Signal level indicator and antenna assembly including the same

Abstract

This application discloses exemplary embodiments of a signal level indicator and an antenna assembly including the same. In the exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly includes: an antenna configured to receive a signal; a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of the signal received by the antenna; and an amplifier coupled to the antenna, the signal level indicator, and a signal output. The amplifier is configured to amplify the signal received by the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a signal level indicator and an antenna assembly including the same. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Many people enjoy watching television. The recent advent of high-definition television (HDTV) has significantly improved the viewing experience. Many people pay for HDTV through their existing cable or satellite TV service provider. In fact, many people don't realize that HDTV signals are typically broadcast over the public airwaves, free of charge. This means that HDTV signals can be received for free with the appropriate antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of a signal level indicator and an antenna assembly including the same. In the exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly includes: an antenna configured to receive a signal; a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by the antenna; and an amplifier coupled to communicate with the antenna, the signal level indicator, and a signal output. The amplifier is configured to amplify the signal received by the antenna.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by an antenna includes a printed circuit board. A detector is located on or along the printed circuit board (e.g., mounted on the printed circuit board, etc.). A display is located on or along the printed circuit board (e.g., mounted on the printed circuit board, etc.). The display is configured to display a signal strength indicator corresponding to the strength of the signal received by the antenna.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by an antenna includes a detector configured to communicate with a display, the display operable to display a signal strength indication corresponding to the strength of the signal received by the antenna. The signal level indicator includes a variable frequency local oscillator, a mixer coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator, and a low-pass filter coupled for communication with the mixer and the detector.

[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0010] Figure 1 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a fourth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a fifth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a sixth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a seventh exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to an eighth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 9 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a ninth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 10 An antenna assembly including a signal level indicator (SLI) according to a tenth exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0020] Corresponding reference numerals may indicate corresponding, though not necessarily identical, parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0022] Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal (e.g., a wireless signal, an over-the-air (OTA) signal, an antenna signal, a digital television signal, a high-definition television (HDTV) signal, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, the signal level indicator (SLI) may include a component (e.g., a detector, a light-emitting diode, or other display component, etc.) mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of an antenna assembly that includes (e.g., is combined with, integrated with, etc.) a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by the antenna assembly.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element configured to be operable to receive VHF and UHF high-definition television signals. Furthermore, a signal level indicator may be configured to indicate the strength of the VHF and UHF high-definition television signals received by the antenna assembly. For example, the signal level indicator may include a display (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.) configured to display a corresponding signal strength indication based on the strength of the signal received by the antenna assembly.

[0024] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 100 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The antenna assembly 100 includes an antenna 104 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 108 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by the antenna 104.

[0025] The signal level indicator 108 includes a detector 112 and a display 116. An amplifier 120 is coupled between and in communication with the antenna 104, the signal level indicator 108, and a signal output 124. A power supply 128 can be configured to supply power to the signal level indicator 108 and the amplifier 120. The amplifier 120 can be configured to amplify a signal received by the antenna 104, with the amplified signal being transmitted from the amplifier 120 to the signal level indicator 108 and the signal output 124.

[0026] For example, antenna 104 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as from about 174 MHz to about 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as from about 470 MHz to about 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 100 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 100 to the television.

[0027] In this example, antenna 104 and amplifier 120 can be configured to naturally have low-pass and high-pass functions based on their geometry. Antenna 104 can be tuned (e.g., shaped, sized, etc.) for the digital television (DTV) frequency band, so that other signals are naturally attenuated. In this case, this exemplary embodiment may not require high-pass and low-pass filter stages because the antenna can be relied upon as a filter instead. By allowing the removal of signals not related to digital television from the signal level indicator (SLI) signal path without the use of a combination of low-pass and high-pass filters, this exemplary embodiment can reduce cost and complexity.

[0028] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 200 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 200 includes an antenna 204 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 208 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 204.

[0029] Signal level indicator 208 includes detector 212 and display 216 . Figure 2 Also shown is a single output amplifier 220 having a switch 222. A power supply 228 can be configured to supply power to the signal level indicator 208 and the amplifier 220. The amplifier 220 can be configured to amplify a signal received by the antenna 204, with the amplified signal being transmitted from the amplifier 220 to the signal level indicator 208 or the signal output 224 via the switch 222.

[0030] For example, antenna 204 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 200 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 200 to the television.

[0031] In this example, antenna 204 and amplifier 220 can be configured to naturally have low-pass and high-pass functions based on their geometry. Antenna 204 can be tuned (e.g., shaped, sized, etc.) for the digital television (DTV) frequency band, so that other signals are naturally attenuated. In this case, this exemplary embodiment may not require high-pass and low-pass filter stages because the antenna can be relied upon as a filter instead. By allowing the removal of signals not related to digital television from the signal level indicator (SLI) signal path without the use of a combination of low-pass and high-pass filters, this exemplary embodiment can reduce cost and complexity.

[0032] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 300 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 300 includes an antenna 304 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 308 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 304.

[0033] Signal level indicator 308 includes detector 312 and display 316 . Figure 3 Also shown is a signal output 324 and an amplifier 320 in which low-pass filter (LPF), high-pass filter (HPF), and / or band-pass filter (BPF) functionality is integrated with the amplifier stage. A power supply 328 can be configured to supply power to the signal level indicator 308 and the amplifier 320. The amplifier 320 can be configured to be operable to filter unwanted signals and amplify a signal having a frequency of interest received by the antenna 304, with the amplified signal being transmitted from the amplifier 320 to the signal level indicator 308 and the signal output 324. Thus, this exemplary embodiment includes filtering integrated into the amplifier stage and cascaded to the display unit 316 of the signal level indicator 308.

[0034] For example, antenna 304 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 300 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 300 to the television.

[0035] Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 400 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 400 includes an antenna 404 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 408 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 404.

[0036] Signal level indicator 408 includes detector 412 and display 416 . Figure 4 Also shown are an amplifier 420 and a switch 422. Low-pass filter (LPF), high-pass filter (HPF), and / or band-pass filter (BPF) functionality is integrated with the amplifier stage. A power supply 428 can be configured to supply power to the signal level indicator 408 and the amplifier 420. The amplifier 420 can be configured to filter unwanted signals and amplify a signal having a frequency of interest received by the antenna 404. The amplified signal is transmitted from the amplifier 420 to the signal level indicator 408 or to the signal output 424 via the switch 422.

[0037] For example, antenna 404 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 400 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 400 to the television.

[0038] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 500 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 500 includes an antenna 504 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 508 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 504.

[0039] The signal level indicator 508 includes a detector 512, a display 516, a mixer 532, a local oscillator / frequency synthesizer 536, and a low pass filter 540 (eg, a 6 megahertz (MHz) low pass filter (LPF), etc.). Figure 5 Also shown are amplifier 520, switch 522, signal output 524, and channel adjuster 544. Power supply 528 may be configured to provide power to signal level indicator 508 and amplifier 520.

[0040] Continue to refer Figure 5This exemplary embodiment can be configured to efficiently select a single channel from multiple channels using heterodyning, as is conventionally done in radio receivers. The output of a variable-frequency local oscillator 536 is mixed with the amplified and filtered signal from amplifier 520 received by antenna 504 via mixer 532 to produce sum and difference frequencies. The difference frequency of the selected channel falls within baseband, allowing a low-pass filter (LPF) 540 with a bandwidth (BW) of approximately 6 MHz to be used to remove the remaining channels and sum frequencies. The output of LPF 540 is passed to detector 512, then optionally amplified and scaled, and sent to display 516 (e.g., LEDs, meters, etc.). Depending on the configuration of local oscillator (LO) 536, channel adjuster 544 can be a graduated knob for adjusting a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) or a rotary encoder to send digital channel information to a programmable frequency synthesizer. Although amplifier 520 is shown as having integrated LPF, HPF, and BPF, in all exemplary embodiments, SLI may not require filtering. However, in some exemplary embodiments, LPF, HPF, and / or BPF functionality may be integrated with or provided to amplifier 520 to improve reception at the DTV.

[0041] therefore, Figure 5 The illustrated exemplary embodiments do not necessarily include and / or require the use of passive filtering and simple detector circuits to provide a rough measure of signal quality over one or more portions of the UHF digital television band, and thus may avoid problems associated therewith. A typical problem is that measurements using this conventional process reflect the overall signal level within the band, rather than the signal level of any particular channel. In such cases, a conventional signal level indicator can be relatively easily overwhelmed by a single strong channel masking weaker signals, making it impossible to adjust the position and orientation to receive the weaker channel using this conventional method. Furthermore, conventional methods using switched filter banks to select a single channel tend to be relatively expensive and are impractical for multiple channels or groups of channels.

[0042] For example, antenna 504 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 500 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 500 to the television.

[0043] Figure 6An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 600 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 600 includes an antenna 604 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 608 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 604.

[0044] The signal level indicator 608 includes a detector 612, a display 616, a mixer 632, a local oscillator / frequency synthesizer 636, and a low-pass filter 640 (eg, a 6 megahertz (MHz) low-pass filter (LPF), etc.). Figure 6 Also shown are amplifier 620, signal output 624, channel adjuster 644, and digital channel number display 648. The channel adjustment function can be implemented using capacitive up / down buttons or a rotary optical encoder. A simple digital LED / LCD channel number display integrated into the device housing can be used to digitally display the selected channel number. A power supply 628 can be configured to supply power to signal level indicator 608 and amplifier 620.

[0045] Continue to refer Figure 6 This exemplary embodiment can be configured to efficiently select a single channel from multiple channels using heterodyning, as is conventionally done in radio receivers. The output of a variable-frequency local oscillator 636 is mixed with an amplified and filtered signal from amplifier 620 received by antenna 604 via mixer 632 to produce sum and difference frequencies. The difference frequency of the selected channel falls within baseband, allowing a low-pass filter (LPF) 640 with a bandwidth (BW) of approximately 6 MHz to remove the remaining channels and the sum frequency. The output of LPF 640 is passed to detector 612, then optionally amplified and scaled, and sent to display 616 (e.g., LED, meter, etc.). Although amplifier 620 is shown as having an integrated LPF, HPF, and BPF, in all exemplary embodiments, filtering may not be required for the signal level indicator (SLI). However, in some exemplary embodiments, the LPF, HPF, and / or BPF functionality may be integrated with or provided to amplifier 620 to improve reception at the DTV.

[0046] For example, antenna 604 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as those from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as those from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 600 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 600 to the television.

[0047] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 700 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 700 includes an antenna 704 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 708 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 704.

[0048] The signal level indicator 708 includes a detector 712, a display 716, a mixer 732, a local oscillator / frequency synthesizer 736, and a low pass filter 740 (eg, a 6 megahertz (MHz) low pass filter (LPF), etc.). Figure 7 Also shown are an amplifier 720, a signal output 724, an infrared / radio frequency (IR / RF) receiver 752, a wireless IR / RF remote control 756 for channel adjustment, and a digital channel number display 748. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the channel adjustment function can be implemented using the wireless IR / RF remote control 756 and the associated IR / RF receiver 752, which can be integrated into the antenna housing. The channel selected on the SLI's display can be remotely selected using the up / down buttons on the remote control 756 or a direct digital channel input. The selected channel can be digitally displayed on the antenna unit using a simple digital LED / LCD channel number display integrated into the device housing. A power supply 728 can be configured to power the signal level indicator 708 and the amplifier 720.

[0049] Continue to refer Figure 7 This exemplary embodiment can be configured to efficiently select a single channel from multiple channels using heterodyning, as is conventionally done in radio receivers. The output of a variable-frequency local oscillator 736 is mixed with an amplified and filtered signal from amplifier 720 received by antenna 704 via mixer 732 to produce sum and difference frequencies. The difference frequency of the selected channel falls within baseband, allowing a low-pass filter 740 with a bandwidth (BW) of approximately 6 MHz to be used to remove the remaining channels and the sum frequency. The output of low-pass filter 740 is passed to detector 712, then optionally amplified and scaled, and sent to SLI display 716 (e.g., LEDs, meters, etc.). Although amplifier 720 is shown as having integrated LPF, HPF, and BPF, filtering may not be required for SLI in all exemplary embodiments. However, in some exemplary embodiments, LPF, HPF, and / or BPF functionality may be integrated with or provided to amplifier 720 to improve reception at the DTV.

[0050] For example, antenna 704 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as those from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as those from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 700 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 700 to the television.

[0051] Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 800 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 800 includes an antenna 804 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 808 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 804.

[0052] The signal level indicator 808 includes a detector 812, a display 816, a mixer 832, a local oscillator / frequency synthesizer 836, and a low pass filter 840 (eg, a 6 megahertz (MHz) low pass filter (LPT), etc.). Figure 8 Also shown are an amplifier 820, a cyclic step channel controller 860, a power supply 828, and a signal output terminal 824.

[0053] Continue to refer Figure 8The exemplary embodiment can also be configured to use heterodyning and a graphical spectrum display 816, which can allow for finding an antenna position and orientation that optimizes reception of multiple channels. To support channel browsing, an ideal or preferred position and orientation is selected for the antenna so that all available channels are received at sufficient levels for simultaneous viewing. However, finding such a position and orientation using a single-channel heterodyning (SLI) method can be difficult because each time the antenna is repositioned or reoriented, the user may need to step through all channels to ensure signal levels are high enough for reception. To simplify finding the optimal position for receiving all available channels, the exemplary embodiment preferably includes a display 816 configured to provide a graphical display of signal levels for all available channels, or effectively a graphical spectrum display. This can be achieved by generating a control signal that causes a channel adjustment signal to digitally step through the allowed channels (e.g., channels 2 through 51, etc.) in a repeating loop. The dwell time on each channel will be sufficient to allow detector 812 to obtain a signal level reading. This signal level reading, along with the output of detector 812, is transmitted to graphical bar graph display 816 to create a spectrum bar graph display. The bar graph display may be implemented using an array of multi-segment LED / LCD indicators or using an LCD display with pixel level control features.

[0054] For example, antenna 804 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as those from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as those from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 800 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 800 to the television.

[0055] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 900 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 900 includes an antenna 904 and a signal level indicator (SLI) 908 configured to indicate the strength of a signal received by antenna 904.

[0056] The signal level indicator 908 includes a detector 912 , a display 916 , a mixer 932 , a local oscillator / frequency synthesizer 936 , a low pass filter 940 (eg, a 6 megahertz (MHz) low pass filter (LPF), etc.), and a processor 964 . Figure 9Also shown are an amplifier 920, a cyclic step channel controller 960, a power supply 928, and a signal output terminal 924.

[0057] Continue to refer Figure 9 This exemplary embodiment can be configured to use heterodyning and a graphical spectrum display, which can allow for finding antenna positions and orientations that optimize reception of multiple channels. In this example, the graphical spectrum display can include a display 916 of a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device. As recognized by the present inventors, displaying the spectrum graph on such a portable electronic device may be less costly and / or more efficient than integrating the graphical display into the antenna housing. Microprocessor 964 can include a microprocessor board with a WiFi or Bluetooth network interface integrated into the antenna housing. Data corresponding to channel numbers and signal levels can be streamed to a user's smartphone, computer, tablet, or other device. To enable this display, the user pairs their smartphone, computer, tablet, or other device with the network device contained within the antenna housing. The user loads an application that receives the streamed SLI data and displays it graphically on the user's smartphone, computer, tablet, or other device. Because the signal level display is software-controlled, it can be configured to display one channel at a time, all available channels, or a user-configured subset of channels as desired.

[0058] For example, antenna 904 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 900 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 900 to the television.

[0059] Figure 10 An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 1000 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna assembly 1000 includes an antenna 1004 and an integrated digital television receiver 1068 that can be configured to obtain detailed signal level and signal quality metrics.

[0060] Figure 10Also shown are an amplifier 1020, a power supply 1028, a signal output 1024, a display 1016 for a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device with an SLI application, and a microprocessor 1064. The microprocessor 1064 may include a microprocessor board with a WiFi or Bluetooth network interface integrated into the antenna housing. Although the amplifier 1020 is shown as having integrated LPF, HPF, and BPF, filtering may not be required in all exemplary embodiments. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the LPF, HPF, and / or BPF functionality may be integrated with or provided to the amplifier 1020 to improve reception at the DTV.

[0061] Due to noise, interference, and multipath signals, a DTV signal may have high strength but still be of poor quality. Low-quality DTV signals often result in corrupted audio channels and displays as well as freezes and dropped calls. This exemplary embodiment may include a complete DTV receiver located within the antenna housing. The integrated DTV receiver 1068 may be used to obtain detailed signal levels and signal quality metrics that cannot be provided by a simple SLI device alone. The antenna assembly 1000 may also include a processor board 1064 and a WiFi and / or Bluetooth interface to allow detailed signal quality information to be displayed in various forms, for example, on a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device. Because the signal level display is software controlled, the signal level display can be configured to display one channel at a time, all available channels, or a user-configured subset of channels as needed.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, the actual broadcast signal received on the DTV receiver may be routed via WiFi to the user's phone, tablet, computer, etc., enabling the antenna to provide the signal to the DTV display wirelessly as well as via a standard wired connection.

[0063] For example, antenna 1004 may include a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element may be configured to be operable to receive VHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz. The UHF antenna element may be configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals, such as from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz. Antenna assembly 1000 may be configured to receive digital television signals (of which high-definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and transmit the received signals to an external device, such as a television. A coaxial cable may be used to transmit the signals received by antenna assembly 1000 to the television.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly includes: an antenna configured to be operable to receive a signal; a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of the signal received by the antenna; and an amplifier coupled for communication with the antenna, the signal level indicator, and a signal output. The amplifier is configured to be operable to amplify the signal received by the antenna.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, an amplifier is coupled for communication with the antenna, the signal level indicator, and the signal output such that an amplified signal from the amplifier is passed to the signal level indicator and the signal output without high pass filtering and low pass filtering.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna is shaped and sized such that the antenna is tuned for the digital television band, whereby signals outside the digital television band are naturally attenuated by the antenna without the need for high-pass and low-pass filter stages.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly may include a switch coupled for communication with the amplifier, the signal level indicator, and the signal output. The amplified signal from the amplifier may be transmitted to the signal level indicator or the signal output through the switch.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes a detector configured to communicate with a display operable to display a signal strength indication corresponding to the strength of the signal received by the antenna. The detector may include a diode or a rectifier circuit, for example. For example, the display may include one or more light-emitting diodes and / or one or more liquid crystal displays. Alternatively, for example, the display may include a display of an external electronic device configured to communicate with the signal level indicator. As another example, the signal level indicator may integrally include the display.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes a variable frequency local oscillator; a mixer coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator and an amplifier; and a low-pass filter in communication with the mixer and the detector. The mixer is operable to mix the output of the variable frequency local oscillator with a signal received by an antenna and amplified by the amplifier, thereby generating sum and difference frequencies. The difference frequency of the selected channel falls within baseband. The low-pass filter is operable to remove the remaining channels and the sum frequency. The antenna assembly is configured to select a single available channel from a plurality of available channels using a heterodyning method.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the detector includes a diode or a rectifier circuit. Furthermore, the signal level indicator is configured such that the output of the low-pass filter is passed to the diode or rectifier circuit and scaled and / or amplified for display. In such an exemplary embodiment, the half-wave or full-wave signal is passed through the low-pass filter and then scaled, including possibly amplified, as needed to properly drive the display.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly includes a channel adjuster coupled to communicate with a variable frequency local oscillator. The variable frequency local oscillator includes a voltage controlled oscillator. The channel adjuster includes a knob configured to be operable to adjust the voltage controlled oscillator.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly includes a channel adjuster coupled for communication with a variable frequency local oscillator. The variable frequency local oscillator includes a programmable frequency synthesizer. The channel adjuster includes a rotary encoder configured to be operable to transmit digital channel information to the programmable frequency synthesizer.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes a channel selector coupled to communicate with the variable frequency local oscillator. The channel selector includes a capacitive up / down button or a rotary optical encoder. The signal level indicator also includes a digital channel number display configured to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the channel selector.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes an infrared / radio frequency receiver coupled to communicate with the variable frequency local oscillator. The infrared / radio frequency receiver is configured to communicate with an infrared / radio frequency remote control. The signal level indicator also includes a digital channel number display configured to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the infrared / radio frequency remote control.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes a cyclically stepped channel controller coupled for communication with a variable-frequency local oscillator. The antenna assembly is configured to generate a control signal that causes a channel adjustment signal to digitally step through the allowed channels in a repeating cycle, dwelling on each channel for a sufficient time to allow the detector to obtain a signal level reading. This signal level reading, along with the detector output, can be transmitted to a display for displaying a spectral bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels. The spectral bar graph can be used to find an antenna position and orientation that optimizes reception of the multiple available channels.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator integrally includes a display operable to display a bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels. In other exemplary embodiments, the signal level indicator includes a processor coupled to communicate with the detector and the cyclically stepped channel controller. The processor is configured to communicate with an external electronic device having a display operable to display a bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal level indicator includes an integrated digital television receiver configured to obtain a detailed signal level and signal quality metric of a signal received by an antenna. The signal level indicator includes a processor coupled to communicate with the integrated digital television receiver. The processor is configured to communicate with an external electronic device having a display operable to display the detailed signal level and signal quality metric obtained by the integrated digital television receiver.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna includes a VHF antenna element and a UHF antenna element. The VHF antenna element is configured to receive VHF high-definition television signals (e.g., from approximately 174 MHz to approximately 216 MHz), and the UHF antenna element is configured to receive UHF high-definition television signals (e.g., from approximately 470 MHz to approximately 698 MHz). The signal level indicator is configured to indicate the strength of the VHF high-definition television signal received by the VHF antenna element, and to indicate the strength of the UHF high-definition television signal received by the UHF antenna element. The antenna assembly is configured to transmit the VHF and UHF high-definition television signals received by the VHF and UHF antenna elements, respectively, to an external device via a signal output terminal.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna is configured and operable to receive a digital television signal. The signal level indicator is configured and operable to indicate the strength of the digital television signal received by the antenna.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna is configured and operable to receive a high-definition television signal. The signal level indicator is configured and operable to indicate the strength of the high-definition television signal received by the antenna.

[0081] An exemplary embodiment includes a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by an antenna. The signal level indicator includes a printed circuit board, a detector located on or along the printed circuit board (e.g., mounted on the printed circuit board, etc.), and a display located on or along the printed circuit board (e.g., mounted on the printed circuit board, etc.). The display is configured to display a corresponding signal strength indication based on the strength of the signal received by the antenna.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes a variable frequency local oscillator located on or along a printed circuit board (e.g., mounted on a printed circuit board, etc.). A mixer is located on or along a printed circuit board (e.g., mounted on a printed circuit board, etc.). The mixer is coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator. A low-pass filter is located on or along a printed circuit board (e.g., mounted on a printed circuit board, etc.). The low-pass filter is coupled for communication with the mixer and the detector.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, a mixer is operable to mix the output of a variable frequency local oscillator with a signal received by an antenna to generate sum and difference frequencies. The difference frequency of a selected channel falls within baseband. A low-pass filter may be used to remove the remaining channels and sum frequencies.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the detector includes a diode or a rectifier circuit. Furthermore, the signal level indicator is configured such that the output of the low-pass filter is passed to the diode or rectifier circuit and scaled and / or amplified for display. In such an exemplary embodiment, the half-wave or full-wave signal is passed through the low-pass filter and then scaled, including possibly amplified, as needed to properly drive the display.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes a channel selector coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator. The digital channel number display is configured and operable to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the channel selector.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes an infrared / radio frequency receiver coupled to communicate with a variable frequency local oscillator. The infrared / radio frequency receiver is configured to communicate with an infrared / radio frequency remote control. The digital channel number display is configured to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the infrared / radio frequency remote control.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal level indicator includes a cyclically stepped channel controller coupled for communication with a variable frequency local oscillator. A processor is coupled for communication with the detector and the cyclically stepped channel controller. The processor is configured to communicate with an external electronic device having a display. The signal level indicator is configured to generate a control signal that causes a channel adjustment signal to digitally step through the allowed channels in a repeating cycle, dwelling on each channel for a sufficient time to allow the detector to obtain a signal level reading. The signal level reading can be transmitted along with the output of the detector to an external electronic device for displaying a spectral bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels. The spectral bar graph can be used to find an antenna position and orientation that optimizes reception of the multiple available channels.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal level indicator includes an integrated digital television receiver configured to obtain a detailed signal level and signal quality metric of a signal received by an antenna. A processor is coupled to communicate with the integrated digital television receiver. The processor is configured to communicate with an external electronic device having a display operable to display the detailed signal level and signal quality metric obtained by the integrated digital television receiver.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the display includes one or more light emitting diodes and / or one or more liquid crystal displays.

[0090] An exemplary embodiment includes a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by an antenna. The signal level indicator includes a detector configured to communicate with a display, the display operable to display a corresponding signal strength indication based on the strength of the signal received by the antenna. The signal level indicator includes a variable frequency local oscillator, a mixer coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator, and a low-pass filter coupled for communication with the mixer and the detector.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, a mixer is operable to mix the output of a variable frequency local oscillator with a signal received by an antenna to generate sum and difference frequencies. The difference frequency of a selected channel falls within baseband. A low-pass filter may be used to remove the remaining channels and sum frequencies.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the detector includes a diode or a rectifier circuit. Furthermore, the signal level indicator is configured such that the output of the low-pass filter is passed to the diode or rectifier circuit and scaled and / or amplified for display. In such an exemplary embodiment, the half-wave or full-wave signal is passed through the low-pass filter and then scaled, including possibly amplified, as needed to properly drive the display.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes a channel selector coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator. The digital channel number display is configured and operable to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the channel selector.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal level indicator includes an infrared / radio frequency receiver coupled to communicate with a variable frequency local oscillator. The infrared / radio frequency receiver is configured to communicate with an infrared / radio frequency remote control. The digital channel number display is configured to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the infrared / radio frequency remote control.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal level indicator includes a cyclically stepped channel controller coupled for communication with a variable frequency local oscillator. A processor is coupled for communication with the detector and the cyclically stepped channel controller. The processor is configured to communicate with an external electronic device having a display. The signal level indicator is configured to generate a control signal that causes a channel adjustment signal to digitally step through the allowed channels in a repeating cycle, dwelling on each channel for a sufficient time to allow the detector to obtain a signal level reading. The signal level reading can be transmitted along with the output of the detector to the external electronic device for displaying a spectral bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels. The spectral bar graph can be used to find an antenna position and orientation that optimizes reception of the multiple available channels.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal level indicator includes an integrated digital television receiver configured to obtain a detailed signal level and signal quality metric of a signal received by an antenna. A processor is coupled to communicate with the integrated digital television receiver. The processor is configured to communicate with an external electronic device having a display, the display being operable to display the detailed signal level and signal quality metric obtained by the integrated digital television receiver.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the display includes one or more light emitting diodes and / or one or more liquid crystal displays.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna and / or amplifier can be configured to have a geometry that naturally provides low-pass and high-pass functions. For example, the antenna can exhibit some form of basic bandpass filter characteristics. The antenna can also exhibit multiple passbands. The passband can be centered on or close to integer multiples of the antenna's fundamental (lowest frequency) resonance. Multiple passbands that are not integer multiples can be achieved by connecting multiple elements of different lengths to a common feed point. The passband characteristics of an antenna are typically a function of angle relative to a coordinate system defined around the antenna. Therefore, depending on the relative direction of radiation from the transmitting antenna or the relative direction of the incident wave at the receiving antenna, the antenna can exhibit different passbands. One consideration in antenna design is the passband related to the angle within the antenna's main beam. The main beam of an antenna is associated with the angular region that contains the antenna's maximum gain at a specific frequency. In effect, the antenna can be considered a filter with a transfer function dependency in both frequency and angle.

[0099] Regarding amplifiers and filters, a high-pass filter cascaded with a low-pass filter can produce a bandpass filter if the high-pass filter's cutoff frequency is lower than the low-pass filter's cutoff frequency. Amplifiers may exhibit a finite gain-bandwidth product, resulting in a natural low-pass characteristic at some fundamental level, determined by the open-loop gain block characteristics. Furthermore, amplifiers used in RF applications may be AC ​​(capacitively coupled) amplifiers. AC-coupled amplifiers do not pass DC signals. Therefore, such amplifiers exhibit a natural high-pass characteristic at some fundamental level. In general, any functional amplifier, whether AC or DC coupled, has at least one passband between a lower frequency (possibly DC or 0 Hz) and a higher frequency. The amplifier's passband often depends on the circuit topology and circuit component characteristics. Despite the use of distributed circuit components, the amplifier's passband is typically not as strongly a function of geometry as an antenna.

[0100] Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of antenna assemblies for receiving digital television signals (e.g., high-definition television signals). However, alternative embodiments may include one or more antenna elements tuned to receive non-television signals and / or signals having frequencies not associated with high-definition television. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to receiving only television signals having frequencies or frequency ranges associated with digital television or high-definition television.

[0101] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, known processes, known device structures, and known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, the advantages and improvements that may be achieved by one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all of the advantages and improvements mentioned or not mentioned above and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0102] Specific size, specific material and / or specific shape disclosed herein are examples in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.Specific value and specific value range of given parameter disclosed herein do not exclude other values ​​and value range that may be useful in one or more examples disclosed herein.In addition, it is contemplated that any two specific values ​​of specific parameter described herein can define the endpoint (that is, the disclosure of the first value and the second value of given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing any value between the first value and the second value and can also be used for given parameter) of the value range applicable to given parameter.For example, if parameter X is illustrated here with value A, and with value Z, it is contemplated that parameter X can have the value range from about A to about Z.Similarly, it is contemplated that the disclosure of two or more value ranges of parameter (no matter these ranges are nested, overlapping or different) includes all possible range combinations of the value that may be claimed using the endpoint of disclosed range. For example, if parameter X is illustrated herein as having values ​​in the ranges of 1-10, 3-9, or 3-8, it is also contemplated that parameter X may have other ranges of values ​​including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-3, 3-10, 3-8, 3-3, 3-10, and 3-9.

[0103] The terms used herein are used only to describe specific example embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. For example, when permissive phrases such as "may include," "may contain," etc. are used herein, at least one antenna component includes or comprises the features of at least one exemplary embodiment. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "an" may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "consisting of," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, antenna elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, antenna elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless explicitly identified as an order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0104] When an antenna element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another antenna element or layer, the antenna element or layer may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other antenna element or layer, or there may be intervening antenna elements or layers. Conversely, when an antenna element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another antenna element or layer, there may be no intervening antenna elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between antenna elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent to" versus "directly adjacent to," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0105] When applied to numerical values, the term "approximately" indicates that the calculation or measurement allows for some slight imprecision in the value (the value approaches exactness; is close or reasonably close to the value; approximately). If, for some reason, the imprecision associated with "approximately" is not understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then "approximately" as used herein at least indicates the variation that may occur due to ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms "generally," "approximately," and "substantially" may be used herein to indicate within manufacturing tolerances.

[0106] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various antenna elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions, these antenna elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one antenna element, component, region, layer or portion from another region, layer or portion. Unless the context clearly indicates, the terms used herein (such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms) do not imply a sequence or order. Thus, a first antenna element, component, region, layer or portion may be referred to as a second antenna element, component, region, layer or portion without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0107] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one antenna element or feature to another antenna element or feature, as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, an antenna element described as "below" or "beneath" the other antenna elements or features would be oriented "above" the other antenna elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can include both upward and downward orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0108] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual antenna elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments even if not specifically shown or described. The same may vary in many respects. Such variations are not to be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An antenna assembly, comprising: an antenna configured to operate for receiving signals, the antenna being shaped and dimensioned such that the antenna is tuned for a digital television band whereby signals outside of the digital television band are naturally attenuated by the antenna without the need for high-pass and low-pass filter stages; a signal level indicator for indicating the strength of the signal received by the antenna; as well as an amplifier coupled for communication with the antenna, the signal level indicator, and a signal output, the amplifier being configured and operable to amplify a signal received by the antenna; Wherein, the signal level indicator comprises: variable frequency local oscillator; a mixer coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator and the amplifier; and a low pass filter coupled in communication with the mixer and a detector; wherein the mixer is operative to mix the output of the variable frequency local oscillator with the signal received by the antenna and amplified by the amplifier, thereby generating sum and difference frequencies, whereby the difference frequency of the selected channel falls within the baseband, the low-pass filter is operative to remove the remaining channels and the sum frequency, and whereby the antenna assembly is configured to select a single available channel from a plurality of available channels using a heterodyning method.

2. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The amplifier is coupled for communication with the antenna, the signal level indicator, and the signal output such that an amplified signal from the amplifier is passed to the signal level indicator and the signal output without high pass filtering and low pass filtering.

3. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a switch coupled for communication with the amplifier, the signal level indicator, and the signal output, whereby an amplified signal from the amplifier is transmitted through the switch to the signal level indicator or the signal output.

4. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The signal level indicator further includes a detector configured to communicate with a display, the display being operative to display a corresponding signal strength indication based on the strength of the signal received by the antenna.

5. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The detector includes a diode or a rectifier circuit.

6. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The display comprises one or more light emitting diodes and / or one or more liquid crystal displays.

7. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The display comprises a display of an external electronic device configured for communication with the signal level indicator, or the signal level indicator integrally comprises the display.

8. The antenna assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The signal level indicator is configured such that the output of the low pass filter is passed to the diode or rectifier circuit and amplified and / or scaled for display.

9. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The antenna assembly includes a channel adjuster coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator, and wherein: The variable frequency local oscillator comprises a voltage controlled oscillator, and the channel adjuster comprises a knob configured to be operable to adjust the voltage controlled oscillator; or The variable frequency local oscillator includes a programmable frequency synthesizer, and the channel adjuster includes a rotary encoder configured to operate to transmit digital channel information to the programmable frequency synthesizer.

10. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The signal level indicator further comprises: a channel adjuster coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator, the channel adjuster comprising a capacitive up / down button or a rotary optical encoder; and A digital channel number display is configured to operate to digitally display the digital channel number selected via the channel adjuster.

11. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The signal level indicator further comprises: an infrared / radio frequency receiver coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator, the infrared / radio frequency receiver configured for communication with an infrared / radio frequency remote control device; and A digital channel number display is configured to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the infrared / radio frequency remote control device.

12. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The signal level indicator further includes a cyclically stepped channel controller coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator; The antenna assembly is configured to operate to generate a control signal that causes the channel adjustment signal to digitally step through the allowed channels in a repeating loop, with the dwell time on each channel being sufficient to allow the detector to obtain a signal level reading, whereby the signal level reading is transmitted along with the output of the detector to the display for displaying a spectral bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels, the spectral bar graph being used to find an antenna position and orientation that optimizes reception of the plurality of available channels.

13. The antenna assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The signal level indicator integrally comprises the display, the display being configured to be operable to display a spectrum bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels; or The signal level indicator further includes a processor coupled for communication with the detector and the cyclically stepped channel controller, the processor being configured for communication with an external electronic device having a display operable to display a spectrum bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels.

14. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The signal level indicator further comprises: an integrated digital television receiver configured and operative to obtain detailed signal level and signal quality metrics of said signal received by said antenna; and A processor is coupled for communication with the integrated digital television receiver, the processor being configured for communication with an external electronic device having a display operable to display the detailed signal level and signal quality metrics obtained by the integrated digital television receiver.

15. The antenna assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The antenna comprises: a VHF antenna element configured and operable to receive VHF high definition television signals; and a UHF antenna element configured to operate to receive UHF high-definition television signals; the signal level indicator being configured and operable to indicate the strength of the VHF high definition television signal received by the VHF antenna element and to indicate the strength of the UHF high definition television signal received by the UHF antenna element; The antenna assembly is configured to transmit the VHF and UHF high-definition television signals received by the VHF and UHF antenna elements, respectively, to an external device via the signal output terminal.

16. The antenna assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The antenna is configured to operate to receive a digital television signal, and the signal level indicator is configured to operate to indicate the strength of the digital television signal received by the antenna; or The antenna is configured and operable to receive a high-definition television signal, and the signal level indicator is configured and operable to indicate a strength of the high-definition television signal received by the antenna.

17. A signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by an antenna, the signal level indicator comprising: printed circuit boards; a detector mounted on the printed circuit board; a display mounted on the printed circuit board, configured to display a corresponding signal strength indication based on the strength of the signal received by the antenna; a variable frequency local oscillator mounted on the printed circuit board; a mixer mounted on the printed circuit board and coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator; as well as a low pass filter mounted on the printed circuit board and coupled for communication with the mixer and the detector; The mixer is operable to mix the output of the variable frequency local oscillator with the signal received by the antenna to generate sum and difference frequencies, whereby the difference frequency of the selected channel falls within the baseband, and the low-pass filter is operable to remove the remaining channels and sum frequencies.

18. The signal level indicator according to claim 17, wherein: The detector includes a diode or a rectifier circuit; and The signal level indicator is configured such that the output of the low pass filter is passed to the diode or rectifier circuit and amplified and / or scaled for display.

19. The signal level indicator according to claim 17, wherein Also includes: a channel adjuster coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator; as well as A digital channel number display is configured to operate to digitally display the digital channel number selected via the channel adjuster.

20. The signal level indicator according to claim 17, wherein Also includes: an infrared / radio frequency receiver coupled for communicating with the variable frequency local oscillator, the infrared / radio frequency receiver being configured for communicating with an infrared / radio frequency remote control device; as well as A digital channel number display is configured to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the infrared / radio frequency remote control device.

21. The signal level indicator according to claim 17, wherein Also includes: a cyclically stepped channel controller coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator; as well as a processor coupled for communication with the detector and the cyclic stepping channel controller, the processor being configured for communication with an external electronic device having a display; wherein the signal level indicator is configured to operate to generate a control signal that causes the channel adjustment signal to digitally step through the allowed channels in a repeating loop, with the dwell time on each channel being sufficient to allow the detector to obtain a signal level reading, whereby the signal level reading is transmitted along with the output of the detector to the external electronic device for displaying a spectrum bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels, the spectrum bar graph being used to find an antenna position and orientation that optimizes reception of the plurality of available channels.

22. The signal level indicator according to claim 17, wherein The signal level indicator comprises: an integrated digital television receiver configured and operative to obtain detailed signal level and signal quality metrics of said signal received by said antenna; and A processor is coupled for communication with the integrated digital television receiver, the processor being configured for communication with an external electronic device having a display operable to display the detailed signal level and signal quality metrics obtained by the integrated digital television receiver.

23. The signal level indicator according to any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that The display comprises one or more light emitting diodes and / or one or more liquid crystal displays.

24. A signal level indicator for indicating the strength of a signal received by an antenna, the signal level indicator comprising: a detector configured to communicate with a display, the display being operative to display a corresponding signal strength indication based on the strength of the signal received by the antenna; variable frequency local oscillator; a mixer coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator; as well as a low pass filter coupled in communication with the mixer and the detector; The mixer is operable to mix the output of the variable frequency local oscillator with the signal received by the antenna to generate sum and difference frequencies, whereby the difference frequency of the selected channel falls within the baseband, and the low-pass filter is operable to remove the remaining channels and sum frequencies.

25. The signal level indicator according to claim 24, wherein: The detector includes a diode or a rectifier circuit; and The signal level indicator is configured such that the output of the low pass filter is passed to the diode or rectifier circuit and amplified and / or scaled for display.

26. The signal level indicator according to claim 24, wherein Also includes: a channel adjuster coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator; as well as A digital channel number display is configured to operate to digitally display the digital channel number selected via the channel adjuster.

27. The signal level indicator according to claim 24, wherein Also includes: an infrared / radio frequency receiver coupled for communicating with the variable frequency local oscillator, the infrared / radio frequency receiver being configured for communicating with an infrared / radio frequency remote control device; as well as A digital channel number display is configured to be operable to digitally display a digital channel number selected via the infrared / radio frequency remote control device.

28. The signal level indicator according to claim 24, wherein Also includes: a cyclically stepped channel controller coupled for communication with the variable frequency local oscillator; as well as a processor coupled for communication with the detector and the cyclic stepping channel controller, the processor being configured for communication with an external electronic device having a display; wherein the signal level indicator is configured to operate to generate a control signal that causes the channel adjustment signal to digitally step through the allowed channels in a repeating loop, with the dwell time on each channel being sufficient to allow the detector to obtain a signal level reading, whereby the signal level reading is transmitted along with the output of the detector to the external electronic device for displaying a spectrum bar graph of the signal levels of all available channels, the spectrum bar graph being used to find an antenna position and orientation that optimizes reception of the plurality of available channels.

29. The signal level indicator according to claim 24, wherein The signal level indicator comprises: an integrated digital television receiver configured and operative to obtain detailed signal level and signal quality metrics of said signal received by said antenna; and A processor is coupled for communication with the integrated digital television receiver, the processor being configured for communication with an external electronic device having a display operable to display the detailed signal level and signal quality metrics obtained by the integrated digital television receiver.

30. The signal level indicator according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that The display comprises one or more light emitting diodes and / or one or more liquid crystal displays.

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