Method and system for scanning RF channels utilizing leaky wave antennas

Abstract

Methods and systems for scanning RF channels utilizing leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are disclosed and may include configuring a receiving angle of a plurality of LWAs in a wireless device to receive RF signals at a desired starting angle. The receiving angle may be swept while measuring RF signal strength. A location of RF signal sources may be determined based on the measured RF signal strength and corresponding angle of reception. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The LWAs may be configured so that they are situated along a plurality of axes in the wireless device. The LWAs may comprise microstrip or coplanar waveguides, where a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in integrated circuits, integrated circuit packages, and / or printed circuit boards.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS / INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0001]This application makes reference to, claims the benefit from, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 246,618 filed on Sep. 29, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 185,245 filed on Jun. 9, 2009.[0002]This application also makes reference to:[0003]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,212 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0004]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,295 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0005]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,277 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0006]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,192 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0007]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,224 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0008]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,176 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0009]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,246 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0010]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,292 filed on Dec. 30, 2009;[0011]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 650,324 filed on De...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, transmit and / or receive circuitry within such mobile wireless devices often account for a significant portion of the power consumed within these devices.

Moreover, in some conventional communication systems, transmitters and / or receivers are often power inefficient in comparison to other blocks of the portable communication devices.

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