Convertible loop/inverted-f antennas and wireless communicators incorporating the same

Claim 2

A multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or a receiver that receives wireless communications signals or a transmitter that transmits wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; wherein when the fourth switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter, the second switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter.

Claim 3

The antenna according to claim 1 wherein when the fourth switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to ground and the second switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter.

Claim 4

The antenna according to claim 1 wherein the first and second branches extend along generally parallel directions.

Claim 5

The antenna according to claim 1 wherein the first and second switches comprise micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches.

Claim 6

The antenna according to claim 1 wherein the second conductive branch comprises a meandering configuration.

Claim 7

The antenna according to claim 1 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 8

The antenna according to claim 1 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 9

The antenna according to claim 1 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically connected such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, the first switch is connected to a first receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the first frequency band.

Claim 10

The antenna according to claim 8 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically isolated such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band, the second switch is connected to a second receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the second frequency band.

Claim 11

A wireless communicator, comprising: a housing configured to enclose a receiver that receives wireless communications signals; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or to a receiver that receives wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to a receiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to a receiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; wherein when the fourth switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to a receiver, the second switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third switch is connected to a receiver.

Claim 12

A wireless communicator, comprising: a housing configured to enclose a receiver that receives wireless communications signals; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or to a receiver that receives wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to a receiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to a receiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; wherein when the fourth switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to a receiver, the second switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third switch is connected to a receiver.

Claim 13

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein when the fourth switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to ground and the second switch is connected to a receiver.

Claim 14

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein the first and second branches extend along generally parallel directions.

Claim 15

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein the first and second switches comprise micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches.

Claim 16

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein the second conductive branch comprises a meandering configuration.

Claim 17

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 18

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 19

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically connected such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, the first switch is connected to a first receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the first frequency band.

Claim 20

The wireless communicator according to claim 17 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically isolated such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band, the second switch is connected to a second receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the second frequency band.

Claim 21

The wireless communicator according to claim 10 wherein the wireless communicator comprises a radiotelephone.

Claim 22

A radiotelephone, comprising: a housing configured to enclose first and second transceivers that transmit and receive wireless communications signals in respective different first and second frequency bands; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches, wherein the first MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or the first transceiver, and wherein the second MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the second transceiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third MEMS switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the first transceiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth MEMS switch, wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in the first frequency band, and wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in the second frequency band; wherein when the fourth MEMS switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver, the second MEMS switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver.

Claim 23

A radiotelephone, comprising: a housing configured to enclose first and second transceivers that transmit and receive wireless communications signals in respective different first and second frequency bands; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches, wherein the first MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or the first transceiver, and wherein the second MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the second transceiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third MEMS switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the first transceiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth MEMS switch, wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in the first frequency band, and wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in the second frequency band; wherein when the fourth MEMS switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver, the second MEMS switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver.

Claim 24

The radiotelephone according to claim 20 wherein when the fourth MEMS switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first MEMS switch is connected to ground and the second MEMS switch is connected to the second transceiver.

Claim 25

The radiotelephone according to claim 20 wherein the first and second branches extend along generally parallel directions.

Claim 26

The radiotelephone according to claim 20 wherein the second conductive branch comprises a meandering configuration.

Claim 27

The radiotelephone according to claim 20 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 28

The radiotelephone according to claim 20 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 29

A multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or a receiver that receives wireless communications signals or a transmitter that transmits wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the first and second conductive branches extend along generally parallel directions, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 30

A multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or a receiver that receives wireless communications signals or a transmitter that transmits wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the first and second conductive branches extend along generally parallel directions, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 31

The antenna according to claim 26 wherein when the fourth switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter, the second switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter.

Claim 32

The antenna according to claim 26 wherein when the fourth switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to ground and the second switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter.

Claim 33

The antenna according to claim 26 wherein the first and second switches comprise micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches.

Claim 34

The antenna according to claim 26 wherein the second conductive branch comprises a meandering configuration.

Claim 35

The antenna according to claim 26 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 36

The antenna according to claim 26 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 37

The antenna according to claim 26 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically connected such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, the first switch is connected to a first receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the first frequency band.

Claim 38

The antenna according to claim 33 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically isolated such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band, the second switch is connected to a second receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the second frequency band.

Claim 39

A multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or a receiver that receives wireless communications signals or a transmitter that transmits wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having a meandering configuration with opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 40

A multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or a receiver that receives wireless communications signals or a transmitter that transmits wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having a meandering configuration with opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the receiver or to the transmitter or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 41

The antenna according to claim 35 wherein when the fourth switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter, the second switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter.

Claim 42

The antenna according to claim 35 wherein when the fourth switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to ground and the second switch is connected to the receiver or transmitter.

Claim 43

The antenna according to claim 35 wherein the first and second branches extend along generally parallel directions.

Claim 44

The antenna according to claim 35 wherein the first and second switches comprise micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches.

Claim 45

The antenna according to claim 35 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 46

The antenna according to claim 35 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 47

The antenna according to claim 35 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically connected such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, the first switch is connected to a first receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the first frequency band.

Claim 48

The antenna according to claim 42 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically isolated such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band, the second switch is connected to a second receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the second frequency band.

Claim 49

A wireless communicator, comprising: a housing configured to enclose a receiver that receives wireless communications signals; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or to a receiver that receives wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to a receiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the first and second conductive branches extend along generally parallel directions, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to a receiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 50

A wireless communicator, comprising: a housing configured to enclose a receiver that receives wireless communications signals; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or to a receiver that receives wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to a receiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the first and second conductive branches extend along generally parallel directions, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to a receiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 51

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein when the fourth switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to a receiver, the second switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third switch is connected to a receiver.

Claim 52

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein when the fourth switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to ground and the second switch is connected to a receiver.

Claim 53

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein the first and second switches comprise micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches.

Claim 54

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein the second conductive branch comprises a meandering configuration.

Claim 55

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 56

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 57

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically connected such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, the first switch is connected to a first receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the first frequency band.

Claim 58

The wireless communicator according to claim 51 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically isolated such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band, the second switch is connected to a second receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the second frequency band.

Claim 59

The wireless communicator according to claim 44 wherein the wireless communicator comprises a radiotelephone.

Claim 60

A wireless communicator, comprising: a housing configured to enclose a receiver that receives wireless communications signals; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or to a receiver that receives wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to a receiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having a meandering configuration with opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to a receiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 61

A wireless communicator, comprising: a housing configured to enclose a receiver that receives wireless communications signals; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second switches, wherein the first switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or to a receiver that receives wireless communications signals, and wherein the second switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to a receiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having a meandering configuration with opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to a receiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth switch, wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, and wherein the fourth switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Claim 62

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein when the fourth switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to a receiver, the second switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third switch is connected to a receiver.

Claim 63

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein when the fourth switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first switch is connected to ground and the second switch is connected to a receiver.

Claim 64

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein the first and second branches extend along generally parallel directions.

Claim 65

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein the first and second switches comprise micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches.

Claim 66

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 67

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 68

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically connected such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in a first frequency band, the first switch is connected to a first receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the first frequency band.

Claim 69

The wireless communicator according to claim 61 wherein when the first and second conductive branches are electrically isolated such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in a second frequency band, the second switch is connected to a second receiver that receives wireless communications signals in the second frequency band.

Claim 70

The wireless communicator according to claim 54 wherein the wireless communicator comprises a radiotelephone.

Claim 71

A radiotelephone, comprising: a housing configured to enclose first and second transceivers that transmit and receive wireless communications signals in respective different first and second frequency bands; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches, wherein the first MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or the first transceiver, and wherein the second MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the second transceiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the first and second conductive branches extend along generally parallel directions, wherein the third end terminates at a third MEMS switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the first transceiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth MEMS switch, wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in the first frequency band, and wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in the second frequency band.

Claim 72

A radiotelephone, comprising: a housing configured to enclose first and second transceivers that transmit and receive wireless communications signals in respective different first and second frequency bands; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches, wherein the first MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or the first transceiver, and wherein the second MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the second transceiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the first and second conductive branches extend along generally parallel directions, wherein the third end terminates at a third MEMS switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the first transceiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth MEMS switch, wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in the first frequency band, and wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in the second frequency band.

Claim 73

The radiotelephone according to claim 64 wherein when the fourth MEMS switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver, the second MEMS switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver.

Claim 74

The radiotelephone according to claim 64 wherein when the fourth MEMS switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first MEMS switch is connected to ground and the second MEMS switch is connected to the second transceiver.

Claim 75

The radiotelephone according to claim 64 wherein the first and second branches extend along generally parallel directions.

Claim 76

The radiotelephone according to claim 64 wherein the second conductive branch comprises a meandering configuration.

Claim 77

The radiotelephone according to claim 64 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 78

The radiotelephone according to claim 64 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.

Claim 79

A radiotelephone, comprising: a housing configured to enclose first and second transceivers that transmit and receive wireless communications signals in respective different first and second frequency bands; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches, wherein the first MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or the first transceiver, and wherein the second MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the second transceiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having a meandering configuration with opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third MEMS switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the first transceiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth MEMS switch, wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in the first frequency band, and wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in the second frequency band.

Claim 80

A radiotelephone, comprising: a housing configured to enclose first and second transceivers that transmit and receive wireless communications signals in respective different first and second frequency bands; a ground plane disposed within the housing; and a multiple frequency band antenna, comprising: a first conductive branch having opposite first and second ends; first and second feeds extending from the first conductive branch adjacent the first end, wherein the first and second feeds terminate at respective first and second micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches, wherein the first MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the first feed to ground or the first transceiver, and wherein the second MEMS switch is configured to selectively connect the second feed to the second transceiver or to maintain the second feed in an open circuit; and a second conductive branch in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the first conductive branch and having a meandering configuration with opposite third and fourth ends, wherein the third end terminates at a third MEMS switch configured to selectively connect the second conductive branch to the first transceiver or to maintain the second conductive branch in an open circuit, and wherein the fourth end is connected to the first conductive branch via a fourth MEMS switch, wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as a loop antenna in the first frequency band, and wherein the fourth MEMS switch is configured to be selectively open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches such that the antenna radiates as an inverted-F antenna in the second frequency band.

Claim 81

The radiotelephone according to claim 71 wherein when the fourth MEMS switch is closed to electrically connect the first and second conductive branches, the first MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver, the second MEMS switch is open to isolate the second feed from the first conductive branch, and the third MEMS switch is connected to the first transceiver.

Claim 82

The radiotelephone according to claim 71 wherein when the fourth MEMS switch is open to electrically isolate the first and second conductive branches, the first MEMS switch is connected to ground and the second MEMS switch is connected to the second transceiver.

Claim 83

The radiotelephone according to claim 71 wherein the first and second branches extend along generally parallel directions.

Claim 84

The radiotelephone according to claim 71 wherein the second conductive branch comprises a meandering configuration.

Claim 85

The radiotelephone according to claim 71 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed on a respective surface of a dielectric substrate.

Claim 86

The radiotelephone according to claim 71 wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second conductive branches is disposed within a dielectric substrate.