Patent ID: 8421689
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: H01Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of tuning an inverted-F antenna in a handheld electronic device, wherein the inverted-F antenna is formed from an antenna flex circuit mounted to a dielectric antenna support structure and has a ground return path of a given length, the method comprising: making measurements to characterize the inverted-F antenna; based on the measurements, determining how to adjust the inverted-F antenna to tune the inverted-F antenna to a desired frequency of operation; and after determining how to adjust the antenna, tuning the inverted-F antenna during assembly of the handheld electronic device by making an adjustment selected from the group consisting of: an adjustment to the given length of the ground return path, an adjustment to dielectric loading for the antenna provided by dielectric film on the antenna flex circuit, and an adjustment to dielectric loading for the antenna provided by filling selected cavities in the dielectric antenna support with dielectric.