US6075973A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of communications in a backscatter system, interrogator, and backscatter communications system
Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
•
Filing: 1998-05-18
•
Granted: 2000-06-13
•
Expires: 2018-05-18
Abstract
Abstract An interrogator for use in a backscatter system, the interrogator comprising an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; an IQ downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to downconvert the backscatter signal to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled to the IQ downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal. A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy Greeff
- 👤 David K. Ovard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:15
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/0008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; an IQ downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to downconvert the backscatter signal to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled to the IQ downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; an IQ downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to downconvert the backscatter signal to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled to the IQ downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the combiner is a quadrature combiner.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the combiner is an analog combiner.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising an amplifier coupled between the combiner and the analog to digital converter, the amplifier being configured to amplify the combined signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; a quadrature downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to convert the backscatter signal to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled directly to the downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and automatic gain control circuitry coupled to the combiner and configured to amplify the combined signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
70 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; a quadrature downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to convert the backscatter signal to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled directly to the downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and automatic gain control circuitry coupled to the combiner and configured to amplify the combined signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 5 wherein the combiner is an analog quadrature combiner.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 5 and further comprising an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to amplify the combined signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
92 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; a quadrature downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to convert the backscatter signal to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled directly to the downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to amplify the combined signal to produce an amplified signal, and a voltage controlled amplifier coupled to the first mentioned amplifier and configured to further amplify the amplified signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
92 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; a quadrature downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to convert the backscatter signal to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled directly to the downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to amplify the combined signal to produce an amplified signal, and a voltage controlled amplifier coupled to the first mentioned amplifier and configured to further amplify the amplified signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
66 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; an IQ downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and an analog to digital converter configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
66 words
A backscatter system interrogator comprising: an antenna configured to receive a backscatter signal; an IQ downconverter coupled to the antenna and configured to produce I and Q signals; a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; and an analog to digital converter configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 9 and further comprising automatic gain control circuitry coupled between the combiner and the analog to digital converter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 9 wherein the combiner is a quadrature combiner.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 9 and further comprising an amplifier coupled between the combiner and the analog to digital converter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
49 words
A backscatter system interrogator in accordance with claim 9 and further comprising an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to amplify the combined signal to produce an amplified signal, and a voltage controlled amplifier coupled to the first mentioned amplifier and configured to further amplify the amplified signal.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
122 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to downconvert a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device into I and Q signals, a combiner coupled to the IQ downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
122 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to downconvert a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device into I and Q signals, a combiner coupled to the IQ downconverter and configured to combine the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system in accordance with claim 14 wherein the interrogator is configured to transmit the command at a microwave frequency.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system in accordance with claim 15 wherein the interrogator is configured to transmit the continuous wave at a microwave frequency.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system in accordance with claim 14 wherein the wireless communications device includes a self contained power source coupled to the integrated circuit.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
126 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, and the interrogator further including an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
126 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, and the interrogator further including an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system in accordance with claim 18 wherein the interrogator is configured to transmit an amplitude modulated signal.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
145 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, and the interrogator further including automatic gain control circuitry coupled to the combiner and configured to produce an amplified signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the automatic gain control circuitry and configured to convert the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
145 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, and the interrogator further including automatic gain control circuitry coupled to the combiner and configured to produce an amplified signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the automatic gain control circuitry and configured to convert the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
133 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, the combiner being an analog quadrature combiner, and the interrogator further including an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
133 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, the combiner being an analog quadrature combiner, and the interrogator further including an analog to digital converter coupled to the combiner and configured to convert the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
135 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to produce an amplified signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the amplifier and configured to convert the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
135 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to produce an amplified signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the amplifier and configured to convert the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
154 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to produce an amplified signal, a voltage controlled amplifier coupled to the first mentioned amplifier and configured to produce a twice amplified signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the amplifier and configured to convert the twice amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
154 words
A system comprising: a wireless communications device including an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor; and an interrogator configured to transmit a command to the wireless communications device and subsequently transmit a continuous wave to the wireless communications device for modulation by the backscatter modulator, the interrogator including an IQ downconverter configured to receive a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device and to produce I and Q signals, the interrogator further including a combiner coupled directly to the IQ downconverter and configured to produce a combined signal, an amplifier coupled to the combiner and configured to produce an amplified signal, a voltage controlled amplifier coupled to the first mentioned amplifier and configured to produce a twice amplified signal, and an analog to digital converter coupled to the amplifier and configured to convert the twice amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; converting the combined signal to a digital signal; and amplifying the combined signal prior to converting to a digital signal.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; converting the combined signal to a digital signal; and amplifying the combined signal prior to converting to a digital signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 24 wherein the I and Q signals are combined using a quadrature combiner.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 24 wherein the I and Q signals are combined using an analog combiner.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; converting the combined signal to a digital signal; and amplifying the combined signal with a voltage controlled amplifier prior to converting to a digital signal.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals to produce a combined signal; converting the combined signal to a digital signal; and amplifying the combined signal with a voltage controlled amplifier prior to converting to a digital signal.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and performing automatic gain control on the combined signal.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and performing automatic gain control on the combined signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 28 wherein the I and Q signals are combined using an analog quadrature combiner.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 28 and further comprising amplifying after the I and Q signals are combined.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and amplifying after the I and Q signals are combined to produce an amplified signal, and then further amplifying the amplified signal with a voltage controlled amplifier.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and amplifying after the I and Q signals are combined to produce an amplified signal, and then further amplifying the amplified signal with a voltage controlled amplifier.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
53 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising: receiving a backscatter signal; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 32 and further comprising performing automatic gain control on the combined signal before converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 32 wherein the I and Q signals are combined using an analog quadrature combiner before converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 32 and further comprising amplifying after the I and Q signals are combined before converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 32 and further comprising amplifying after the I and Q signals are combined to produce an amplified signal, and then further amplifying the amplified signal with a voltage controlled amplifier before converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; as combining the I and Q signals after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; as combining the I and Q signals after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 37 wherein transmitting the command comprises transmitting the command at a microwave frequency.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 37 wherein transmitting the continuous wave comprises transmitting the continuous wave at a microwave frequency.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 37 and further comprising coupling a self contained power source to the integrated circuit.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and converting the combined signal to digital signal.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and converting the combined signal to digital signal.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method of communications in accordance with claim 41 wherein transmitting the command comprises transmitting an amplitude modulated signal.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and performing automatic gain control on the combined signal to produce an amplified signal, and converting the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and performing automatic gain control on the combined signal to produce an amplified signal, and converting the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal, the combining of the I and Q signals including using an analog quadrature combiner; and converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal, the combining of the I and Q signals including using an analog quadrature combiner; and converting the combined signal to a digital signal.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and amplifying, after the I and Q signals are combined, to produce an amplified signal, and converting the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory, a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor, the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and amplifying, after the I and Q signals are combined, to produce an amplified signal, and converting the amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and amplifying, after the I and Q signals are combined, to produce an amplified signal, further amplifying the amplified signal with a voltage controlled amplifier to produce a twice amplified signal, and converting the twice amplified signal to a digital signal.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of communications in a backscatter system including an interrogator and including a wireless communications device having an integrated circuit having a processor, and a memory a receiver, and a backscatter modulator coupled to the processor the method comprising: transmitting a command to the wireless communications device from the interrogator; transmitting a continuous wave to the wireless communications device from the interrogator for modulation by the backscatter modulator, after the transmitting; receiving with the interrogator a modulated backscatter signal from the wireless communications device; downconverting the backscatter signal with an IQ downconverter to produce I and Q signals; combining the I and Q signals immediately after the downconverting to produce a combined signal; and amplifying, after the I and Q signals are combined, to produce an amplified signal, further amplifying the amplified signal with a voltage controlled amplifier to produce a twice amplified signal, and converting the twice amplified signal to a digital signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-13 | 2007-12-13 | 2008-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-13 | 2011-12-13 | 2012-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |