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US4373207A
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Space diversity signal combiner
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1980-12-17
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Granted: 1983-02-08
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Expires: 2000-12-17
Abstract
Abstract In a diversity signal combiner, the weaker of the two signals is attenuated an amount that varies as a function of the phase angle between the two signals. When the phase angle is small, the attenuation is small and the two signals add together. As the phase angle increases, the attenuation of the smaller of the two signals increases. For phase angles between 90 and 270 degrees, the contribution of the smaller signal is negligible. In digital systems, improvements in the bit error rate can be realized by introducing a 180 degree relative phase shift in the wavepath of the weaker signal whenever the phase angle exceeds a specified threshold.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudolf P. Hecken
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:07
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/02; H04B7/04; H04B7/08; H04B7/0837; H04B7/0842; H04B7/0848
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A signal combiner 10 for combining two signals (A, Be j φ) whose magnitudes (A, B), and relative phase (φ) are variable, comprising; first and second signal path (8, 9); control means (13, 14, 20) for sensing the magnitudes (A, B) and the relative phase (φ) between the signals in said paths and for generating attenuation control signals in response thereto; attenuator means (15, 16) responsive to said attenuation control signals for causing the attenuation in the signal path handling the smaller of said two signals to vary as a function of said relative phase; and means (19) for combining the signals in said signal paths (8, 9) in a common output (3).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A signal combiner 10 for combining two signals (A, Be j φ) whose magnitudes (A, B), and relative phase (φ) are variable, comprising; first and second signal path (8, 9); control means (13, 14, 20) for sensing the magnitudes (A, B) and the relative phase (φ) between the signals in said paths and for generating attenuation control signals in response thereto; attenuator means (15, 16) responsive to said attenuation control signals for causing the attenuation in the signal path handling the smaller of said two signals to vary as a function of said relative phase; and means (19) for combining the signals in said signal paths (8, 9) in a common output (3).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combiner according to claim 1 wherein each of said signal paths (8, 9) includes a 180 degree phase switch (11, 12); and wherein said control signals generated by said control means (20) includes phase control signals for operating said phase switches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combiner according to claim 2 wherein said phase control signals cause the phase switch in the signal path handling the smaller of said two signals to switch whenever the relative phase (φ) exceeds a specified threshold.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-02-07 | 1986-08-09 | 1987-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-07 | 1990-08-09 | 1991-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-07 | 1994-08-09 | 1995-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |