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Antenna identification module

  • US 8,514,145 B2
  • Filed: 06/15/2010
  • Issued: 08/20/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2009
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for storing and transmitting data from a communications antenna over AISG and 3 GPP compliant communications systems, wherein the antenna includes a bulkhead connector, the method comprising the steps:

  • providing a printed circuit board (PCB) with a microprocessor, data storage device, and related circuitry capable of storing and transmitting programmed antenna information;

    providing mechanical or electrical azimuth measurement devices and suitable controller;

    providing a module housing adapted for housing said PCB, said data storage device, and azimuth measurement devices, said housing capable of connecting to said bulkhead connector;

    combining said PCB, said data storage device, and module housing to form an antenna identification module;

    programming said antenna identification module, said programming performed either in the field by a field technician or at the place of manufacture by the antenna manufacturer;

    wherein said communications antenna is a multi-band antenna with multiple remote electrical tilt (RET) remote control units (RCUs) each associated with multiple frequency bands, said antenna capable of communicating on multiple bands to multiple targets simultaneously;

    providing a plurality of individual communication ports to the antenna identification module, said ports electrically connected to the PCB;

    providing one or more primary controller units (CCUs);

    slaving said RCUs to said at least one CCU;

    providing a power supply to each slaved RCU;

    providing a data communications module to each slaved RCU;

    providing one multi-axis tilt sensor having multiple individual communication ports adapted for measuring tilt and slant of said communications antenna;

    connecting said tilt sensor to one said CCU;

    providing antenna communications cables connected to said tilt sensor;

    connecting said antenna identification module to said communications cables;

    mounting the antenna identification module in-line with said bulkhead connector and perpendicular to the antenna body;

    obtaining antenna identification data using said antenna identification module;

    remotely reporting said identification data to a device with a graphical user interface; and

    detecting antenna identification data from each of said antenna'"'"'s multiple bands.

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