Standardized RF module insert for a portable electronic processing device
First Claim
1. A removable wireless network adapter for use with a computer system, comprising:
- wireless communication circuitry;
a bus connector for coupling the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus in the computer system;
an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network;
a radio modem that converts between digital and modulated analog signals;
a housing for housing the wireless communication circuitry, radio modem and RF antenna; and
the network adapter fits in a recess formed in an outer surface of the computer system and when fitted in the recess, the bus connector couples to the expansion bus and a portion of the exterior surface of the computer system functions as a ground plane for the RF antenna.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless network adapter for establishing wireless communication links between electronic devices. In one embodiment, the wireless network adapter comprises wireless communication circuitry encased in a shell in the form of a detachable molding element of an electronic device. The wireless network adapter further comprises a bus connector adapted to couple the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus when the shell is attached to an outer surface of an electronic device. The wireless network adapter is a fully integrated solution further comprising an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network and a radio modem comprising a radio, a receiver, and modulation circuitry. The RF antenna in the wireless network adapter may take one of several forms. The antenna may be a dedicated unit housed within the shell of the wireless network adapter. Alternatively, the antenna may form a part of the outer shell of the adapter or it may form a part of a company logo located on the shell the adapter. The wireless network adapter is installed in an electronic device such as a portable computer. The electronic device comprises, at a minimum, a system microprocessor, an expansion bus, a read-writeable memory device, an input/output device, and an expansion port connected to the expansion bus that is configured to accept the detachable wireless network adapter. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an electronic device equipped with an external sleeve configured to accept a wireless network adapter insert.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A removable wireless network adapter for use with a computer system, comprising:
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wireless communication circuitry;
a bus connector for coupling the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus in the computer system;
an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network;
a radio modem that converts between digital and modulated analog signals;
a housing for housing the wireless communication circuitry, radio modem and RF antenna; and
the network adapter fits in a recess formed in an outer surface of the computer system and when fitted in the recess, the bus connector couples to the expansion bus and a portion of the exterior surface of the computer system functions as a ground plane for the RF antenna. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A wireless network adapter that mates with a computer system, comprising:
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wireless communication circuitry that fits within a recess in an outer surface of the computer system;
a bus connector adapted to couple the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus in the computer system;
an antenna for communication with a wireless network and adapted to fit within the recess; and
a detachable cover that encases the communication circuitry and antenna and covers the recess. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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8. A wireless network adapter that mates with a hinged lid of a laptop computer, comprising:
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wireless communication circuitry;
an antenna coupled to the wireless communication circuitry;
wherein the communication circuitry and antenna attach to the lid; and
a detachable cover encases the communication circuitry and antenna and functions as a latch release for the lid of the laptop computer. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for providing a wireless communication link for a computer that includes an exterior case having a recess, comprising;
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inserting a detachable molding element that houses a wireless network adapter that includes wireless communication circuitry and an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network into the recess; and
automatically establishing an electrical interconnection between the wireless network adapter and the computer upon the detachable molding element being inserted into the recess. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification