Wearable computing device having a multi-band slot antenna and a ground parasitic element - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

A wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a printed circuit board and a conductive housing. The wearable computing device further includes a slot antenna defined by a gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing. The slot antenna is operable in a plurality of different frequency bands. The plurality of different frequency bands includes one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands. The wearable computing device includes a parasitic element. The parasitic element is electrically grounded to the printed circuit board at a plurality of different locations.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Field The present disclosure relates generally to wearable computing devices, and more particularly to a wearable computing device having a ground parasitic element for improving the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of a slot antenna defined by a gap between a printed circuit board of the wearable computing device and a conductive housing of the wearable computing device. [Background technology]

[0002] background Modern electronic devices often include one or more radio-frequency (RF) antennas to facilitate wireless communication with other electronic devices. For example, in wearable computing devices, the RF antenna must fit within a constrained space while still providing desirable emission and reception characteristics. Furthermore, it may be desirable for these wearable computing devices to support communication over multiple frequency bands. Summary of the Invention

[0003] overview Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

[0004] In one aspect, a wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a printed circuit board and a conductive housing. The wearable computing device further includes a slot antenna defined by a gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing. The slot antenna is operable in a plurality of different frequency bands. The plurality of different frequency bands includes one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands. The wearable computing device includes a parasitic element. The parasitic element is electrically grounded to the printed circuit board at a plurality of different locations.

[0005] In some implementations, the parasitic element is DC grounded to the printed circuit board at a first location thereon. Additionally, the parasitic element is DC grounded to the printed circuit board at a second location thereon. In some implementations, the first location and the second location are spaced apart from each other such that one or more magnets disposed on the printed circuit board are positioned between the first location and the second location. In some implementations, the parasitic element is RF grounded to the printed circuit board through one or more bypass capacitors.

[0006] In some implementations, the width of the gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing ranges from about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. In some implementations, the periphery of the printed circuit board includes a ground keepout area. Furthermore, in some implementations, the width of the slot antenna spans the width of the gap and the width of the ground keepout area. In some implementations, the width of the slot antenna ranges from about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

[0007] In some implementations, the slot antenna induces one or more currents on the parasitic elements when the slot antenna operates in one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands.

[0008] In some implementations, the slot antenna includes a first ground contact coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a first location and a second ground contact coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a second location different from the first location.

[0009] In some implementations, the one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands include a first Global Positioning System frequency band ranging from approximately 1164 megahertz to approximately 1189 megahertz, a second Global Positioning System frequency band ranging from approximately 1563 megahertz to approximately 1587 megahertz, and a third Global Positioning System frequency band ranging from approximately 1215 megahertz to approximately 1240 megahertz.

[0010] In some implementations, the radiation efficiency of the slot antenna in one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands is increased by at least 2 decibels, at least in part, due to parasitic elements being radio frequency grounded to the printed circuit board via one or more bypass capacitors.

[0011] In another aspect, a wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a printed circuit board and a conductive housing. The wearable computing device further includes a slot antenna defined by a gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing. The slot antenna is operable in a plurality of different frequency bands. The plurality of different frequency bands includes one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands. The wearable computing device further includes electrocardiogram electrodes. The electrocardiogram electrodes are radio frequency grounded to the printed circuit board at a plurality of different locations. The wearable computing device further includes a plurality of bypass capacitors. Each of the plurality of bypass capacitors is coupled between the electrocardiogram electrode and a corresponding one of the plurality of different locations on the printed circuit board.

[0012] In some implementations, the slot antenna transmits one or more currents to an electrocardiogram when the slot antenna is operating in one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands. electrode In some implementations, the ECG electrodes are radio frequency grounded to the printed circuit board at a first location via a first spring clip. Additionally, the ECG electrodes are radio frequency grounded to the printed circuit board at a second location via a second spring clip. In some implementations, the first and second locations are spaced apart from each other on the printed circuit board such that one or more magnets disposed on the printed circuit board are positioned between the first and second locations.

[0013] In some implementations, the one or more Global Positioning System frequency bands include a first Global Positioning System frequency band ranging from approximately 1164 megahertz to approximately 1189 megahertz, a second Global Positioning System frequency band ranging from approximately 1563 megahertz to approximately 1587 megahertz, and a third Global Positioning System frequency band ranging from approximately 1215 megahertz to approximately 1240 megahertz.

[0014] In some implementations, the electrodermal activity electrodes are electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. Alternatively, or in addition, the periphery of the printed circuit board includes a ground keepout region.

[0015] In some implementations, the slot antenna includes a first ground contact coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a first location and a second ground contact coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a second location different from the first location.

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain relevant principles of the present disclosure.

[0017] A detailed description of embodiments directed to those skilled in the art is set forth herein, the description making reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a conductive housing of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a wearable computing device with a bottom cover of a housing assembly of the wearable computing device removed, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a wearable computing device with a housing assembly of the wearable computing device removed, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a printed circuit board positioned within a conductive housing of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a printed circuit board of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a slot antenna defined by a gap between a conductive housing and a printed circuit board of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a parasitic element grounded to a printed circuit board of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a parasitic element radio frequency grounded to a printed circuit board of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a printed circuit board layout for a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Detailed Description Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still further embodiments. It is therefore intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0020] An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable computing device that may be worn, for example, on a user's wrist or elsewhere on the user's body. The wearable computing device may include a slot antenna defined by a gap (e.g., a gap of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm) between a conductive housing (e.g., a metal housing) and a printed circuit board. The slot antenna may operate in a number of different frequency bands. For example, the slot antenna may operate in one or more global navigation satellite system (e.g., global positioning system (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, etc.) frequency bands. For example, the one or more global navigation satellite system frequency bands may include one or more GPS frequency bands (e.g., 1164 MHz to 1189 MHz, 1563 MHz to 1587 MHz, 1215 MHz to 1240 MHz). However, because a wearable computing device must be compact enough to be worn on a user's wrist, for example, the dimensions (e.g., length) of the slot antenna are limited, which in some circumstances may affect the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the slot antenna in one or more GPS frequency bands.

[0021] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable computing device having a parasitic element. The parasitic element may be electrically grounded to a printed circuit board. For example, the parasitic element may be electrically grounded to a ground plane of the printed circuit board. It should be understood that the parasitic element may include any element that produces parasitic resonance. For example, the parasitic element may include a metal element (e.g., a decorative element). An example of a wearable computing device having a parasitic element in the form of an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode is further described below.

[0022] The parasitic element may be direct current (DC) grounded to the printed circuit board at a first location thereon. Additionally, the parasitic element may be DC grounded to the printed circuit board at a second location thereon. The first location and the second location may be spaced apart from each other along the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the printed circuit board may include a first fastener (e.g., a spring clip) at the first location and a second fastener (e.g., a spring clip) at the second location for coupling the parasitic element to the printed circuit board at the first location and the second location, respectively. For example, the first pole of the parasitic element and / or the second pole of the parasitic element may be mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the printed circuit board via the first fastener and the second fastener, respectively.

[0023] The parasitic element may be radio frequency (RF) grounded to the printed circuit board at multiple different locations. In this manner, when the slot antenna is operating in one or more GPS frequency bands, it induces one or more currents on the parasitic element, which can improve the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the slot antenna in one or more GPS frequency bands. For example, RF grounding the parasitic element to the printed circuit board at multiple locations can, in some cases, improve the radiation efficiency of the slot antenna in one or more GPS frequency bands by at least about 2 decibels. As used herein, the use of the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value refers to within about 20% of the stated numerical value.

[0024] In some implementations, the parasitic element may be radio frequency (RF) grounded to the printed circuit board via one or more bypass capacitors. In this manner, the parasitic element may be electrically isolated at DC or low frequencies (e.g., non-RF frequencies). For example, in some implementations, the parasitic element may be RF grounded to the printed circuit board at a first location thereon via a first bypass capacitor. Alternatively, or in addition, the parasitic element may be RF grounded to the printed circuit board at a second location thereon via a second bypass capacitor.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable computing device having ECG electrodes. The ECG electrodes can be RF-grounded to a printed circuit board at multiple different locations. Furthermore, because the ECG electrodes are RF-grounded, the slot antenna can induce one or more currents on the ECG electrodes when the slot antenna is operating in one or more GPS frequency bands. In this manner, RF-grounding the ECG electrodes to a printed circuit board at multiple locations can improve the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the slot antenna in one or more GPS frequency bands. For example, the radiation efficiency of the slot antenna in one or more GPS frequency bands can be improved by at least 2 decibels. Furthermore, because the ECG electrodes can double as parasitic elements, the performance of the slot antenna in one or more GPS frequency bands can be improved without the need for separate parasitic elements.

[0026] The ECG may be RF grounded to the printed circuit board via one or more bypass capacitors. For example, the ECG electrodes may be RF grounded via a first bypass capacitor coupled between the printed circuit board and a first pole of the ECG electrodes. Additionally, the ECG electrodes may be RF grounded via a second bypass capacitor coupled between the printed circuit board and a second pole of the ECG electrodes. Furthermore, in some cases, the first bypass capacitor and / or the second bypass capacitor may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board via a first fastener and a second fastener, respectively.

[0027] Wearable computing devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide numerous technical effects and benefits. For example, RF grounding a parasitic element or ECG electrodes to a printed circuit board at multiple locations can improve the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of a slot antenna in one or more GPS frequency bands. Furthermore, RF grounding an ECG electrode to a printed circuit board can enable the ECG electrode to serve as both an ECG sensor and a parasitic element. In this manner, the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of a slot antenna can be improved without the need for a separate parasitic element.

[0028] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a wearable computing device 100 according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the wearable computing device 100 may be worn, for example, on a user's arm 102 (e.g., wrist). For example, the wearable computing device 100 may include a band 104 and a housing assembly 110. The housing assembly 110 may be coupled to the band 104. In this manner, the band 104 may be fastened to the user's arm 102 to secure the housing assembly 110 to the user's arm 102.

[0029] In some implementations, the wearable computing device 100 may include a display 112 that can display content (e.g., time, date, etc.) to a user. In some implementations, the display 112 may include an interactive display (e.g., touchscreen or touch-free). In such implementations, a user may interact with and control the operation of the wearable computing device 100 via the display 112. Alternatively, or in addition, the wearable computing device 100 may include one or more input devices 114 that may be manipulated by a user to interact with the wearable computing device 100. For example, the one or more input devices 114 may include mechanical buttons that may be manipulated (e.g., pressed) to interact with the wearable computing device 100. In some implementations, the one or more input devices 114 may be manipulated to control the operation of a backlight (not shown) associated with the display 112. It should be understood that the one or more input devices 114 may be configured to enable a user to interact with the wearable computing device 100 in any suitable manner. For example, in some implementations, one or more input devices 114 may be manipulated by a user to navigate through one or more menus on the display 112 .

[0030] In some implementations, wearable computing device 100 may be designed to be worn (e.g., continuously) by a user. When worn, wearable computing device 100 may collect data related to activities performed by the user or related to the user's physiological state. Such data may include data describing the ambient environment around the user or the user's interaction with the environment. For example, the data may include motion data related to the user's exercise, ambient light, ambient noise, air quality, etc., and / or physiological data obtained by measuring various physiological characteristics of the user, such as heart rate, sweat level, and the like.

[0031] 2 , a side view of a housing assembly 110 of a wearable computing device 100 according to some implementations of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the housing assembly 110 may include a conductive housing 120. The conductive housing 120 may be attached to a band 104 that is used to secure the housing assembly 110 to a user's arm 102 ( FIG. 1 ). The housing assembly 110 may include a cover 122 coupled to the conductive housing 120. In some implementations, the cover 122 may be coupled to a lower portion of the conductive housing 120. In this manner, the cover 122 may contact (e.g., touch) the user's arm 102 ( FIG. 1 ) when the housing assembly 110 is secured to the user's arm 102 via the band 104.

[0032] The conductive housing 120 may include any suitable conductive material. For example, in some implementations, the conductive housing 120 may include a metal housing. The cover 122 may include an insulating material. For example, in some implementations, the cover 122 may include a plastic cover.

[0033] In some implementations, the wearable computing device 100 may include electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes 200. As shown, the ECG electrodes 200 may be positioned within openings (e.g., cutouts) defined by the cover 122. In this manner, the ECG electrodes 200 may contact (e.g., touch) the user's arm 102 ( FIG. 1 ) when the housing assembly 110 is secured to the user's arm 102 via the band 104. When the ECG electrodes 200 are in contact with the user's arm 102, the ECG electrodes 200 may be electrically connected to the user's arm 102 (e.g., wrist). Furthermore, it should be understood that the wearable computing device 100 may determine one or more health metrics (e.g., heart rate) of the user based at least in part on data obtained via the ECG electrodes 200 when the ECG electrodes 200 are electrically connected to the user's arm 102 (e.g., wrist).

[0034] 3 and 4, side views of wearable computing device 100 are shown according to some implementations. Figure 3 shows a side view of wearable computing device 100 with cover 122 (Figure 2) removed. Figure 4 shows a side view of wearable computing device 100 without housing assembly 110 (Figure 2). As shown, display 112 can include a display ITO coating 116 and a touch ITO coating 118, depending on the implementation.

[0035] Wearable computing device 100 may include a printed circuit board 300 disposed within housing assembly 110 ( FIG. 2 ). For example, in some implementations, a first portion of printed circuit board 300 may be positioned within conductive housing 120, and a second portion of printed circuit board 300 may be positioned within cover 122. Printed circuit board 300 may include multiple electronic components (not shown) disposed thereon. In some implementations, printed circuit board 300 may include a shielding can 302 covering at least a portion of printed circuit board 300. In this manner, shielding can 302 may cover one or more electronic components among the multiple electronic components disposed on printed circuit board 300. Alternatively, or in addition, printed circuit board 300 may include one or more charging pins 304. In this manner, wearable computing device 100 may be coupled to a charging circuit (not shown) via one or more charging pins 304 to facilitate charging of an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) of wearable computing device 100.

[0036] In some implementations, the conductive housing 120 can define openings (e.g., cutouts) for the one or more sensors 130. In this manner, the one or more sensors 130 can be visible to the user. In some implementations, the one or more sensors 130 can include at least one of an electrodermal activity (EDA) electrode and an ECG electrode. In such implementations, the user can contact (e.g., touch) the one or more sensors 130 to facilitate measuring one or more health metrics of the user (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, EDA, etc.). It should be understood that the one or more sensors 130 can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board 300.

[0037] 5, printed circuit board 300 is positioned relative to conductive housing 120 such that gap 400 is defined between conductive housing 120 and printed circuit board 300. Gap 400 may extend around the entire periphery of printed circuit board 300. Stated another way, the edges of printed circuit board 300 cannot contact (e.g., cannot touch) conductive housing 120.

[0038] In some implementations, the width 402 of the gap 400 defined between the conductive housing 120 and the printed circuit board 300 can range from about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. In some implementations, the width 402 of the gap 400 can vary around the perimeter of the printed circuit board 300. For example, the width 402 of the gap 400 between the conductive housing 120 and the printed circuit board 300 at a first portion of the perimeter of the printed circuit board 300 can be different from (e.g., wider or narrower than) the width 402 of the gap 400 between the conductive housing 120 and the printed circuit board 300 at a second portion of the perimeter of the printed circuit board 300.

[0039] 6 and 7, the perimeter of the printed circuit board 300, depending on the implementation, may include a copper-free or ground keepout area 306. It should be understood that the ground keepout area 306 may include an area of ​​the printed circuit board 300 where electronic components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, etc.) may not be placed. Depending on the implementation, the width 308 of the ground keepout area 306 of the printed circuit board 300 may range from 0.1 millimeters to approximately 2 millimeters. As described below, the ground keepout area 306 may act as an electrical gap.

[0040] In some implementations, slot antenna 500 (shown by dashed lines) may be defined by gap 400 between conductive housing 120 and printed circuit board 300. Additionally, in some implementations, slot antenna 500 may be further defined by an electrical gap spanning width 308 of ground keepout area 306 of printed circuit board 300. In such implementations, the width of slot antenna 500 may span width 402 ( FIG. 5 ) of gap 400 and width 308 of ground keepout area 306 of printed circuit board 300. For example, in some implementations, the width of slot antenna 500 may range from about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

[0041] The slot antenna 500 may be operable in multiple different frequency bands. For example, the slot antenna 500 may be operable in one or more Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) frequency bands. In some implementations, the slot antenna 500 may be operable in one or more GNS S Zhou The frequency bands may include one or more GPS frequency bands. The one or more GPS frequency bands may include at least one of a first GPS frequency band ranging from about 1164 megahertz (MHz) to about 1189 MHz, a second GPS frequency band ranging from about 1563 MHz to about 1587 MHz, and a third GPS frequency band ranging from about 1215 MHz to about 1240 MHz. Furthermore, in addition to the one or more GPS frequency bands, the slot antenna 500 may be configured to radiate in one or more frequency bands associated with cellular communications (e.g., 4G, 5G) or wireless local area communications. However, it should be understood that the slot antenna 500 may be operable in a frequency band associated with any suitable communications standard.

[0042] In some implementations, the slot antenna 500 may include a first ground contact 502 and a second ground contact 504. The first ground contact 502 may be coupled between the conductive housing 120 and a first location on the periphery (e.g., ground keepout area 306) of the printed circuit board 300. Conversely, the second ground contact 504 may be coupled between the conductive housing 120 and a second location on the periphery 306 of the printed circuit board 300. In some implementations, the first location and the second location may correspond to opposite sides of the printed circuit board 300. However, it should be understood that the first ground contact 502 and the second ground contact 504 may be coupled to the periphery of the printed circuit board 300 at any suitable location for adjusting the length of the slot antenna 500. For example, the first ground contact 502 and the second ground contact 504 may be positioned closer to each other to shorten the slot antenna 500. Alternatively, the first ground contact 502 and the second ground contact 504 may be positioned farther apart from each other to lengthen the slot antenna 500 .

[0043] 8 and 9, a parasitic element 600 of a wearable computing device (e.g., wearable computing device 100 of FIG. 1) according to some implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In some implementations, parasitic element 600 may be disposed entirely within housing assembly 110 ( FIG. 1 ) of wearable computing device 100. In alternative implementations, parasitic element 600 may be partially positioned within housing assembly 110. For example, a first portion of parasitic element 600 may be positioned within housing assembly 110, while a second portion of parasitic element 600 may be positioned outside of housing assembly 110.

[0044] Parasitic element 600 may be electrically grounded to printed circuit board 300. For example, parasitic element 600 may be electrically grounded to the ground plane of printed circuit board 300. In some implementations, parasitic element 600 may be DC grounded to printed circuit board 300 at multiple locations. For example, parasitic element 600 may be DC grounded to printed circuit board 300 at a first location 602 thereon and a second location 604 thereon. As shown, first location 602 and second location 604 may be spaced apart from one another along ... 0 It should be understood that may be DC grounded at more than two locations on printed circuit board 300 (eg, first location 602, second location 604).

[0045] In some implementations, parasitic element 600 may be RF grounded to printed circuit board 300 via one or more bypass capacitors. For example, in some implementations, parasitic element 600 may be RF grounded to printed circuit board 300 at a first location 602 thereon via a first bypass capacitor 610. Additionally, parasitic element 600 may be RF grounded to printed circuit board 300 at a second location 604 thereon via a second bypass capacitor 612. It should be understood that the bypass capacitors (e.g., first bypass capacitor 610 and second bypass capacitor 612) can keep parasitic element 600 electrically isolated with respect to electrical ground at DC and low frequencies (e.g., non-RF frequencies).

[0046] The parasitic element 600 can improve the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the slot antenna 500 in one or more GPS frequency bands. For example, because the parasitic element 600 is electrically grounded (e.g., radio frequency grounded, DC grounded) to the printed circuit board 300 at multiple locations (e.g., first location 602, second location 604), the slot antenna 500 can induce one or more currents on the parasitic element 600 when the slot antenna 500 is operating in one or more GPS frequency bands. It should be understood that the slot antenna 500 inducing one or more currents on the parasitic element 600 can improve the performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the slot antenna 500 in one or more GPS frequency bands. For example, in some implementations, the radiation efficiency of the slot antenna 500 can be increased by at least 2 decibels, at least in part, because the parasitic element 600 is electrically grounded to the printed circuit board 300 at multiple locations (e.g., first location 602, second location 604).

[0047] In some implementations, parasitic element 600 may include a metal element that is separate from ECG electrode 200 ( FIG. 3 ) of wearable computing device 100 ( FIG. 3 ). In an alternative implementation, parasitic element 600 may include ECG electrode 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2-4 . Additionally, in some implementations, ECG electrode 200 may be RF grounded to printed circuit board 300 via one or more bypass capacitors (e.g., first bypass capacitor 610, second bypass capacitor 612). It should be appreciated that RF grounding ECG electrode 200 to printed circuit board 300 in multiple locations may allow performance of slot antenna 500 ( FIG. 7 ) in one or more GPS frequency bands to be improved without the need for a separate parasitic element 600.

[0048] 10 , a schematic diagram of a layout of a printed circuit board 300 according to some implementations of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the first location 602 and the second location 604 may be spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board 300 such that one or more magnets 700 are positioned between the first location 602 and the second location 604. For example, in some implementations, the one or more magnets 700 may include a first magnet and a second magnet. In alternative implementations, more or fewer magnets are positioned between the first and second locations.

[0049] In some implementations, the printed circuit board 300 may include a first fastener (e.g., a spring clip) at a first location 602 thereon and a second fastener (e.g., a spring clip) at a second location thereon. In this manner, the parasitic element 600 may be mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board 300 at the first location 602 and the second location 604 via the first fastener and the second fastener, respectively.

[0050] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with reference to various specific exemplary embodiments thereof, each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art, upon understanding the foregoing, will be able to readily create modifications, variations, and equivalents of such embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present subject matter does not exclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the subject matter, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield yet a further embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications, variations, and equivalents.

Claims

1. a printed circuit board; a conductive housing; a slot antenna defined by a gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing, the slot antenna being operable in a plurality of different frequency bands, the plurality of different frequency bands including one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) frequency bands; a parasitic element, the parasitic element being electrically grounded to the printed circuit board at a plurality of different locations; The wearable computing device, wherein the parasitic elements are radio frequency (RF) grounded to the printed circuit board through one or more bypass capacitors.

2. A printed circuit board; a conductive housing; a slot antenna defined by a gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing, the slot antenna being operable in a plurality of different frequency bands, the plurality of different frequency bands including one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) frequency bands; a parasitic element, the parasitic element being electrically grounded to the printed circuit board at a plurality of different locations; the parasitic element is direct current (DC) grounded to the printed circuit board at a first location on the printed circuit board; the parasitic element is DC grounded to the printed circuit board at a second location on the printed circuit board; the first location and the second location are spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board, and one or more magnets disposed on the printed circuit board are positioned between the first location and the second location.

3. The wearable computing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing ranges from about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

4. A printed circuit board; a conductive housing; a slot antenna defined by a gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing, the slot antenna being operable in a plurality of different frequency bands, the plurality of different frequency bands including one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) frequency bands; a parasitic element, the parasitic element being electrically grounded to the printed circuit board at a plurality of different locations; A wearable computing device, wherein the periphery of the printed circuit board includes a ground keepout area including an area where electronic components cannot be placed.

5. The wearable computing device of claim 4 , wherein a width of the slot antenna spans a width of the gap and a width of the ground keepout region.

6. The wearable computing device of claim 5 , wherein the width of the slot antenna ranges from about 0.5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

7. 7. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the slot antenna induces one or more currents on the parasitic element when the slot antenna operates in the one or more GPS frequency bands.

8. 8. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the slot antenna includes a first ground contact and a second ground contact, the first ground contact being coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a first location, and the second ground contact being coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a second location different from the first location.

9. The one or more GPS frequency bands: a first GPS frequency band extending from about 1164 MHz to about 1189 MHz; a second GPS frequency band extending from about 1563 megahertz (MHz) to about 1587 MHz; and a third GPS frequency band extending from about 1215 MHz to about 1240 MHz; The wearable computing device of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:

10. 10. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein radiation efficiency of the slot antenna in the one or more GPS frequency bands is increased by at least 2 decibels, at least in part due to the parasitic elements being RF grounded to the printed circuit board through the one or more bypass capacitors.

11. a printed circuit board; a conductive housing; a slot antenna defined by a gap between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing, the slot antenna being operable in a plurality of different frequency bands, the plurality of different frequency bands including one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) frequency bands; electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes, the ECG electrodes being radio frequency (RF) grounded to the printed circuit board at a plurality of different locations; a plurality of bypass capacitors, each of the bypass capacitors coupled between the ECG electrode and a corresponding one of the plurality of different locations on the printed circuit board;

12. 12. The wearable computing device of claim 11, wherein the slot antenna induces one or more currents on the electrocardiogram electrodes when the slot antenna is operating in the one or more GPS frequency bands.

13. the electrocardiogram electrode is RF grounded at a first location on the printed circuit board via a first spring clip; 13. The wearable computing device of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the electrocardiogram electrode is RF grounded at a second location on the printed circuit board via a second spring clip.

14. 14. The wearable computing device of claim 13, wherein the first location and the second location are spaced apart from one another on the printed circuit board such that one or more magnets disposed on the printed circuit board are positioned between the first location and the second location.

15. The one or more GPS frequency bands: a first GPS frequency band extending from about 1164 MHz to about 1189 MHz; a second GPS frequency band extending from about 1563 megahertz (MHz) to about 1587 MHz; and a third GPS frequency band extending from about 1215 MHz to about 1240 MHz; The wearable computing device of any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising:

16. The wearable computing device of any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising an electrodermal activity electrode electrically coupled to the printed circuit board.

17. The wearable computing device of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the periphery of the printed circuit board includes a ground keep-out area including an area where no electronic components may be placed.

18. 18. The wearable computing device of claim 11, wherein the slot antenna includes a first ground contact and a second ground contact, the first ground contact being coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a first location, and the second ground contact being coupled between the printed circuit board and the conductive housing at a second location different from the first location.

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