlarged ones of the contacts
`of the contact array disposed on the first end of the housing
`adapted for plugging into a power source provided within
`the electronic equipment. In an alternative embodiment, the 5
`power connector may be disposed along the second opposite
`end of the housing for connection to a power source external
`of the item of electronic equipment. As herein described, the
`item of electronic equipment for the modular telecommuni(cid:173)
`cations unit may comprise a personal computer, a cellular 10
`telephone, a digital notebook and the like.
`In a further aspect, the present invention includes a
`method of providing modular telecommunications for an
`item of electronic equipment, comprising the steps of pro(cid:173)
`viding a modular housing and mounting a radio transceiver 15
`adapted for telecommunications in accordance with a pre(cid:173)
`selected standard in the housing. An array of contacts is
`disposed along a first end of the housing. The contact array
`is adapted for mating engagement with a contact array
`located in the electronic equipment. One or more connectors 20
`may then be disposed along either the first or a second end
`of the housing for select interconnect functions. In one
`embodiment a connector may couple the radio transceiver
`within the housing to an antenna located in the electronic
`equipment or mounted externally thereof. In another 25
`embodiment, a connector may couple a power source
`located in the electronic equipment or externally thereof.
`The housing is then inserted into the electronic equipment
`and the contact array of the housing is plugged into the
`mating contact array of the electronic equipment to establish 30
`electrical communications therebetween. In this manner, a
`method of modular telecommunications for the particular
`electronic equipment is provided in a configuration greatly
`facilitating the use and efficiency thereof.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWINGS
`For a more complete understanding of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference
`may now be had to the following description taken in
`conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall concept
`employed in one aspect of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the use of modular
`radio equipment within a PC;
`FIG. 3 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a modular
`telecommunications unit constructed in accordance with the
`principles of the present invention;
`FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the modular unit
`shown in FIG. 3 illustrating the pin connections thereto;
`FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the modular unit of
`FIG. 3 illustrating one embodiment thereof with no antenna
`or power connector thereon;
`FIG. 6 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the
`modular unit of FIG. 3 taken along the lines 6-6 thereof;
`FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of another embodiment
`of a modular telecommunications unit constructed in accor(cid:173)
`dance with the principles of the present invention and having
`a standard PCMCIA card interconnectivity format;
`FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the modular unit of FIG. 7
`illustrating an external antenna mounted thereon;
`FIG. 9 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the
`modular unit of FIG. 8 illustrating the attachment of the
`antenna thereto;
`FIG. 9Ais a front elevational view of the modular unit of
`FIG. 7 illustrating a standard PCMCIA card interconnectiv(cid:173)
`ity format;
`
`4
`FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a modular
`unit of the type shown in FIG. 8 in association with a module
`receiving slot in a PC;
`FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative
`embodiment of the modular unit of FIG. 10 and its mounting
`in a PC;
`FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the modular
`unit of FIG. 3 being inserted in a PC having a built-in
`antenna and power supply therefor;
`FIG. 13 is an exploded, perspective view of a modular
`unit constructed in accordance with the principles of the
`present invention and illustrating its adaptability for use in
`a combination of electronic equipment; and
`FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a modular unit
`constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention and illustrating multiple applications thereof.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`Referring first to FIG. 1, there are shown portable com-
`munications devices in the form of data processing units,
`such as a laptop or notebook computer 11 and a portable
`telephone instrument 12. It is well established to allow the
`PC 11 and telephone 12 to communicate with various
`wireless telecommunication networks. Each of the telecom(cid:173)
`munication networks may, however, include different tele(cid:173)
`communication standards and/or require modems of differ(cid:173)
`ent types as represented diagrammatically in blocks 13-17.
`The various telecommunication standards may include, for
`example, AMPS, D-AMPS, JDC, TACS, GSM, NMT-450,
`NMT-900, DECT, Mobitex and future Spread Spectrum
`standards, as well as many more.
`Still referring to FIG. 1, the portable telephone instrument
`12 may include basic components for telecommunications
`35 with various wireless networks operating in accordance with
`numerous telecommunications standards. For example,
`should the telephone instrument 12 be needed for use in the
`United States, it must be capable of transmitting/receiving
`on a defined frequency band and in accordance with either
`40 the analog or digital modulation techniques in use in the
`United States. However, should the telephone instrument 12
`be needed for communication with the wireless system
`which exists in the U.K. or Continental Europe, it would
`have to be capable of communicating on different frequen-
`45 cies and in accordance with somewhat different modulation
`techniques in order to be useful.
`Referring still to FIG. 1, the laptop computer 11 may be
`needed for data communication with a number of different
`data networks which exist in a number of parts of the world.
`50 For example, a package switched data network exists in the
`Scandinavian and several European countries and in the
`United States and Canada which functions utilizing data
`packets of a prescribed size. The package switched data
`network is constructed in accordance with a prescribed
`55 protocol and provided as part of a service referred to by the
`trademark "MOBITEX" with which the assignee of the
`present invention is associated. Similarly, the laptop com(cid:173)
`puter 11 may also be needed for communication with the
`United States cellular radio network ( either in analog or
`60 digital format), with the European GSM digital cellular
`radio network, or the CDPD (Cellular Digital Package Data)
`network from time to time. Thus, the broad concept of the
`system of the present invention includes providing radio
`transceivers and/or modems 13-17 which are adapted for
`65 use in communication with the various networks in accor(cid:173)
`dance with various standards used therein. Additionally, the
`term "transceiver" as used herein comprises appropriate
`
`Ex.1021
`APPLE INC. / Page 10 of 16
`
`

`

`5,628,055
`
`5
`radio control logic of the type necessary to make up a radio
`device that is capable of communicating with a wireless
`communication standard such as D-amps. GSM, etc. For
`example. the transceiver may include a transmitter and
`receiver, and when the communications device is used for 5
`data transmission, the transceiver may also incorporate data
`modem circuitry.
`Still referring to FIG. 1. the modem 13 provides for radio
`communication with the MOBITEX packet data switched
`network. while modem 14 represents a modular unit which 10
`could be constructed to communicate with the conventional
`cellular radio network in the United States. either in analog
`or digital format. Similarly. the modem 15 might be adapted
`for radio communication with the European digital cellular
`radio network in accordance with the GSM standards 15
`adopted by the European Telecommunications Standards
`Institute (EfSI). Modem 16 could. likewise. permit tele(cid:173)
`communications in accordance with the Digital European
`Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard. Any of
`modems 14-16 might be useful within either the laptop 20
`computer 11 or the telephone subscriber instrument 12 while
`those units. as well as the MOBITEX data packet modem 13.
`could be used within the laptop computer 11. Moreover. the
`use of standard modems packaged in a modular form in
`standard sizes. would have great advantages in the future in 25
`providing flexibility within both voice and data telecommu(cid:173)
`nication systems used throughout the world.
`Referring next to FIG. 2. there is shown a computer 21
`which may comprise either a laptop. notebook, pen based, or
`conventional desktop PC. Also represented are several stan- 30
`<lard modems 22-26. The modems 22-26 are adapted for
`enabling the PC 21 to communicate on any one of a plurality
`of different telecommunications networks. each operating in
`accordance with different standards and protocols. Modem
`22 thus allows communication of the PC 21 on the MOBI- 35
`TEX package switched data network. Modem 23 allows
`communication on the GSM European digital cellular radio
`network. while modem 24 allows communication on the
`DECT network. Modem 25 permits communication on a
`paging network such as a local or a global paging system, 40
`while modem 26 enables communication on a PCS
`(Personal Communication System). The PCS may become
`the next generation of cellular systems combining wide area
`networks and on-site networks for both data and voice
`communication. The system of the present invention thus 45
`allows such modems 22-26 to be constructed in accordance
`with a standard modular format that contains consistent and
`fixed form factors having standard electrical pinouts and
`common interfaces to the PC 21. or the like. enabling a
`simple plug interconnection therewith. This is a marked 50
`advance over the prior art.
`Referring now to the grouping of FIGS. 3-6 and 7-9A,
`there are shown two versions of a telecommunications unit
`constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention. FIGS. 7-9A (group one) illustrate a telecommu- 55
`nications unit 131 which is constructed to conform with a
`standard PCMCIA card interconnectivity format embodied
`in connector 133. FIGS. 3-6 (group two) illustrate a unit 31
`which is constructed with a modified connector 33 which
`does not comply with existing PCMCIA standards due to 60
`modifications in antenna and power connections discussed
`below. Each version of the above-referenced telecommuni(cid:173)
`cations unit will now be discussed. Referring first to the
`group two version of the telecommunication unit outlined
`above. there is shown in FIG. 3 a top plan view of a modular 65
`telecommunications unit 31 constructed to conform with a
`modified PCMCIA card interconnectivity format. In
`
`6
`particular, the modular unit 31 includes an outer shell 32
`which is generally flat and has located at a first end 33A a
`multipin connector 33 (seen most clearly in FIG. 4) having
`a plurality of individual contacts for engagement with a
`mating connector located within an item of an electronic
`equipment, such as a PC. It should be noted that although a
`PC is referred to. a variety of electronic equipment could be
`addressed and modified in accordance with the principles of
`the present invention to provide modular telecommunica(cid:173)
`tions therefrom. In that regard, the opposite end 34A of the
`modular unit 31 includes a recessed region 34 where exter(cid:173)
`nal power and antenna connectors may be mounted, as
`described below with regard to FIG. 7.
`Still referring to FIG. 3 the modular unit 31 houses a
`telecommunications card 29 including a radio transceiver
`36, which may include a modem section 37. The card 29 is
`shown by dotted lines as are transceiver and modem sections
`36 and 37. Data from electronic equipment. such as a PC. are
`coupled into the card 29 through selected contacts from the
`multipin connector 33, as described in more detail below.
`Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a front elevational
`view of the modular unit 31 of FIG. 3, illustrating more
`clearly the multipin connector 33. The contacts of multipin
`connector 33 are connected to circuitry within the telecom(cid:173)
`munications card 29. The connector 33 comprises a pair of
`rows of contacts 41A and 41B constructed in accordance
`with a modification to the standard PCM CIA format. In the
`system of the present invention, certain areas of the contact
`array have been modified and the contacts provided in a
`different configuration and/or format to allow connection to
`an antenna and/or power source for transmission of
`increased amounts of power into the circuitry of the card 29.
`Such connection may be necessary when the power require(cid:173)
`ments of the transceiver 36 (and/or modem 37) cannot be
`adequately handled by the normal signal carrying contacts
`41A-41B. Contacts 49Aand49B are thus shown to illustrate
`such a modified power pin configuration. Connector 49C
`illustrates an antenna coupling. It should be noted that other
`antenna and power connections may be provided in accor(cid:173)
`dance with the principles of the present invention and
`another specific embodiment is described below.
`Referring now to FIG. 5, the end 34A is formed with a
`recess 34 wherein other connectors may be mounted for use
`in coupling the radio transceiver 36 and modem 37 within
`the module 31 to an external antenna. However, with the
`antenna connector 49C and power contacts 49A and 49B
`provided along connector 33, such external connectors are
`not necessary along the opposite end in recess 34. For this
`reason, no connectors are shown in this particular embodi(cid:173)
`ment.
`Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a side elevational,
`cross sectional view of the modular unit 31. As most clearly
`shown in this view, the telecommunications card 29 of
`module 31 includes a printed circuit board 61 onto the
`surface of which various printed circuit card traces may be
`formed and various components, for example, ASICs
`(Application Specific Integrated Circuits), may be mounted
`to comprise the radio transceiver and modem secured within
`the module 31. The circuitry on the board 61 is selectively
`connected to the contacts 41A-41B on the connector 33 to
`couple signals into and out of the circuitry within said
`module. An upper shell 62 covers the upper portion of the
`components mounted on the board 61 while a lower shell 63
`covers the lower surface of the board and mates with the
`upper shell 62 to form an enclosed modular unit.
`Referring now to the group one version of the telecom(cid:173)
`munications unit outlined above, there is shown in FIG. 7 a
`
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`5,628,055
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`7
`8
`through rear portion 134A to connect with modular antenna
`rear elevational view of another embodiment of a modular
`138. The construction of modular antenna 138 is as
`telecommunications unit constructed in accordance with the
`principles of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
`described above in connection with FIG. 8.
`standard PCMCIA card interconnectivity format is utilized.
`Referring now to FIG. 9A there is shown a front eleva(cid:173)
`Modular unit 131 of FIG. 7 includes a recessed rear portion 5
`tional view of the modular unit 131 of FIG. 7, illustrating
`or end 134A having a recess 134 wherein coaxial connector
`more clearly the multipin connector 133. The multipin
`connector 133 is constructed in accordance with the current
`51 is secured adjacent a mounting member 52 such as a
`standard PCMCIA card interconnectivity format. The con(cid:173)
`threaded coupling. The coaxial connector 51 is mounted for
`tacts of multipin connector 133 are connected to the circuitry
`use in coupling the radio transceiver 36 within the module
`within the telecommunications card 29. The connector 133
`131 to an antenna disposed either internally or externally of 10
`comprises a pair of rows of contacts 41A and 41B. No
`the particular electronic equipment in which the unit 131 is
`separate power or antenna connectors are shown herein due
`connected. For example. an external antenna is shown in
`to the fact that this particular contact configuration conforms
`FIG. 10. while an internally mounted antenna is shown in
`with the existing PCMCIA standard and the antenna and
`FIG. 11. The internal antenna shown in FIG. 11 is but one
`15 power connectors are presented in the rear portion 134A of
`example of an antenna which may. for example. be mounted
`module 131 as described above.
`inside a laptop computer that has been specifically modified
`Referring now to FIG. 10 there is shown an installation of
`for use with the telecommunications system of the present
`the modular unit 131 into a PC 200 which has been modified
`invention. When an antenna is mounted directly to the
`in design to include a mounting slot 201. The mounting slot
`module 131. mounting member 52 provides a means for
`securement of the antenna structure to module 131, as will 20
`201 is particularly adapted for receipt of and connection to
`be described in more detail below. A connector 54 is also
`module 131. The slot 201 is constructed with side walls 202
`and a frontal opening 203. A mating connector 204 is
`shown in FIG. 7. Connector 54 enables coupling of external
`power to the telecommunications card 29 within the module
`disposed along end 205 for mating connection with connec(cid:173)
`131.
`tor 133. The modular antenna structure 138 ( described
`Referring now to FIG. 8 there is shown a top plan view 25 above) is also shown in position for mounting to the end
`134A of module unit 131. Connecting end 134A thus
`of the modular unit 131 of FIG. 7 illustrating in more detail
`includes recess 134 which houses connectors 51 and 54.
`the external antenna mounting structure 138 which may be
`Connector 51 is preferably a coaxial connector adapted for
`attached to end 134A thereof. As described above. radio
`coupling to antenna 138. while connector 54 is constructed
`transceiver 36 and modem 37 are shown by dotted lines
`for connecting external power to the modular unit 131
`which also define the telecommunications card 29. The 30
`through aperture 154 found in antenna base structure 142. In
`mounting member 52 and connectors 51 and 54 of FIG. 7 are
`that regard. an AODC power supply 250 is shown in
`also represented in FIG. 8 by dotted lines. Connector 51
`position for connection to connector 54 by a connecting plug
`comprises a coaxial antenna coupling which is plugged into
`252A which is connected to the power supply 250 by a cable
`the antenna 138 of FIG. 8. The particular modular antenna
`structure 138 of FIG. 8 includes an antenna bar 140, which 35 254. In this manner. external power may be provided to the
`module 131 from an external source.
`is pivotally mounted through pivot antenna mount 141 to
`rotate about a base structure 142. Base 142 is coupled to the
`Referring now to FIG. 11 there is shown an alternative
`module 131 with a conventional fastener, such as a threaded
`mounting of the modular unit 131 of FIG. 10 and an
`member 152 shown in dotted lines engaging mounting
`alternative modification to the PC 200. In this particular
`member 52. Antenna connector 51 is also shown by dotted 40
`view, the modular unit 131 is being installed in PC 200
`lines to illustrate a conventional coaxial connection thereto
`constructed with a flap 280. The flap 280 is provided in a
`from antenna 138. The antenna 138 may then be rotated into
`configuration for closure over the module unit 131 and direct
`coupling with coaxial connector