Electrically small multi-level loop antenna on flex for low power wireless hearing aid system
First Claim
1. A wireless hearing aid having a communication system positioned within a housing structure for receiving and processing wireless signals and for presenting those signals to a wearer of the hearing aid, the wireless hearing aid comprising:
- a multi-level loop antenna configured to make more than one revolution around a center point and to be on multiple levels, wherein a first part of the antenna is on a first level and one or more parts of the antenna are on one or more levels above the first part;
one or more matching networks coupling the multi-level loop antenna to the communication system;
the multi-level loop antenna being contained within or coupled to the housing structure; and
the antenna being operable to receive signals at a frequency range of 716 to 928 MHz.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A hearing device having a multiple-level loop antenna is provided. The hearing device includes a housing structure and a communication system for receiving wireless signals. The antenna is configured to make more than one revolution around a center point and to be on multiple levels. A first part of the antenna is on a first level and one or more parts of the antenna are on one or more levels above the first part. The loop antenna may be affixed to a flexible dielectric substrate, along with at least a portion of a matching network for coupling the loop antenna to the communication system.
116 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A wireless hearing aid having a communication system positioned within a housing structure for receiving and processing wireless signals and for presenting those signals to a wearer of the hearing aid, the wireless hearing aid comprising:
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a multi-level loop antenna configured to make more than one revolution around a center point and to be on multiple levels, wherein a first part of the antenna is on a first level and one or more parts of the antenna are on one or more levels above the first part;
one or more matching networks coupling the multi-level loop antenna to the communication system;
the multi-level loop antenna being contained within or coupled to the housing structure; and
the antenna being operable to receive signals at a frequency range of 716 to 928 MHz. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 22)
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13. A wireless hearing aid having a communication system positioned within a housing structure for receiving and processing wireless signals and for presenting those signals to a wearer of the hearing aid, the wireless hearing aid comprising:
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a multi-level loop antenna that is configured to make more than one revolution around a center point and to be on multiple levels, wherein a first part of the antenna is on a first level and one or more parts of the antenna are on one or more levels above the first part;
one or more matching networks coupling the multi-level loop antenna to the communication system;
the multi-level loop antenna being contained within or coupled to the housing structure; and
wherein the antenna and at least part of the one or more matching networks is disposed on a flexible dielectric substrate;
the housing structure having a volume of less than about 5000 mm3. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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23. A wireless hearing aid having a communication system positioned within a housing structure for receiving and processing wireless signals and for presenting those signals to a wearer of the hearing aid, the wireless hearing aid comprising:
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a multi-level loop antenna that is configured to make more than one revolution around a center point and to be on multiple levels, wherein a first part of the antenna is on a first level and one or more parts of the antenna are on one or more levels above the first part, and the levels are separated by at least approximately 1.0 mm; and
one or more matching networks coupling the multi-level loop antenna to the communication system;
the multi-level loop antenna being contained within or coupled to the housing structure;
wherein the housing is one of an in the canal hearing aid (ITC), completely in the canal hearing aid (CIC), or a boot attachable to a hearing aid. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A wireless electronic device having a communication system positioned within a housing structure for receiving and processing wireless signals, comprising:
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a multi-level loop antenna that is configured to make more than one revolution around a center point and to be on multiple levels, wherein a first part of the antenna is on a first level and one or more parts of the antenna are on one or more levels above the first part;
one or more matching networks coupling the multi-level loop antenna to the communication system;
the multi-level loop antenna being contained within or coupled to the housing structure; and
the antenna being operable to receive signals at a frequency range of 716-928 MHz;
wherein the antenna encompasses a volume of less than approximately 2000 mm3. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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Specification