Detachable network communication device, electronic device and communication device

A detachable network communication device comprising a first antenna is disclosed. The detachable network communication device is operable to be coupled to a second electronic device comprising a second antenna, wherein the first antenna is coupled to the second antenna to form a combined antenna structure. The combined antenna structure is operable to receive and/or transmit radio signals such as, for example, digital television signals. The detachable network communication device may also comprise an additional sub-antenna that may be operable as a diversity antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Application No. 2008-331593, filed on Dec. 25, 2008, entitled “DETACHABLE TERMINAL, ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS” and Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-277169, filed on Dec. 7, 2009, entitled “DETACHABLE TERMINAL, ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS”. The content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to detachable network communication devices, and more particularly relate to a detachable network communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with another electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Electronic detachable devices such as PC cards have various defined card sizes and number of pins, and a PC card inserted into a card slot of a personal computer (PC) may serve as an external communication device when used. For example, an Express Card may comply with a standard for an expansion card for a laptop computer formulated by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). Such a PCMCIA Express Card can be defined such that a connector portion of the PCMCIA Express Card has 26 pins, a length of 75 mm, and a width of 34 mm. Some PC cards may have an antenna to perform wireless communication.

The size of the PC card may limit the size and other properties of the antenna, or conversely the size and other properties of the antenna may require the PC card to be large. Therefore, there is a need for PC card designs that are small and thin to improve portability and storage.

SUMMARY

A detachable network communication device comprising a first antenna is disclosed. The detachable network communication device is operable to be coupled to an electronic device comprising a second antenna. The first antenna is coupled to the second antenna to form a combined antenna structure. The combined antenna structure is operable to receive and/or transmit radio signals such as, for example, digital television signals. The detachable network communication device may also comprise an additional sub-antenna that may be operable as a diversity antenna.

An embodiment comprises a detachable network communication device. The detachable network communication device comprises a housing and a connector. The housing comprises a circuit module and a conductive part. The circuit module comprises a ground unit, a feeding unit, and a signal processing unit electrically coupled to the ground unit and the feeding unit. The conductive part is electrically coupled to one of the ground unit and the feeding unit. The first connector is operable to detachably couple to an external electronic device, and coupled to one of the ground unit and the feeding unit which is not coupled to the conductive part.

An embodiment comprises an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a docking port operable to detachably dock a detachable device. The electronic device further comprises a connector operable to couple to the detachable device docked in the docking port. The electronic device further comprises a conductive part coupled to the connector. The conductive part has a configuration and an area corresponding to a configuration and an area of the docking port.

An embodiment comprises an electronic system. The electronic system comprises detachable network communication device means comprising a first connector and a first conductive part. The electronic system further comprises electronic device means comprising a second connector formed on a circuit board and detachably coupled to the detachable network communication device and a second conductive part formed on the circuit board. The second conductive part is coupled to the detachable network communication device means. The first conductive part and the second conductive part comprise a combined antenna.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention or the application and uses of the embodiments of the present invention. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. The present invention should be accorded scope consistent with the claims, and not limited to the examples described and shown herein.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of practical non-limiting applications, namely, a mobile electric device such as a portable computer. Embodiments of the present invention, however, are not limited to such portable computers, and the techniques described herein may also be utilized in other electric devices. For example, embodiments may be applicable to a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a GPS system, a desktop computer, a computer for industrial use and the like.

As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this description, these are merely examples and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to operating in accordance with these examples. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the embodiments of the present invention. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the embodiments of the present invention are not intended to be limited to the examples described herein and shown, but are to be accorded the scope consistent with the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. The present invention should be accorded scope consistent with the claims, and not limited to the examples described and shown herein.

FIG. 1illustrates a detachable network communication device1(detachable device1) connectable to a PC101and a network202according an embodiment of the present invention. The detachable device1is used as a PC card. The detachable device1may comprise an antenna (not shown inFIG. 1) for wireless communication. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the detachable device1is detachably coupled to a card slot102of the PC101complying with a predetermined communication standard, such as but without limitation, an Express Card, and the like. When the detachable device1is detachably coupled to the card slot102, the PC101is communicatively coupled to the network202via, for example, a base station201. The network202may comprise, for example but without limitation, the Internet and the like.

FIG. 2is an illustration of a schematic perspective view of the detachable device1according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detachable device1comprises a connection body11(housing), a circuit board17, and a parasitic element18. The connection body11comprises an opening part A in a first end side60. The connection body11further comprises an interface B complying with an industry standard at the opening part A. When the detachable device1is inserted to the card slot102of the PC101, the interface B is electrically coupled to an interface (not shown) in the card slot102. In this manner, data communication can be performed.

As will be described below in the context of discussion ofFIG. 4, the detachable device1and the PC101, comprise a conductive pattern20and a conductive pattern54respectively which serves as a combined antenna having a resonant frequency and operable to receive a high-frequency signal. The high-frequency signal may be received, for example but without limitation, from a digital terrestrial television broadcasting station, and the like.

The circuit board17may be located in the connection body11and may comprise a sub-antenna16(antenna element) having a second resonant frequency on a surface thereof. The sub-antenna16is located on a surface of the circuit board17near a second end side62of the connection body11opposite the first end side60where the opening part A is located. The parasitic element18may be located on a back side64of the circuit board17so as to face the sub-antenna16. Alternatively, the parasitic element18may be located inside the connection body11on the back side64of the circuit board17, or on an outside surface of the connection body11on the back side64of the circuit board17.

According to an embodiment, similar to the conductive pattern20or the conductive pattern54, the sub-antenna16has the first resonant frequency and is operable to receive a high-frequency signal. As mentioned above, the high-frequency signal may be received, for example but without limitation, from a digital terrestrial television broadcasting station, and the like. However, the sub-antenna16may also have more than one resonant frequency such a second resonant frequency and/or a third resonant frequency. The second resonant frequency may be, for example but without limitation, a frequency used in communication with systems utilizing code division multiple access (CDMA) industry standards, and the like. The third resonant frequency may be, for example but without limitation, a frequency used in location finding by global positioning system (GPS), and the like.

FIG. 3is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of a detachable network communication device1(detachable device1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detachable device1is simplified inFIG. 3to show the structure thereof. As shown inFIG. 3, the circuit board17is located between plates31and32.

FIG. 4is an illustration of a schematic configuration of a PC101and a detachable device1attached to the PC101according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detachable device1comprises the connection body11, (FIG. 2), the sub-antenna16, the circuit board17, a circuit module19, the conductive pattern20(first conductive part), and a connector21.

The circuit board17comprises the conductive pattern20thereon. Various kinds of electronic parts such as a CPU may be mounted on the circuit board17. The circuit board17comprises the module19thereon.

The circuit module19comprises a ground unit22, a feeding unit23and an RF circuit module24(i.e., signal processing unit).

The connector21is coupled to a connector55of the PC101to perform data communication with the PC101. The connector21is electrically coupled to the feeding unit23.

The ground unit22is electrically coupled to a reference potential and to the conductive pattern20.

The feeding unit23is electrically coupled to the sub-antenna16, the connector21, and the RF circuit module24. The sub-antenna16may be used as a diversity antenna.

The RF circuit module24is operable to process the high-frequency signal. In addition, the RF circuit module24is electrically coupled to the ground unit22and the feeding unit23.

The PC101comprises a housing (not shown) and a circuit board50. The circuit board50is located in the housing and comprises various kinds of electronic parts mounted thereon to operate the PC101.

The housing comprises the card slot102(FIG. 1). The housing may further comprise a docking part51therein to dock the detachable device1inserted from the card slot102. The docking part51has a configuration and an area such that a part of the detachable device1is exposed to the outside of the PC101when the detachable device1is docked.

The PC101also comprises a high-frequency substrate part52separated from the circuit board50by a slit53. The high-frequency substrate part52may be, for example but without limitation, a part of a common circuit board or substrate with the circuit board50, a separate circuit board or substrate from the circuit board50, and the like. The high-frequency substrate part52comprises a space (not shown) for docking the detachable device1which is operable to be inserted in the card slot102. In addition, the high-frequency substrate part52comprises the conductive pattern54(second conductive part) and the connector55thereon. The conductive pattern54is electrically coupled to the connector55. The conductive pattern54is also electrically coupled to the circuit board50through a high frequency blocking part56. The high-frequency substrate part52is located so as to face the detachable device1when the detachable device1is held in the card slot102.

The slit53separates the high-frequency substrate part52by a predetermined distance from the circuit board50. The slit53surrounds the high-frequency substrate part52. Other isolative techniques may be used instead of the slit53such as, without limitation, an isolative trench on a common circuit board, and the like.

The conductive pattern54has a configuration and an area which corresponds to an external configuration and an external area of the docking part51.

The connector55is operable to be coupled to the detachable device1docked in the docking part51. In addition, the connector55is coupled to the connector21of the detachable device1to perform data communication with the detachable device1.

The high frequency blocking part56is an electronic part mounted on the circuit board50, and comprises an element which can block the high-frequency signal. Thus, the circuit board50performs signal communication with the high-frequency substrate part52through the high frequency blocking part56. As shown onFIG. 4, the high frequency blocking part56of the PC101can be located on each of a left part, an upper surface part, and a lower surface part thereof. In this manner, locations and number of the high frequency blocking parts56are not limited to the embodiment shown inFIG. 4and can vary to suit a desired operation of the PC101and the detachable device1. Accordingly, the high frequency blocking part56may preferably not be located on a part of the high-frequency substrate part52facing the card slot102where the connector55is located. The high frequency blocking part56need not be an electronic part mounted on the high-frequency substrate part52.

In operation, the detachable device1and the PC101receive the high-frequency signal when the detachable device1and the PC101are coupled as described below, that is, when the connector21and the connector55are coupled.

The conductive pattern54may receive the high-frequency signal, for example but without limitation, from the digital terrestrial television broadcasting station. The received signal is fed to the feeding unit23through the connector55and the connector21. The feeding unit23transmits the fed signal to the RF circuit module24.

The RF circuit module24receives the signal transmitted from the feeding unit23and performs signal processing on the received signal. Alternatively, the received signal may be processed in a predetermined way and transmitted to the feeding unit23. In addition, the received signal is also received at the conductive pattern20functioning as the ground through the ground unit22.

As described above, the conductive pattern54of the PC101and the conductive pattern20of the detachable device1are combined to comprise a combined antenna such as, but without limitation, a dipole antenna, and the like. The conductive pattern54serving as an antenna element and the conductive pattern20comprising the combined antenna and serving as a ground can appropriately receive the high-frequency signal from the digital terrestrial television broadcasting station. The conductive pattern20of the detachable device1is used as the first conductive part herein; however, the first conductive part may be, for example but without limitation, a metal housing of the connection body11, a shield case arranged inside the connection body11, a metal member arranged on the circuit board17, and the like. The conductive pattern54of the PC101is used as the second conductive part herein; however, the second conductive part may be, for example but without limitation, a metal housing of the PC101, a shield case arranged inside the PC101, a metal member arranged on the circuit board52, and the like.

In an embodiment, it is preferable that a longitudinal length L2of the conductive pattern54is approximately equal to a longitudinal length L1of the conductive pattern20.

Since the conductive pattern54of the PC101and the conductive pattern20of the detachable device1comprise one antenna, such as the dipole antenna, it is not necessary to provide another antenna in the detachable device1and the PC101, so that the number of the parts of the detachable device1can be reduced.

Further, since the detachable device1uses the conductive pattern20as the ground of the antenna, it is not necessary to provide a conductive unit serving as the ground in the detachable device1separately, so that the number of the parts can be further reduced.

Moreover, the circuit module19of the detachable device1may be formed on the circuit board17on which the conductive pattern20functioning as the ground of the antenna is formed. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a circuit module in the detachable device1separately, so that the number of the parts can be further reduced.

As mentioned above, the sub-antenna16receives the high-frequency signal from the digital terrestrial television broadcasting station, having a first resonant frequency similar to the conductive pattern20or the conductive pattern54serving as the main antenna. The conductive pattern20is usually configured to be larger than the sub-antenna16. In this manner, the high-frequency signal received from the digital terrestrial television broadcasting station in the conductive pattern20is prevented from concentrating on the vicinity of the sub-antenna16. Therefore, interference between the main antenna and the sub-antenna16is prevented.

In addition, since the conductive pattern20is coupled to the ground unit22, and the conductive pattern54is coupled to the feeding unit23, the high-frequency signal from the digital terrestrial television broadcasting station is more likely to be transmitted to the conductive pattern54than the conductive pattern20, so that the interference between the main antenna and the sub-antenna16can be further prevented.

Also, since the conductive pattern54of the PC101can function as a combined antenna together with the conductive pattern20of the detachable device1, the PC101can be easily applied to the wireless communication.

The conductive pattern54is coupled to the circuit board50through the high frequency blocking part56. Therefore, while low-frequency signals are is transmitted to the high-frequency substrate part52through the conductive pattern54, high-frequency signals are prevented from being transmitted to the circuit board50from the high-frequency substrate part52. Thus, the electronic parts mounted on the circuit board50can be protected from the high-frequency signal.

Since the high frequency blocking part56is the electronic part mounted on the circuit board50, the electronic part mounted on the circuit board50can be effectively used.

The conductive pattern54serves as one part of the high-frequency substrate part52. Therefore, since the one part of the high-frequency substrate part52can be used as the second conductive unit, the number of the parts in the PC101can be reduced.

Since the conductive pattern20provided in the detachable device1and the conductive pattern54provided in the PC101can function as the antenna with a simple structure, the number of the parts of the detachable device1and the PC101can be reduced.

FIG. 5is an illustration of a schematic configuration of a PC101and a detachable device1attached to the PC101according an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown inFIG. 4has a structure that is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, common features, functions, and elements will not be redundantly described herein. The embodiment shown inFIG. 4differs from the embodiment shown inFIG. 5mainly in configurations of the ground unit22and the feeding unit23.

The ground unit22is electrically coupled to the conductive pattern20and the connector21. The feeding unit23is electrically coupled to the sub-antenna16and the RF circuit module24.

In operation, the detachable device1and the PC101receive the high-frequency signal when the detachable device1and the PC101are coupled, that is, when the connector21and the connector55are coupled, as described below.

First, the conductive pattern20receives a high-frequency signal from an external device. The received signal is fed to the feeding unit23. The feeding unit23transmits the fed signal to the RF circuit module24.

Then, the RF circuit module24processes the signal transmitted from the feeding unit23, or the signal may be processed in a predetermined way and transmitted to the feeding unit23. In addition, the signal transmitted to the RF circuit module24is transmitted to the ground unit22, the connector21, the connector55, and the conductive pattern54functioning as the ground.

Thus, the conductive pattern20of the detachable device1functions as an antenna element, and the conductive pattern54of the PC101functions as the ground. As a result, the conductive pattern20and the conductive pattern54comprise a combined antenna. In this manner, the conductive pattern54is formed on the high-frequency substrate part52, and the conductive pattern54functions as the ground of the antenna. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide a conductive unit functioning as the ground of the antenna in the detachable device1, the number of the parts of the detachable device1can be reduced.

Also, since the conductive pattern20of the detachable device1can function as the antenna, it is not necessary to provide a conductive unit serving as the antenna separately, so that the number of the parts can be further reduced.

Moreover, the circuit module19of the detachable device1may be formed on the circuit board17on which the conductive pattern20functioning as the antenna is formed. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a circuit module in the detachable device1separately, so that the number of the parts can be further reduced.

FIG. 6is an illustration of a schematic configuration of a PC and a detachable network communication device attached to the PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 6, the substrate part52and the circuit substrate50separated from the substrate part52may be coupled by a switch57in addition to the high frequency blocking part56or instead of the high frequency blocking part56.

The switch57comprises, for example, an electronic component such as a switch IC or a mechanical switch, and configured to select between the conduction state and the non-conduction state of the substrate part52and the circuit substrate50separated from the substrate part52by the slit53.

Thus, a control part104provided in the PC101observes the connection state of the connector55, and when the connector21of the communication processing device1is coupled to the connector55, the switch57is controlled to select the non-connection state between the substrate part52and the circuit substrate50separated from the substrate part52by the slit53, and when the connector21of the communication processing device1is not coupled to the connector55, the switch57is controlled to select the connection state between the substrate part52and the circuit substrate50separated from the substrate part52by the slit53.

As a result, when the connector21of the communication processing device1is coupled to the connector55, the conductive pattern54and the conductive pattern20are combined to comprise a combined antenna and can appropriately receive the high-frequency signal from the digital terrestrial television broadcasting station. When the connector21of the communication processing device1is not coupled to the connector55, the area of the circuit substrate50is enlarged because the area of the substrate part52is added, so that static electricity is allowed to escape to the ground of the circuit substrate50instead of entering the PC101through the card slot102.

Similarly, when the connector21of the communication processing device1is not coupled to the connector55, the area of the circuit substrate50is enlarged because the area of the substrate part52is added, so that a noise caused by the electric component mounted on the circuit substrate50can be expected to be appropriately reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and is applicable to other embodiments. For example, instead of using the conductive pattern20as the first conductive part, a metal case of the connection body11, a shield case in the connection body11, metal members on the circuit board17or the high-frequency substrate part52, and the like can serve as the first conductive part. In addition, the slit53may be omitted.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment or embodiments. Variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In carrying out the present invention, various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur in regard to the elements of the above-described embodiment insofar as they are within the technical scope of the present invention or the equivalents thereof. The exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a template for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.